The Buzz...About Books

Nothing says summer quite like the sounds, smells and, of course, tastes of a barbecue. Although our opportunities for social gatherings are restricted right now, you can still treat yourself and the people in your household to some good summertime eating. Whether you're a meat lover, a vegan or somewhere in between, we've got lots of great cookbooks to help take your grilling skills to the next level.

Family barbecue, 1986. Toronto Star Photograph Archive.

For the Meat Eaters

Steak Revolution: All Cuts, All Ways – Perfect Every Time by Rob Firing.

"Take backyard and cottage steak grilling to a whole new dimension. With expert tips and tricks on butchering, trimming and grilling basics, as well as details about different kinds of steak including butcher's cuts, you'll cook a perfect, juicy steak exactly right, every time."

Flavors of the Southeast Asian Grill by Leela Punyaratabandhu.

"60 vibrant recipes proving that Asian roadside barbecue is just as easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing as American-style backyard grilling. Sharing beloved barbecue dishes from the Southeast Asian countries of Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia, experienced author and expert on Asian cooking Leela Punyaratabandhu inspires readers with a deep dive into the flavor profile and spices of the region."

Weber's Ultimate Grilling by Jamie Purviance.

"With these extensively tested recipes, anyone–from amateur to ace–can be a barbecue genius. Foundational recipes for popular grilled foods–steak, burgers, pork chops, ribs, chicken breasts and wings, and salmon fillets–are masterfully explained in this keepsake classroom-in-a-book."

Korean BBQ by Bill Kim.

"A casual and practical guide to grilling with Korean-American flavors from chef Bill Kim of Chicago's award-winning BellyQ restaurants, with 80 recipes tailored for home cooks with suitable substitutions for hard-to-find ingredients."

Rubs: Over 150 recipes for the Perfect Sauces, Marinades, Seasonings, Bastes, Butters, and Glazes by John Whalen III. Currently available in regular print only.

"From dry seasonings and marinades to bastes, butters, and glazes, Rubs presents more than 150 ways to deliver maximum flavor."

Project Fire by Steven Raichlen. Currently available in regular print only.

"Cutting-edge techniques meet time-honored traditions in 100 boldly flavored recipes that will help you turbocharge your game at the grill. From Seven Steps to Grilling Nirvana to recipes for grilled cocktails and desserts, Project Fire proves that live fire, and understanding how to master it, makes everything taste better."

For the Veggie Lovers

Grilling isn't just for the carnivores. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or a veggie-loving meat eater, we've got cookbooks for you too.

'Tis the season to indulge in succulent fresh-from-the field corn, 1990. Toronto Star Photograph Archive.

VBQ: The Ultimate Vegan Barbecue Cookbook by Nadine Horn and Jörg Mayer.

"Nadine Horn and Jörg Mayer have transformed the art of grilling into a veggie lover's feast – complete with Grilled Bok Choy and Peppered Tofu Steak and everything in between."

Fresh Veggie BBQ by David Bailey and Charlotte Bailey. Currently available in regular print only.

"David and Charlotte Bailey are back with a new book focusing on the different ways to cook natural, unrefined and unprocessed vegetarian food on a grill."

For the Hardcore Grillers

Custom Grills & Smokers by Black and Decker.

If you've got the yard space, try building your own grill or smoker.

For the Barbecue Lovers Without a Barbecue

Slow Cooker Dump BBQ by Jennifer McCartney. Currently available in regular print only.

In a city filled with apartment buildings and condos, we don't all have regular access to an outdoor barbecue.  But fear not, I have not forgotten you. Through the power of the slow cooker and the magic of something called liquid smoke, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of barbecue without a grill.

Get out there and get grilling. But be careful! We don't want to hear anything on the news about a rise in cases of singed eyebrows.