Five great grilling cookbooks
by Narissa Tadros
Montrealers make the most of their summers, and while the usual burger and pint on a terrasse will always be favourite hot-weather fare, it's also nice to fire up the grill once in awhile and invite a few friends over for a backyard (or balcony) barbecue. These five cookbooks offer plenty of ideas for outdoor entertaining, whether it's a picnic, a casual family meal or a more formal dinner party.
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Barbecues & Grilling
by Antony Worrall Thompson & Jane Suthering (Kyle Books)
Barbecues & Grilling is perfect for the gourmand griller. London-based chef Thompson takes barbecuing to a whole new level with dishes inspired from countries around the world. Recipes range from quick and easy to more complicated, including Pork & Shrimp Burgers, Gorgonzola Figs with Pancetta, Venison in Port Marinade and Quick Tandoori Chicken Skewers. There's also a section on grilled fruit, a temperature guide and tons of useful hints and tips. $28.77, www.chapters.indigo.ca. |
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The Asian Grill
by Corrine Trang (Chronicle Books)
Tired of the usual kabobs and steaks? Many Asian foods lend themselves well to grilling. Trang takes you through the basics of Asian ingredients, and grilling tools and techniques to create more than 80 recipes, including Sweet Miso-Marinated Fish, Country Ribs with Hoisin Sauce, Grilled Beef in Grape Leaves and Sushi Rice in Fried Tofu Pockets. Don't be intimidated: recipes range from simple to more complicated, so everyone can use this book. $20.06, www.chapters.indigo.ca. |
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101 Things To Do With a BBQ
by Steve Tillett (Gibbs Smith)
Podiatric surgeon by day and barbecue guru by night, Steve Tillett introduces you to the basics of grilling in this pocket-sized book. He uses everyday ingredients to create fast and easy recipes like Alabama-style BBQ Chicken, Grilled Avocado Bacon Sandwiches and Smoked Honey Garlic BBQ Ribs. There's also a section on sauces and rubs. It really doesn't get any easier than this. 101 Things is a great choice for novice barbecuers. $12.95, www.chapters.indigo.ca. |
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The Big Book of Backyard Cooking
by Betty Rosbottom (Chronicle Books)
Okay, so this one isn't all about barbecuing, although it does offer plenty of great grilling recipes like Portobello Mushroom Burgers, Swordfish Steaks with Mango Lime Salsa and Provençal Lamb Chops. Backyard Cooking also includes plenty of great ideas for side dishes, salads, drinks and desserts. Rosbottom doesn't use lengthy, complicated ingredient lists, and her instructions are clear and simple. Recipes even come with instructions for advanced preparation, which is perfect for those who like to plan ahead. $18.72, www.chapters.indigo.ca. |
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The Vegetarian Grill
by Andrea Chesman (Harvard Common Press)
Barbecuing isn't just for carnivores. Chesman shows vegetarians how to make delicious - and meatless - dishes, including Smoked Poblano Cheese Quesadillas, Honey-Mustard Sweet Potatoes, Lentil Burgers with Tomato-Cucumber Relish and Maple-Grilled Pound Cake with Peaches. Instructions are clear and easy to follow, and there are helpful notes on which vegetables and fruits lend themselves best to barbecuing, the differences between gas and charcoal grills and more. A word of advice: many of the recipes require a grill rack, so we recommend investing in one (they're about $12 to $15, anywhere barbecues are sold). $18.55, www.chapters.indigo.ca. |
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