. . a damn fine work that's at once a treatise, chronicle, and paean to perhaps the most versatile tool in a cook's arsenal. . . . I promise you, with this book your cast iron skillet will never again leave the top of your stove. It’s that good." —David Leite, publisher of the two-time James Beard Award-winning website Leite’s Culinaria (LCcooks.com) Cast iron skillets are booming in popularity: they're versatile, they're relatively inexpensive, and they don't have the toxic chemicals released by artificial nonstick pans. Though cast iron was the only pan in grandma's kitchen, these 150 recipes are fresh and updated. They range from traditional skillet favorites, like Seared Chicken Hash, Spanish Potato and Sausage Tortilla, and pan-seared steaks and chops, to surprising dishes like cornbread with an Italian spin; quesadillas filled with brie, papaya, and pineapple; and a gingerbread cake topped with fresh pears.

    Carmine's flavors are the tastes Americans love to cook and eat at home--fresh garlic, bubbling tomato sauce, and pasta boiled just to the perfect al dente. Try any of the recipes in Carmine's Family-Style Cookbook and bring home that classic Italian flavor to your family.

    Mark Bitterman is the foremost salt expert and one of the largest importers and retail distributors of Himalayan salt blocks. The precious pink mineral mined from ancient hills in Pakistan’s Punjab province has arrived on the American cooking scene as an exciting and enticing new form of cooking. Himalayan salt blocks are available at specialty retail stores around the world and the market is growing.A precious mineral mined from ancient hills deep in Asia has stormed the American cooking scene. With crystals of rose, garnet, and ice, Himalayan salt blocks offer a vessel for preparing food as stunningly visual as it is staggeringly tasty.Everyone who loves the excitement and pleasure of discovering new cooking techniques will enjoy this guide to cooking and entertaining with salt blocks. The introduction is your salt block owner’s manual, with everything you need to know to purchase, use, and maintain salt blocks with confidence. The chapters that follow divide seventy recipes into six techniques: serving, warming, curing, cooking, chilling, and of course, drinking. You’ll find recipes ranging from a minty watermelon and feta salad to salt-tinged walnut scones, beef fajitas served table-side, salt-cured candied strawberries, and salt-frozen Parmesan ice cream!  “Mark Bitterman knows more about salt than anyone else on the planet. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with those handsome slabs of Himalayan salt you see at cookware shops, Salt Block Cooking will inspire you with wildly innovative uses you’ve never dreamed of, from cocktails to candy, from curing to grilling, and from ceviche to pizza. Along the way, you’ll learn the half-billion-year history of the only food that starts as a rock.” ––Steven Raichlen, author of the Barbecue! Bible series and host of Primal Grill on PBS“Cooking on salt blocks will blow your mind, jump-start your creative process, make your food taste better, delight your friends, and cut down on the time you spend cleaning pots and pans. And what better guide for your new experience than Mark Bitterman, a man who has forgotten more about salt cookery than I will ever learn.” ––Andrew Zimmern, host of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern on the Travel Channel“Salt Block Cooking is an essential guide to working with salt blocks. It opens readers’ eyes to possibilities never imagined before and gives a unique perspective on a completely new and interactive way to cook. Mr. Bitterman has changed the way I cook every day. He made me understand that salt is the most essential part of the seasoning process and is just as important as the ingredient itself. I encourage you to follow Mr. Bitterman’s lead and I promise you will never think about salt in the same way again.” ––Vitaly Paley, chef/owner of Paley's Place Bistro and Bar, Imperial, and Portland Penny Diner; co-author of The Paley's Place Cookbook

    But it doesn't have to be that way. Anybody can prepare a meal that will keep their time in the hot kitchen to a minimal yet without sacrificing on health. This cookbook offers 70 meal ideas that you can prepare in 20 minutes or less. You will find everything from: Chapter One – Appetizers, Snacks and Beverages Start your party with a savory dip and veggies, snack on a tasty wrap, or sip a refreshing beverage. Chapter Two – Breads From delightful pancakes and waffles to tasty biscuits - look for these speedy recipes to begin the morning or round out your evening meal. Chapter Three – Main Dishes Perfectly seasoned meats and chicken, fabulous fish, and satisfying meatless dishes – any one of these hearty entrées can be on the table in 20 minutes of less. Chapter Four – Soups and Sandwiches Need a quick lunch or supper? These creative, flavorful soups and sandwiches are sure to satisfy all ages and the hungriest of appetites. Chapter Five – Salads Venture beyond everyday lettuce to experience our fresh blends of greens, vegetables, or fruit – some with added protein, so they are hearty enough for a meal. Chapter Six – Side Dishes Don’t let sides be an afterthought – turn to these simple, high-flavor vegetables, pastas, and grains for family and company meals. Chapter Seven – Desserts Treat yourself to a refreshing fruit combo, indulge in a rich zabaglione with fresh fruit, or enjoy Amaretto strawberries over angel food cake - whatever you choose, I guarantee satisfaction!

    Since most cooks are short on time, more than half of these recipes can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, and include tips along the way point to additional time-savers and other tricks of the trade. The recipes are arranged by season, to help you take advantage of what's fresh at the market, and are accompanied by photos so you know exactly what you're getting.

    As party invitations pile up in the mailbox, Rebecca Rather is up to her elbows in sticky meringue, creamy chocolate, and a sleigh full of savory treats to meet the entertaining needs of her neighbors.In The Pastry Queen Christmas, Rebecca shares nearly 100 traditional recipes reflecting her made-with-love-from-scratch philosophy and the tastes of small-town Texas. Show-off desserts such as Chocolate Cookie Crusted Eggnog Cheesecake, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Brandy Butterscotch Sauce, and Warm Pear Ginger Upside-Down Cake with Amaretto Whipped Cream are the perfect toppers to a family-style feast of Texas Spice-Rubbed Roast Pork, Baked Apple Pear Chutney, Brown Sugar Bacon, and No-Peeking Popovers. Still hungry the next morning? No problem-this country girl does an impressive breakfast, too: Bite-Sized Sticky Buns, Sweet Potato Scones, Cast-Iron Skillet Potatoes, and Mexican Ranch Chilaquiles ought to fill you up.And if you're still looking for excuses to entertain this season, you'll find ooey-gooey baked goods wrapped up as gifts, homemade craft and décor ideas to make your home sparkle, and holiday-worthy menus guaranteed to make your gathering a Texas-sized success. Tree-trimming, cookie decorating, and Santas running down Main Street . . . Christmastime is here.