Customer Reviews

The BBQ Queens' Big Book of BBQ

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Okay. I was a complete grill greenhorn. I didn't even know how to light a charcoal chimney. But the Queens took me step by step through the process and, drum roll here, it's easy! And I've made some of the best food I've ever had from this book. My favorites are the grilled romaine with the Caesar dressing. Who knew you could grill lettuce, but it's fabulous. I slathered a steak with Porcini Paste, grilled it, and my oh my! I also tried their smoked tomato and basil butter when I got brave enough to venture into slow smoking. It's easy, too. Now, I'm on to barbecued ribs. If they're as good as the Love Potion for the Swine (don't you just love that?) barbecue sauce, I'll be in hog heaven.

Women who want to wrest the barbecue tongs out of their men's hands will find all they need to know - and more - in this book. Charcoal, gas, or electric; smoking, planking, or rotisserie; vegetables, fish, meat and side dishes; the BBQ Queens provide a wealth of information and ideas in their fat and sassy (but no-nonsense) ninth book of barbecue.

A thorough discussion of the basics starts things off, followed by an extensive chapter on rubs, marinades and sauces, from the essential (Memphis Blue-Ribbon Rib Rub, Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing) to the intriguing (Lemongrass Marinade, White Truffle Aioli) to the simply delicious (Hot Shallot Vinaigrette, Fennel and Orange Marinade).

Next comes an "A to Z of Grilled and Smoked Veggies, Cheeses, and Pizza," followed by five solid chapters of meat and seafood. Each chapter starts with an easy-to-scan list of recipes. Mini-chapters set off by the color of the paper, showcasing non-grilled sides - various slaws, beans, deviled eggs, desserts are scattered throughout. Recipes include tips for getting it right, accompaniments and variations. This is a busy, busy, book ("Like most women we prefer to do two or three things at once...) with lots of useful advice, and very thorough organization. So, you women who really want to take over the backyard barbecuing - go for it.

Portsmouth Herald

Guys - don't be frightened off by the "BBQ Queens" title. This is a great guide for men, too. My wife does most of the cooking in the kitchen, but I get to wear the chef's hat on the back deck. This book has helped me do it much more creatively and efficiently. I have only one tiny suggestion -- when lighting a charcoal fire with a chimney, turn it upside down and pack in the crumpled newspapers first -- then set it up and pour in the charcoal -- much easier.

The mystique is that men are better barbecue cooks than women: well be prepared for a surprise when you meet BBQ Queens Karen Adler and Judith Fertig, who are giving the male barbecuer a run for his money. This isn't your usual "Meat Bible", though meat of course is a big feature included too are plenty of recipes for vegetables on the grill, enticing blends of seafood, fancy dishes such as Apricot and Cognac-Glazed Duck: virtually anything to raise the barbecue above the realm of smoke and sauce. A delicious alternative simply packed with taste.

I'm into planking. It is easy and delicious. Planking Secrets is a favorite new book of mine. But I keep going back to the delicious plank recipes in the BBQ Queens cookbooks. They hooked me on Planked Prawns in Bearnaise Butter in their first book Fish & Shellfish Grilled & Smoked. Now one of my favorites is the Artichoke Pecorino Glazed and Planked Chicken Breasts - these make you swoon - no kidding.
If you love great recipes - get this book, it's hard to beat!