Megan | Jul 13, 2025

The Neighbor’s Guide to Caring for Your Cast Iron

At Neighbors Mercantile, we believe a good cast iron skillet isn’t just cookware—it’s an heirloom. Whether you’re frying eggs at sunrise or searing a steak on a chilly evening, cast iron delivers that unbeatable flavor and even heat. But like any good neighbor, it needs a little care in return.

Seasoning:

The Secret Sauce Seasoning isn't just for flavor - it's for the natural, non-stick layer that keeps your skillet happy. Start Clean - Wash with hot water and a gentle scrubber. A little soap won't hurt, but avoid the dishwasher. Dry Completely - Moisture is rust's best friend. Towel dry and give it a moment over low heat to chase away any lingering water. Oil it up - Rub a thin layer of cooking oil (flaxseed, grapeseed, or vegetable) all over, inside and out. Bake it in - Place upside down in a 450°F oven for an hour, with foil underneath to catch drips. Let cool in the oven.

Everyday Use Tips

Preheat gently - Cast iron likes to warm up slowly for even cooking.

A little fat goes a long way - Butter, oil, or bacon grease keeps food from sticking and helps your seasoning thrive.

Avoid acid marathons - Tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus are fine in small doses, but long simmers can eat away your seasoning.

Cleaning After Cooking

1. Wipe out crumbs or bits with a spatula or paper towel.

2. For stuck-on spots, pour in a little hot water and scrub with a brush or course salt.

3. Dry completely, re-oil lightly, and store in a dry spot.

Rust Happens

Don't panic - rust is your skillet's way of asking for a little TLC. Scrub it down to bare metal, rinse, dry, and re-season. It'll be back in business.

Why We Love Cast Iron

Lasts for generations when cared for

Works on stove, oven, grill, or campfire

Gets better with every meal you cook in it

Five cast iron skillets on wood table.

So go ahead- cook big breakfasts, bake cornbread, or flip pancakes by the dozen. Your cast iron will be right there with you, gathering memories and flavor along the way.

If you'd like to learn more about where our love for timeless, well-made things comes from, check out our post on the History of Neighbors.

Christmas Toys for Every Age at Neighbors Mercantile

Our Top Real Touch Garlands of the Season

Real touch greenery and garlands have become one of our most-loved holiday categories— and it's easy to see why. Once folks discover how realistic these greens look and feel, it's hard to go back to the shiny, plastic versions from the big-box stores. There's something nostalgic about greenery that looks freshly cut, bringing the feeling of nature and home inside, without the mess or short lifespan of the real thing.

Each year, we select a few garlands to feature as our main options— the ones that feel timeless, realistic, and easy to decorate with in any home. Since we're still growing this part of our business, it can be a bit of a gamble deciding which ones to stock most heavily, but that's part of the fun. We love the process of curating pieces that bring warmth, texture, and a touch of nostalgia to our homes.

And while we always bring in a variety, these three garlands are our top picks for 2025— each one full of realistic greenery, natural texture, and that cozy, at-home feel we all love during the holidays.

Celebrate Fall with Neighbors Mercantile!

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and we're ready to welcome autumn with a lineup of fun, family-friendly events right here in Nappanee! At Neighbors Mercantile, fall is one of our favorite season, and we've got plenty planned to help you soak in all the cozy vibes, community fun, and small-town charm. Here's a sneak peek at what's happening this season:

📌 A Quick Note: Labor Day Hours

We love celebrating holidays with our community, but please note that Neighbors Mercantile will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. We’ll reopen with normal hours following the holiday...just in time for all the fall fun to begin!

Award-Winning Slice of Home: Laramie’s Apple Crumb Pie Recipe

Fall in Nappanee means one thing - APPLES! 🍎 From September 18-20, our town will be bustling with visitors for the Nappanee Apple Festival, a celebration of community, heritage, and of course, all things apple. Here at Neighbors Mercantile, we wanted to join in the fun by sharing a sweet slice of local history.

That slice comes from our very own General Manager, Laramie, who knows a thing or two about baking. Back in high school, she entered the Elkhart County 4-H Fair with an apple pie she perfected alongside her mother, Marla. Spoiler alert: it didn't just turn heads - it won awards!

History of Neighbors

Before Neighbors Mercantile opened its doors, we documented the journey—step by step, dust and all. From the first time we turned the key in the lock, to uncovering the building’s rich history, to naming our shop and finally welcoming our first customers, these blog posts captured the process in real time. Now, we’re sharing those original posts here so you can look back with us and see how Neighbors Mercantile came to life. This is where it all began.

Summer Camping Essentials from Neighbors Mercantile Co.

There’s nothing quite like the magic of summer camping—the fresh air, crackling campfires, starry skies, and the call of adventure. Whether you're heading to the mountains, the lake, or your favorite forest hideaway, having the right gear can make all the difference. At Neighbors Mercantile Co., we’ve got a handpicked selection of camping essentials to keep you comfortable, well-fed, and ready for whatever the trail throws your way. Here are some of our top summer must-haves to pack before your next outdoor getaway.

The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

Handpicked Gifts from Neighbors Mercantile for Every Kind of Dad