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

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.