The book about cast iron I have been looking for! It is very throughly written , including details on maintenance, re-seasoning , collecting and everything in between. There is more than one way to re- season a pan and this walks you through each detail of each option. I highly recommend this book to any collector of cast iron.

If you love cast iron, you will know that one of the major things to owning one is how to clean it. Skillheads is a great book with history, pictures, and recipes. This is a great book for seasoning, restoring, and recovery. This is a great tool for cast iron users, future users, and experienced users.

Cast Iron Heaven!

This is the perfect gift for the cast iron cookware collector or enthusiast. A very in-depth and informative resource guide on how to care for and restore cast iron cookware. Would make an excellent gift for all levels, especially anyone looking to collect. My thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC for me to review and provide my honest opinion.

"Skilletheads" by Ashley L. Jones is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the art of collecting and restoring cast-iron cookware. Building on her previous work, "Modern Cast Iron," Jones takes readers on an even more immersive journey into the world of cast iron. With over 100 full-color photos, this book is a visual delight, providing expert advice on purchasing cast iron, including insights from passionate collectors, and offering side-by-side comparisons of major manufacturers in the US. Jones's dedication to providing in-depth information shines through in her interviews with each company, shedding light on what makes each cast iron unique.

What sets "Skilletheads" apart is its meticulous attention to detail when it comes to restoring cast iron. The book offers a comprehensive guide to various restoration methods, from lye baths and electrolysis tanks to chemical products. It combines the expertise of devoted Skilletheads, ensuring that readers have access to tried-and-true techniques for bringing cast iron back to its former glory. Beyond the practical aspects, Jones also includes a delectable selection of 35 recipes contributed by cast iron aficionados, showcasing the versatility and charm of cooking with these timeless pans.

Ashley L. Jones has created a valuable resource for cast iron enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike. "Skilletheads" not only equips readers with the knowledge to find and restore cast iron but also celebrates the enduring appeal of this classic kitchenware. With its informative content, stunning visuals, and mouth-watering recipes, this book is a delightful exploration of the world of cast iron that will inspire and empower both seasoned collectors and those new to this art form.

5 of 5 stars
Pub Date: 02 May 2023
#netgalley #skilletheads

I read this fact-based story because of the PFAS uproar going on in the United States today. As most people know, cast iron takes a little special care but is well worth it.

Either way, whether you prepare food with or collect this type of cooking utensil, the book is packed with great information.

Thank you Net Galley, Ashley Jones and Red Lightning Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest.

Thanks NetGalley, Darcie Rowan PR, and Red Lightning Books for access to this arc!

5/5 stars!

This is an incredibly informative book, perfect for the person in your life who loves to cook or is wanting to get better at cooking with cast iron. It's easy to understand with great illustrations. I feel like this is going to be a great holiday gift this winter!

Extremely helpful and easy to understand.

So many people are intimidated by cast iron skillets because they require so much love and care. This guide truly makes it feel approachable and reasonable to own and use several of these at a time.

I loved the photographs, but a few more wouldn't have hurt.

My thanks to NetGalley and Darcie Rowan PR for a digital ARC of Skilletheads by Ashley L. Jones, in exchange for my honest review.

I found this book to be concise yet informative. Several years ago, I requested cast iron pans for Christmas. I received three Lodge pans that year and have used them ever since. I was hoping to find some great tips on cast iron care, which the author does include. There is quite a bit about vintage cast iron, as well; which was quite interesting. This is an excellent first resource for a new cast iron collector. I had no idea that there was such a wide fan base for cast iron. It seems many cast iron enthusiasts are out scouring the flea markets and the antique stores for unique finds. We meet some of these enthusiasts within Skilletheads. I enjoyed the snippets about the current cast iron manufacturers, as well. I felt there was more about recovery and restoration inside this book, but I still walked away with a bit of knowledge on seasoning and cleaning my own pans. Several recipes reside in the last portion of Skilletheads and I found those useful as well. However, if you're specifically looking for technique and recipe, you may want to get your hands on a copy of Ashley's other title, Modern Cast Iron

Talk about information overload! Holy cannoli I had no idea! I’m from the South we love our cast iron pans but aside from using and maintaining one, I didn’t know much. I definitely couldn’t bring back a rusted one before this book. Now I want to go looking for the oldest , rustiest one I can find!

Well researched and illustrated book on collecting and restoring cast iron cookware. Tips and tidbits sprinkled throughout the book give additional information. Vintage manufacturers are shown with their marks, along with a separate section on modern manufacturers to assist the reader in identifying the pans in the cupboard. The section on restoring old or rusty pans is comprehensive including specifics on cleaners and re-seasoning. A list with annotations is given of current dealers in vintage cookware, along with contact information and internet resourses. The last chapter is over 60 pages of recipes from manufacturers and collectors using cast iron cookware with the dishes beautifully photographed in color. Recommend for anyone who has cast iron cookware in the kitchen. Thank you to Net Galley for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

✨𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥✨

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 devoted Skilletheads. 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.

𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤!
What a great book. Skilletheads is not only a guide to restore cast-iron skillets, it also comes with fantastic recipes to entertain and gorgeous pictures. Loved it!

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @RedLightningBooks for this tour invite.

𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 by @ashleyljones_author released May 2, 2023.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀?

#skilletheads #ashleyljones #RedLightningBooks #suzyapprovedbooktours #booktour #bookstagrammer #bookinfluencer #cooking #cookbook #booksandcoffeemx

Skilletheads is a guide to everything cast iron! It included information on shopping for vintage cast iron, taking care of your cast iron, the history of cast iron manufacturing and much more. In fact, over half of the book is dedicated to the history of cast iron! The book did include some yummy looking recipes! I’m really excited to try the Ratatouille recipe! If you’re looking for a much deeper dive into cast iron, then this one is definitely for you!

I learned a ton from this book. This book is the insider info on buying and restoring cast iron. It also lists manufacturing companies that have made and are currently making cast iron. As I read this one, I felt like I was in a secret cast iron society and now I’m inspired to find at least one cast iron piece from a yard sale or thrift shop.

My favorite part of this book is the recipes. I’ve got my cast iron ready to make the twice-baked potato casserole and bacon caramelized Brussel sprouts!

I came across this by accident, but I have a few pieces of cast iron, so I decided to check it out. But wow! This is definitely a deep dive into the nerdy world of cast iron, and now I’m intrigued.

I don’t collect cast iron, or refurbish rusty old pieces. And this book is definitely geared for that crowd. It talks about the different companies that produced cast iron over the years, how to identify them and how best to restore them. There is lots of information on refurbishment, which I really wanted to read about. This also covered resources and individuals/companies that refurbish for you or provide information how to do it yourself. And then I was pleasantly surprised to find recipes in the back.

I can’t see many people reading this unless you have cast iron or are just a nerd about the history of cast iron. But I enjoyed the read. It was weirdly just a ton of fun. Thank you to NetGalley and Red Lighting Books for the advanced copy. This is my honest review.

I loved learning about the history around Skillets and the factories that made them. As of right now I do not plan on finding and restoring old skillets, but I enjoyed reading about the different ways to do so and the things to look out for if my plans change. I never knew all the ways that you can season a pan or the steps involved. My favorite parts were getting to know the current skillet heads and all their advice for people who are new to this form of cooking. I now have a better understanding on how to care for my skillet and I can not wait to try all the recipes included. With tons of pictures and fun facts this is a book you can read sections out of order depending on your need at the time. It is easy to navigate and follow.

Thank you @ashleyljones_author @netgalley and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

After having read Modern Cast Iron, I was really interested in continuing this journey. It really is fascinating that you can find and restore cast iron!

Skilletheads by Ashley L. Jones is NonFiction and is a Guide to Collecting, care, use, and Restoring Cast-Iron Cookware. When I saw the title I was immediately intrigued. Are there really people who love iron skillets like I do? Wow! Apparently there are people who actually collect them. While I’m not a collector, I admit to having a few too many iron skillets. I’m not sure I could cook without my iron skillets. Skilletheads is a book for everyone who loves to cook, collectors, antique lovers, history lovers, cast iron reference, and people like me who only cook with cast iron. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

I have to be honest and say I’ve only recently starting using cast iron cookware! My husband has two that he uses regularly and loves so I’ve been experimenting with his. Skilletheads is the perfect book to help me get more comfortable using it!

Ashley covers how to buy the best cast iron cookware for your needs and how to best clean and care for cast iron cookware. She has included beautiful photos and several diagrams about the different products for your specific needs. There’s even a section on collecting and caring for vintage cast iron! She talks about the different companies and gives a little background.

Additionally, Ashley includes 35 incredible recipes to try, which is perfect for me! I have my eye on the skillet s’mores, the twice baked potato casserole, and the Southwestern flat iron steak skillet dish! 🥩

Thank you so much @suzyapprovedbooktours @ashleyljones_author and @redlightningbooks for my beautiful gifted copy.

This book is a great resource for the specific audience of those who collect and/or restore cast iron. There are in-depth profiles on various cast iron manufacturers and what to look for when buying vintage pans. There is a lot of info on different methods for restoring. Then the last 25% or so of the book is "recipes contributed by the Skilletheads [the author] interviewed." The majority have a photo. Some use specific pans (i.e. shapes - she says you can use whatever you have on hand). The recipes do seem to be in a logical order, but there are no subdivisions within the recipe section. Because the recipes were contributed and are credited mostly to pan manufacturers, I don't know that the author tested them, they may just be reprinted, so again I feel this is more of a reference book for collecting and restoring rather than a cookbook.

If you already love using cast iron or just a beginner this book will teach you all about the history of cast iron. What to look for buying pans, how to season and restore. There are beautiful photos all through the book and there are recipes that are easy to follow. I never had a clue about most of the things in this book. Now I know. My grandmother always used cast iron. I really enjoyed learning all about cast iron made in the USA. Such a useful and wise book to have.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY