Will it skillet? 53 irresistible and unexpected recipes to make in a cast-iron skillet

Cast-iron skillets, ubiquitous in America's frontier kitchens, began to disappear around the middle of the twentieth century, replaced by aluminum and stainless steel. Lately, this simple and humble frying pan has roared back to popularity. Despite its weight, a cast-iron pan has innumerable advantages for the cook. Once a skillet has been seasoned properly, its surface can be virtually nonstick. Cleaning is a snap so long as one resists the urge ever to use soap and learns to apply the tiniest bit of oil before storing. To use the skillet to best advantage, Shumski presents dozens of diverse recipes. The blisteringly high heat cast iron achieves renders it ideal for perfectly searing a good steak. Risotto and paella cook to toothsome elegance. Vegetable lasagna turns out well, thanks to no-boil noodles. The busy cook can even produce brownies directly in the skillet without resorting to other appliances. A good supplementary purchase for most cookbook collections.--Knoblauch, Mark Copyright 2017 Booklist

Shumski's follow-up to 2014's Will It Waffle replicates its one-tool approach, right down to the recipe count. Though home cooks are likely already using their skillets to prepare dishes such as seared steaks and grilled cheese sandwiches, Shumski offers novel takes for unexpected fare such as parmesan tuiles; a spinach and feta dip; ricotta, spinach, and mushroom lasagna; and even chicken pot pie. He shows readers how to get the most out of their skillets, with instructions on basic care, seasoning, and cleaning, and illustrates how skillets can amplify the flavors of spices by toasting them. Though some dishes seem to be included solely to boost recipe count-such as waffle bread pudding, which employs frozen waffles as its centerpiece-the majority of the fare here is practical and doable for even the most inexperienced, and the book would make a fine accompaniment to a gift of a skillet for a novice cook. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.