Modern Cast Iron: The Complete Guide to Selecting, Seasoning, Cooking, and More

Jones, the Big Sister Knows blogger, shares the joys of cast-iron cooking in this solid debut. In a volume that serves as a buyer’s guide best suited for those who are new to cast-iron cookery, Jones collects 50 recipes with an emphasis on Southern classics. Jones explains that cast iron dates back to China in the fifth century B.C.E., then leans on the work of America’s Test Kitchen to recommend the best contemporary brands. She explores the various types of cookware, from cornbread pans to dutch ovens, and includes tips on seasoning and cleaning pans, as well as choosing the best cooking oils for frying, searing, or baking. Among the many down-home treats are mayonnaise biscuits and corn pone; bean and sausage soup simmered in a Dutch oven; and a simple meatloaf cooked in a skillet. Tex-Mex standards like fajitas and layered nachos offer a change of pace, as do the crispy coconut chicken tenders, a fried chicken alternative that is baked and gets its crunch from a coating of shredded, unsweetened coconut. This easy-to-digest reference will be a boon to home cooks new to cast iron cooking. (Apr.)