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Best books

Posted: 29 Nov 2012, 21:30
by slatts
Hi All

Just getting started on proper bbq food and am a total beginner.
Ive made a dry rub for ribs and cooked a couple of racks but want to learn a bit before buying a smoker or decent bbq or both.

Any advise on some decent books to read for best info on smokers,bbq's,fuels and recipes.
Anything that you think will help me learn and any of your favourites regarding recipes and cooking times/heats and any other help.

Many thanks

Re: Best books

Posted: 29 Nov 2012, 22:35
by Swindon_Ed
Wicked good bbq is the best BBQ book I've seen as it covers all parts other than that, amazingribs.com is a great site with some decent recipes and reviews on it.

Re: Best books

Posted: 30 Nov 2012, 06:30
by Eddie
I will second Swindon Ed's comments on Wicked good BBQ. Three others that I've enjoyed are Mike Mills Peace, Love and BBQ. Myron Mixon Smokin. Ray Lampe Big time BBQ cookbook.

Eddie

Re: Best books

Posted: 30 Nov 2012, 10:59
by MrJaba
I've not read any of the others.. yet.. but my bible is Big Bob Gibson's BBQ book - it's amazing and a really interesting read as well.

Re: Best books

Posted: 30 Nov 2012, 11:41
by keith157
MrJaba wrote:I've not read any of the others.. yet.. but my bible is Big Bob Gibson's BBQ book - it's amazing and a really interesting read as well.
On my Xmas list. May I add Smoke & Spice to the list

Re: Best books

Posted: 01 Dec 2012, 21:18
by slatts
Excellent thank you all

ive already put wicked good bbq on my xmas list and a few others, big bobs is on there aswell.

A few recipes ive seen included molasses, is there any type that i should be looking for and are they available in asda or tesco also kosher salt is another ive seen come up,is that available aswell??
im starting to get a good selection of spices in the cupboard but would like to be able to grab anything from my cupboard that comes up in a recipe.

Nothing but good info and advice on this site so far so thank you all for your time.

Slatts

Re: Best books

Posted: 01 Dec 2012, 22:52
by Swindon_Ed
slatts wrote:A few recipes ive seen included molasses, is there any type that i should be looking for and are they available in asda or tesco also kosher salt is another ive seen come up,is that available aswell??
Molasses isn't available in the supermarkets over here but you can substitute it with treacle or buy it online from Amazon, although I prefer to use Molasses sugar which I've bought in Sainsburys as I think it adds a better flavour than molasses or treacle. Some places like Holland & Barret sell Black Strap Molasses, and unless it says to use this in a recipe don't use it as it's very different.

Kosher isn't available in supermarkets over here, you can it online but it's quite over priced, and some people use Maldon sea salt, but I prefer coarse sea salt.

If you're looking at a lot over American recipes, one thing you should be aware of, is when they talk about chilli powder they're talking about chilli con-carnie powder. I know a few people that have been caught out by this and wondered why their rub was very spicy when using chilli powder they bought from the Asian supermarket. I like to use the mild chilli powder in my rubs and then use some additional cayenne powder if needed. In American recipes if they're looking for chilie pepper powder they will say chillie powder to just be aware of this.

Re: Best books

Posted: 02 Dec 2012, 06:35
by philnewts
Interesting post Ed.

I always thought that Chilli powder as we know it was blended with paprika etc. I look for non blended powders like Ancho and Chipotle.

I also use cayenne but have been staying away from supermarket chilli powder.

When you say Chilli Con Carne mix, is this the same as say ASDA own chilli powder?

Everyday is a school day in BBQ :)

Re: Best books

Posted: 02 Dec 2012, 07:56
by Swindon_Ed
Chilli powder that you get in the states is a mix of paprika,ancho, cumin and a few other bits depending on their blend. The mild chilli powder you get from Asda or any super market will do the job.

Re: Best books

Posted: 02 Dec 2012, 10:23
by keith157
Yep I know that's caught a few people out......