Four Upcoming BBQ Cookbooks We’re Excited About
In recent years, a number of insightful books on barbecue have been published, and we try our best to highlight as many as we can on a regular basis in The Smoke Sheet. We recently shared 5 All-Time Great BBQ Books ahead of the holiday season and recommended several Tasty New Cookbooks to Expand Your BBQ Horizons in 2022.
This year several new books are scheduled to be published that we know will feature inventive recipes and cooking methods that will inspire backyard barbecue enthusiasts. Here are four great upcoming barbecue books we can’t wait to read this year.
Ed Mitchell's Barbeque — Ed Mitchell and Ryan Mitchell
In his first cookbook, pitmaster Ed Mitchell explores the tradition of whole-hog barbeque that has made him famous. It’s a method passed down through generations over the course of 125 years and hearkens back even further than that, to his ancestors who were plantation sharecroppers and, before that, enslaved. Ed is one of the few remaining pitmasters to keep this barbeque tradition alive. In Ed Mitchell’s Barbeque, he will share his methods for the first time and fill in the unwritten chapters of the rich and complex history of North Carolina whole-hog barbeque. From cracklin’ to hush puppies, fried green tomatoes to deviled eggs, okra poppers, skillet cornbread, potato salad, and pickled pigs’ feet, this cookbook is filled with delicious and essential recipes honed over decades. And, of course, there is the barbeque—mouth-watering baby back ribs, smoked pork chops, backyard brisket, and barbequed chicken—all paired with lively and warmly told stories from the Mitchell family. Ed Mitchell’s Barbeque is rich with the history of Wilson, North Carolina, and yet promises to bring barbeque to the next level. PRE-ORDER HERE.
Franklin Smoke — Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay
Aaron Franklin, bestselling author and proprietor of Austin hotspot Franklin Barbecue, turns to backyard live-fire grilling and smoking in Franklin Smoke. Along with award-winning food writer Jordan Mackay, Franklin addresses the mysterious area where the smoker and grill intersect, describing when and how to best combine the two. This complete resource, which features inspiring and helpful photographs, proves that lighting a backyard fire is no big deal on a weeknight — and that you can (and should!) cook this way for fuller flavors and a deeper engagement with the elements. Whether you're an old pro looking for new tips or have just purchased your first grill or smoker, the book shares expert techniques designed for any type of backyard grill, from inexpensive kettle-style grills, Big Green Eggs, offset cookers, and hand-built fire pits. PRE-ORDER HERE.
Guga: Breaking the Barbecue Rules — Gustavo Tosta
There are lots of barbecue gurus out there, but Guga (aka Gustavo Tosta) does it just a bit differently and a bit more boldly. Through his popular Guga Foods YouTube channel, Guga teaches his fans how to make out-of-this-world barbecue, as well as incredible sides, sandwiches, tacos, sauces, and more. In Guga: Breaking the Barbecue Rules, Guga shows readers how to make traditional barbecue recipes like smoked brisket, Texas-style ribs, and steak, but he also adds his larger-than-life flair to recipes like picanha (a Brazilian specialty), Korean-style chicken wings, and sweet-and-spicy pork belly. Guga will teach even the most seasoned barbecue connoisseurs some new tricks, and beginning enthusiasts will learn how to take barbecue to an entirely different level. PRE-ORDER HERE.
The Ultimate Big Green Egg Cookbook: An Independent Guide: 100 Master Recipes for Perfect Smoking, Grilling and Baking — Chris Sussman
Get ready to take your BBQ from just alright to flat-out amazing with your Big Green Egg! Packed with 100 mouthwatering recipes and vibrant photography, this is the only book you’ll need. Chris Sussman, a.k.a. The BBQ Buddha, is here to help you achieve that next-level flavor you’ve been searching for. His comprehensive recipe collection provides you with a reliable road map to cook any food you crave on your Egg ― every possible smoked meat, comfort-food classics, flavor-packed veggies, and even desserts. You’ll also get Chris’s best tips and tricks from his years devoted to mastering the Big Green Egg, plus which accessories are worth having and how to use them, including the EGGspander, halfmoon inserts, and Bluetooth temperature monitors. Whether you’re a bona fide EGGhead or new to the Big Green Egg community, this cookbook has everything you need to master your ceramic cooker and make every backyard gathering a certified success. PRE-ORDER HERE.
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These are just a few barbecue books we look forward to with great anticipation in 2023, and we know even more great books are scheduled for publication later this year. Don’t forget to check out our book recommendations each week in our Watch/Listen/Read section for more great BBQ books.
Ryan Cooper (BBQ Tourist) and Sean Ludwig (NYC BBQ)
Co-Founders, The Smoke Sheet
—Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions has opened a new store in Kansas City that features the Midwest’s most extensive selection of BBQ products. (Photo by Richard Fergola)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
The award-winning team behind Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions has recently opened a new store in North Kansas City. The new location will carry the most extensive selection of barbecue supplies in the Midwest. World Champion pitmaster Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ and Kim Groneman of Smoke On Wheels BBQ are part of the new operation. Proud Souls will offer classes that cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques. READ MORE.
Co-owners Chuck Charnichart, Alexis Tovias, and Haley Conlin of the Texas BBQ pop-up Barbs B Q plan to open a permanent location on the square in Lockhart, Texas in March. Charnichart was recently the pitmaster at the Fort Worth restaurant Goldee’s, which was awarded the number one spot on the most recent list of the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints in 2021. According to Eater Austin, Barbs B Q will feature “barbecue staples with personal touches.” As they finish remodeling their building, they plan on holding pop-ups leading up to their opening date. READ MORE.
The Food Network recently released its list of the 50 States of Barbecue, featuring their picks for the best barbecue in every state. The list includes a mix of classic spots like Big Bob Gibson in Alabama and Skylight Inn in North Carolina, to somewhat newer spots such as Q39 in Missouri and Das BBQ in Georgia. READ MORE.
The barbecue community mourns the loss of John Fullilove, pitmaster of Smitty’s Market in Lockhart, Texas, who died peacefully on January 2. "Fullilove, nicknamed "Bundy," was born in Austin on August 2, 1973, and raised in Lockhart, but did not initially plan to go into the family business. In 1999, though, the wastewater operator for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority made an abrupt — and fortuitous — career change." READ MORE.
Our friends at the Barbecue Bros report that after 92 years, Stamey’s Barbecue in Greensboro, North Carolina, is still producing top-notch barbecue. "The chopped pork was delicious and smoky as I would have expected, but it was nice to get confirmation," Monk writes. "The hush puppies were fresh and a perfectly golden color. The red slaw provided the necessary crunch and contrast. Its beauty is in its simplicity. Throw in the requisite Cheerwine and it's a five hog meal, no doubt." READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
Texas Monthly’s Daniel Vaughn shared the story of the circuitous route Stephan Nedwetzky took to become pitmaster of Pit Commander Barbecue in North Texas.
Kansas City’s Wolfepack BBQ recently announced it will be opening a new permanent location in the Columbus Park neighborhood.
Kevin Sandridge announced that the past season of the BBQ Beat Podcast will likely be the last for the foreseeable future.
Austin’s JNL Barbecue has relocated inside Upscale Market in the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood.
Joseph McGregor of Ministers of Smoke will be hosting a one-day course focused on BBQ photography.
Steve Lulofs recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk all about how Veterans Q BBQ is raising money for veterans organizations.
San Antonio Magazine shared the news that Steven Raichlen has begun filming the inaugural season of the new show Planet Barbecue for PBS.
Here are 8 recipes to grill in January, according to Barbecue Bible.
—Austin’s Leroy & Lewis is one of the top BBQ destinations in Texas and was featured in an episode of Somebody Feed Phil. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)—
WATCH
Season 6, Episode 3: Austin — Somebody Feed Phil
On the hit Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil, host Phil Rosenthal (best known as the creator of the long-running Everybody Loves Raymond sitcom) travels the globe with a smile as he savors local cuisine and culture. During the show’s sixth season, Phil visits Austin to taste the local barbecue, tacos, and ice cream. He visits the acclaimed barbecue truck Leroy & Lewis and takes a spin in a Formula One race car. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Meathead and Robert Moss — The BBQ Central Show
Host Greg Rempe is joined by recurring guest Meathead Goldwyn of AmazingRibs.com to talk about the use of koji on meat. They also discuss the upcoming NBBQA and HPBA events, social media trends, and more. Next, Greg talks with author Robert Moss about the success of the second annual Holy Smokes BBQ festival and more. LISTEN HERE.
READ
The Big Texas Cookbook — Editors of Texas Monthly
The editors of Texas Monthly celebrate the ever-evolving culinary landscape of the Lone Star State in this stunning cookbook, featuring more than 100 recipes, gorgeous color photos, and insightful essays. When it comes to food, Texas may be best known for its beloved barbecue and tacos. But at more than 29 million people, the state is one of the most culturally diverse in America—and so is its culinary scene. From the kolaches introduced by Czech settlers to the Hill Country in the 1800s to the Viet-Cajun crawfish that Vietnamese immigrants blessed Houston with in the early 2000s, the tastes on offer here are as vast and varied as the 268,596 square miles of earth they spring from. ORDER HERE.
—These beef ribs from American Barbecue Showdown winner Tina Cannon will blow you away.—
Dino Beef Ribs
By Tina Cannon
In this Fogo Charcoal video recipe, Tina Cannon shares the Dino Beef Ribs recipe that helped her emerge as the champion of Netflix’s American Barbecue Showdown. Cannon prepares her recipe with friend of The Smoke Sheet Ron Dimpflmaier (whose team with Grill Girl Robyn just took third place in the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival BBQ Event). This recipe marks a clear departure from traditional Texas-style beef ribs. Cannon uses her own signature rub to create flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
Learn more about Southside Market Barbeque.
—It's time to start mapping out BBQ events to attend in 2023.—
January 20-21, 2023: The Shed "Dual" Steak and BBQ Showdown — Ocean Springs, Mississippi
The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint, a popular BBQ destination, is again hosting a huge Steak Cookoff Association competition in late January with a total prize purse of $21,500. The event feature competitions for ribeye steaks, ribs, turkey, and bloody marys. There will also be a Kids-focused Kids Q competition to keep the younger ones busy. MORE INFO HERE.
February 15-18, 2023: National Barbecue & Grilling Association National Conference — Kissimmee, Florida
The National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA) will be hosting its annual national conference in early 2023. Expect great classes, speakers, food, competitions, and much more at this event. MORE INFO HERE.
March 31-April 1, 2023: Hogs For the Cause — New Orleans, Louisiana
The Hogs For the Cause barbecue competition and festival is back in 2023 for its 15th anniversary. The event will be held at the UNO Lakefront Arena festival grounds. Proceeds go to fight pediatric brain cancer. MORE INFO HERE.
April 2, 2023: Houston Barbecue Festival — Humble, Texas
The Houston Barbecue Festival will return for its 10th anniversary this April. Tickets are now on sale for the event that includes some of the state’s best pitmasters and barbecue joints such as CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, Brett’s BBQ Shop in Katy, Harlem Road Texas BBQ in Richmond, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ in Tomball, and more than a dozen of Houston’s most popular ’cue restaurants. MORE INFO HERE.
May 17-20, 2023: Memphis in May — Memphis, Tennessee
Recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious barbecue contests, the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a four-day competition held in Memphis. Teams representing the best of barbecue that have been honing their craft for years compete for the title of World Champion and a share of the more than $145,000 in prize money. The event will be held again at Tom’s River Park after a hiatus. However, based on the reduction in space in the new Tom Lee Park the event organizers expect the contest will be limited to 150 teams. MORE INFO HERE.
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