First published 2027
Brian Baumgartner sets barbecue as his serious pursuit. The actor known for playing Kevin Malone on The Office journeys across continents to gather over 100 recipes from home cooks, award-winning chefs, and skilled pitmasters. His collection spans famous American regional styles including Texas, Kansas City, Carolina, and Memphis barbecue, plus international variations and vegetarian options. Baumgartner provides detailed guidance on wood selection, covering cherry, mesquite, apple, hickory, and oak varieties. He explains when to use chunks versus chips, sawdust, disks, or pellets. The cookbook includes instructions for perfect rubs and sauces, plus guidance on grills versus smokers and proper cooking times. Baumgartner shares barbecue history and reveals his secret chicken recipe that silences critics and creates devoted fans.
Genres: cooking, food, cookbooks, food-and-drink
Vibes: cozy, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: expert, journey
Setting: Texas, Kansas City, Carolina, Memphis
168 pages · Hardcover · Fox Chapel Publishing