The sound of meat searing against a hot cast iron pan is exceptionally gratifying. It starts with a distinct hiss and then transforms into the sound of applause. It's the sound I'm listening for when cooking a steak, crisping up chicken, or searing a roast before it goes into an oven for Sunday dinner. The cast-iron pan will heat evenly and help you bring the best out of your proteins if done correctly. Cast-iron cookware is also quite versatile. It's great for making pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, bacon and eggs, and even desserts. I'll even use my cast-iron dutch oven for baking a loaf of bread, and I'm always happy with the results. I also own a small cast-iron hibachi-style grill to use when I'm grilling outside. There is nothing like cooking over hot coals on a relaxing Saturday afternoon. While these heavy tools are very simple, they require a bit of practice, and you need to pay attention while you're cooking with them. But, eventually, your instincts develop, and cooking with cast iron becomes second nature. These old-fashioned tools are a regular part of our family life.

I love what the brand Lodge Cast Iron says about their products, "We don't just make cookware-we make memories that last for generations."

If you take good care of your cast iron, there's a good chance the cookware will outlive you. If my children want them, they will be able to inherit them and use them in their kitchens.

I also see cookware as a symbol of hospitality and service. I believe those are values worth passing on to the next generation. But, just like cast-iron needs to be cleaned and seasoned regularly, foundational values, like service and humility, require practice. I'm not the best at this, but I do try. Of all the things I leave for my kids, I hope I leave values that build community.

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