Smokin' in the Boys' Room: Southern Recipes from the Winningest Woman in Barbecue, Volume 1

Melissa Cookston

Apr 2014 · Andrews McMeel Publishing

About this ebook

Eighty-five Southern-influenced barbecue recipes from the seven-time barbecue world champion and author of Smokin’ Hot in the South.

Melissa Cookston, the “winningest woman in barbecue,” judge on the Netflix hit, American Barbecue Showdown, and the only female, seven-time barbecue world champion is bringing the heat with her first cookbook. Smokin’ In the Boys Room explores how to use fire in all its forms to craft more than eighty-five Southern-influenced barbecue recipes.

One of the world’s top pitmasters, Melissa regularly smokes the competition on the barbecue contest circuit. Now, you can enjoy some of her best recipes for not only the barbecue that has made her famous, but also for baked and fried favorites, oh-so-good sides, and decadent desserts that will stick to your ribs.

In Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room, Melissa shares the inspiring story of how she got into barbecue and worked her way to the top with grit and determination, even becoming known for smoking a whole hog like no one else—an uncommon feat in the barbecue world. She also shares tips and tricks for turning out great meals from the grill, from Slow-Smoked Competition Brisket, to Fire-Grilled Pork T-Bones with Hoe Cakes and Mississippi Caviar, and even Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cake. And no true Southern cook would be without her Buttermilk Fried Chicken, BBQ Shrimp and Grits, and Red Beans and Rice.

The recipes cover the gamut, from sauces and seasoning blends, to pork and bacon, beef, poultry, and seafood, as well as a few sides and desserts to round out the meal. Some are traditional favorites wherever you may live, and others are true to Melissa’s Delta roots. Many have won contests, and all are top-notch, having been honed to perfection in competitions or in the kitchens of Melissa’s restaurants, Memphis Barbecue Company.

Whether you’re a contest veteran or just getting started, there’s something for everyone in Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room. As Melissa can tell you, anyone can learn to man the grill. To be really good at it just takes a little work and a little attitude.

Ratings and reviews

Well written, good background and descriptions of the recipes. Easy to follow directions. Makes me want to fire up the smoker.

If you wanna read one of the best books for competition BBQ this is it

About the author

Melissa Cookston is a two-time Memphis in May Grand Champion (2010, 2012) and four-time World Hog Champion (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014), something no one else, especially female, has accomplished. The "winningest woman in barbecue," she is generally regarded as one of the best barbecue cooks in the country. She co-owns and is the pitmaster at Memphis Barbecue Company restaurants (2 locations across the Southeast), headquartered in Horn Lake, Mississippi. She is currently a judge on the Netflix show, American Barbecue Showdown, and was previously a judge on season four of Destination America's BBQ Pitmasters. She also has appeared on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as Chopped, Last Call Food Brawl, the Today show, The Chew, Fox News, and on many other shows and in a variety of periodicals.