The perfect book for this time of the year, when hopefully everyone will soon be firing up their barbecues. Weber’s greatest hits boasts 125 classic recipes, as rated and debated by fans and experts. But don’t be mislead by the title – this book can apply to cooking on any barbecue, or even cooking indoors, although clearly the recipes will be tailored for cooking on a Weber barbecue.
There are original ideas for finger food and small helpings. Lots of recipes are excellent for entertaining larger crowds of people, and there is a great variety from the everyday meal to the more exotic, and also recipes for desserts. There are sections for starters, beef and lamb, pork, poultry, fish and shellfish, sides and desserts. There is everything in this book from cheeseburgers to pineapple upside-down cake! There is also ‘top ten tips for barbecue greatness,’ dressings and sauces, barbecue guides and party menus, as well as a comprehensive index.
The photos are very well done, and the food is nicely presented. I couldn’t go past Turkey Meatball with Chilli-Ginger Sauce, T-Bones with Avocado Salsa, Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Beer-Marinated Chicken Tacos. And I’m also keen to try Chicken Paillards with Tomato-Olive Relish, Brined Pork Cutlets with Apple-Tarragon Relish, Curried Lamb Chops with Yoghurt Sauce and Barbecued Broccoli with Toasted Breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Weber’s Greatest Hits is a comprehensive cookbook that will encourage you to fire up the barbecue, but many of the recipes will also translate well for cooking indoors.
Reviewer: Iain McKenzie
Allen and Unwin, RRP $45.00