Heat skillets gradually and add grease/oil before frying.

[BigBob75]

I use cast iron skillets to cook everything except bread. I heat my cast iron and add grease or oil FIRST and let the skillet heat up gradually. I never put food in a cold dry skillet. Use plenty of grease or oil. I save bacon drippings/grease in Mason jelly jars in the fridge or I first fry bacon then add the food I want to cook.

 

[Alan]

Learned that from my granma. Always wait for the pan to warm up. Then there's the sprinkle of water test. Saving bacon grease too. She always have some saved. I miss her. I loved cooking with her when we were younger.

 

[BigBob75]

Learned that from my granma. Always wait for the pan to warm up. Then there's the sprinkle of water test. Saving bacon grease too. She always have some saved. I miss her. I loved cooking with her when we were younger.

Alan,
I forgot about the water test! Thank you. I've just been adding bacon grease or EVOO, turning on low heat and waiting for the oil to dance a little. I also touch the bare handle and if it's warmed up enough, I know the skillet is ready! God Bless. Bob

 

[checkm8]

Have you tried baking bread? The good thing about having a heavy pan is that it retains heat perfectly, which makes crusty loaves in the oven.