I very much enjoy watching the Neelys' cooking show on the Food Network. Pat Neely's gentle humor is the perfect counterpoint for the spirit and sass of his wife, Gina. These folks really know how to cook, and they cook much more than just the BBQ for which they are famous. There is a wide variety of recipes in this book. Food that is prepared with love and intuition, and then well-seasoned with spices and flavorings. Some of the recipes and cooking methods are very similar to my own family's cooking traditions like "Lorine's Brown Flour Gravy", "Sweet and Spicy Slaw", "Chocolate Chip Muffins", "Southern Creamed Corn", and "Molasses Baked Beans". Then there are wonderfully different recipes like "Crab Cakes with Lime Mayonnaise", "Turkey, Brie, and Cranberry Panini", and "Deep-Fried Pork Chops and Quick Vegetable Soup". The desserts are all tempting, but the "Southern Red Velvet Cake" is spectacular. The photo shows a three-layer cake that looks to be three stories high! The Neelys own and operate several famously successful BBQ restaurants. In this book, they share their recipes for BBQ seasoning and BBQ sauce and many tips and techinques for preparing mouth-watering barbequed foods. Just as compelling as all the wonderful food is the amazing real-life love story of Pat and Gina Neely, and how their two families work together and support each other in their business. Pat and his brothers started the BBQ business with hard work, skill, and determination. Gina and Pat were high school sweethearts who went their separate ways and married others after graduation. Ten years later, they met up again, and a high school reunion turned into a reunion romance. When Gina joined Pat in the family business, a match was made in heaven, and a loving partnership was formed. Bobby and Jamie Deen featured the Neelys on their program "Road Tasted", and then their mother, Paula Deen, featured Pat and Gina on "Paula's Party". TV history was made, and two Food Network stars were born. Great story, great food, inspiring people!

Review Copy Gratis Borzoi Books ( )