r/CastIronCooking

My nephew gifted me this spatula he made from a broken pan

Kingsford Applewood and Hickory Charcoal

~ 2 Hours Cook time and about 2 hours in a home made brine. The average temp was 350-F.

A few months ago my father passed away, and I inherited his two decades old cast iron skillets. Cooking with him was one of my favorite things as a kid so they’re really special to me and hold a lot of sentimental value.
The issue is that these skillets were both in storage for multiple years as my dad was suffering from cancer and couldn’t use them anymore. They’re now in pretty bad shape, with what I’m guessing is either rust (the orange on the bottom) and/or sticky rancid oil on the bottom and sides. Their tops look a little better, and don’t have the thick sticky residue.
Does anyone have any advice for cleaning this gunk off, and is it safe to cook with these? I’ve had them in storage for several months but I know my dad would have wanted me to be able to use them.

Shameless show off post. I sanded, finished, and installed the two planks of poplar. This isn’t even all of my pieces. Just the ones I can fit on my wall and on the butcher block countertop.

I bought this set of baddies and I want to know all the best things to cook in them. I have previously had non stick plus one Le creuset cast iron pot and have given them away and upgraded to this set up. Can’t wait to love it. Do you heat your oil up slowly? Do you oil it before storing? I don’t want to wreck them!!!

Cut off nibs. Sauté with butter. Add cream. Add S&P. Enjoy.

Lovely morning at Woodhouse farm and a great breakfast to start the day. Volunteering building a lean to shelter at the farm for events. r/oldcampcookcastiron

Made some calico beans for a barbecue today. This was my first time cooking over a campfire and also my first time using dried beans. The kidney beans didn't get as soft as I would have liked but there weren't any leftovers so I must have done alright.

Cast iron reverse seared - toasted black truffle mezalunas w/baby spinach and red onions in the background

I made pancakes on my cast iron skillet. The skillet looks good but it left some black residue on the pancake. Don’t know if it’s the seasoning that’s coming off. Any thoughts? TIA.