Cast iron cookware is long lasting cookware that is a staple of many southern cooks.  Cast iron cookware is very durable and even adds an extra boost of nutrition to some foods (J Food Science. 2002:67(9):3301-3). They are also readily available at discount stores and are often handed down from one generation to another (since they are almost impossible to ruin), making them an affordable choice for families with limited resources. Cast iron cookware provides a connection with the past and is a versatile tool for cooks of all skill levels. They are heavier but offer another benefit if you’re trying to build upper body strength and is also a good way to cook with less oil once it is seasoned properly.

The Letcher County FCS Agent and Martha Yount, Regional Specialist for Food and Nutrition, offered a two session Cooking with Cast Iron workshop via zoom.  In session one participants learned the history of cast iron, how to properly season, store and use cast iron cookware and each participant was given a grab bag with the cornbread master mix to make at home while watching the FCS agent making it on the zoom session.  During session two participants learned about outdoor cooking with cast iron and how to make their own outdoor oven using a banana box. Each participant was given a grab bag with all the items to make the Plate it Up Peach Crisp recipe while watching the FCS agent making it on the zoom session.  

Pre-evaluations were completed after session one with the following information:

14% of the participants had not used cast iron much or any at all before the lesson

14% of the participants had used cast iron before but was not happy with the result

17% of the participants learned more about how to cook with cast iron

33% of the participants learned more about how to care for cast iron cookware

50% learned more about how to restore a rusty piece of cast iron cookware 

Post-evaluations were completed after session one with the following information:

14% of the participants feel a little more comfortable cooking with cast iron

57% of the participants were already comfortable cooking with cast iron but learned a new recipe

29% of the participants feel much more comfortable cooking with cast iron

Pre-evaluations were completed after session two with the following information:

80% of the participants have not cooked outdoors with cast iron much or any at all before this lesson

Post-evaluations were completed after session two with the following information:

36% of the participants learned more about outdoor cooking with cast iron

36% of the participants learned other new ways to cook outdoors

40% of the participants feel a little more comfortable cooking outdoors with cast iron

40% of the participants feel much more comfortable cooking outdoors with cast iron or in other ways

Comments included:

“I learned new information on how to care and season my cast iron!”

“I didn’t use my cast iron too much before this class, but I am using it on a regular basis now!”

“Love cooking outdoors.   We like to use a cast iron skillet for our regular firepit at times with a grate”