Less than two years ago, my parents bought me a cast iron skillet for a house-warming gift.

To this day, the pan gets used several times a week and I’m fortunate to own one.

Cast iron skillets literally last a lifetime if taken care of the right way.

Like a good wine, the skillets get better with age and continuous use.

The best thing I love about my cast iron skillet is that it requires minimal clean up.

Once I am done cooking with the pan, I let it cool and then run warm water over it while scrubbing the inside with a dish brush.

Then, I dry it off and put it back on the stove for the next time I’ll use it, whether for some bacon or for a steak.

My cast iron skillet was made by Lodge Manufacturing. Lodge is located alongside the Cumberland Plateau of the Appalachian Mountains in the town of South Pittsburg, Tenn. The population there is 3,300, according to Lodge’s website.

The company is located in the mountains, a perfect setting for the cast iron skillet, in my opinion.

A while back, I read a story on the cast-iron making process. The company will not give away its secret on how they “season” their skillets. I wish I knew, believe me.

In addition to skillets, Lodge makes Dutch ovens — I’ve had many peach cobblers and they were awesome — pots, casserole dishes, griddles, grill pans and other accessories.

Cleaning a proper care is up for debate. I’ve seen a few ways to clean and care for the skillets, and each way is similar. I prefer taking tips from the source.

If you have a cast iron skillet, here are some cleaning tips from Lodge’s website:

• Wash cast iron by hand with a nylon bristle scrub brush. If needed, use a pan scraper for stuck on bits.

For extra sticky situations, simmer a little water for 1 minute, then use the scraper after cooled.

• Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

• Rub with a very light layer of cooking oil, preferably while the cookware is still warm.

• Hang or store cookware in a dry place.

That’s it, and isn’t it awesome?

Now, if you don’t have a cast iron skillet, I encourage you to go out and purchase one, whether new or old.

They will last you a lifetime.