Episode 651: Cast Iron Skillet with Michele Norris

·1 hr 5 min·5 clips

Michele Norris joins Spilled Milk to discuss the big black skillet, revealing why cast iron sparks such strong opinions.

The episode begins with hosts Molly Wizenberg and Matthew Amster-Burton introducing the topic of cast iron skillets, suggested by guest Michele Norris. They acknowledge the debates around cast iron but position themselves as hobbyists. Molly recounts a formative memory of leaving a wet skillet in her aunt's sink, causing rust, while Matthew talks about restoring a rusty skillet for his sister-in-law. The hosts explore the metallurgy of cast iron, explaining its carbon content and lower melting point compared to steel. They discuss the history of cast iron cookware, noting that skillets became common only in the early 20th century, with earlier cooking done in hearths using items like Dutch ovens with legs. Matthew shares details about his inherited WagnerWare skillet from the 1950s, and they mention Lodge as a dominant modern brand, founded in 1896. Michele Norris joins, discussing her podcast 'Your Mama's Kitchen' and how food conversations reveal identity. She talks about her cast iron skillets, including a rusty one she plans to re-season, and shares cooking tips like frying fish or using an inverted skillet on a grill. Norris also plugs her book 'Our Hidden Conversations,' which explores race and identity through six-word stories. The hosts later cover seasoning techniques, with Matthew recommending oil and baking, and debate cleaning methods, emphasizing no soap. They list favorite cast iron dishes, like smash burgers and pan pizza, and address concerns about cooking acidic foods. The episode closes with Matthew's 'now, but wow' recommendation of Christian Cooper's birding book.

As heard by us

A loose skillet chat that favors banter, memory, and a little practical drift.

Spilled Milk keeps cast iron talk loose and personal, letting Matthew and Molly wander through seasoning, washing, and the odd rules people build around a skillet.

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Why you'd press play

Cast iron, kitchen memory, and Michelle Norris meet in a loose conversation worth your dinner cleanup time.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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