Adam Perry Lang Cookbooks

Cymbaline65

Guys and gals,

Adam Perry Lang has been getting a lot of good press lately and I love the board sauce concept (don't know if that's his invention or he just picked it up). Lots of interesting concepts and recipes etc..

If you were to own one APL book, which one would it be?

Focker

Serious Barbecue

R2Egg2Q

+1 for Serious Barbecue

nolaegghead

^^have that one. 

I saw him at Meatopia in San Antonio last year.  He was cooking on an impressively giant trailer kitchen thing.

tksmoke

Why would you just want one? I would purchase Serious Barbecue first. It's excellent not only for the recipes, but also for the techniques. Charred and Scruffed is good as well, but I'd get Serious Barbecue first.

smbishop

Serious Barbecue is my go to book, love the preparation and the results!

tkleager

Focker said:

Serious Barbecue

+1

Cymbaline65

Why one? Well, if I really like Serious BBQ, then I'll dive into other titles but I generally like to buy a book and run with it awhile. The reviews of SB all look good.

beteez

As a beginner I would say BBQ 25 or Serious Barbecue. Charred & scruffed a distant 3rd. BBQ 25 is very baisic & full of every day cooks. SBBQ has some incredible recipes & techniques. Charrred & scruffed has some interesting ideas but does not come anywhwere as useful as the 1st 2.

SmokeyPitt

I only have Serious BBQ so I can't speak to the others.  One thing to note is most the recipes int SB are pretty complex.  They usually have many ingredients to measure out and many steps.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but just something to be aware of.  I think you can learn a great deal about techniques even if you don't follow the recipes to a T.  The board sauce is a good example.  You could check out the recipe he uses for board sauce on Rib Eye steaks and only do that, and skip the 4-5 pages and 35 steps he uses to tell you how to prep and cook a steak . 

Cymbaline65

I have enough "basic" BBQ books (as well as probably 200 non-bbq/grilling books) and that's why APL's approach appeals to me. Something different to try and a different way of doing it. I love the journey as much as the destination. Not to mention, I really don't mind getting tapped on the shoulder to provide grilling services by friends and family.

Cymbaline65

Yeah, SmokeyPitt, I did read reviews about recipe complexity but I'm not too worried about that. I love the herb brush concept. That's got to smell fantastic.

cheech5001

Honestly, I would say of all the unique techniques I have picked up from APL, the herb brush is the least impressive as far as imparting flavour goes.

JohnInCarolina

I've followed some of his recipes in SB to a T, others I do maybe half the steps.  Stuff always comes out great.  

tulocay

He does love his red pepper flakes!

nick_banich

Agree on the complexity.  When I am in a rush I will use one of my store bought or preferred rubs/marinades/sauces and follow his TECHNIQUES (wrapping, board sauce, etc) which usually lead to great results.

When I do have the time I love doing it all from scratch.  Better end product and adds to the WOW factor when you serve your guests fajitas that had been soaked in a made from scratch marinade. I noticed he has some common ingredients and flavors across recipes so after you get over the initial purchase of some spices and seasonings its only an investment of time to take it all the way.

When I did brisket this weekend I used the reserved sauced from the wrap to coat the cutting board and to run each slice through.... no one was questioning how moist each slice was - from point to dickle. 

KenfromMI

Serious BBQ

Cymbaline65

Well, I just got slobber-knocked with a $300 vet bill and a $700 car repair bill today. APL will have to wait a bit. :((

KenfromMI

Don't worry, his recipes are too much work anyway LOL

KenfromMI

I found it at the library and never bought it myself. Just wrote down some of the recipes that I wanted to try. Was planning on buying it later but never did.

tksmoke

The recipes are only a portion of the value of Serious Barbecue.  The techniques, lore and tips that are included throughout the text are worth the price of admission.  Yes, the recipes are complex, but the ones I have used are most excellent,  Great for elevating your game!!

buzd504

tksmoke said:

The recipes are only a portion of the value of Serious Barbecue.  The techniques, lore and tips that are included throughout the text are worth the price of admission.  Yes, the recipes are complex, but the ones I have used are most excellent,  Great for elevating your game!!

I agree with this.  If you just want recipes, he has a ton on his site for free as well.

Cymbaline65

The jury is out and SB it is. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for everyone's input/opinion.

robnybbq

Serious BBQ is a great book and learning tool.  I have started using his techniques on other cooks as well.

EggNorth

I bought Serious BBQ based on the reviews here, and don't regret it.  Only flaw is that there is not a picture for every recipe - Too much to ask for I guess because that's normal for a cookbook.

JohnInCarolina

EggNorth said:

I bought Serious BBQ based on the reviews here, and don't regret it.  Only flaw is that there is not a picture for every recipe - Too much to ask for I guess because that's normal for a cookbook.

It's funny because I've mostly cooked the recipes he does have pics for.  I bet there are some real gems I've missed as a result.

The one exception is his BBQ sauce, which I have made, and it is fantastic. Real crowd pleaser.