The Barbecue! Bible

The Barbecue! Bible By Steven Raichlen, Workman, 2008. Paperback. $23; 556 pages

Two words for this book: Definitive and complete. If you want one volume that covers everything you’d like to know about grilling and smoking—anything you can do over a fire—this is the, well, bible. A helpful opening chapter of FAQs and authoritative answers establishes the difference between direct and indirect grilling, the characteristics of a good grill (charcoal or gas), the best ways to clean the grill, methods for checking food for doneness, and much more.

GIVE THIS TO: The outdoor cooking geek obsessed with the how’s, why’s, when’s, and what’s of grilling. —Adam Hickman