| “Al Senior would pick up the rectangular metal can, pop the top off, and squeeze. And squeeze. You could leave the backyard, go to the bathroom, finish up, head back downstairs, stop in the kitchen, get a soda, and return to the backyard, and he’d still be squeezing.”
“When the briquettes were soaked to his satisfaction, Dad would back up about twenty feet, toss a lighted match in the general direction of the grill, and WHOOOOOOMPPP!!!!! A fireball visible to the Apollo astronauts would rise from our backyard. “Now that’s a fire!” Dad would exclaim, grinning from ear to ear.”
This amusing and highly entertaining excerpt from Al Roker’s book is just a sample of what’s to come. His writing style is as familiar as his weather reports. You get the warm fuzzies all over.
He starts at the beginning. The basics. He doesn’t just launch into the great recipes, and they are great. He discusses the differences in gas versus charcoal. The different types of grills available. And even utensils, mops, and mitts. Good information for the seasoned griller or the beginner. He teaches you about direct and indirect heat and when to choose one over the other depending on what you are grilling. His recipes for salsas and dips give the reader ideal serving suggestions to make even hotdogs and hamburgers special. He also includes valuable information on selecting different cuts of meat and great ideas for your leftovers.
For those interested in more exotic fare, you will not be disappointed. There are recipes for grilled seafood, kabobs and veggies. His deserts are scrumptious and not complicated. And salad recipes for everyone. You will learn to use rubs, make marinades, and of coarse….barbecue sauce. A complete barbecue cookbook!
From the technique, to the equipment, to the table, you will have everything you need to go pro.
So…go forth and barbecue! Enjoy yourself and have a good time. Follow your own family traditions, or start new ones. They may not be as exciting as the traditional “Roker Fireball”, but a family a tradition just the same.
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