There are a number of reasons why you should have a cast iron skillet in your kitchen. First, it cooks evenly because it’s made of dense metal. Cast iron cookware is also versatile. You can use it on a stovetop like a normal frying pan and in an oven for baking and roasting. It is also safer to use since it doesn’t have non-stick coating. Furthermore, it’s more affordable compared to those high-end cookware in the market nowadays.
Every household should have at least one cast iron skillet. These classic cast iron cookware are great for special occasions such as the recent Labor Day weekend.
Cast Iron Grilled Steak
When it comes to feasts, nothing beats juicy yet tender steaks. If you didn’t have any steak during the recent Labor Day weekend, shame on you. Make sure you grill some next year since you deserve to sink your teeth into these mouth-watering steaks.
Every steak-lover has his or her own way of cooking their steaks. One way you should definitely try is to cook them on a cast iron skillet. As for preparing the glorious slab of meat, it also depends on who’s grilling.
To start off, you must pat dry your meat using paper towels. Place your cast iron skillet on the oven and add a pinch or so of salt before turning the heat on. After 5 to 8 minutes, pat the steak once more before placing it in the pan. Let it sizzle for a minute then flip it over. Move the raw side around so it can get some of the salt. Flip the steak every 30 seconds. Add salt and pepper every now and then.
After around 4 minutes, the steak will have turned dark-brown. Check if it’s already done. If it feels soft and springy to the touch, it’s good. If it’s still squishy, it needs a little more cooking. Once cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
The Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger
Place your cast iron skillet over 400 degrees and heat one teaspoon olive oil. Add two thinly sliced shallots. Cook for about ten minutes stirring often. Add water to prevent them from drying out. Remove and set them aside after they caramelize.
Mix 1/4 cup ketchup and one tablespoon balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Place inside the refrigerator.
Make eight 1/4 thick patties from two pounds of premium ground beef. Place one tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese at the center of four of the patties. Top each of them with the remaining four patties. Pinch the sides together so each one becomes one big patty. Season each side with Kosher salt and ground black pepper.
Cook the patties in a cast iron skillet (or directly on the grill if you have one) for five minutes each side. With about two minutes left to cook the patties, top each one with a slice of cheddar cheese. Remove the patties from the grill or cast iron skillet.
Slather each side of the bun with the ketchup-balsamic vinegar combo. Place lettuce and some tomato slices on the bottom bun followed by the burger patty. Top the patties with cooked slices of Snake River Farms Kurobuta bacon. Add the caramelized shallots before placing the top bun.
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Italian Herb and Garlic Focaccia Bread MixWhen it comes to cast iron skillet recipes, you must never forget about pizza. A good pizza starts with good dough. Prepared Pantry has the Italian Herb and Garlic Focaccia Bread Mix, which is perfect for a 15-inch pizza. It’s easy and quick to make. It takes only 15 minutes for the bread to rise. Prepared Pantry is giving away an Italian spice and herb packet for every purchase of this bread mix.
To make a mouth-watering pizza for next year’s Labor Day festivities, simply prepare the dough as instructed. Once the dough is ready, slather it with your choice of sauce. Marinara sauce is a popular one. Aside from mozzarella cheese or other kinds of cheese you like, you can put anything you want on your pizza. Some popular choices include pepperoni slices, ham, bacon, bell pepper, and even anchovies. Don’t forget your herbs. Basil, oregano and parsley are some of the common ones used in making pizza.
Cast Iron Squash Pudding
Who doesn’t like some pudding? Put a little twist in your favorite pudding by adding some butternut squash in it. First, mix 1 pound butternut squash (cut into cubes) and 3 cups of whole milk in a Dutch oven or pot. Let it simmer over medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until the squash becomes tender. Set aside.
Grease the cast iron skillet with butter then set aside. Drain the butternut squash then transfer it to another bowl. Mash the squash to get a smooth consistency then set aside.
Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in another cast iron skillet. Cook and stir for six minutes or until slightly brown. Add 1/4 cup water and stir. Carefully add 1 pound delicata squash (sliced 1/2 inch thick) by arranging them neatly and fitly so they form one layer. Add 1/2 cup water every time the caramel is about to dry up. Cook the squash for about 8 minutes or until it becomes soft and slightly brown. Flip the squash and cook for about 8 minutes more.
Staub Cast Iron Fry Pan, 10-inArrange the delicate squash into the previously prepared cast iron skillet. Pour the caramel into the skillet, as well.
Mix 1/2 stick unsalted butter and 1/2 cup turbinado sugar in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup dark maple syrup, 3 large eggs (one by one), followed by 3 tablespoons apple cider and the squash puree.
In another separate bowl, sift 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Fold them into the squash mixture. Spread the resulting batter over the squash in the cast iron skillet.
Bake in an oven for up to 45 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if the center is cooked. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Pancake
If you have family or friends staying over for next year’s Labor Day weekend, you’ll need to whip up some amazing breakfast, especially if there are children around. These picky eaters will likely enjoy some pancakes made on your cast iron skillet.
The Prepared Pantry is offering a variety of pancake mixes and syrups for all you pancake lovers. You can choose up to three combinations from any of its 11 24-ounce pancake mixes, some of which are Chocolate Chip Sour Cream, Strawberry Peach, Multi-Grain, Lemon Meringue, Raspberry Sour Cream, Cranberry Orange, and Morning Glory. Every order of their pancake mix comes with free syrup. You can also choose from 8 syrup flavors.
Take Labor Day celebrations and other holidays to a whole new level by making a feast using some of the secrets of barbecuing. Veteran pitmaster Bill Anderson has come up with a book titled, Competition BBQ Secrets 300° Hot & Fast, which tells you of tons of tips and techniques for the best BBQ you can ever make.
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