Al Roker's Big Bad Book of Barbecue: 100 Easy Recipes for Backyard Barbecue and Grilling - Softcover

Al Roker began his broadcasting career as a weekend weatherman in Syracuse, New York, while still in college. After stops in Washington, D.C., and Cleveland, Ohio, he landed at NBC in 1983, where he is seen every day on "Today."

Al produces and stars in specials on the Food Network, most recently, "The Making of Al Roker's Big, Bad Book of Barbecue." He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller Don't Make Me Stop This Car! Al Roker lives in New York City and upstate New York with his wife, ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts, and their two daughters.

I've tried to come up with a book that you'll really use. Let's face it. We're talking about grilling and barbecuing here....This is not rocket science. This book is about starting your own traditions. Making your own way in the world of barbecue and grilling....

I guess I've always wanted to write a cookbook, to be able to help people make meals that they would be proud to serve to family and friends. After all, that's what cooking is all about. It means you care. We equate home cooking with love. I look at barbecue and grilling as a representation of love in edible form.

I want to help you give the people you care about a whole lotta love.

-- from the Introduction

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?
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