Man Made Meals: The Essential Cookbook for Guys (Steven Raichlen Barbecue Bible Cookbooks)

First of all, a disclaimer. I am, in fact, not a man. However, I got this from the library several years ago after randomly picking it up and flipping through it. I checked it out and after making the breakfast nachos (pg. 58-59, you must make them ASAP) I was in love. I also got it from the library again recently and as good as the recipes looked the first time, they looked even better this time. And a great benefit this book offers is that it's not like most "atypical" cookbooks. Instead of casseroles and a never ending surplus of chicken breast recipes, you have "five variations on a grilled cheese" and "Jake's lamb ribs with coffee-cocoa-brown sugar crust". I don't even like lamb but that recipe is certainly making me think about reconsidering my opinion. (Neat fact; Jake is Raichlen's stepson and what a great way to honor him.) So, buy this book for the guys in your life. And you know what, what the hell. Get a copy for yourself, too. Even if you aren't a man. I intend on getting copies of this for my (four!) brothers in the not so distant future. Raichlen has, as another reviewer mentioned, written the Joy of Cooking for guys. And that's pretty damn great. One last thing, the "food dude" interviews are great. Stanley Tucci, Thomas Keller, Ben Shewry, etc. I can't recommend this enough.

I checked this book out at the Library first and decided it was a must have for home. Steven is well known for his BBQ knowledge and this book is not strictly BBQ. It is a book that encompasses all kinds of cooking techniques and references several other well known Chefs. It is a must have for any cookbook shelf. It is for guys what the Joy of Cooking was for the ladies of the prior decades. True man recipes. It would be an excellent gift for the college guy that is going to have his own place. Great book for a Dad that loves to cook all kinds of things. Well written and I knew within the first 15 minutes of reading through it that I would have to buy it. I am sure that if you love to cook and BBQ as much as I do, that you will welcome this book to your shelf...though it probably won't sit on it very long.

I got this for my husband for Father's Day. I have read it more than him because I'm more into cooking than he is. I love all the tips in the book. Very knowledgable and easy read!

Fun book written by a great chef and the comments inside from other great chefs and the food selection excellent great recipes

I bought this for myself because it was in the bargain bin in a store in my area. I was so impressed with it that I bought a copy for each of my sons when they moved away from home. This book has everything a new cook needs to know and is a great way for a person on their own to get started in the kitchen. It covers everything from what tools you need in the kitchen to how to make drinks for guest. I especially enjoyed the chapter on mixing drinks at home and the tools/supplies you need when you are just starting out. I absolutely love this book and continue to use it today.

This book, is as important to man as owning a toolbox. The author does a good job to engage the male reader by stimulating man's inner instincts. The recipes are fantastic. Some easy and some difficult to prep, but with trial and error, it will be worth the trouble.

I saw the author interviewed on TV and decided to get it for my son who loves to cook. Before placing the order, I decided to also get one for my husband and son-in-law--Father's Day was coming up. It is a great cookbook, geared for a guy's use (I paged through all of it). My son really likes it. My husband hasn't had a chance to look at it yet and my son-in-law is getting his copy next week (my daughter hopes he'll do some more cooking :) ). Great down-to-earth recipes, helpful insights, a section describing kitchen utensils and vocabulary, makes this a well-rounded cookbook.

Got this book on a special offer through a Steve Raichlen e-mail for $1.99. I have been cooking for quite a few years and am a really good home good with experience in a lot of cuisines. I still was able to pick up some good tips and a lot of recipe variations on the basics. There's a lot of good reading and a lot of flavors to try from this book.