Smoking Meat: The Essential Guide to Real Barbecue

I don't usually write reviews, so this is a little outside my usual experience.My family got me a smoker for Christmas and I've been looking for tips and tricks as I learn to use it. I found Jeff on his website, which was full of interesting an helpful information. So much so, that when I saw he had written a book, I decided to give it a try. I've been impressed with the recipes in the book. We decided to smoke up a bunch of chicken this last weekend and even as a newbie, I was able to produce a great spread by using this book.You can look at the table of contents for an idea of what's covered. The first, informational chapters, are very much on point. They inform without being overly wordy and pretty much cover all the basics of using a smoker to safely produce a great meal. The chapters on different meats give advice on how to cook each one successfully. The sides chapter gave us a great recipe for "Fire Corn".My family is excited to get more from me and I look forward to trying more of the recipes in the book and getting better at using the smoker I have. This is definitely a book that's more pointed to a newbie like me and I'm glad I found it.

I refer to this book at least once a week. Jeff puts forth excellent ideas and recipes that truly make great barbecue. Notice I use the word "barbecue." There is a huge difference between barbecue and grilling. If you are looking for a book on how to grill food, as one does on a Weber grill or with a propane grill, don't waste your money on this book. But if you want to learn some great tips, and recipes and get some insight on how to use hardwoods and smoke your food, then this book should be added to your library of barbecue books.

I was given this book as a gift when I first started smoking with a little propane box smoker. This book has never let me done and it’s recipes are simple and fantastic. Provided simple science into smoking and key points to remember/monitor. Provides an easy way of getting into brining and making your own sauces. Really fantastic book that you will enjoy.

I chose this book because of the positive reviews it was getting. I am very new to the world of smokers and hadn't the slightest clue where to start. Now 3 times in on using my brand new Back Woods charcoal smoker, this book has no doubt been an asset in providing some very sound advice and technique. There are a respectable number of suggested recipes to choose from with most cuts of meat and some other bonus material. Some good core rubs and sauces to work with also.From a beginners standpoint, this book is awesome and has already helped produce some great barbeque results. If you are after competition level material with some more intricate recipes and trade secrets, this book may be limiting. But after all a true chef isn't afraid to experiment with their own ideas.I would definitely recommend this book to those who have less to no experience with smokers. I am sure there are better finds out there for recipes.

Great for use with your grill

This is a great gift for someone that loves to smoke meat!

If you’re new to smoking meat and just need some starter advice and tips on what you can do with your smoker(wood, electric, gas) get this book. Some easy steps and advice along with recipes for some good smoking and sauces. Still learning the basics but I go back to this book from time to time for a refresher and ideas.

My husband uses this cookbook for smoking meat recipes. When a new neighbor was talking about getting his smoker out and being a novice at it, my husband decided to get him a copy of his favorite smoking meat guide as a housewarming gift.

I got this as a present for someone interested in getting a smoker for his bbq.

This is an ideal guide for newbies like myself. Great advice and recipes.

Great book, well written by somebody who really enjoys smoking. Great tips and information. A must for anyone who likes to cook low and slow.

I am eagerly awaiting this book, but I ordered it weeks ago and I am still waiting.....

This is a great smoking book. It is written by a Canadian which is nice because a lot of BBQ and smoking books are American and sometimes it's hard to find items they mention of in Canada. The start of the book runs through the basics of smoking, and then chapters are broken up by meat types. Some of the tips in here may be contrary to what your smoker manufacturer may or may not recommend. So far I have found all of the tips to be accurate. I have tried two of the recipes already and they were excellent. You can't go wrong with this book!