Al Roker's Big Bad Book of Barbecue: 100 Easy Recipes for Backyard Barbecue (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

You don't need a weatherman to know which way the smoke blows, but nonetheless, here is Roker (Don't Make Me Stop This Car)in an attempt to amuse, instruct and otherwise cash in on the craze that is backyard barbecue. Despite its demonstrative title, this effort is medium-sized and mediocre. With the aid of food columnist Marialisa Calta, Roker sets out his favorite grilling recipes and tips amid a squalor of bad puns and folksy humor. Jerk Chicken, he explains, is not a recipe named after your boss. In his Five Rules for grilling he warns not to move meat around with a fork lest the juices run out. Yet, for one of his signature dishes, Steaks As Big As Your Head, he advises making several small cuts in the meat to press garlic into. Elsewhere, ribs, pulled pork, burgers and wieners are prepared in simple styles that first-time grill owners will appreciate. Only about a third of the collection concerns itself with the art of introducing meat, fish and poultry to fire. The rest of the book is consumed by appetizers, salads, sauces, drinks and desserts. Roker admits to being no more qualified than you are to write a cookbook, but at least he knows what he likes and is happy to share the knowledge. Can Alain Ducasse on the Weather Channel be far behind?
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Roker, known to millions as the weatherman on the Today show, has also done a number of food segments over the years, including a Food Network special on Memphis barbecue, which piqued his interest in the topic. The result is his cookbook of simple grilling recipes, from Spicy Wings to Steaks as Big as Your Head; there are also easy sides, desserts, and drinks. The recipes are clearly written, and the text is punctuated by Roker's trademark humor. There will be another Food Network special in June celebrating the publication of this book, which is sure to be in demand.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Scribner (May 7, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743228642
• ISBN-13: 978-0743228640
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #801,773 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A "real guy's or gal's" barbeque book!, June 20, 2002

By A Customer

Hooray for Al! He has brought barbeque back to where it belongs - in our backyards and on our plain ol' charcoal grills! Great recipes - easy to follow - you don't need to search the far corners of the earth for the ingredients - and, best of all - they taste great! Put this book on the top of your cookbook wishlist - it's worth it!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a blast!, June 20, 2002

By	rikki200020002 (New York) - See all my reviews

Finally, a straightforward, funny, easy to use barbecue and grilling book that makes me laugh and doesn't make me feel like I need a lot of goofy equipment and a degree in fire management. My family and I have used it on two back to back weekends - go for the Steaks as Big as Your Head and the Jerk Chicken. This simple stuff has a big bang on the plate. Thanks, Al!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just For the Grill Barbecue Book!, August 29, 2005

By	A. Moore "Beginner Cook" (Jacksonville, Fl. USA) - See all my reviews

I was surprised to receive this book as a gift but found great recipes for any cook, novice to experienced. Easy to follow directions, easy to find ingredients. I've had the book about 3 weeks and have tried about 10 recipes so far, impressing family and friends at several cookouts as well as some meals at home. Great marinades to prepare ahead and take along. I would definitely recommend this one as the all around summer cookbook/barbecue book to have!