what is a good brand for a cast iron skillet?

I'm not sure what store you were shopping at, but try a camping supply store or even a large feed and tack store like Tractor Supply Co. . They usually sell Cast Iron cookery that is smooth and "ready to go". You may also try yard sales, you can find cast iron that is already seasoned and have a great patina.
Maybe it is due to where I live (alot of camp cooking done in the west), but I have never found cast iron with a rough cooking surface. When you say rough, are you talking sand paper rough?
I have heard that some people have to use a mixture of salt and oil to scrub the cooking surface of their cast iron when they first buy it....maybe this is to help smooth the surface?

Here is a site I found that might give you some more info?
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Infor...stIronPans.htm

__________________
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.

Some of the basic things we tend to overlook with Cast Iron is where the basic ore comes from. Due to political upheavals and other problems in many countries, we can not get the superiour ore from them like we used to, for the manufacture of good cast iron.

Also, after 1940 or so, both Griswold and Wagner were no longer controlled by family but instead went to others and the quality of these once reverred products suffered.

I would also like to caution about putting your valuable cast iron right in any type of fire to clean or season. Many lose their pieces by doing this. They sometimes crack and warp. You don't need to risk them..we have modern ovens now with even heat. Uneven heat is the enemy of cast iron along with rapid cooling. Very bad! :no: The Spanish found that out while at war with England. It cost them the war.

There are dozens of good websites at your finger tips on the use, care and seasoning of cast iron. Just hit GOOGLE and have a great time.

Pineapple Up-Side Down Cake in a dutch oven. Yummy!

LQ

__________________
" Live in the Sunshine,
Swim the Sea,
Drink the Wild Air"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing." D. Duck

I love my Griswold, Piqua ware, Wapak, and one special unnamed one my Aunt gave me. Doesn't have to have a name on it to be a old pan, just shop in antique stores, and thrift stores, and you will find them. Real smooth on the inside, just shop and you'll see a big differience. The most used one in our house is a #6 skillet, chrome on the outside{paid $6.00}, and then the #5 Oval Roaster with the lid and trivet{got that for free!!!} I also use my #9 dutch oven about as much as the Oval. My hubby bless his heart bought that for me, he paid $50.00 for that with the lid and trivet. It is fun to shop for them, I'm getting to have a large collection of them, and try to use them all. A nice roaster sure makes a great gift.