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.

Steven Raichlen is the author of the New York Times bestselling Barbecue! Bible® cookbook series, which includes the new Brisket Chronicles; Project Fire; Barbecue Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades; Project Smoke; The Barbecue Bible; and How to Grill. Winners of 5 James Beard awards and 3 IACP awards, his books have been translated into 17 languages. His TV shows include the public television series Steven Raichlen's Project Fire, Project Smoke; Primal Grill; and Barbecue University; the French language series Le Maitre du Grill, and the Italian series Steven Raichlen Grills Italy. Raichlen has written for the New York Times, Esquire, and all the food magazines; and is the founder and dean of Barbecue University. In 2015, he was inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. His website is www.barbecuebible.com.