[.ca] Great American Barbecue & Grilling Manual, The (ISBN 0936171030)

best bbq book available:
This book is the bible of BBQ. I read several books and checked the internet sites and this is far and away the best. Mr. Hale not only teaches you proper technique for cooking he teaches you WHY the techniques work. I recently did my very first brisket in a high quality offset style cooker using Mr. Hale's recipes and instructions and it was one of the most tender, juicy and flavorful briskets I've ever had. If you only buy one BBQ book - this is the one to get!

Pretty Darned Good Book:
Far from being faint praise, saying that this is a "pretty darned good bbq book" is the greatest compliment one bbq'er could make to another. As a life long (ex-Kansas City) proponent of the slow, lazy method of cooking ribs and other treats, this is undoubtedly the most dead-on manual for anybody who wants greater insight into cooking outdoors. For the novice, it is a definitive introduction to serious grilling and bbq. For those of us who have spent as much time trying to figure out WHY we try to coax any goodness out of a nasty cut of meat like the brisket as we do actually doing it, it is a great resource. The book is filled with information that will improve the efforts of bbq'ers of any level. This is the one bbq book every cook should own.

Got a Grilling or Barbeque Question? THIS book's for you!!:
I have subscribed to the Barbecue'n On the Internet newsletter ... for about 3 years and that is where I first 'met' Smoky Hale, who has a column there. His 'aw shucks' self-deprecating style is both humorous and very informative. His many inside tips and experience with the art of 'Q' made me an instant fan. When his book was released in 2000, I eagerly purchased it and to no surprise, I use it regularly. The book is really a conversation with the reader. Smoky shares his years of experience, some good, some bad and you get the feeling that making some really bad food is part of the learning process. And he does discuss every aspect of the grilling and barbeque process. Barbequing, broiling, roasting and smoking procedures are thoroughly covered in detail. He also talks about seasonings, rubs and marinades....what to use and why. I really appreciated Smoky's discussions about choosing the right grill, cooking with a variety of heat sources: wood, charcoal, gas and electricity, meat selection, storage and safety and the chapter on building your own grill. These chapters were not only informative, but were replete with many humorous anecdotes and quotations. Whether you are a novice to barbeque and grilling or a self-styled pitmaster, you will enjoy this book. I have over fifty books on the subject and this is without question one of my top choices. It will demystify a sometimes confusing cooking genre and will give you answers to most, if not all of your questions.

Aptly entitled!:
THE GREAT AMERICAN BARBECUE AND GRILLING MANUAL is so aptly entitled. It is great! Every aspect of barbecueing is covered in a humorous manner that makes for fun and informative reading. It is a "must have" for all who love good food. Definitely 5 stars!

American Lifestyle Captured and Enhanced:
"Smoky" Hale takes the reader on an American journey from cover to cover. From the origins of "barbeque" explained, and differentiated from "grilling", to the drawings of a "smoke house" he takes us on an enjoyable trip with lore related to "slow-smoke" and "fire". My partner and I took "Smoky's" book along on a trip, reading aloud while the other was driving. Laughter and learning was the result. Smoky destroys some of the lore which has surrounded "barbeque" through time, and leads us on a journey of enjoyment. Filled with basic recipes (rubs, sauces, "hash", meats) which will enhance any true cookers taste buds, as well as his or her friends. I recommend the book as a gift to the experienced cooker, as well as the novice. Particularly good gift for the teenager who shows an interest in barbequeing or American Folklore. Start at the front cover and exit through the rear, then enjoy again.