Skilletheads by Ashley L. Jones

Skilletheads

by Ashley L. Jones

Part science and part personal preference, collecting and restoring cast-iron cookware is a complex art. For instance, what makes each company's cast iron unique? Do chemicals used during restoration leech into food? When it comes to surface finish, is textured or smooth better?

In Skilletheads, the highly anticipated follow-up to Modern Cast Iron, Ashley L. Jones dives deeper than ever into the world of cast iron. In these pages, which feature over 100 full-color photos, you'll find expert advice on purchasing cast iron from some of the most active collectors in the field today; side-by-side comparisons of the major manufacturers in the US and interviews with each company; and detailed how-to guides for restoring cast iron, including such methods as lye baths, electrolysis tanks, and chemical products, all compiled with input from restorers and a chemist. And because no book on cast iron is complete without a little cooking, Jones includes 35 mouth-watering recipes contributed by foodies who know cast iron best—everything from Sunday Frittata to Braised Chicken to Skillet S'mores.

Whether you're interested in finding the perfect pan for your kitchen or starting a new hobby restoring cast iron, Skilletheads is here to help.

Reviewed by annieb123 on

5 of 5 stars

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Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Skilletheads is a stunningly well wrought resource, care & collecting guide, and passionate love letter to noble cast-iron cookware by Ashley L. Jones. Due out 2nd May 2023 from Red Lightning Books, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

I grew up in southern Appalachia and was surrounded by cast iron cookware and culture from my infancy. I still have my maternal grandmother's cookware which *she* inherited from *her* grandmother. It's still in near-daily use and shows no real signs of wear from the last 100+ years of hard work. It's not particularly valuable (probably most used is an old 12" skillet made by Lodge) but they're prized possessions and mean the world to me. 

The author of this book gets it. It's full of beautifully photographed and documented cast iron pieces of all sizes, shapes, and functions. There are sections for history (accessibly written and interesting and not just piles of facts and tables to wade through). There are well written chapters for collecting (and using) vintage -and- modern cookware, as well as the best overall guide I've ever seen for evaluating and restoring cast iron. 

The author does a warm and friendly job of introducing readers to the worldwide fellowship of lovers (fanatics?) of all things cast iron, and there are numerous resources to get help or come into contact with like minded collectors. The resources and links lists and recipes are worth the price of the book by themselves.

Five stars. This would be a great selection for public library acquisition, homestead/home library, cooks, gift giving, as well as for maker's groups, thrifters/resellers/antique hunters. Really really good stuff.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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Reading updates

  • 9 April, 2023: Started reading
  • 9 April, 2023: Finished reading
  • 9 April, 2023: Reviewed