10 Reasons to Cook with Cast Iron and a GIVEAWAY!

Hi friends! It's party time!!! I'm celebrating my 100th post today with a giveaway for one of my favorite things! This is my way of thanking you, my readers, for supporting me as I've been working to create a successful blog. You are the best!!

If I were to make a top-ten list of my favorite kitchen tools, my cast iron skillets would be at the top of the list! I really do love cast iron. Let me count the ways...

1. Non-stick.
   People call cast iron the original non-stick for a reason. As long as they are properly seasoned and maintained, food does not stick.
2. No hazardous chemicals.
   Your average non-stick pan is made with chemicals that can leech into your food and release toxic fumes if over-heated. These fumes can actually cause flu-like symptom, among other risks. The Environmental Working Group has put together an excellent resource about the health dangers of using non-stick.
3. Sturdy and durable.
   These pans are heavy-duty. Seriously, as long as they're properly cared for, cast iron pans can last generations.
4. Value.
   A good-quality non-stick pan can cost upwards of $40, and last maybe five years before you need to replace it, while a 12-inch cast iron skillet will cost you about $20.
5. You can use metal utensils.
   Metal can damage the coating on nonstick pans, and when that happens, a pan is no longer safely usable. I know I've ruined a few pans in the past by quickly using a metal knife or fork to turn something.You don't have to worry about damaging cast iron that way.
6. Made in the USA.
   According to the Lodge website, all non-enamel cast iron cookware is made right here in the USA.
7. Use in the oven.
   There are so many amazing recipes that start on the stove top and end in the oven. Once you have cast iron cookware, a whole new world of recipes opens up to you. And then there are the recipes designed for a skillet.
8. Iron supplement.
   Cooking with cast iron can provide additional dietary iron, which can reduce your risk for anemia
9. Food tastes delicious!
   I don't think I'm biased when I say that eggs just taste better in when they're cooked in our skillet. Cast iron also sears meat beautifully. I haven't found a meal I didn't like when cooked in cast-iron
10. Rustic Chic.
    A cast-iron skillet can make a beautiful kitchen accessory. Not only do they look great hanging from a hook in your kitchen, they can also be used as a magnetic memo board, perfect for holding your recipe card while you cook. How cute is that?

Source: At the Picket Fence

In honor of my 100th post, I'm holding a giveaway! 

Enter to win a Cast Iron Starter Set, including an 8" Lodge brand cast iron skillet and cleaning brush, plus a nylon scrubber and handle cozy crocheted by yours truly.

I'm excited to share a little love with you, dear readers! Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be contacted by email, and the prize will be shipped via U.S. Mail.

 Disclaimer: This giveaway is not sponsored by Lodge, nor am I receiving any compensation. I just really like their products.

Good luck, and thanks for your support! I'm so grateful that you're here to celebrate this milestone with me!

 

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