5 comments about The Sonoran Grill (Cookbooks and Restaurant Guides).

1. Mad Coyote Joe hosts "The Sonoran Grill", a popular television cooking show and in this superb regional cookbook showcases 130 of his favorite recipes featuring a Southwestern touch. From Posole (a classic American Indian soup), to Chile Rellenos (a delicious Mexican dish), to Habanero-Lime Butter (perfect for vegetables, potatoes, grilled fish and pork), to Sonoran Mesquite-Smoked Brisket (a true Sonoran dish with a twist!), The Sonoran Grill offers the best of the Southwest suited for transforming even the most novice kitchen cook into a skilled grilling expert!



2. I had some time to kill while waiting for a flight to take off from Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. I started looking at some cookbooks, and this offering from Mad Coyote Joe was displayed prominently. Once you flip through this book, it's as good as bought!

   MCJ is upfront about his background - he's not a trained cook, but he loves the food he makes, knows it backwards and forwards, and has a passion for letting others know about how to make the stuff he loves. Most importantly, the language he uses is clear and concise and is therefore accessible to all levels of readers, including those like me who have to ask our spouses where they keep the butter.

   The recipe for Joe's 'Two-Chile Salsa' is alone worth the price of admission. This is the type of dish you bring to a gathering and as the guests gorge themselves you're bound to get an incredulous "*you* made this?"-type of reaction.




3. I have tried most of the recipes in this book, and have repeated many of them over and over again. I have not tried one yet that was not a big hit with the family and friends, all of which are southwestern cuisine fans. The instructions are vague, but I was curiously complimented that Mad Coyote thought I already knew the basics. The flavors from each of the recipes (ie: Black Bean/White Corn Salad and Gazpacho Soup) are outstanding. A great way to impress any dinner party guest.



4. I live in arizona and make sure to watch the "sonoran grill" on tv everyday. Sorry to those of you outside the arizona area. I dont believe they broadcast anywhere else. Mad coyote joe lives in cavecreek arizona with his wife and children and hosts this great cooking show from his own backyard while throwing scraps at his yellow lab. He is the top authority on everything sonoran. This book is full of his best recipes for fresh,hommade salsa.BBQ rubs and anything else grilled. If you like the flavor of the southwest you'll love this book even if you dont know the show!



5. Every recipe I have made from this book has never ceased to amaze me and those I serve it to for unique and amazing flavor. The ensalada de orzo diablo is amazing - I make it often and it is received with enthusiasm and even those unsure who may take a little at first (even if to be polite) come back for a big second serving. Don't forget to try the chinese asparagus salad, it's so good!
   
   I collect cookbooks, and many I have never used, or barely used; this book however is well loved, is used frequently, and has the splatter marks to prove it!

5 comments about The Stubb's Bar-B-Q Cookbook.

1. I was disappointed with the recipies in the book. The recipies were take off's for Stubbs products. Love Stubbs products, but not this book of recipies.



2. Interesting insight into the cook, Stubb,great recipies for barbq and a well presented hard cover book, but for the price lacks content. Should be more recipies



3. I've used Stubb's sauces and rubs for some time. I've also ordered food from there shipped to us, and it was great. Now I know much more about the man and also have some excellent hints on grilling. If for nothing else, you must try the "Marley-B-Que" meatloaf.



4. My philosophy is that if a cookbook has one really good recipe, it was worth its purchase price. Stubb's cookbook has more than one of what I consider to be a really good recipe. His recipe for Wicked Jezebel Ribs by itself paid for the book as far as I'm concerned.



5. While I haven't tried any of the recipes in this book, I'm sure most of them are good, they look pretty good. The big disappointment comes from the fact that there are a lot of recipes that will say something like "1/2 cup Stubb's Rub." The problem is, you have to go out and find Stubb's Rub, they do not give you the rub recipe in the book. I understand keeping trade secrets, but if you're going to put out an entire book based on a rub and/or sauce, you should give the recipe for the rub or sauce. I might as well have used the money I wasted on this book to buy Stubb's Rub and just use it on brisket.
   Also, this book is not for those who are serious about bbq, it's geared towards those who have a regular grill and are looking to make some quick bbq-like food. If you're like me and you have a dedicated smoker and you enjoy spending the 10+ hours it can take to make the perfect bbq, this book is definitely not for you, stay clear.

No comments about The Best Barbecue on Earth: Grilling Across 6 Continents and 26 Countries, With 170 Recipes.

2 comments about The Tailgating Cookbook: Recipes for the Big Game.

1. Tailgating has gone from a simple pre-game meal of hamburgers and dogs to a full-blown ritual, lasting hours, involving dozens, and featuring elaborate full course meals. In fact, it's well known that many people who go to Michigan Football games don't have tickets and go just to tailgate and watch the game on TV! It's truly incredible to see these people with the RV's and a spread that would make any caterer jealous. The Tailgating Cookbook is part BBQ cookbook and part event planner.
   
   The brief introduction covers Tailgating basics such as equipment, preparation, food storage, etc, before getting into the meat of the book, no pun intended on appetizers. Now I love a good appetizer and hot wings can be a meal to me. The book provides a great buffalo wing recipe where the wings can be grilled. There are also recipes for tailgate party staples such as Salsas, Guacamole dip, deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, and more. After the appetizers comes the main courses and the book is divided into sections on Beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, Burgers and Brats, Chili, side dishes, desserts, and drinks. There's also specific menus for special events like Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July.
   
   The author takes into account that this is a tailgate and some recipes have to be prepped in advanced either in the morning or the night before, or the recipes are things that can be made quickly and with a minimum number of ingredients. The Potato salad with Bacon is a great make ahead dish and the bacon really gives it some flair over everyday potato salad. The Lambeau field or more accurately Wisconsin-style Brats are always a great favorite for game day. And can be grilled or boiled. The Hawaiian style chicken kabobs are also great and very easy to make. An excellent food that can even be made on a small hibachi if that's all you have and you're not feeding many. Everyone has their own favorites for tailgating but Bob Sloan has some mighty good recipes here as well as some practical tips on making a good tailgate party.



2. This cookbook has a lots of southwestern recipes which I am not a big fan of! The inside overall look of the book is boring.

3 comments about Kingsford Complete Grilling Cookbook.

1. This book is perfect for those of us who know that charcoal grilling is the only way to grill. While there are many other fine grilling cookbooks available, this is the first one branded by Kingsford, the only name in charcoal.
   
   This book differs from other grilling cookbooks in the respect that all of it's recicpies were specifically tested on a charcoal grill, and they are all designed specifically for the charcoal grilling technique. This is important because there are subtle differences between charcoal grilling and gas grilling techniques that can make a big difference in how your food acutally comes out.
   
   It's first chapter offers some simple and essential methods for creating the perfect fire for any recipie in the book. I consider myself to be a veteran charcoal griller and I still found this chapter useful. I specfically learned more about temperature ranges and the banked and pocket grilling methods.
   
   The "Chicken [..] With Wild Mushroom Stuffing" were an instant hit with me. I can't wait to try the "Apple Cider-Brined Grilled Turkey" next Thanksgiving!



2. Great cookbook. Wonderful pictures, easy directions. Recommend for anyone interested in grilling a variety of foods.



3. Good book, lots of pics, easy to follow, designed for charcoal (it's from Kingsford, duh!).
   
   Update: I've bought a lot of grilling books, and this one is the best. I would move to 5 stars if I could.

2 comments about BBQ Sauces, Rubs & Marinades For Dummies (For Dummies (Cooking)).

1. Being a relatively inexperienced smoker of meats, I found this book to be absolutely essential. It's easy to read and use and it will be on the top shelf of my cookbooks. On the "Kingsford Rating System" scale of 1 to 5 charcoal briquets, this book gets a total of 5 Briquets. (picture 5 perfect redhot briquets, all in a cozy mound)



2. The title of this cookbook would lead you to believe it's all about sauces, rubs and marinades but the first 6 chapters are about smoking, pits, gathering the "right" equipment, pantry stocking, history of BBQ, how to mix marinades, competitions, and there's more than you'll ever want to know about smokers, smoking, setting up your equipment, etc.
   Finally half way through you get to the actual recipes for rubs and marinades, that lasts only a couple of chapters. Then it switches to many more chapters about salsas, relishes and then recipes for entrees and sides such as potatoes, baked beans, macaroni salad, stuffed dates, mac n cheese and the list goes on and on.
   It's a great cookbook if you want all those things but if you're depending on the title alone it will lead you astray.
   The Alabama White Sauce was delish and we used it on chicken (not the suggested ribs). The Kansas City sauce and the Carolina sauce were right on.

5 comments about The Great American Barbecue & Grilling Manual.

1. ...even if you never follow any of the author's advice.
   
   When was the last time you really enjoyed reading a cookbook? Actually, when was the last time you really read a cookbook? I mean REALLY read the entire book from cover to cover? This is the one.
   
   Smokey Hale is an opinionated cuss with a sense of humor that keeps you reading. His advice is also pretty darn good, too.
   
   Highly recommended.



2. As the author Smoky Hale points out most barbecue books, bibles and manuals throw a few pages of instruction and a lot of recipes at you. This is the only book I found that actually gives meaningful instruction. If you have a question not covered by the book email the author and he'll answer it. He also has a website with an "Ask Smoky" FAQ page but it's still well worth buying the book.
   
   It covers everything from selecting your meat to selecting your equipment, from preparing your meat to preparing your "fire", and a myriad of rubs, sauces and recipes as well.
   
   Highly reccommended.The Great American Barbecue & Grilling Manual



3. I liked the book. It had good recipes and information. But it also has a weakness that most barbecue books have. It doe not guide the user on setting the fire and how to maintain it. I wish it had dedicated a whole chapter to it.
   I also noticed that the author doe not have a high opinion of spit roasting which I disagree.
   Overall, good use of money.



4. This book belongs in hands on all BBQ and Grilling personnel. The books gives tips for the beginner through the expert levels. If you ever wanted to know anything about this art of cooking then make sure you have read this book. It has provided me with areas that I never new about. It also has many recipes from Rubs to the finished products. This book will NEVER SEE DUST IN OUR HOUSE. Can`t wait to get the grill hot!!! Thanks for a super book.



5. I guess it depends on what you expect when someone tells you their book is about "Barbecue". With the photo on the front (a pile of great looking ribs)I was hoping this would concentrate on the "Big Three"---Ribs, Shoulder and Brisket.
   These subjects are touched on, but for instance the section on smoking Pork Shoulders is maybe three pages long, two of those taken up by a couple recipes.
   If you want to know how to smoke ANYTHING (pickled shrimp, lamb, oysters, venison) you may enjoy this, and perhaps down the line I will find some useful information.
   I was hoping to find tips on how to smoke Righteous southern BBQ, and this just wasn't it.
   By the way, for those looking for the stuff I wanted, I have found a book titled "Competition BBQ Secrets" on the Web. It's available as an e-book or a spiral-bound pamphlet. Don't know if Amazon carries it or not. It is a great book on how to do a few things very well---Brisket, Pork, and some stuff on Poultry. I'd highly recommend it!
   Jim Bob

1 comments about The Sunset Grill: 125 Tasty Recipes for Casual Get-Togethers and Easy Weeknight Cookouts.

1. There are lots of pictures and ideas about how to set a table, how the food should look presented, flower arrangements, etc. There are pictures of nearly every recipe which is a great cookbook to give as a gift. This would be an awesome gift to give with a grill (i.e. wedding gift). There are recipes for appetizers, entrees and even desserts...all done on the grill. I also like the section on easy family night dinners on the grill, it doesn't require lots of preparation and they're just as tasty.
   
   There are menus for Cinco de Mayo parties with decoration ideas, all recipes are included for the meal and tips and tricks to make your party more fun and festive. There are even cocktail recipes provided which is a great addition.
   
   There's also a section on wine for the grill. It's a nice wine pairing section for those who want to entertain with flair.
   
   I made the recipe for the grilled pork chops with fiery salsa. It was delicious. Everyone loved the salsa. It was a nice mixture of hot and sweet flavors, it must have been the hot chile sauce that made the kick.
   
   I'm making the spiced pulled-pork sandwiches today. Except instead of making on the grill, I put everything in a crockpot and we'll have pulled pork for dinner. So the recipes are really versatile.
   
   I can't wait to try the fruit kebabs with the vanilla rum syrup. It looks delicious. There are lots of pictures, pages are thick and glossy. You won't have any problems with giving this as a gift for the novice or experienced cook.

1 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Grilling (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. I bought this book for my husband. He got a new grill and I thought the book might improve his grilling techniques. The book is very helpful so far - citing exactly what to do for each cut of meat. We've tried only 2 recipes so far - one was excellent and the other was good, just not excellent. The book is very informative and the instructions are clear. I looked at several other books, but felt this was the most thorough. This is proving to be the case.

1 comments about Fish Grilled & Smoked: 150 Recipes for Cooking Rich, Flavorful Fish on the Backyard Grill, Streamside, or in a Home Smoker.

1. This is without a doubt one of the best books ever for smoking fish on your backyard grill. ANYONE can do it, even my daughter who loves to help now. The corn smoking idea is just great. Love the smell of the corn kernels while they are smoking and the taste.
   This book SMOKES!
   JW