Griddles (aka planchas and flat-tops) are soaring in popularity, and Project Griddle-from Steven Raichlen, America's bestselling grilling authority-is an essential guide for everyone who owns them.

Prized for their accessibility and versatility-and because they're so much fun to use-griddles (also known as planchas and flat-tops) are soaring in popularity. Project Griddle features the trademark Raichlen approach that embraces history, geography, and anthropology, with plenty of practical cooking techniques and nearly 80 hunger-inducing recipes. It traces the history and geography of griddling, from the teppan of Japan to the plancha of Spain to champa grilling in South America. A gear chapter showcases the various types of stand-up and portable flattops and planchas, plus the requisite accessories, how to season and maintain a griddle, how to oil and cook on it, with chefs' shortcuts, and some pitfalls to watch out for. And then there are the recipes-each one as outrageously delicious and foolproof as the last, for classics like the crispiest smash burgers and tapas bar shrimp to an entire suite of heretofore un-grillable foods-egg-and-bacon breakfast feasts, potato latkes, crepes, French toast, and smoky fried rice. It's Project Smoke for griddles-and don't think of buying one without its guidance.