INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Wash the skillet with warm, soapy water and a sponge or stiff brush. Cast iron should not normally be washed with soap, but it's fine here since the pan is about to be seasoned.
3. Rinse and thoroughly dry the skillet with a clean, dry cloth or paper towels.
4. Pour a little vegetable oil or melted shortening into the skillet. A tablespoon or two is plenty. Vegetable oil and shortening are the most commonly recommended oils used for seasoning, but according to Lodge, you can use any oil of your choice.
5. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to rub the coat around the entire skillet.
6. Flip the skillet over. Don't forget the outside — and bottom — of the skillet. You want a thin coat of oil around the entire piece.
7. Place the skillet upside down on the oven's center rack. Place a sheet of aluminum foil below the rack to catch any drips. Bake for an hour.
8. Turn off the heat and allow to the skillet to cool completely before removing from oven. Once it's cooled down, you're good to go!
