Customer Reviews

Get Smokin': 190 Award-Winning Smoker Oven Recipes

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased a Cookshack smoker over 5 years ago and have experimented with it off and on. While I realize that barbeque is more art than science, I have been frustrated by the lack of information on just how much wood to use with particular recipes. I pre-ordered this book in anticipation of learning some secrets and tricks in the use of the Cookshack smoker. I waited for more than a month for delivery of the book and upon receipt of it, I eagerly delved into it looking for answers to my many questions. To my great disappointment, this book offered absolutely no information that I hadn't learned from trial and error. How much wood should I use? The book suggests that I consult the Cookshack Operator's Manual. There are some general guidelines but the guidelines don't tell you what amount of wood works best with what amount of food. Although I have had some delicious food from the Cookshack, if I am cooking for guests, I use my Brinkmann smoker as I am more confident that the food will be cooked to perfection. The water smoker takes longer, but is more forgiving than the sealed, dry smoking Cookshack. People who like to smoke fish will find 48 pages of recipes. If you prefer beef or pork, the list is much smaller, 16 and 15 pages respectively. There are also small sections dedicated to sausages, lamb and game. In short, this is a book that should have been a digest for Cookshack owners and prospective buyers. At best, it is a generic guide for smoking recipes. It doesn't promote the product line and it isn't a worthwhile choice for anyone new to smoking foods.

I ordered this book hoping to find some good recipes for BBQing but instead I found a book that would you give part of the recipe and then you need the secret ingredient, cookshack's rib rub. Most of the recipes require you to order different types of rubs from cookshack instead of giving you the information needed to make the rub.

I've been smoking for about 6 months. I already have the "Smoke and Spice" and "Backyard BBQ" books.

This book is a mixed bag.

On the plus side, the recipes are truly adventurous - smoked venison carpaccio with baby frisee and red oak salad with maple soy vinaigrette anyone?

However, there are problems:
- the book is aimed at Cookshack owners. It's not an insurmountable problem for those comfortable with smokers, but it's irritating.
- the recipes don't offer much in terms of explanation (such as Smoke and Spice does). For example the "Smoked Steaks" says ingredients 1&1/4" steaks. The recipe is smoke at 240 for 1 hour. That's it!
- it feels at times to be a catering book in terms of the recipe sizes: Pulled Pork BBQ = 40lb boneless pork butt!!!
- the recipes don't do much in terms of explaining what to look for or substitutions (again, such as Smoke and Spice). It's very mechanical = take this do that.
- a small portion of the recipes aren't even smoker recipes.

So here's the deal:
- if you own a Cookshack smoker, add a star.
- if you're an experienced smoker looking for different recipes, or willing to experiment a bit, then 3 stars.
- if you're looking for handholding or discussion (like Smoke and Spice) subtract a star.

This was a great value and easy to read and follow ideas. Had no idea there were as many different recipes as this book provides.

I bought this for a Christmas gift for my son in Law the book was a good price and was shipped very fast. The book seem to be alittle faded but other than that Im pleased.

so far all of the recipes that we have used have turned out better than we expeted them to be. we are looking forward to try more in the future, and hope they will turn out as good as the ones we have tried. great book

For those that require a "hold your hand" approach to smoking, you need to look elsewhere, but for those that have a bit of under the belt experience with smokers, this book is the ticket. Lots of great recipes and a bit of technique makes this a book an "I'll keep on my go to shelf for great BBQ ideas" book. Lots of recipes I'm still waiting to try...

I have to admit, it's been hard to find decent Smoked Fish recipe books. This one has more than others and while I haven't done any of them spot on as the book says I've adapted them and used a few as a foundation, and then adjusted them to our tastes (or what we have in the house). Worth the purchase

I am a beginner at smoking food. This is a great help. Lots of instructions and recipes that are clear and understandable. I highly recommend this book.

If you have a smoker, This is a must! The recipes are right on the money!