Cast Iron Skillet.

Jake's mom got an apartment of her own, taking most of the kitchen with her. Since all of my kitchen supplies are in Oregon, Jake and I dressed up and went to Ikea. We didn't dress up for Ikea, he took me out to dinner after. Anyway, at Ikea we bought a bunch of items for our kitchen. We didn't want to get too much because I have a lot back home, but there are basics that we need in order to be able to cook.

One of which is this awesome frying pan. Who knew Ikea sells cast iron, and in such a pretty color? This is my all time favorite frying pan ever.

Cast Iron requires special care. You have to "season" your pan and you're not supposed to ever put it in the dishwasher because it can rust. To season your cast iron:

• Preheat your oven to 350.
• Rub lard or bacon grease all over the inside of your pan with a paper towel. Since I don't eat meat products I used Crisco Shortening instead.
• Place your pan upside down on the top shelf of your oven.
• On a lower shelf, place a cookie sheet to catch any drips from your pan.
• Leave in your oven for 1-2 hours.
• Remove and wipe with a clean paper towel.

When cleaning cast iron some people use warm soapy water, drying it immediately and heating on the stove for awhile to ensure it is dry.

Others prefer to use cooking oil and salt to scrub their pans.

We did buy a crock pot for something I'm making for a Super Bowl party but unfortunately it wasn't this particular one from Target. However, Jake said I can have this (not available in stores) crock pot so if anyone needs a slow cooker let me know as I'll eventually be handing down the one I just got.