Well, it’s May again. That month when everyone brings out that cavernous stainless steel grill and throws on mouthwatering, marinated meats and vegetables to sizzle and smoke. The air smells of these aromatic and magically charred delights in almost every neighborhood.
This is probably the very reason that May is known as National Barbeque Month! Yum!
If you are ready to try your hand at grilling, or are already a grilling master, we have the very inspiration you need. The book “Serial Griller,” by Matt Moore, is loaded with 125 “killer” starters, smokin’ salads, sizzling sides, and hot handhelds.
The book “Grill Nation,” by David Guas, also has some great techniques, tips, and recipes ready to help you grill like a pro, before you know it.
Southern Living has a book, titled the “Ultimate Book of BBQ,” with pitmaster Christopher Prieto. This is a wonderful resource for those of us who grill and smoke food all year.
I am a lover of fish on the grill, especially salmon. The tasty recipe for “Grilled Salmon Steaks with Basil and Parmesan Butter” from “Easy Grilling” by Ryland, Peters, and Small is sure to make a grilled fish lover out of you before you can say “knife!”
If fish are not for you then how about “Pizza on the Grill” by Elizabeth Karmel and Bob Blumer? This book helps you create some pleasurable pizzas on a gas, or charcoal grill. Who doesn’t love pizza? This book even has a delightful recipe for pulled pork pizza.
Speaking of pork, how about checking out “America’s Best Ribs” by Arthur Aguirre? He includes 100 different recipes for the best ribs ever!
I am not the grilling aficionado in our house — that title goes to my husband. I am the “maker of sides”: potato salad, salsa, pasta salad, etc.
If you are looking for some inspiration with sides to go with your grilled delights, come to the library and check out the cookbook “Lust for Leaf” by Alex Brown and Evan George, aka “The Hot Knives.” These two hip, cool food bloggers put a nice twist on salads and sides that grandma never even dreamed about making. These recipes are guaranteed to be a hit at your next BBQ, potluck, or picnic.
Another great book, “Grilling Vegan Style,” by John Schlimm, has some wonderful ideas not only for, veggies, tofu, and drinks for your backyard barbecue, but also for a delightful fruit dessert I want to try called “Grilled Cantaloupe with Fresh Ginger and Mint Leaves.”
So, whether it is sizzling steaks, magnificent melon, pulled pork pizza, or flavorful fish, I hope that everyone gets to enjoy National Barbecue Month by grilling or partaking of the many mouthwatering delights that can be found at your fingertips in the non-fiction area at the Bartholomew County Public Library.
We are always available to assist you and get you on your way to a smokin’ good time this month and throughout the summer!
Michelle Bishop is a Librarian Assistant at Adult Circulation and can be reached at [email protected]
