The cast iron skillet is probably one of the most cherished of cooking vessels, handled with care and passed down from generation to generation. The skillet is the most popular type of this cookware, but cast iron comes in a variety of forms, from pots and pans of all sizes to vessels made for cooking very specific things.

Regardless of the shape of your cast iron cookware, there’s something undeniably special about it. In the kitchen, the benefits of cast iron are numerous. Firstly, the iron gets very hot, stays very hot and heats the food evenly. This allows for all kinds of culinary magic, such as perfectly seared steaks, cornbread with crispy golden crust, the most glorious roasted vegetables to ever grace your lips, and super convenient one-pan dinners. On top of that, cast iron cookware is incredibly versatile; it can be used both on the stovetop and inside the oven. In fact, any heat source will do, so you could even use it on the barbecue or over an open campfire!

A Different Kind of Pan

Provided you take good care of your cast iron pot or pan, you can enjoy it for many, many years. They’re different than other pans in that you aren’t supposed to soak them in soapy water, and you have to season them before you use them. They have to be seasoned to protect the cooking surface from becoming rusty, and to make it non-stick. Seasoning involves coating the pan in cooking oil, and baking it at 350° F for an hour. This seals the cooking surface for optimal use. You want to keep this seasoning on your pan even after cooking, which is why the washing methods differ from that of other cookware. Learn more about the science behind cast iron seasoning and the best oil to use here.

To wash your cast iron skillet, you should rinse it in hot water immediately after cooking. To remove caked-on food, you can use a non-metal scouring pad or coarse salt. This won’t remove too much of the seasoning. Always be sure to dry your cast iron well to prevent rusting, and cover it with a cloth or paper towel to keep dirt from sticking to the surface.

Best Things to Cook In Cast Iron

Cast iron pans are really good at cooking a lot of things, but not ideal for others. The high, even heating capabilities make it ideal for deep frying, stir-frying, roasting, baking and searing. It’s not ideal for cooking more delicate foods, such as light and flaky fish, or anything acidic, which can damage the cooking surface. Here are a few tasty cast iron recipes we found from around the web:

• Skillet Hashbrowns
• Three Cheese Mac & Cheese
• Cast Iron Blistered Brussels Sprouts
• Cornbread with Caramelized Apples and Onions
• Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Butternut Squash
• Skillet-Baked Eggs with Spinach, Yogurt and Chili Oil
• Seafood Gumbo

Cast iron clearly allows for a variety of delicious possibilities, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen arsenal. Take good care of yours and you may be able to pass it down to your grandchildren as a very special family heirloom with many fond memories of meals shared together baked right in.

Do you have any favorite cast iron recipes? Share them in the comments or over on Twitter at @luvoinc.