The Happiest Cook

Step-By-Step Recipe Magic

appiest

ook

Let’s Get Cooking!

Youtube Shortcut!

Hey everybody. My name is Kim, and I am the Happiest Cook!

We’re coming to you from our home - Crystal Mountain Ranch, here in SW Virginia. It's 10 acres of rural country in the mountains with the most amazing views! it’s home and we love it! My husband is Mike, producer, camera guy, and resident writer.

My desire is to cook a wide variety of recipes from across the US and the world. And, on our YouTube channel I will take you step-by-step through the cooking process. I love video artistry but my passion is cooking so our channel is less sizzle and flash and more “real cooking”- something you can use for the rest of your life! I have over 100 years of family recipes and will use them to the max.

And like I always say, let's get cooking!

Cast Iron Cooking

Seasoning your pan

Click for direct access to

CAST IRON COOKING

on THC YouTube!

All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, it is highly recommended you use vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil.

Traditionally, lard was used to season cast iron, and while that is still okay, we do not recommend it unless you frequently use your cookware. If the cookware is stored for too long, lard and other animal-based fats can go rancid.

Using flaxseed oil to season cast iron pans is a growing trend. Flaxseed oil has a very low smoke point—at just 225 degrees F—which means it's quick to polymerize into a layer of seasoning. But, it can be quite expensive and difficult to find. It also has a strong smell to it.

Whichever oil you choose, it’s important to make sure you heat up your pan to that oil's smoke point. When the oil hits that smoke point, a chemical reaction called polymerization occurs, bonding the oil to your pan to create a layer of natural seasoning.

OILS & FATS

Essentials for Cooking

My kitchen philosophy - my kitchen!

About Me

Small Appliances

I’ve cooked forever, feeding thousands!
I love to learn new techniques & recipes.
We have a garden for veggies & herbs.
I am keeper of a cookbook with over 100 years of family cooking
I love to cook & write - a good combo!
Cook with generally simple things
I’m not rich - I watch the food budget.
We have five rescue dogs, and 1 rescue cat to “herd”.
I love living in the country and enjoy nature.

Food Processor
Blender
Microwave
Mixer
Slow Cooker
Mixer - a stand mixer if you bake a lot or a hand mixer for beating egg whites, or making whipped cream.

Sharp, all-purpose knives
Cutting Boards (various sizes)
Baking Sheet/Pans
Measuring Cups/Spoons
Immersion Blender
Vegetable Peeler
Can Opener
Coarse Grater + Microplane
Nesting Bowls/Very Small Bowls
Cooking Utensils
Colander
Dish Towels + Pot Holders + Oven Mitts

Navigating Our Map

Virginia

New Videos

New Videos & Community Polls,

Quizzes & more!

The

Happiest Cook

Social Media & All Things Kitchen

Detailed Recipes & Videos

You are HERE!

www.thehappiestcook.com

STAY CONNECTED - join us on Facebook, YouTube and our Blog!

Mike and I have been having fun together since 2015! We invite you to join the fun we have in the kitchen, cooking some great food. Come by often! Drop us an email, we'd love to hear from you!

Email: TheHappiestCook.icloud.com