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.

Best book I've seen about the basics of smoking meats - Jeff breaks down everything you need to know about the different types of woods and smokers to use, plus methods for getting best results with each type of meat. Last summer I bought my first smoker (a basic Brinkmann Charcoal Smoker) and had some trouble getting the hang of how to use it and was overwhelmed by the number of recipes and other information you can find online. Tried a bunch of different things and was getting a little better each time but it was a slow process and I messed up a few different meals because I didn't really know what I was doing. Nothing I found online came close to what I learned from this book. After reading through it, I went from a beginner to an experienced smoker almost overnight. Friends, family and neighbors all tell me that my ribs, pulled pork and brisket are as good or better than any restaurant they've been to. Not trying to brag...but I agree. Wouldn't be right to try and take any of the credit for myself though - it all goes to Jeff. I love the recipes. I follow the directions and haven't been disappointed yet. 3-2-1 Ribs are by far my favorite. Last thing: Be sure to sign up for the emails - he sends out awesome recipes all the time that are a lot of fun to try out.

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 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.

This book is WONDERFUL! I received the Masterbuilt electric smoker for my birthday and sadly, it contained no cook book or information on how and what to cook! I searched Amazon for a book that was specific to what I wanted - lots of pictures and step by step instructions. This book has everything I could possibly need - and then some! The recipes are awesome and the author does such an amazing job of explaining what wood chips provide the best flavor for the food items you are cooking. He also gives pointers on rubs to make and marinades, and gives a summary on each recipe and what the outcome will be. I plan to cook our Thanksgiving turkey in my smoker this year using his recipe. I love this book, and also the cute drawings depicting what each chapter contains.

Every aspect of cooking meats the proper and tasting wat. Didn't realize there was a lot to learn from this book. Now I can achieve better tasting food that the whole family enjoys.

I bought a Masterbuilt propane smoker for my boyfriend and knew I was going to need a book to go with it. This book is very informative and very easy to read - a nice mix of smoking information and recipes. We made the rib dry rub and smoked some St Louis ribs and baby back ribs. Using the information in the book, we make some of the best tasting ribs we had ever eaten (and I lived in TX for 12 years - there's good bbq down there). We did the beer can chicken and that was delicious as well. We'd definitely recommend this book for a newbie or semi-newbie that wants a great starter book.

Arrived in good condition. Has lots of great recipies for multiple types of meat/fish products

An excellent book on smoking meat. It provides detail on all aspects of the smoking process from food prep, seasoning, to cooking times and temperatures. As a first time smoker I was able to make excellent dishes that my friends have raved about. My favorite recipes included the beef tenderloin with Jeff's Mop Water seasoning and garlic onion rub. The brined chicken breast with bacon is also amazing. I'm very happy with the quality of this book and the recipes. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in smoking meat.

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

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.

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

Amazing book. Can't wait to start smoking meats.