The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook refers to the iron skillet as the "best pan in your kitchen" and I would have to agree. The preface of this book includes information on how to buy, care for, and most importantly, how to season your cast iron skillet. Seasoning is a critical step before cooking so I was happy to see this information. Some of us are lucky enough to have iron skillets that have been passed down through the generations, but a new iron skillet will work (almost) as good.
I'd seen many of the recipes in this book before. Growing up in the south means I'm no stranger to an iron skillet. We love to cook cornbread and many other dishes in our black skillets. What I've never done before is use my skillet to prepare a dessert, and this cookbook has a whole section of desserts in it. Well call me a pig and color me purple, that section is awesome! Skillet baked apples with caramel sauce? Oh, my.
I can't wait to make some. I should mention that this cookbook has a great resource page that tells places you may buy cast iron or even some of the ingredients used in the recipes. Now back to that dessert section- yum! Definitely a great read for any 'seasoned' or new cast iron chef.
Columnist Pamela Robinson: Pamela is an author and reviewer.
