Samuel Hicks

05/05/2024

Mastering Cast Iron Seasoning: A Chef's Guide

Cast iron cookware is a timeless kitchen essential, cherished for its durability and versatility. However, to unlock its full potential, proper seasoning is essential. Tonya Thomas, co-owner of H3irloom Food Group and a seasoned culinary expert, shares invaluable insights into mastering the art of seasoning cast iron.

Why Season Cast Iron?

Cast iron requires seasoning to prevent rusting and ensure a non-stick surface. Without proper seasoning, moisture can damage the skillet, shortening its lifespan. Seasoning transforms the skillet into a culinary workhorse, enhancing its performance and longevity.

Essential Tools:

To embark on the seasoning journey, gather these household staples:
- Dish soap
- Cloths or paper towels
- High oleic oil or shortening (e.g., safflower, canola)
- Sheet pan or aluminum foil

The Seasoning Process:

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wash the skillet with warm, soapy water and ensure thorough drying to prevent rusting.

2. Coating:** Apply a thin layer of high oleic oil or shortening to the entire skillet, ensuring even coverage.

3. Baking: Place the skillet upside down on the middle oven rack. Use a pan or foil beneath to catch drips. Bake for about an hour, then allow it to cool before removal.

4. Repeat: For optimal seasoning, repeat the process up to three times, especially for new or heavily used skillets.

Maintenance Tips:

Regular Inspection: Keep an eye out for dullness, rust, or over-washing as signs that re-seasoning may be necessary.

Careful Cleaning: Avoid submerging the skillet in water or using abrasive cleaners. Instead, wipe with a towel, mild soapy water, and a non-abrasive sponge, ensuring thorough drying.

04/30/2024

Many of us aspire to make a difference or simply be ready when called upon. Years ago, my wife and I enrolled in our local county's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

While seasoned individuals might view it as a refresher, for us, it was a valuable opportunity to learn together. The training, spread over several evenings across a week, came at no cost.

Throughout the course, we gained essential skills:
- Fire safety
- Light search and rescue
- Team organization
- Disaster medical operations

One memorable aspect was participating in a mock mass casualty event, where we supported firefighters with triage.

Surprisingly, one highlight was learning to use a fire extinguisher effectively. Despite having one in my garage, I had never used it or understood its importance. Now, I recognize the significance of having extinguishers on each level of our home, or strategically placed in larger homes, for real-world emergencies.

Check out your local CERT group to see how you can get involved.

04/29/2024

Copper Vs. Cast Iron

Is copper cookware worth the investment? Absolutely, if you're captivated by its timeless elegance and rich culinary legacy.
Copper boasts exceptional heat conductivity, honed over millennia of human cooking history.

However, unlike cast iron or carbon steel, it doesn't retain heat as effectively. Additionally, its reactive nature demands attention to the lining material. Whether tin, stainless steel, or another - as well as careful cooking techniques.

Tin linings require temperature vigilance to avoid melting, while stainless steel linings may lead to food sticking. In essence, while copper offers undeniable charm and benefits, it may not be the top choice for every home cook's needs.

While it doesn’t apply to everyone, my preference has always been cast iron. Its what I grew up using, my dad used it, we would bring it to family camp and now we use it as a family.

04/28/2024

Years ago, during my time in the Boy Scouts, iodine tablets were a staple in our backpacks for purifying water during our adventures. Nowadays, there are numerous options available, including filtered water straws, which I recently discovered.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Filtered water straws are versatile tools, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and increasingly popular among everyday individuals preparing for emergencies. While they shouldn’t replace a reliable emergency water supply, having one in your kit or car trunk is a smart move.

What makes water filter straws unique is their ability to filter water directly from the source. However, it's essential to choose a straw capable of addressing the specific bacteria in your environment. These straws vary in filtering capacity, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of gallons, and some include accessories like drinking pouches and cleaning tools.

Understanding how water filter straws work is key:
- Carbon filters remove harmful bacteria and protozoan cysts, ensuring safe drinking water.
- Many straws also feature a hollow fiber membrane to further eliminate bacteria by capturing them in porous tubes while allowing water to pass through.
- Prefilters remove larger particles, like silt and mud, enhancing water cleanliness and protecting the filters.
- Unlike larger filters with pump systems, water filter straws require manual water drawing, offering simplicity but potentially causing fatigue during extended use.

It’s important to distinguish between filters and purifiers:
- Filters enhance taste by removing most bacteria and protozoan cysts but may not eliminate viruses.
- Purifiers, however, remove everything filters do and target viruses, crucial for areas with potential viral contamination.

Stay informed about the different filters in each straw and their expiration points for safe and efficient use. Always prioritize safe hydration during your outdoor adventures!

04/28/2024

I recently came across an article about emergency water storage and the importance of proper container selection. It struck a chord with me, especially being in California where earthquakes are a constant concern. Growing up, we were always told to have three days' worth of water on hand, but in reality, we had a few 50-gallon drums tucked away behind the garage, often forgotten about.

Now, as an adult with a family, preparedness weighs heavily on my mind, especially amidst the pandemic and all the uncertainty that has followed since then. Water remains a top priority.

Here are three things I’ve learned:

1. Not all water storage containers are created equal.
2. Even commercially bottled water can deteriorate over time.
3. Establishing a system for rotating and replacing water containers is crucial.

Every family's situation is unique, and lifestyles evolve. Currently, here's what works for us:

We've opted for multiple 5-gallon water bottles stored in a rack system, which we easily cycle through, and then easily dispense using an electric push-button water pump. Additionally, for longer-term storage, we've invested in stackable water storage containers made from high-density polyethylene material, ensuring they're FDA and NSF compliant.

The beauty of having the variety of containers and configurations available mean it can suit different needs. Here are some examples:

1. Food-grade plastic containers: look for those made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), such as large water jugs or barrels specifically designed for water storage.

2. Water storage tanks: These come in various sizes and are tailored for long-term storage, often crafted from materials like polyethylene.

3. BPA-free water bottles: Ideal for storing smaller amounts of water for personal use, opt for BPA-free plastic bottles or stainless steel options with tight-sealing lids.

4. Water bricks: These stackable, space-efficient containers are perfect for both short and long-term water storage needs.

5. 55-gallon drums: Widely used for long-term water storage, these can be purchased new or repurposed from food-grade materials.

Remember, regardless of the container type, always clean and disinfect them thoroughly before storing water for emergencies.

12/30/2023

I have reached 1.5K followers! Thank you for your continued support. I could not have done it without each of you. 🙏🤗🎉

09/21/2023

The archerfish has an adaptation that enables it to shoot and catch insect prey. In fact, they are known as “spitting sharpshooters,” able to shoot down insects up to five feet (1.5 m) above the water by spitting a jet of water from its mouth. An adult fish almost always hits the target on the first shot.

It hunts by spitting water at terrestrial targets with weapon-like precision, and can even tell faces apart.

These species of fish has a killer aim that uses to hunt for its prey, according to .

In the blink of an eye, they shoot a jet of water into the air taking down any nearby insects, with devastating accuracy.

01/17/2023

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05/06/2022

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The fire broke out at about 12:50 p.m. near Granite Hill Drive and Pyrite Avenue.