Restoring a Vintage Cast Iron Roasting Pan

Vintage 12" x 19" cast iron roasting pan after scrubbing and drying.

Last night my husband brought home quite a lovely surprise compliments of our good friends the Linton's.  It seems Mike discovered a bit of treasure he thought I might appreciate and indeed I do!  I have a better than average collection of cast iron cook wear but had never seen a cast iron roasting pan, and it is a dandy!  Measuring 12" x 19" and 3 1/4" deep.  I can see 2-3 hens sitting pretty atop a bed of root vegetables, a beautiful ham, and a turkey, standing rib roast etc. in it's future!

The first step in it's new life with us was to scrub away the debris with a brush, coarse salt, and hot water.  I lined my white porcelain sinks with towels as not to beat them up in the process.

After preheating my oven to 200 degrees F.  I placed the damp roasting pan in the oven and set the timer for 40 minutes to ensure it was well dried before seasoning.  I often dry my cast iron by placing it on the gas burner of my store a few minutes to ensure it is really dry.  JUST DO NOT WALK AWAY IF YOU DO THIS!

Clean, dried, and seasoned, ready to go for years more service.

Upon removing from the warm oven I seasoned well with vegetable oil and wiped well with paper towels.  She is ready to go!  Thank you again to the Linton's.