“A Skillet Full”

Tennessee chocolate gravy? A dessert made of zucchini? A new book offers interesting recipes such as these, along with more traditional down-home fare such as pineapple upside down cake, pan-fried okra, fired green tomatoes and at least two dozen cornbread recipes. Stuffed with classic cast-iron recipes, the book also serves up historical tidbits and family stories passed down through several generations of Tennessee families. Published by Lodge Press of South Pittsburg, Tenn. Softcover, 195 pages. $23.95. Call (423) 837-7181 or visit www.lodgemfg.com

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“Road Cycling”

Tim Murphy’s book runs the gamut of white-knuckle descents to peaceful creek-side rambles though the Blue Ridge high country. Six mountain and foothill counties in northwestern North Carolina are covered, along with portions of southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. With a total of 26 rides, each description includes directions, information about road characteristics, maps, elevation profiles, service lists and other outdoor options. Softcover, 267 pages. $14.95. Published by John F. Blair in Winston-Salem. Call (800) 222-9796 or visit www.blairpub.com.

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Farm family memoirs

Father rocks in his chair as he carves wood, a girl plays with a baby doll and the aromatic smell of dewberry pie wafts through a farmhouse. Author Polly Holder takes us back to the 1930s in “A Beloved Farm Family Way Back When,” a tale of family, neighbors and friends set in the rural Sandhills area of North Carolina. Her story of the fictitious Hamilton family is one of “Christian families in Christian love,” facing trials, sorrow and joy. Holder, who lives in Cameron, includes details of FDR’s fireside chats, rural suppers and daily farm chores. Published by 1stBooks Library. Softcover, 157 pages. $17.50. Call (910) 245-7244 or visit www.1stbooks.com

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