Cleaning Cast Iron & Ollie Moves

I was asked if I had any tips on cleaning cast iron skillets. I can only tell you how I clean mine. I have read you are not to wash them with soapy water after you cure them. I never understood how they would be clean if you do not wash them in hot soapy water. I watched my Gram cook in these as I grew up. I have cooked in them for 29 years now. I clean mine just the same way Gram did. I do wash them after each use in hot soapy water with a copper scrubbing pad. I dry them inside & out with a paper towel & place them in the oven where I store them. I always heat the oven to 350 until they are warm. At least twice a month I rub the insides of each skillets with a paper towel that has a little vegetable oil on it. Once the skillets is covered with a very light layer they go back into the over. They are then heated to 350 for a short time. They have always been very smooth & we have enjoyed many fine meals cooked in them. I can not say this is a good tip but it works for me.

Left over chili made in a cast iron skillet put in the little jars to be frozen for a warm snack in the cold days to come.

I guess when a suitor comes calling the word gets out & others come calling. With such a fine kitty like Ollie in the garden. He is a pretty fellow to.

This pretty fellow has continued to wonder around the garden making his way to the fish pond. He started coming around days ago. I believe he continues to come calling on Ollie who he can not find. After his first visit Ollie was moved indoors.

Ollie has moved from her little cedar house to the comforts of the basement due to all her new suitors who have been calling on her.

This beautiful red cardinal came for lunch the other day. The first I have seen this winter. I sure guess that could that be because of Ollie & her suitors?

I am on my way to having my dream potting shed. Maybe not from the floor up but from windows all around. For now these seven windows I got for free over the weekend are being stored in the outhouse garden tool shed. Remember I missed out on the railroad ties months ago for the garden boxes. Oh I did not miss out on the windows thankfully. Little by little I hope to gather all I need to make my dream garden & potting shed. Spring is coming soon so I really need to acquire the material I need fast. I decided I will pray that more comes my way fast. I have received a few seed & plant catalogs that I have been browsing through. Sam & I would like to add some raspberrie vines on the outside edge of the new veggie garden. So many wonderful raspberrie vines to pick from. A rainbow of colors. A few of these & a few of those is what we would like to plant.

I decided I want to paint the basket on the fireplace. I have two colors in mind. A putty color or brown. I felt it was just to much black. It has been nice to share some time with you all. I wish you all a good - nite.

Blessings Til Next Time!