Barbecue: A Classic and a New Kid

Barbecue: A Classic and a New-Kid
by Michelle Park

There is arguably no other American cooking tradition quite as lore ridden as barbecue. This month, we've handpicked two cookbooks devoted to that mouthwatering marriage of meat and smoke that will urge you to partake before summer officially ends. The first is one of the most-classic books we have on the subject, and the second is sure to become one.

The Classic

The Complete Book of Outdoor Cookery, James A. Beard and Helen Evans Brown (1955)

When navigating something as American as barbecue, who better to turn to than quintessential American cooks? A little antiquated on some fronts, pheasant being less common than it used to be, The Complete Book still has much to offer anyone entering the foray of outdoor cooking — something tells me corn pudding and grilled sausages won't go out of style anytime soon. Inside, you'll find a handy guide of times and temperatures for nearly every cut of meat you can put over a fire. True to its title, the book also dedicates entire chapters to tried-and-true sauces, marinades, appetizers and sides to round out your all-American feast — each, of course, matched with its ideal meat pairings. At once authoritative and approachable, this book is the trustworthy friend you'll consult before any cookout. The American palate may have since graduated beyond French dressing, but we think this book is here to stay.

The New Kid
Smoke: New Firewood Cooking, Tim Byres (2013)
Barbecue: A Classic and a New-Kid

Tim Byres is the co-owner and chef of the acclaimed Dallas restaurant Smoke and, most recently, the author of a James Beard Award-winning cookbook of the same name. Smoke starts out modestly enough, with homemade rubs, pickles and a host of bright sides to beautifully complement your meat. Then, for its greater half, it dives headfirst into four grand barbecue feasts: a seafood boil, a pig roast, a campfire breakfast and a Tejano barbacoa, all meticulously planned out, from the drum grill you'll need to build to the Mezcal and Key Lime Meringue Pie you'll serve for dessert. What's most refreshing about Byres is that he doesn't spend too much time coaxing you into believing all this work will be worth it. He just starts digging a barbacoa pit and fully expects you'll join in. He briskly walks you through different types of firewood, tools and chiles, then describes a pig roast with the same efficiency. There's even a section on canning safety and method. The recipes can be involved — like the Pork Jowl Bacon with Half-Sour Cucumber Salad, which combines no less than four separate recipes. But the gorgeous photos and Byres' informative blurbs are all the convincing you'll need, making Smoke a great pick if you're looking to step up your barbecue game.

Next Up

Every Day Is a New Adventure with Food Network Magazine’s Brand-New Kids Cookbook

It’s filled with 365 days’ worth of kid-friendly recipes!

Michael Symon Explores BBQ USA in a Smokin’ New Series

Mark your calendars for the premiere on Monday, July 11 at 9|8c.

What Parents Need to Know About the AAP’s New Weight Loss Guidelines for Kids

We asked registered dieticians to break down the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recently released guidelines, which are the first of their kind in 15 years.

New Barbecue Wisdom: Rest Is Best

A new theory is gaining traction among pitmasters: Allowing barbecued meat to “rest,” if done correctly, actually improves its flavor.

New Takes on Classic Sweet Potato Casseroles

From stuffed to mashed, these sweet potato recipes from Food Network will turn your Thanksgiving table into a celebration of seasonal flavor and spice.

Muffulettas to BBQ Shrimp: My New Orleans

I made my first trip to New Orleans in the late '80s and remember one thing vividly: the muffuletta sandwich. Salty, sweet and tangy between two pieces of bread, it was delicious, perfect. Little did I know how important it was to become to me.

Try a New Twist on the Classic BLT

Learn a new tomato roasting technique from Food Network's BLT feature in the July/August issue.

Food News: Food Presentation Affects Kids' Eating Habits

Want your kids to eat all the healthy food you put on their plate? Think about how you're arranging it.

New Study: Kids Eat More Veggies With Dip

A new study found that serving kids vegetables along with dip leads to munching on more veggies.

On TV

Outchef'd

8am | 7c

Outchef'd

8:30am | 7:30c

Chopped

11am | 10c

Chopped

12pm | 11c

Beat Bobby Flay

1:30pm | 12:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

2:30pm | 1:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

3:30pm | 2:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

4:30pm | 3:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

5:30pm | 4:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

6:30pm | 5:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

7:30pm | 6:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

8:30pm | 7:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

9:30pm | 8:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Beat Bobby Flay

10pm | 9c

Beat Bobby Flay

10:30pm | 9:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

11:30pm | 10:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

12:30am | 11:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

1:30am | 12:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

2:30am | 1:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

3:30am | 2:30c

What's New