1. in serving to start the process, wash, rinse and thoroughly dry the new skillet or dutch oven to remove the protective wax coating. i recommend drying the utensil over a low flame to remove all moisture from the porous metal, 2-3 minutes.
2. put two tbsp of liquid vegetable oil in the utensil. do not use saturated fat, such as butter or bacon fat, because this fat will become rancid during storage. use a paper towel to coat the entire surface of the utensil with the oil, inside and out -- including all corners, edges and lids.
3. preheat the oven to 500 degrees f for 30 minutes. line a large baking pan or cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place the utensils on the sheet, with the pot upside down and the lid right side up, to prevent the oil building up in the concave areas.
4. bake the utensils for 1 hour, turn off the heat and allow the skillet or dutch oven to cool completely in the oven with the door closed, 4-6 hours.
5. remove from oven and
wipe with a paper towel. this completes the seasoning process, and
you are ready to use your nicely seasoned cast iron skillet.
6. everytime you use your cast iron skillet, it will become more seasoned. its a work in progress. be patient, the look will come with time.
7. taking care of your cast iron will make it last forever..