Monday, June 09, 2008

A Fork In The Trail by Laurie Ann March



Wilderness Press

ISBN: 0899974317

January 2008

Cooking

www.wildernesspress.com

Reviewed by Bob Walch



One way to deal with the skyrocketing cost of gas this summer is to take a camping-hiking vacation. If you are planning an outdoor adventure A FORK IN THE TRAIL is certainly a worthwhile read.

Filled with over 200 easy to prepare recipes for meals and treats that will make any outing a memorable one, this book's focus is on showing you how to eat well while enjoying the great outdoors.

While some of the recipes are cooked and dehydrated before the trip, others can be prepared in just a few minutes on site. For example, you can make Lemon Wasabi Hummus in your kitchen at home and then just add boiling water when you are ready to enjoy it while camping.

Besides a wide range of recipes inspired by foods from all over the world, the author also shares tips on menu planning, dehydrating and re-hydrating, packing food, and back country baking.

Laurie March insists that there's no reason why you and your family or friends can't eat well while on the trail. Each of her recipes is broken down into what you need to do "At Home" and "At Camp." Whether it’s the Garbanzo Bean, Tomato, and Thai Chili Salad, the Roasted Eggplant Spread, Pseudo Perogies or Black Forest Brownies, you'll discover there's more to camp fare than trail mix!



Real Barbecue by Vince Staten and Greg Johnson



Globe Pequot Press

ISBN: 9780762744428

2007

Cookbook/Grilling

www.globepequot.com

Reviewed by Bob Walch


Part travel guide, part recipe book, REAL BARBECUE offers information on where to find some of the best classic barbecue joints across country along with a smattering of mouth watering recipes.

The authors recently updated 100 barbecue joints list is augmented by sidebars about sauces and sides, information about how to create a cook pit, and bits and pieces of fascinating pork lore. Besides sections that focus on Texas ribs, cowboy-que, Low Country pulled pig, and California-que-zeen, you'll discover how to select the right meat for your own backyard barbecue and learn the secret of concocting the perfect sauce to slather on your pork, beef or chicken.

Some of the recipes worth considering for your next outdoor gathering include Barbecue Coleslaw, Aunt Esther's Sweet Potato Pie, Cheesy Corn Bread and The Rib Joint Roadhouse's Black Beans and Rice side.

For those traveling across the country by car this summer, check out the authors' list of Barbecue Festivals or stop at one of the "joints" reviewed in the book. Some tasty, authentic barbecue may assuage the price of gasoline!