Cast Iron Skillet – Not Just for Bashing People Over the Head

Not to be confused with Cast Iron Skrillex (the anime in which a DJ uses low frequencies and his ability to transform into pure iron to thwart a ninja version of Taylor Swift).

Ok, I made that anime up. But tell me that wouldn’t be an awesome show? Except it would be highly predictable and derivative of the other show “The 9 Houses of House Beats”

But I’m already off on a tangent.

Back on topic.

Cast iron skillets are what people have been using for cooking ever since we had cast iron as a thing. These highly durable skillets are a mainstay of my car camping gear. Highly versatile, extremely strong and flavor enhancing.

A cast iron skillet is exactly what you imagine.

This thing is soo metal!

But why use them when camping? Well, it’s because of the extreme durability and ability to withstand massive amounts of heat.

But, just like your mom, they require a special kind of love.

The Good

• The seasoning (the blackened color on the pan) is like a permanent, biodegradable, non-stick surface. A well used cast iron skillet will naturally fry an egg without sticking to the pan. 
• The more you use it, the better it gets as being non-stick and all that seasoning holds the flavors of all the food you cook in it. Adding more delicious-ness to your food.
• You can cook almost anything in it. I’ve cooked steaks, eggs, stew, biscuits, etc in my cast iron skillet.
• Will last forever. As long as you don’t let it rust, this will outlive you and your mis-shapen kids.

The Bad

• You can’t wash it in soap. That seasoning is basically burnt in grease/oils. Applying soap strips that away.
• Really freaking heavy!
• Handle gets really hot. Use a pot holder or an Ove Glove
• Can’t leave it wet. It is cast iron, it will rust.

Overall

I have 2 cast iron skillets, a cast iron lid and a cast iron dutch oven. I can’t speak highly enough for cast iron cookery. Yeah, it’s heavy, but if I’m car camping, it’s totally worth it.

And like I mentioned earlier, you can cook almost anything in it. My favorite thing is good cast iron cooked steak. Yeah, that’s right, pan seared beef. Don’t believe me? Take Alton Brown’s word for it

Zombie Apocalypse Worthy?

If you get an established basecamp in a zombie apocalypse, then I’d take a cast iron skillet over any other pan. Mainly for the durability.

But if you are on the move, these things are way too heavy. Anyways, if you are on the run, best to not have any cookware to slow you down.