IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award

Named in honor of America’s most cherished publisher/printer, the Benjamin Franklin Awards™ recognizes excellence in independent publishing. Publications, grouped by genre are judged on editorial and design merit by top practitioners in each field.

Winners were announced and trophies awarded to the best books in several categories at the publishers gala awards ceremony on the evening of May 28, 2009.

Cookbooks
Char-Broil® Everybody Grills!, Creative Homeowner
Ralph Brennan’s New Orleans Seafood Cookbook, Vissi d’Arte Books
The Tillamook Cheese Cookbook: Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence, Arnica Publishing

Wow – that’s #2 this year! (see the other one CLICK HERE)

Happy Grilling!

Awards will be presented May 29, 2009 in New York.

I won’t be attending the Independent Publisher Book 2009 award event in New York next week – but I’m so very pleased to tell you that Everybody Grills! will be awarded the Bronze (3rd place) for the national ‘Cookbooks’ category.  (Hey – for our first time outta the gate – I’ll take it!) More than 4,000 books were entered in the competition.

Special congratulations to  Char-Broil and the wonderful supporters who made it all possible. A big congrats to the most tasteful, talented and patient editor in the world – Lisa Kahn.  And, of course,  thanks and congrats to everyone at Creative Homeowner who undertook the effort to make this cookbook look so good that folks want to eat the photos! I’m pleased at the reception for this cookbook and so very honored to be a part of the development and featured in the final production.

You can get your copy today at the Char-Broil web site. CLICK HERE

Happy Grilling!

I’m not one who is into ‘hero worship’ of celebrities, athletes, politicians, etc. In my book  the heroes are those who serve quietly on behalf of others: soldiers, fire fighters, police and such.  Good dad’s are my heroes. Hard workers are my heroes.  People who have given their all to something and been denied, through no fault of their own are my heroes. These are people who have qualities of integrity, dedication and humility to which I find I too often come up  short.  So to even begin to suggest that a guy who is a celebrity writer and cook is my hero, is – well – silly, by comparison.

But I’ll tellya. (more…)

200 Prize-Worthy Recipes to Put Sizzle on Your Grill!

Q: What do you get when you combine these ingredients: great grilling tips, delicious recipes, mouthwatering photos, “green” publishing and a reputation for the best in value, performance and innovation in backyard cooking equipment?

A: It’s the recipe for a tasty new cookbook from Char-Broil aptly titled Everybody Grills!

This cookbook is so much more than just a collection of recipes. It’s been described as the “definitive cookbookand how-to-grill guide” for everyone from beginners to seasoned barbecue enthusiasts. Everybody Grills! features more than 200 easy-to-follow recipes and expert tips for grilled and barbecued appetizers, main courses, salads, vegetables-even desserts “that will have family and friends licking their fingers.”

“We wanted to publish a cookbook that anyone and everyone would enjoy reading and could actually use. We wanted to capture Char-Broil’s love of outdoor cooking and share it with our friends, family and neighbors. As the introduction says, at Char-Broil, we will not be satisfied until we can say Everybody Grills”

In the works for more than a year, the recipes are gathered from Char-Broil’s (more…)

Taking a count this morning I found more than 100 cookbooks in my office – about 30 of which are on the subject of barbecuing, grilling or smoking food. While I have a couple of favorites I refer to time and again – this past week I was sent a copy of my new-very-best-most-favorite on the subject of barbecue.

Mastering Barbecue by Mike Stines.

That’s right, our own guest chef and regular contributor Mike Stines. I always enjoy reading Mike’s emails to me that include his own tasty recipes, tips and ideas – he shares them generously. This week I got an autographed copy of his book and I casually opened it at bed time. When I looked up at the clock I discovered I’d been reading it for several hours. This book is one you want to get. And I suggest you buy at least two back-ups because the first will get worn out and you don’t want to be with out it. And you’re gonna want to give one to your best friend who “thinks” they already know how to grill – but really REALLY needs this book.

Before I’d read the first 10 pages I’d learned something and by the time I’d read all of the pages I lost count of all the information I got from this book. One reviewer on Amazon.com says the book has no frills – just facts. And I agree.

I will be happily using the book as my reference for techniques and tips to improve my results. Mike provides information that cooks of any experience level will appreciate and can incorporate into their own style. Of all the books I’ve read on outdoor cooking this is one that shares the good stuff from someone who is truly a master.

Actually – that’s one of the great attributes of this entire backyard grilling and barbecue world – I’ve found the true masters want others to succeed at this experience and generously share their experiences, tips and recipes so you and I can enjoy cooking great food as much as they do.

I invite you to take a look at this great book and get one of your own! CLICK HERE

Happy Grilling!