Grilling with Golic and Hays: Operation BBQ Relief Cookbook

Pitmaster Hays and former ESPN radio host Golic deliver recipes as flavorful as they are uplifting in this tribute to “the healing power of BBQ.” Inspired by Hays’s nonprofit, Operation BBQ Relief—which deploys mobile kitchens to communities struck by disaster—the two serve up more than 80 recipes, along with help from volunteer celebrity chefs and sports pros, to showcase barbecue styles from around the globe. Brisket finds the spotlight in appetizers such as brisket-stuffed jalapeños and smoked brisket wontons, and a southwest chili is made more enticing with a secret ingredient (beer). Meanwhile, classic barbecue sides lean decadent: Gruyère and Gouda offer an indulgent twist on cast-iron skillet mac ’n’ cheese, while a lobster pasta salad from pro-football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner puts a rich spin on the humble dish. Chapters on pork, beef, and lamb boast innovative variations on ribs—including Korean BBQ short ribs marinated in Coca-Cola and apple pear to “break down the beef”—and chicken gets chopped for salad, spatchcocked, stuffed with bacon, and served shawarma-style in a flatbread sandwich. Smoked fruit cocktails (made with ice melted in a smoker) and Cake in a Can ably prove that dessert and drinks don’t have to wait until the grilling’s over. This is sure to fire up backyard cooks. (Apr.)