Outdoor Cooking

Synopsis

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER From simple but brilliant burgers to feasts from around the world: the ultimate barbecue bible from one of Britain's best-loved chefs _______ 'Cooking outside is all about having fun and creating memories... but just because it's laid-back, it doesn't mean it can't be special. I'll show you how to introduce loads of amazing flavour through fire and smoke.' Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge shares his huge passion for barbecue and outdoor cooking in this timely new book. These recipes range from classic barbecue icons to delicious new favourites, with over 80 recipes to create the perfect barbecue feast. Chapters include: To Start, Meat, Fish, Veggie, Open Fire, Sides and Desserts & Drinks. You'll find tips, advice and ideal recipes for the perfect summer barbecue, campfire or outdoor gathering with friends and family, including: · Spicy sausage baked beans · Smoky pulled pork huevos · Sweet potato and black bean burgers · The ultimate hot dog · Korean-style barbecued beef · The legendary beer-can chicken Whether you're a beginner barbecuing on your balcony or a seasoned pro who really knows your smoke, charcoal and fire, Tom Kerridge's Outdoor Cooking truly has something for everyone. Take your staycation to the next level this year with an entire summertime's worth of incredible outdoor cooking inspiration! 'Recipes that your friends and family will love to eat' Great British Food Magazine 'There's everything from mouth-watering pork and chorizo burgers to flatbreads, plus there's plenty for vegetarians, too. Perfect to get you in the mood for a summer get-together' Sunday Express _______ Tom Kerridge's new book, Pub Kitchen, is out in September.

Summary

Chapter 1: Getting Started with Outdoor Cooking

* Introduction: Explores the joys and benefits of outdoor cooking, its history, and different cooking methods.
* Essential Equipment: Lists must-have gear, including grills, smokers, burners, thermometers, and tools.
* Safety Considerations: Emphasizes the importance of fire safety, proper food handling, and protecting against the elements.

Real Example: Planning a backyard barbecue: Gather necessary equipment (grill, tongs, spatula), ensure fire safety by setting up the grill on a stable surface away from flammable materials, and prepare food (marinate meats, cut vegetables) safely and hygienically.

Chapter 2: Grilling

* Types of Grills: Discusses gas, charcoal, electric, and pellet grills, their advantages, disadvantages, and fuel sources.
* Grilling Techniques: Covers direct and indirect grilling, searing, grilling over charcoal, and grilling with wood chips.
* Choosing the Right Meat: Provides tips on selecting cuts of meat suitable for grilling, including thickness, marbling, and grain.

Real Example: Grilling perfect burgers: Use a gas grill heated to medium-high, grill the burgers directly over heat for 4-5 minutes per side, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Chapter 3: Smoking

* Types of Smokers: Introduces offset smokers, vertical smokers, electric smokers, and water smokers, explaining their design and functionality.
* Smoking Techniques: Describes hot smoking (140-280°F), cold smoking (80-120°F), and using different wood chips for flavor.
* Choosing the Right Food: Suggests meats, fish, cheese, and vegetables ideal for smoking.

Real Example: Smoking a pulled pork shoulder: Use an offset smoker, start the fire with charcoal and wood chips, place the shoulder on the smoking grate, and smoke for 10-12 hours at a temperature of 225-250°F.

Chapter 4: Campfire Cooking

* Fire Building Techniques: Teaches how to build different types of campfires, including teepee, lean-to, and log cabin fires.
* Cooking on a Campfire: Explains methods for cooking directly over the flames, using a Dutch oven, or creating a makeshift grill.
* Campfire Recipe Ideas: Provides suggested recipes for campfire meals, such as foil packet dinners, grilled sandwiches, and roasted vegetables.

Real Example: Cooking foil packet tacos: Create aluminum foil packets filled with seasoned ground beef, chopped vegetables, cheese, and seasonings, and place them directly on the embers of a campfire for 15-20 minutes.

Chapter 5: Outdoor Baking

* Campfire Baking: Introduces techniques for baking bread, pastries, and desserts on a campfire using a Dutch oven or a makeshift oven.
* Dutch Oven Baking: Covers selecting the right Dutch oven, temperature regulation, and unique baking challenges associated with outdoor baking.
* Recipe Ideas: Shares recipes for campfire-baked cinnamon rolls, cornbread, and fruit cobbler.

Real Example: Baking a Dutch oven apple pie: Prepare an apple pie filling in a Dutch oven, place the lid on top, and bury the Dutch oven in the embers of a campfire for 45-60 minutes, rotating occasionally.