5 comments about John Willingham's World Champion Bar-B-q: Over 150 Recipes And Tall Tales For Authentic....

1. I have had Mr Willingham's book for over 8 years now and still consider it part of my bbq inner sanctum. It's not just his great rubs and sauces but his enthusiasm for the process! In my opinion the key to having fun with BBQ is experementing with various rubs, mops, marinades and pastes (wet rubs if you will). John's book for me was what got me started "Having fun". I highly suggest John's rubs and sauses, espicially if you ar just starting out. They are very good and work with a wide variety of meat, poultry or fish. John's instructions are very straight forward. If you catch the bug I also recomend Paul Kirk's "Championship Barbecue Sauces". Paul's book will take you deeper into the variaties of rubs, sauces etc. Above all remember - Have Fun and eat well!



2. Love this book. Haven't found a bad recipe yet. The hot wings got raves from eveyone I've made them for. Have a huge collection of BBQ books. This one is in the top 10.



3. I received John Willingham's book as a gift and have read it cover to cover. It's packed full of bbq secrets from the greatest bbq contest cook to ever put on an apron. Willingham details basic cooking methods including what wood to use and what wood not to use, temperatures to cook at, and he provides his personal recipes. I especially like the rib recipe and his recipe for pork shoulder. These recipes can be used as written, or you can tweak them slightly to suit your personal taste. The recipes alone would be worth the price of the book.



4. This book has very good tips and methods on HOW to BBQ, and is then followed by a decent number of recipes. The recipes are not quite my style, but they are good anyway. One big positive thing about this book is how it describes building your own pit. Not all books do that, and information on building your own pit is fairly scarce. I agree with an earlier reviewer that this book tended to advertise the authors products a bit, but the author also gave some knock-off recipes so you don't have to buy his products. I would recommend this book for a beginner who doesn't want a really big book. This book is thinner than some of the other big BBQ compilations, and that is nice, but I prefer some of the larger books personally. My favorites and "Smoke and Spice" by Cheryl Jamison and "Paul Kirks Championship Barbecue". These are both large books, but worth every ounce in pure BBQ heaven!



5. I found this book to be an overhyped offering by a veteran of the competative BBQ circuit, and I'm of the opinion that their publisher went along for the ride and joined in the overhyping frenzy because they want to make money too ... regardless of whether or not the book lives up to its own hype.
   
   STRENGTHS:
   * The author does at least cover some of the basics of classic BBQ, including dry rubs, mop sauces & marinades, basic wood use, and the like, and he waxes nicely poetic in places about the joys of slow cooking. Props for the latter, because it's sadly going out of style.
   
   * There's some modestly decent introductory information in here on hardcore BBQing.
   
   * Some of the recipes in back actually appear fairly decent old fashioned offerings ... like shoofly pie.
   
   WEAKNESSES:
   * There's only 150 recipes in here, many of them borrowed from friends and acquaintances, and ranging widely in quality from very good to merely adequate. So in a word, this book is thin on serious content, and it's padded with recipes that aren't even the author's. Wait, lemme re-check the cover ... yes, the cover clearly implies that the book is indeed SUPPOSED to be about 'world champion' BBQ recipes - so how did all the padding by non-champs and non-BBQ get in there ?
   
   * You can't have a serious book on BBQ without spending a decent portion of the page count on primal cuts of beef and pork, how best to break them down and approach each. The author spends too little time on such material, to the book's detriment. I expected more effort from a 'world champion' - not that the title really means all that much.
   
   * Many of the condiments, mixes, rubs, and sauces called out are proprietary, and are primarily available from the author's own little startup company (very convenient and opportunistic, yes ?). The author does deign to lay out recipes for a dry rub or two, and a basic mop sauce or two, but he could have done more on that. My philosophy is simple - either tell me how to make it (and why), or keep the book (and the product placements) and get stuffed.
   
   * Much of the equipment that the author waxes poetic about is his own personal (and highly customized) BBQing rig, which the readers will never have a chance to work with. He doesn't spend enough time/depth covering the type of equipment commonly available to most readers (ex: basic 'bullet' water smokers, basic offset smokers, electric smokers), and the result of this somewhat self-serving focus is that the usefulness of the book to the everyday reader is significantly undermined.
   
   BOTTOM LINE: Lots of hype, and a pretty cover photo, but thinnish on genuinely useful content. I'm not saying that the author can't cook - rather, I'm saying that he doesn't do nearly a good enough job passing such skill on the readers. So, this book is a bit like a meatball hero ... it looks pretty when you order it, but one you bite in, it's mostly filler and not enough meat. There are LOTS of better book on BBQ out there. Save your money, and avoid this one. This book is proof positive that having BBQ trophies on one's wall does NOT mean that someone's any good at writing cookbooks.
   
   Incidentally, shame on everyone who raves about this book - it seems rather clear to me that people who do either know relatively little about serious cooking or reviewing books about the same, or they're chiefly interested in boosting their personal amazon stats ... perhaps both.

5 comments about George Foreman's Knock-Out-the-Fat Barbecue and Grilling Cookbook.

1. With this book, George Foreman demonstrated that his strong hands, which are famous for delivering painful punches, are capable of delivering delicious dishes. Cherie Calbom was his 'corner-man' in this fat-fight.
   This cookbook is very practical in outlook: employing a step-by-step method. It explained the fundamental routines of tabling low-fat grills (and barbecue). It has a well-balanced approach: providing good tuition on both recipes and their healthiest mode of preparation.
   The book will bring fun to your kitchen, and smile on your table. However, if you are interested in continuous experiments, its 176 pages may not be enough as to fulfill all your grilling desires. Support it with a more extensive cookbook for the best result.



2. If you are looking for recipes to use on your Foreman grill pass by this book and get "George Foreman's Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine Cookbook" ISBN# 1929862032 by George Foreman & Connie Merydith; Paperback - June 2000, Pascoe Publishing. Its written specifically for the Foreman grill and will get you the confidence to experiment on your own.



3. I bought this after I bought the grill. Having tried the recipes that came with the george foreman grill and finding them excellent, I decided to invest in a whole george forman cookbook.

   The marinades are excellent! Many have few ingredients and maximum taste. While they are helpful if you have the grill they are excellent even if you don't. Marinades are a wonderful way to grill, in general. Some of them lend themselves even to panfrying, depending on the cut of meat or poulty. While you cant use bone-in meats in the GF grill, you can use these recipes with bone-in cuts and use an alternate cooking method (grilling, broiling or baking for chicken).

   This was a big surprize! At first I thought it was going to gimick-y and just a cookbook capitalizing on the GF name. But it is a *study* cookbook in its own right. excellent.




4. I am enjoying using the recipes and tips about grilling. The recipes are easy to prepare and can be cooked on any type of grill whether indoor or outdoor.
   
   There is an excellent variety of all kinds of meat, poultry and fish recipes, also vegetarian because sometimes I just feel like making something different.
   
   I am so glad I bought this book.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   



5. For a book called 'Knock Out the Fat', it is amazing how many recipes are included that have high amounts of fat and calories. Do not buy this book for low fat recipes. Buy it for recipes to use on indoor grill.

3 comments about The New Vegetarian Grill, Revised Edition: 250 Flame-Kissed Recipes for Fresh, Inspired Meals.

1. Public awareness of the health benefits of a vegetarian diet are wide spread and increasingly commonplace. Now in an updated addition with 50 new recipes, The New Vegetarian Grill offers 250 different ways to grill tasty vegetarian fare. From Pistachio Quesadillas to Marinated Roasted Pepper, Spinach-Feta-Pizza, Wok-Grilled Vegetable Lo Mein, Tandoori-Style Vegetable Kabobs and much more, The New Vegetarian Grill proves that grillers don't have to be carnivores! A welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to vegetarian cookbook shelves, especially as the summer grilling season fast approaches.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. Compares grill types; great marinades; helpful suggestions on different surfaces to put on your grill and what veggies they suit (i.e grill woks). Great recipes. I am not a vegetarian and will keep this book at the ready. A must have for the everyday griller.
   Also, there are interesting facts- did you know that the first charcoal was discovered and sold by Ford Motor Company?!



3. Some really great recipes. Will take some time to eat my way through it but I certainly will be trying.

3 comments about Still Smokin.

1. This book has recipes for things one might not ordinarily think to smoke, along with some more typical fare. Great addition to any BBQ/smoked food book collection. The company's cookers are the best on the market, and they don't waste your time with weak recipes.



2. I recently bought a smoker for my husband as a father's day gift and could not find any recepies in regular cookbooks. So, after having to choose out of a pretty wide variety at Amazon, I picked this one. Although I prefer cookbooks with pictures, this book is clear, simple, without outrageous ingredients you can't find at any store. The ribs were delicious and we'll be using it again very soon.



3. bought this for a friend I like mine so much. you won't be disappointed. some trade secrets for even the seasoned smoker.

5 comments about Semi-Homemade Grilling 2 (Semi-Homemade Series).

1. Sandra Lee's best recipes are on the grill...she loves outdoors & celebrates the easy way to create a fun time with the least amount of concern. I used this new one when it arrived & 3 of the recipes were wonderful for our weekend house guests.
   
   Thanks Sandra!



2. This one is better than the first one which I sold, I would recommend this book.



3. Enjoy it,Easy to follow the instruction, would recommend this book to any person who enjoys simple instuction and good food.



4. Simply stated, Sandra Lee is an expert cook, the host of the successful Food Network television series 'Semi-Homemade Cooking" (which celebrates its 200th episode in May 2008), and the author of thirteen books. The latest of which is "Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Grilling 2" that is comprised of two hundred pages of culinary advice, recipes, gadgets, and illustrations that focus upon the art of the grill. Separate chapters are devoted to grilling veggies and sides; skewers; dogs and sausages; 'things to Do with Your Turkey Fryer'; beef; 'things with Wings; Swimmers (fish); 'Best Burgers'; desserts, and 'Parties' (including party menus and tablescapes from a beach blanket bash to a father's day feast'. With mouth-watering, 'cook friendly' recipes ranging from Prosciuto-Wrapped Corn on the Cob; Salami-Stuffed Pork Chops; Rib Steaks with Raspberry-Tarragon Sauce; and Bourbon-Brined Chicken; to Salmon Steaks with Sun-Dried and Fresh Tomato Salsa; Taco Meat Loaf; Mixed-Berry Cobbler; and Grilled Figs with Orange-Honey Drizzle, "Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Grilling 2" will prove an exceptionally popular addition to personal and community library cookbook collections!



5. All of her books are wonderful and this seller made the transaction fast and easy

2 comments about Grill Every Day: 125 Fast-Track Recipes for Weeknights at the Grill.

1. Perfect for both Summer and Fall fare is GRILL EVERY DAY: 125 FAST-TRACK RECIPES FOR WEEKNIGHTS AT THE GRILL. Where competitors focus on weekend or party grilling, this cookbook presents fast, easy dishes suitable for weeknights and busy working cooks - and includes a wider variety with grilled meats accompanied by vegetable and dessert dishes. From Chili-Peanut Halibut to Grilled Banana Split Sundaes, GRILL EVERY DAY is an inspirational winner, pairing color photos with fine dishes.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. Grill Every Day is a great cookbook for me. I am only feeding two people, so the portions and prep times are perfect! There are so many wonderful recipes and a lot of new meals I am excited to try. There are meals for a variety of occasions. What I have made so far has turned out delicious and beautiful, thats good coming from someone like me who isn't that great of a cook. This is a wonderful cookbook for those who enjoy grilling for all kinds of reasons.
   
   Kayla
   Portland, OR

5 comments about Weber's Art of the Grill: Recipes for Outdoor Living.

1. Weber is known for great grills and who better to make a cookbook on getting the most out of them. Weber's Art of the Grill is filled with huge, full color photographs of just about every recipe offered, which is a must-have trait for me that many cookbooks lack. The recipies are definitely a little on the "high brow" side, so if you are really just looking for new ways to make burgers and dogs this is not the book for you. But if things like swordfish with mango salsa sound good to you, pick this up right away!



2. This is a great book for any grill afficiendo...lot's of great ideas, including literally every course, from appetizers to desserts!
   
   Worth the money.



3. I bought this book when it first came out several years ago. At that time it sort of intimidated me and it sat unused on the shelf until recently. What prompted me to take another look was the acquisition of a new Weber Performer. The astute will recognize that the Performer is a charcoal grill and that this book is based on gas grilling. Frankly, this book is all about recipes; really, really good recipes. Anyone familiar with charcoal cooking will be able to build a low, medium, or hot fire and make the adjustment to use this book. Believe me it is no big deal and you will be rewarded with some of the best food you ever tasted. The author of this book, Jamie Purviance, really knows what he is doing. I would say that this book is tailored to the intermediate to advanced cook. The recipes are complete, but the instructions assume a certain level of competence. For someone just starting out, I think the Cook's Illustrated grilling book is an excellent addition as it takes the reader step by step through not just the recipe, but also the techniques necessary to cook the food. The CI book covers both gas and charcoal for each and every recipe, too, which can help the reader of the Art of the Grill adjust for charcoal. I find both books indispensable with the Art of the Grill offering superior recipes, and the CI book offering superior techniques.



4. This book has wonderful color pictures, excellent recipes and it is a steal at this price. So far the recipes have been awesome. Five stars!



5. This is a nice book if you are trying to decide between gas and charcoal. I thought it made more of a nice coffee table book. There is a lot of 'story' about the grill and not as many recipes as I was looking for. It is a nice hard cover book though, and there are some good recipes.

No comments about Follow the Smoke: 14,783 Miles of Great Texas Barbecue.

5 comments about Bobby Flay's Boy Meets Grill: With More Than 125 Bold New Recipes.

1. This book is great, and easy to use. The recipes are a sure fire hit in any setting. You won't be disapointed



2. I am a huge Bobby Flay fan, and this book turns out some great recipes, but they are very time consuming, difficult recipes. If you want to turn out some high-end barbecue dishes, this book is for you. Be prepared to put in some serious prep time though.



3. Bobby Flay has great recipes, ideas and techniques for grilling. This book is great and will take a long time to use them all.



4. This is my son's favorite tv chef; I bought this for him for his birthday, and right away made several recipes, that all worked perfectly (often they do not!) The flavors were interesting and the directions clear and helpful. The desserts are fabulous too, especially the ice cream sundae frozen pie; I've already made it twice. The cookbook is a fun read and the recipes delicious! My family loves grilled food and bobby flay just makes it more interesting with his combination of flavors and unusual food pairings.



5. My husband loves to cook and grill and this is by far one of his favorite and most practical cookbooks.

5 comments about Grill Power: Everything you need to know to make delicious, healthy meals on your Indoor Electric Grill.

1. This book was a huge disappointment, what fluff they filled the pages with. Most of the book is dedicated to reused recipes where she substitutes the grill for what would normally be a frying pan. Eighty percent of the book is recipes and eighty percent of the recipe info is about other things besides the grilling. That means 64 percent of the book is not about grilling!
   
   There is very little useful info for new grill purchasers. This book is a marketing ploy for new grill buyers. There are better cookboooks out there for recipes. With them I will figure out how to substitute the grill for the frying pan, without the author's help. Even her stated qualifications as an author for this book are sad. I went through this book over the first few days I had it. Right now I'm not sure where I left it, and I don't care a bit.
   
   In regards to the high regards; maybe it's their first cookbook?



2. This book has been fantastic even for an experienced griller. The recipes are excellent and the organization of the book makes it user friendly. I do not find the "fluff" I have found in many pop cook books and absolutely don't know where the sour grapes vindictive reviewer below is coming from.
   
   I have done lots of outdoor and indoor grilling and have used two kinds of indoor grills and found Grillpower very helpful on both types. I commend the author and look forward to other books down the pike. I concur with all the other positive reviewers. Five stars on this one.



3. Do listen to the sour grapes reviews. This book is for people looking for meals that you cannot pull together without first shopping at multiple locations to purchase the ingredients. I prefer simple recipes with items I can find in my pantry or pick up on my way home from work. Save your $$$!!!!



4. I can boil water except I usually burn it, so imagine my joy to find a cook book with so many easy to use and tasty ideas. My favorite cooking item is my George Forman grill and everything I have tried so far comes out great.Her varied uses for chicken are most welcome to those of us on special diets or just trying to cut the fat from our diets. The ingredients are easy to assemble and instructions easy to follow. I also gave a copy of this book to my uncle in Missouri. He is a legendary griller. The back yard is his kingdom. He has enjoyed her book and has gotton some great new ideas from it. Thank you Grill Power for bringing me and my George Forman even closer than before.



5. This book has a lot of good information on portable grills. It contained a lot of things that I did not know that were extremely helpful. After reading this book, I feel that I can use both my George Foreman portable grills easily. Thanks for writing such an informative grilling book.