The Outdoor Cook: How to Cook Anything Outside Using Your Grill

With so many outdoor cookbooks available, why would one want one more? Primarily because it is authored by ATK, which has a reputation for thoroughly testing its recipes, clearly articulating why its recipe work, and usually suggesting suitable substitutes. Here, the book does not disappoint, and it offers variations for cooking on a flat-top, gas, or charcoal grill, as well as in a smoker or open-fire.

The first section covers equipment, accessories, and fire safety—a section that can be skipped by experienced users. The next seven sections are thematically arranged by meal type (e.g., snacks, sandwiches, breads, desserts). However, the sections do overlap. Most recipes span a spread: starting with the ingredients, a section on why the recipe works, followed by preparation instructions. Suitable ingredients and equipment variations are discussed. Each recipe displays a picture of the finished product.

The book’s cover, and the recipes, have icons of the different equipment. Unfortunately, there is no explanation what these icons mean. One can only surmise that ATK tested that recipe primarily on the icons indicated. Recipes show that not only meats, but also salads, desserts, and cocktails can be prepared using an outdoor fire. This variety of dishes and ATC’s reputation make it a valuable resource.