On 11-Jul-2007, "Shawn Martin" <shawnrmartin_remove >
wrote:

> david Morgan wrote:
> > Hi There,
> >
> > this is the first time that I have either viewed or posted on this
> > newsgroup. I have a question about cast iron griddles. I have just
> > bought one for my Weber summit and the instructions say to coat it in
> > vegetable shortening. Can anybody tell me what this is? It may seem a
> > silly question but I am from England after all.
> >
> > Many thanks,
> >
>
> OK Here goes:
>
> The procedure you are initiating is called seasoning. Oil, and heat;
> repeat.
> This will eventually build up a dark coating which will prevent rust, and
> also prevent food from sticking. It may take several months of use to
> properly season cast iron. Once done, the seasoning can stand up to a
> tremendous amount of abuse.
>
> (I have a skillet which was seasoned back in 1965, which has never needed
> to
> be re-done.)
>
> Couple of other points:
>
> I don't usually wash cast iron. Simply wipe it out with a napkin. (Use a
>
> bronze brush to remove burnt on food; but after the seasoning is done
> properly, this won't be a problem.)
>
> To season: using a paper towel, or other disposable object, apply a thin
> (very thin) coat of shortening or oil (If ya want to do it right, use
> lard.
> It works faster) on the griddle coating both the top, and underside.
> (this
> is the last time we will oil the undersides.)
>
> Heat this to about 180 degrees C for about an hour.
>
> Let cool. Check to see if the surface is tacky; if it is, back into the
> oven until it is not tacky.
>
> You may now use the griddle, but might have to use a non-stick spray in
> the
> beginning, until the seasoning is complete.
>
> Maintenance is simple, if you notice the surface is dry, wipe a little
> more
> oil on, and keep it in your oven when not in use. Leave it in there when
> you use the oven to cook other items, and let the coating build up.

On the other hand, go here and follow the instructions. It's always
possible that a major manufacturer of cast iron cookware might know
how to take care of it.

http://www.lodgemfg.com/usecare1.asp
--
Brick(Divorcing Microsoft)