HINTS FROM HELOISE
Dear Heloise:
I’d like to know how to get rust off a cast-iron skillet and how to season it. Ruth R., Winchester, Va.
Ruth, happy to help! To remove rust, a steel-wool pad is your answer. Buff off the rust spots, wash with soap and water, rinse and dry completely.
Seasoning is a several step process. When the skillet is totally dry, wipe a light coating of shortening or light cooking oil on the entire inside of the skillet, including the lid. (Aerosolspray oil shouldn’t be used, due to chemicals in the propellant.)
Then place the skillet in the oven upside down on a baking sheet that has been wrapped in foil. Bake at 350 degrees in the oven for one hour. Then let the skillet cool in the oven.
After preparing foods in your cast-iron skillet, let it cool and use a nylon scrubber, rinse thoroughly and dry. Don’t soak or let water stand in your cast iron.
Readers, what do you prepare in your cast-iron cookware? Heloise