Build a circle with rocks about 2 1/2 feet across. Dig out any grass from inside the circle using a shovel. Place some wood inside and build a large fire. Allow the fire to burn down until you have a hot bet of coals.
Coat the outside and bottom of the skillet with a paste mixture of water and powdered soap. This will prevent the smoke from sticking to the sides of the pan.
Place the grate over the fire. Place the skillet next to the fire. Turn the skillet every five to 10 minutes until it is hot. Once hot, move it to the stove.
Cook the food inside the skillet like you regularly would. Add or subtract coals from the fire to change the heat under the grate. Remove the skillet from the heat when finished. Place the skillet close by the stove to allow it to cool slowly.
Wash the soot off of the skillet with hot water and a soft sponge. You can use the same sponge to clean the inside of the skillet.
