Camping and Cast Iron

This months camping idea is to check your cast iron for rusting and needing yearly seasoning.

If your cast iron does have rust, do not worry! It really is easy to fix, scour the rust off, rinse and dry, add a little vegetable oil and re-season

While maintaining the seasoning should keep your Cast Iron and Carbon Steel in good condition, at some point you may need to re-season your cookware. If food sticks to the surface, or you notice a dull, gray color, repeat the seasoning process:
* Wash the cookware with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. (It is okay to use soap this time because you are preparing to re-season the cookware).
* Rinse and dry completely.
* Apply a very thin, even coating of MELTED solid vegetable shortening (or cooking oil of your choice) to the cookware inside and out. Too much oil will result in a sticky finish.
* Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any drips.
* Set oven temperature to 350 – 400 degrees F.
* Place cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven to prevent pooling.
* Bake the cookware for at least one hour. After the hour, turn the oven off and let the cookware cool in the oven.
* Store the cookware uncovered, in a dry place when cooled.
* Repeat as necessary. 

Each year I re-season my cast iron. I have had my cast iron for over 20 years. I even have a skillet and a dutch oven that was given to me that were my grandmothers. I use my cast iron daily and will not cook on anything else. I even season it on the BBQ turned up on high.

Get your cast iron in good working condition for the summer, if that is the only time you use it. Good luck and happy camping.