The Arsenal

[chowmama]

14. I envy some of your pieces

My first CI was a 6" frypan from my parents' basement. It had been my paternal grandmother's. It was, of course, quite orange, but I learned how to fix that. Perfect size for fried eggs or a small loaf of brown bread. Last used a few weeks ago on St. Pat's.

As I got out on my own, I eventually got an 8" skillet, a chicken fryer, and an even larger skillet. One 2qt saucepan and a tiny saucepan for melting butter. A pan for cornbread sticks and 2 griddles - one smaller and smooth on both sides, one larger and with ridges for grilling on one side. Many were very cheap from garage and estate sales, as the previous owners had apparently put them in the dishwasher, let them dry on their own, and thrown the result into the basement or the garage. There's no telling the age - they just don't change. But I've had some of them since the Notorious Commune days. That would be 50 years.

I love the gratin pan, the square pan, and the oval skillets you have.

My paternal grandfather valued his cast iron (the small pan may have actually been his). My mother, while she was dating my father, volunteered to clean the dishes after a meal and worked really hard to get them silver again. My dad thought his father would kill her - he had a notorious temper. Instead, he gently led her into the kitchen and taught her how to re-season them. At that point, everybody knew the marriage was a done deal; her FIL was as in love with her as Dad was.