So, today was quite a long day, and cooking was just not going to happen. So, leftovers it was! So, instead of a recipe tonight, I will give cast iron grill pan tips instead, especially as requested by my friend Katie! 🙂

I really liked the advice given here: http://www.thekitchn.com/good-question-how-do-i-clean-m-57802

What it basically says is, unless it’s quite dirty, it’s best not to use soap to clean cast iron, because it can strip the seasoning. So, the best way to clean it is to fill it with water after it’s been cooled down, and boil. That should remove all that’s been left on the pan. Once you’ve scraped it off, you can add more water, and boil to sterilize.

IF it’s quite dirty, and just not cooking well, you can use some light soap to get everything out, especially with a well seasoned pan, it should be ok. If it strips the seasoning, just go through another seasoning “cycle”. http://www.thekitchn.com/technique-seasoning-a-brand-new-cast-iron-skillet-6719

You can also CLEAN your cast iron grill pan with some coarse sea salt and a coarse sponge.

Here are a few other tips: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Grill-Pan

http://www.thecitycook.com/cooking/advice/general/000011

The thing that I really love about cooking with a grill pan is that you don’t put oil on it to cook on it.

Here’s how I usually cook with it.

Step 1:  Season with coarse sea salt (just a little sprinkle)

Step 2: Pre-heat the pan- usually med. high to high. Until if you drop a bit of water, it sizzles.

Step 3: Place frozen or thawed meat (veggies, shrimp, fruit, lamb, pork, etc) directly onto pan! (I also have a press that I place on top of thicker cuts of meat)

Step 4: Certain meats, after seared, can then be placed into the oven, while still on the grill pan, to finish cooking.

After cooking, you then clean! That’s it!!! Not too hard huh???

Last link: http://www.lodgemfg.com/useandcare/seasoned-cast-iron

Have fun cooking!