Cooking with a Black Skillet

SO, what do you think about cast iron black skillets ?
I've done a fair amount of cooking over an open fire in my life. Maybe thats where my roots come from when it comes to choosing a skillet. I love a good well worn cast iron black skillet. To me foods just taste better cooked in them. My grandmothers used them exclusively and my mom did and still does.
When I cook at home on the stovetop I still choose a black skillet. You can cook about anything in them. You can put the lid on them and simmer for hours for some unique dishes.
Some people dont like the clean up thats associated with them......but, if you season one in right, they are actually a pretty quick clean.
If you have to purchase a new cast iron skillet, then you will want to season it in properly. You will need to oil it down, inside and out. I like olive oil as it takes pretty high heat. Put it on the oven rack and let it season for several hours at around 350 degrees. Upon taking it out, wipe it clean and recoat with a light dressing of oil. Season the lid the same way. If you think it didnt season enough, then repeat the process. Another way, if you have an open fire, is to oil it down and hang it over a wood fire. I think that the smoke from a wood fire helps season it too. The blacker the skillet gets, the better it cooks.
When I am batching it at home, I can acturally survive pretty well with one black skillet. Cook in it, and eat out of it over the sink......store the leftovers in it in the fridge.........heck, no dishes to wash !
You can use a black skillet on about any type of cooking surface or an open fire. For a stove top i prefer a gas stove........i like to see my fire !
One of my favorite ways to cook a tasty meat meal is to brown meat quickly, then add a splash of water, cover with lid and steam for a few minutes.........tapper down the heat to low, and then add a zesty type of sauce........and simmer for about an hour. The meat will be fork tender. Try this with sweet/sour pork........add some pinapple and sweet/sour sauce during the sauce stage and you WILL be delighted.