If I had to choose just one type of pot to cook with it would be cast iron. There are many reasons for my choice.
You can use cast iron pots in your home as well as outdoors. They retain heat for a long time, you can not burn them, you can pan fry, bake in the oven or make a stew over a campfire.
Once well seasoned a no-stick surface is created and that is why they should never be washed with soap. Soap will render the pot useless. Everything will stick and taste like soap.
You are probably wondering how to clean cast iron. The answer to that is, with hot water. If something seams to be stuck I just sprinkle salt on it and rub with a wet cloth or scrubber. Next I rinse the pot and wipe it dry. Then I rub a little olive oil or fat on the inside and put the pot over a fire for a few minutes, let it cool, wipe any excess oil from it and it is good as new.
I have taken care of my pots just like that and they have given me years of reliable use. In fact I am using the same ones that my great-grandmother used. She is the one who taught me how not to use soap on her favorite pot.
Whatever you do to clean cast iron never put it in the dishwasher. That mistake will end up in a horrible rusty mess for your pot and the dishwasher.
I have lived by a lake in the northwoods of Minnesota all of my life. My nearest neighbor is two miles away. I am a retired township clerk. I was married to a railroad man for 38 years until his death 5 years ago. I have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.
I enjoy cooking with a variety of cookware. I am passionate about preparing food for a crowd of 20 or a small family meal.
