Don't you dare toss your cast iron pan in the dishwasher! This baby requires a simple, hands-on approach. (Getty Images) Cast iron pans are a chef's not-so-secret weapon. They're a go-to for cooking ...

For me, it’s my fire-engine red 12-inch Le Creuset cast-iron skillet. Since I acquired this powerhouse pan, it’s helped me whip up veggie-packed frittatas, pan-seared scallops, homemade rolls and ...