The Southern Cast Iron Cookbook & the Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet – A Perfect Match

The Southern Cast Iron Cookbook: Comforting Family Recipes to Enjoy and Share by Elena Rosemond-Hoerr reflects the past and future of Southern Cooking. The author shares her heirloom recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. 

What’s included in this title:

  • 100 Southern recipes for staples and new classics along with beloved family stories of real Southern living.
  • Handy labels specify which type of cast iron the recipe calls for and all recipes require only a small assortment of cast iron cookware.
  • Time-tested tips for getting the most out of your cast iron, new or vintage, as well as instructions for cast iron restoration

From Fried green tomatoes to Skillet corn bread, The Southern Cast Iron Cookbook honors the story of Southern cooking right along with the Southern cook’s most prized kitchen possession – the cast iron skillet.

A few weeks ago, I made the Peanut butter brownies for my son. They were easy to throw together but very rich, so a small slice will satisfy. Next time I make them, I may add a thicker layer of peanut butter filling and use crunch peanut butter instead as well as add a peanut butter glaze on top to cut through the richness of the all the cocoa. The recipe states it makes 4 to 6 servings, but I was able to get 12 slices that were more than adequate for a dessert or treat unless you are a chocolate fiend. 

Special thanks to Rockridge Press for offering one copy of The Southern Cast Iron Cookbook in our contest below. One of the options for an extra entry in the contest is to visit Rockridge Press on Facebook – let’s show our publishers some love. 

Let’s talk about the gorgeous skillet to the left – it’s a Stargazer. I have a fair number of cast iron skillets, but this is my new favorite. Stargazer is lighter, cleans up incredibly well and is beautiful to boot. Even the bottom of the pan is gorgeous; should you wish to hang your cast iron on the wall as all the home improvement shows are doing now.

Stargazer Cast Iron was founded in 2015 by three old friends with a shared vision: creating the best cast iron cookware around and while they are the new kid on the block – they have impressed me.

How did these three friends start making cast iron skillets?  I’m sharing this history directly from the Stargazer site: “It started with an obsession. Peter Huntley, professional designer and hobby cook, went searching for the perfect skillet and came up empty-handed. Dissatisfied with the options on the market, he turned to vintage cookware to find the quality he was looking for. After nearly a year of collecting, restoring, and cooking with vintage cast iron, he saw the untapped potential and decided it was time for something new. He created a unique cast iron skillet from the ground up: reimagined, redesigned, and revitalized. Huntley enlisted the help of two friends to bring the vision to life and Stargazer Cast Iron was born.

This pan will last a lifetime and I foresee my son cooking and baking in the same pan in the future should he decide that cooking isn’t women’s work. Yes, he’s going through a phase but he’s only thirteen – I’ll fix that – there is time.

Stargazer is offering one of their brilliant skillets to one of our members in our contest below – open to US members only. Special thanks to Stargazer for sending me their product to test and fall in love with. Two of the options for extra entries include visiting Stargazer on Instagram and Facebook – show them some love. 

Peanut butter brownies
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Serves 4 to 6 / Prep time: 20 minutes / Cook time: 30 minutes
Cast iron: 10-inch skillet

A classic brownie recipe is an important part of every cook’s repertoire, and a base recipe opens up the opportunity for endless variations. Dan’s particular favorite is a chocolate peanut butter brownie, where the brownie batter is divided in half and a generous layer of peanut butter is spread between the layers. We find they are best served fresh out of the oven with a generous spoonful of peanut butter gelato.

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 cup peanut butter

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together the butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

3. Stir in the buttermilk.

4. In another bowl, gently whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and baking soda. Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture.

5. Spoon half of the batter into the skillet and spread it out evenly. Top with the peanut butter and spread it evenly. Then pour the remaining batter, spreading it in an even layer.

6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Variation tip: Instead of peanut butter, mix 1 cup of chocolate chunks into the batter for double chocolate brownies.

The publisher is offering one copy of this cookbook and Stargazer is offering one of their brilliant cast iron skillets to EYB Members in the US. One of the entry options is to answer the following question in the comments section of this blog post.

Which recipe in the index would you try first?

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won’t be counted. For more information on this process, please see our step-by-step help post. Be sure to check your spam filters to receive our email notifications. Prizes can take up to 6 weeks to arrive from the publishers. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends at midnight on May 14th, 2018.

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104 Comments

  • jluvs2bake  on  April 2, 2018

    Mmmm, yeasted apple cider donuts!!! <3

  • Rosesrpink50  on  April 2, 2018

    Dutch baby pancake with strawberries and honey! Yum!

  • Marcia1206  on  April 2, 2018

    I’d make the skillet cornbread. I Love cornbread

  • rchesser  on  April 2, 2018

    Fig and lemon spiral rolls!

  • Amdona  on  April 2, 2018

    Chocolate buttermilk stout pancakes 🥞
    Anything with buttermilk is good.

  • Karen.2018  on  April 2, 2018

    Spinach, feta and cremini quiche!

  • Bonniem  on  April 2, 2018

    Parmesan pretzel rolls sound amazing!

  • ebs  on  April 2, 2018

    Potato and rosemary frittata, but it all looks so good!

  • jmay42066  on  April 2, 2018

    Gumbo!

  • Angryyew  on  April 2, 2018

    skillet cornbread

  • Scotsman61  on  April 2, 2018

    Chocolate buttermilk stout pancakes (I'd use Guinness as the Stout)

  • lauriesk  on  April 2, 2018

    I would try the Dutch baby pancake with strawberries and honey.

  • Mariarosa  on  April 2, 2018

    Drop biscuits!

  • monasli  on  April 3, 2018

    Candied bacon!

  • IslandgirlOK  on  April 3, 2018

    It all looks great, but since I have to pick just one, I would make the Spinach, Feta, and Cremini Mushroom Quiche.

  • contest718  on  April 3, 2018

    Beignets & Monkey bread

  • Uhmandanicole  on  April 3, 2018

    Fried grits with country ham and red eye gravy

  • starrie143  on  April 3, 2018

    Apple Cider Donuts!

  • nadiam1000  on  April 3, 2018

    fig and lemon spiral rolls

  • lgroom  on  April 3, 2018

    Apple cider donuts!

  • JRumi  on  April 3, 2018

    Cinnamon streusel coffee cake

  • vickster  on  April 3, 2018

    Sausage and Cheddar breakfast casserole

  • HeatherLynn  on  April 3, 2018

    My family would love the Build-your-own griddle pizza!

  • AngelNewsi  on  April 3, 2018

    White cheddar Irish soda bread

  • Kitty_and_Whit  on  April 3, 2018

    Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon jam, for sure.

  • sipa  on  April 3, 2018

    Yeasted apple cider donuts

  • MeganGarcia  on  April 3, 2018

    Omg gumbo

  • Globegal  on  April 3, 2018

    Skillet Corn Bread

  • marymc  on  April 3, 2018

    Peanut butter brownies sound amazing!

  • marymc  on  April 3, 2018

    Peanut butter brownies sound amazing!

  • Lmocooks  on  April 3, 2018

    Fried Green Tomatoes

  • ktwalla  on  April 3, 2018

    Sweet Potato Chipotle Bowls

  • mph993  on  April 3, 2018

    Cheesy red potato and garlic scape hash – 'tis the season!

  • southerncooker  on  April 3, 2018

    Sweet potato and chipotle bowls

  • kmn4  on  April 3, 2018

    Sausage with sweet potato and leeks

  • sarahawker  on  April 3, 2018

    Biscuit-topped chicken potpie

  • DarcyVaughn  on  April 3, 2018

    fig and lemon spiral rolls

  • RoseMGenuine  on  April 3, 2018

    Cast iron macaroni and cheese! Sign me up.

  • matag  on  April 3, 2018

    Gumbo

  • annmartina  on  April 4, 2018

    Dutch oven Brunswick stew

  • FireRunner2379  on  April 4, 2018

    Count me in on the Candied bacon and Fried apples!

  • ravensfan  on  April 4, 2018

    Sweet potato and chipotle bowls

  • sgp  on  April 4, 2018

    Chocolate buttermilk stout pancakes

  • AnneOther  on  April 4, 2018

    First, I would make the spatchcocked chicken, something I've been wanting to try. Then I would make everything else. Ha!

  • lpatterson412  on  April 4, 2018

    Yeasted apple cider donuts!!!

  • tcjanes  on  April 4, 2018

    Gouda grits.

  • EmilyR  on  April 5, 2018

    fig and lemon spiral rolls

  • laureljean  on  April 5, 2018

    Potato and rosemary frittata

  • lovelily1001  on  April 5, 2018

    tarheel pie—- my daughter's a UNC graduate, I have to go with that! great recipes abound though!

  • infotrop  on  April 7, 2018

    Shrimp, scallops and corn with zucchini noodles and avocado crema, all my favorite things

  • Nancith  on  April 7, 2018

    Sourdough French toast with baked pears would be a great way to start the day!

  • RSW  on  April 8, 2018

    Sausage and cheddar breakfast casserole

  • clairew137  on  April 8, 2018

    Parmesan pretzel rolls

  • sequoia55  on  April 8, 2018

    Cinnamon streusel coffee cake

  • sgump  on  April 8, 2018

    It must be the skillet corn bread!

  • mpdeb98  on  April 8, 2018

    Fig and lemon spiral rolls

  • SheilaS  on  April 8, 2018

    White cheddar Irish soda bread!

  • LaurenE  on  April 9, 2018

    Spinach, feta and cremini quiche

  • dmass  on  April 9, 2018

    Biscuit topped chicken pot pie

  • Vintage_Kitschen  on  April 9, 2018

    I definitely want to try the Build your own skillet pizza!

  • ket06e  on  April 10, 2018

    Iced blueberry biscuits sound amazing!

  • amylou61  on  April 11, 2018

    I'd try the Sausage and cheddar breakfast casserole. Sounds yummy!

  • Teruska  on  April 13, 2018

    O.M.G. This is really hard. But, I think the front runner is currently the Seafood Stew with some homemade sausage as one of the ingredients. Oh yeah!

  • AnnaZed  on  April 14, 2018

    Dutch baby pancake with strawberries and honey

  • thecharlah  on  April 15, 2018

    Rosemary and garlic dinner rolls

  • NaomiH  on  April 16, 2018

    Fried grits with country ham and red eye gravy

  • robynsanyal  on  April 18, 2018

    Candied bacon for sure!

  • t.t  on  April 20, 2018

    Beignets

  • Siegal  on  April 24, 2018

    I want to make candied bacon

  • orwuhfoukdy  on  April 25, 2018

    The Peanut Butter Brownie with peanut butter gelato sounds delish.

  • love2chow  on  April 25, 2018

    Summer shrimp and grits: roasted tomato and browned butter (page 100)

  • KarenDel  on  April 25, 2018

    I'd try the Spinach, feta and cremini quiche

  • ktpotat  on  April 25, 2018

    beignets

  • LABeachGal  on  April 25, 2018

    The Peanut Butter Brownie would be the first recipe I'd try!

  • threefourpfeif  on  April 25, 2018

    Chocolate buttermilk stout pancakes sound great

  • msblazes  on  April 25, 2018

    Sweet potato and chipotle bowls!

  • Jmischlersw  on  April 26, 2018

    Apple cider donuts

  • PeavineBlues  on  April 26, 2018

    Pan-fried breaded fish

  • dusksunset  on  April 26, 2018

    Skillet Cornbread

  • fbrunetti  on  April 26, 2018

    Fried grits with country ham and red eye gravy

  • sallansd  on  April 27, 2018

    Sausage and cheddar breakfast casserole

  • VeryVigario  on  April 27, 2018

    Rosemary and garlic dinner rolls- sound delicious!

  • Katiefayhutson  on  April 27, 2018

    Potato and rosemary frittata

  • juazella  on  April 27, 2018

    Spinach, feta and cremini quiche

  • Haunani  on  April 28, 2018

    Candied Bacon

  • Julia  on  April 28, 2018

    Chocolate buttermilk stout pancakes

  • MiMi60  on  April 28, 2018

    Yeasted apple cider donuts

  • sfgirluk  on  April 30, 2018

    Sourdough french toast. Two of my great loves.

  • motherofpearl81  on  May 1, 2018

    Rosemary and garlic dinner rolls

  • sdg8trgrl  on  May 1, 2018

    Tar Heel pie

  • orchidlady01  on  May 3, 2018

    Sausage and cheddar breakfast casserole

  • jezpurr  on  May 5, 2018

    Pumpkin bread pudding!!!^_^

  • rosalee  on  May 5, 2018

    I love a good quiche and this spinach, feta, and cremini one sounds like no exception!

  • jenlhawes  on  May 6, 2018

    The chocolate buttermilk stout pancakes sound divine!

  • Shelley.b  on  May 6, 2018

    Apple cider donuts

  • outsidereader  on  May 7, 2018

    I would love to try the Dutch baby pancake with strawberries and honey.

  • auntietina  on  May 9, 2018

    Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon jam

  • laffersk  on  May 9, 2018

    London broil with chimichurri sauce

  • amferrer  on  May 10, 2018

    peanut butter brownies

  • rusthawk  on  May 10, 2018

    Lots of appealing recipes! I'd like to try the Spinach, feta and cremini quiche.

  • artthecat  on  May 13, 2018

    Sweet potato and chipotle bowls

  • catmommy9  on  May 13, 2018

    Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon jam

  • bamato  on  May 13, 2018

    Apple & gouda skillet pies

  • smartie101  on  May 14, 2018

    skillet cornbread

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