Live Fire by Helen Graves is a seasonal barbecue cookbook that offers straightforward, delicious recipes for all skill levels. It emphasizes fun and accessibility over competition and complexity, featuring a diverse range of dishes from various cuisines and seasons. The book includes informative essays and beautiful photography, making it a delightful read and a practical guide for barbecue enthusiasts.
Live Fire by Helen Graves is a refreshing take on barbecue cookbooks, focusing on simplicity and enjoyment rather than competition and complexity. The recipes are straightforward and delicious, catering to all skill levels and dietary preferences. The book is organized by seasons and includes a diverse range of dishes influenced by various cuisines. One of the standout features is the inclusion of story-filled essays that provide background and personal anecdotes, making the book as enjoyable to read as it is practical to use. The photography is bright and attractive, adding to the overall appeal. Whether you're a seasoned barbecue enthusiast or a beginner, Live Fire offers something for everyone, making it a valuable addition to any cookbook collection.
Quick quotes
Not everyone needs (or indeed wants) to cook the perfect, competition-worthy brisket; most of us want to have fun and a nice dinner at the end of it.
we might think of pickles and ‘cue as an American thing and it is, but for me, any seasonal pickle is game for biting through the richness of a fatty piece of meat, and I love a quick pickled onion with oleaginous fish.
Just reading the titles of the recipes, let alone Helen’s introductions to each, is a lesson in making yourself hungry, as is flicking through the bright, attractive and unpretentious food photography!