Can an old rosette “iron” that’s starting to stick be reconditioned

cast-irondeep-frying

My Mom's chruściki (rozetki) iron is about 50 years old. The batter is sticking to it and doesn't release easily now. How can I recondition it?

I picked up a new one (aluminum!) but it’s not the same. I’d like to get the old one working again. It weighs 39 grams, compared to the new one’s 24. Since the new one is thinner, 50% makes sense for the difference in mass, with them being the same density.

I think the old one needs to be cleaned, since it’s discolored on the sides. The new one worked out of the box. So what can remove the staining?

I had assumed that it was cast iron, but comparing the weight against the new one, I'm not sure. I suspect it’s aluminum too.

Best Answer

I am going to assume that your chrusciki is cast iron. I have been collecting and using vintage cast iron for 30 plus years and use the following method for reconditioning pieces which have lost their seasoned finish. Your irons must be able to separate from their handles, unless the entire piece is cast iron.

  1. Separate all non-cast iron pieces from the cast iron pieces.
  2. If there are crusty bits stuck to the cast iron remove these. I use a variety of methods including fire, scraping, and soaking in a hot water bath for 15 minutes or so. Soapy water is only okay before skillet is seasoned, never after. Keep the cast iron off porous surfaces during the soak as rust may form and be difficult to remove from them
  3. Dry cast iron pieces and apply heavy coat of fresh cooking oil to entire piece.
  4. Bake on a foil covered cookie sheet in a hot oven (350-375) for up to 1 hour.
  5. Let cool, pieces may be sticky and this is normal.
  6. Store on wax paper until first use.
  7. Use as recipe suggests. Clean up irons using hot water only and a cloth of some type.
  8. To keep seasoned, dry after cleaning, wipe with a paper towel dipped into fresh cooking oil, store away from moisture. Pieces don't need to be dripping with oil, just lightly covered completely. Can repeat steps 3-6 once yearly.
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