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MightyNest [2] happens to be one of the wonderful sponsors here at Groovy Green Livin. Founded by two parents, MightyNest is an 
[3]online store, resource center, and community dedicated to helping parents create healthy, safe homes. Their mission is to give families the ability to research, get advice, and buy natural, non-toxic products all in one place. From kitchenware to skin care, MightyNest’s safety experts have a selection of products that are free from known toxic ingredients such as BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Lead, Melamine, Formaldehyde, Parabens, and more.
Moving away from Teflon
I’ve really been working hard to make my kitchen a “Teflon Free Zone”. My old Teflon pots and pans [4] have been swapped out on an as needed basis and filled my kitchen with alternative, safe cookware. Many of my pots and pans are stainless steel, which I started accumulating as wedding gifts. I finally figured out how to clean stainless steel [5] without scrubbing for days.
I have been wanting to add a cast iron pan into the mix of healthy pots and pans in my kitchen. When I think of cast iron I think of my grandparents, since it was their cookware of choice. Cast iron is know for its durability and even heat distribution. When MightyNest [2] graciously offered to send me a cast iron pan for review their timing was perfect.
Cooking with cast iron
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MightyNest sent me a Lodge Seasoned 10″ Cast Iron Skillet [7]. Since it’s arrival the skillet has been getting a lot of use. It’s the perfect size for making eggs [8]-which my three boys have perfected.
It’s simple to use:
- Before cooking, apply oil to the cooking surface of your pan and pre-heat the pan slowly (always start on low heat, increasing the temperature slowly). Then it’s ready for cooking.
Cleaning cast iron
This piece worried me. I had heard so much about “seasoning” a cast iron pan and wasn’t exactly sure what that meant. It’s actually quite simple. From the Lodge website [9]:
- After cooking, clean utensil with a stiff nylon brush and hot water. Using soap is not recommended, and harsh detergents should never be used. (Avoid putting a hot utensil into cold water. Thermal shock can occur causing the metal to warp or crack).
- TIP: If you are having trouble removing stuck-on food, boil some water in your pan for a few minutes to loosen residue, making it easier to remove.
- Towel dry immediately and apply a light coating of oil to the utensil while it is still warm.
Final thoughts on the Lodge Seasoned 10″ Cast Iron Skillet [7]
Overall I really like the skillet. It’s the perfect size for a grilled cheese, omelets or sauteing vegetables. The cleanup is much simpler then I had expected and not much sticks to the pan. The one big downside to this pan and to all cast iron is the weight of the pan. My kids cook quite a bit and this pan is much too heavy for them to lift by themselves.
GIVEAWAY
MightyNest [7] has graciously offered to giveaway a Lodge Seasoned 10″ Cast Iron Skillet [7] to one lucky Groovy Green Livin reader. By entering your name and other information you acknowledge that you have read and are agreeing to our Official Rules. [10]
In addition to offering a Lodge Seasoned 10″ Cast Iron Skillet [7] for the giveaway, MightyNest has generously offered to give Groovy Green Livin readers 10% off their orders by using DISCOUNT CODE: GROOVY10 for 10% off any purchase (except air purifiers and mattresses) through July 31, 2012.
a Rafflecopter giveaway [11]
Disclosure: Thank you to MightyNest for a complimentary Lodge Seasoned 10″ Cast Iron Skillet for review . The opinions expressed in this post are my own.