Have you ever used a cast iron skillet before? I just bought a set of 3, they were going at a bargain price and I cannot wait to use them. One thing I did do was have a watch of this video for cleaning it up, seasoning and keeping it in good nic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46nRKacPWPs
There are more and more reasons today to use iron skillets but the main one is that this is the original 'non stick' cookware and it won't release harmful chemicals into your food. The only issue is that of remembering that the whole pan gets extremely hot and you must use a tea towel/oven mitt when handling.
Iron skillets can be used for all frying/sautéing pan uses, as well as popping them in an oven for dishes such as fritattas! http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/recipes/mushroom-and-cheddar-fritatta-and-arugula-side-salad-4709.html Once your skillet has been seasoned, there is nothing to stop you! just oil up and go! Some people say cook bacon in your newly seasoned skillet but anything cooked with vegetable shortening will do just as well. After your first cooking with the skillet, oil as usual will suffice.
The weather just now has taken a turn for the worse, so we are having jambalaya tonight. Here is a wonderful recipe for this flavour-packed dish: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mommasmeatjambalaya_76386
There are many books out there on cooking with an iron skillet but really it is no different from cooking with any other frying/sautéing pan. The only difference is that you can do more with your skillet. Get cooking :D
On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scotland about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback: The Island of the Mist is book 2 The Stone in the Sword is book 1 The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats: The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin
