Okay, we need to step out of our Midwest comfort zone for a minute. For this post, I’m taking Gr8LakesCamper down south.
I know, I know. It’s only the second post and I’m taking the show on the road. But when it comes to food — and especially when it comes to barbecue — I’m willing to make the trip.
The people of Southern Living publishing sent me a book called the “Big Book of BBQ” and all I can say is … wow. Page after page of delicious barbecue. Tantalizing recipes, easy-to-follow tips and techniques and big, beautiful glorious photos all worthy of the centerfold. It’s not just a cookbook. It’s a barbecue cookbook.
Seriously, I cannot wait to try some of the things from this book out at the campsite. And I’m starting with the Sweet-and-Sour Grilled Ribs on page 43.
Barbecue is more than food, it’s a homegrown, nationally-beloved art form. From the type of wood smoke to the choice of meat to the color of the sauce, BBQ is serious business, and the “Big Book of BBQ” ($24.95) gives it the respect it deserves. For beginner backyard cooks and pit masters alike, the book taps the expertise of the editors of Southern Living, delivering time-tested rubs, recipes, tips and techniques from the heart of the BBQ belt. An in-depth look at the most fiery regional cook-offs and must-visit restaurants will have you ready to jump in your car.
You know how you’re not supposed to grocery shop on an empty stomach (I do anyways and I usually come home with ice cream), you also should not read this book right before dinner.
Slap on a bib, dig into “Big Book of BBQ” and:
• Travel to BBQ Bastions: “Visit” pit stops and competitions across the South and find out where to get the best ‘Q. After reading of some of the places and looking at the photos, I am so ready to head to Memphis, or the Carolinas, or Texas or pretty much any of the places the “Big Book of BBQ” features. (I draw the line at BBQ goat, though.)
• Master Your Domain: The tips, techniques and tools of the trade any BBQer needs to dominate the pit. Sure, most of us won’t have a full-fledged BBQ pit at our campsite. But many of these tips are things you can easily do while camping.
• Up the BBQ Ante: Slow-cooked Fiesta Brisket, Sweet-and-Sour Grilled Ribs and other recipes to tantalize your taste buds and wow your friends. Many of these can be done over a campfire; but if low-and-slow is not your camping cup of tea, one section of the book is nothing but speed-grilling recipes.
• Perk Your Plate: Marinades, rubs, bastes, butters and wet pastes to give every dish powerful personality; try the Tex-Mex Secret Sauce and the Citrus Marinade. Again, make them up at home, marinade or put the rub on, and then cook it up at the campsite. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
• Prepare the Fixin’s: Round out the meal with delicious beverages, appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Sure, the tried-and-true options are in here (corn on the cob, cole slaw) but the “Big Book of BBQ” has some appealing variations on these, plus you wouldn’t believe all the off-the-wall recipes for some very interesting “regional” side dishes (how about chili-lime butter on that corn on the cob!).
In conclusion, you know how when you’re camping and it’s late afternoon and everyone is out cooking their dinners? There’s usually someone cooking up something that smells pretty darn good. That’s when me and Mrs. Gr8LakesCamper will take a walk, just to see who’s cooking whatever smells so good. After reading this book, you’ll be the one at the campground who’s cooking what everyone wishes they were eating.
Disclaimer: I don’t get any money if you go out and buy this book.
P.S. See (smell and taste) the book for yourself!
The “Big Book of BBQ” ($24.95) features an introduction from Contributing Editor and BBQ Expert Troy Black, who will take the “Big Book of BBQ” on the road this summer for Southern Living BBQ on Tour. The tour visits:
• International BBQ Festival, Owensboro, Ky. (May 7-8)
• Great American Barbecue, Kansas City, Kan. (May 21-22)
• Safeway’s 2010 National Capital Barbecue Battle, Washington, D.C. (June 26-27)
• Exchange Club’s Ribfest, Naperville, Ill. (July 1-4)
• Jazz & Rib Fest, Columbus, Ohio (July 23-25)
• Blues, Brews and BBQ, Charlotte, N.C. (September 10-11)
