First Timer

[Sue M]

Greetings Everyone!
Have traditionally cooked with cast iron skillets my whole life...loving it, and actually learned to cook on my mothers cast iron wood burning cook stove, and appreciated having my Grandmother's 100 yr. old skillet....until it cracked. Am just beginning to learn about the cast iron history, etc. and aching to replace what I lost. Not sure how to 'read' the surface and colors in the remaining skillet I do have. What to do with early signs of rust, also some bluish, grey areas on another skillet.

Am also looking for a vintage Dutch Oven in good shape ...to give away as a wedding present. Is that realistic? I hate the thought of buying a new one, but that might be the safest thing? UGH! After reading the forums about what to look for, etc. I'm not sure I could find something good enough to give as a gift. Would love to hear any insights folks are willing to share.

Hooked on Cast Iron...for life!
Sue M

 

[MDFraley]

Hi Sue....Welcome ,
I am a junior member myself but have the time to read about most of the threads being posted. I am surprised someone (senior member) hasn't replied to your post by now.
My 71 year old cousin came to visit me here in Houston about a year ago. She has well over 100 pieces of cast iron but did not have either the red or blue books so I purchased them for her while she was here. It took days before she even talked because she was busy looking and reading at all the pieces she had back home in Kentucky. Both her Mom and mine were raised by my Grandmother cooking with cast iron on wood burning stoves so I understand your passion. My suggestion is visit your local antique shops and or flea markets in your search. You can also look on e-bay but be prepared to pay premium prices. I have two Dutch Ovens myself but the last one I bought had a hairline crack that I did not see until I tried to clean it. Be careful...have a sharp eye and best of luck with your collecting.

 

[JMoss]

Hello Sue,
I expected some of the other members to respond to your question so I didn't. I think the dutch oven would be a terrific gift. And of course I am prejudiced since I am a CI fan. There is nothing wrong with giving a new DO. However I do think giving a restored, vintage DO would be more "special". I don't know how long you have before the wedding but if you have the time and inclination you can find DO's in need of restoration starting at around $10-$15. Or that has been my experience here in the Houston area. You may have to hit many yard sales, resale, antique and junk shops but they are out there.

Go to the home page here and read the Cast Iron Collecting and the Cast Iron Restoration sections. Doing a "one off" restoration isn't difficult.

I don't know where you are from but I would bet there are some members in your area that can point you in the right direction.

Good luck to you, and your friends are lucky to have a thoughtful friend like you.