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The Backyard Fire Cookbook: Get Outside and Master Ember Roasting, Charcoal Grilling, Cast-Iron Cooking, and Live-Fire Feasting
Ditch the gas grill and light your fire with this comprehensive guide from the author of The New Camp Cookbook . The Backyard Fire Cookbook offers techniques and recipes to master cooking with live fire and coals, including planking, cast iron, foil packets, and more.
There’s no denying the thrill of cooking outdoors and the sense of community it brings when people gather around a fire, and in this book, author Linda Ly will teach you how to master the flames . For the adventurous, start by building a home fire pit . It’s easier than it sounds and requires minimal investment of time and space. If you’d rather not, that’s okay! There are plenty of other options, from vessel fire pits to tabletop grills . Even a charcoal kettle grill will give you more flavor than cooking with gas. Ly also covers everything you need to know about fuel sources (hardwood, hardwood lump charcoal, and smoking wood), her go-to grilling tools and accessories, secrets for stocking an indoor and outdoor pantry, fire making, fire safety, and tips and tricks for grilling more efficiently.
You can choose your own adventure with over 70 recipes for ember roasting, wood-fired cooking, charcoal grilling, and foil pack meals . Next-level techniques like dutch oven cooking, grilling a la plancha, and plank grilling are all part of the fun, too. With modern twists on classics and globally-inspired meals like Smoky Ember-Roasted Eggplant Dip , Thai Chicken Pizza with Sweet Chili Sauce , Grilled Oysters with Kimchi Butter , Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf on a Plank , and Artichoke, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Feta Stuffed Flank Steak , you’ll find a recipe for almost every occasion. This is not a book about low-and-slow barbecue, and you won’t find overnight marinades or complicated recipes, either. Ly aims to encourage easy, accessible grilling that you look forward to doing on a weeknight because, quite simply, food just tastes better outside.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice on the grill, The Backyard Fire Cookbook will help you make the backyard your new kitchen.
There’s no denying the thrill of cooking outdoors and the sense of community it brings when people gather around a fire, and in this book, author Linda Ly will teach you how to master the flames . For the adventurous, start by building a home fire pit . It’s easier than it sounds and requires minimal investment of time and space. If you’d rather not, that’s okay! There are plenty of other options, from vessel fire pits to tabletop grills . Even a charcoal kettle grill will give you more flavor than cooking with gas. Ly also covers everything you need to know about fuel sources (hardwood, hardwood lump charcoal, and smoking wood), her go-to grilling tools and accessories, secrets for stocking an indoor and outdoor pantry, fire making, fire safety, and tips and tricks for grilling more efficiently.
You can choose your own adventure with over 70 recipes for ember roasting, wood-fired cooking, charcoal grilling, and foil pack meals . Next-level techniques like dutch oven cooking, grilling a la plancha, and plank grilling are all part of the fun, too. With modern twists on classics and globally-inspired meals like Smoky Ember-Roasted Eggplant Dip , Thai Chicken Pizza with Sweet Chili Sauce , Grilled Oysters with Kimchi Butter , Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf on a Plank , and Artichoke, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Feta Stuffed Flank Steak , you’ll find a recipe for almost every occasion. This is not a book about low-and-slow barbecue, and you won’t find overnight marinades or complicated recipes, either. Ly aims to encourage easy, accessible grilling that you look forward to doing on a weeknight because, quite simply, food just tastes better outside.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice on the grill, The Backyard Fire Cookbook will help you make the backyard your new kitchen.
- GenresCookbooks
208 pages, Hardcover
Published May 14, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 31, 2019
Full Review on The Candid Cover
The Backyard Fire Cookbook by Linda Ly is a fantastic collection of recipes and tips for cooking food on a live fire. The book explains the different ways of cooking on fire, as well as how to create the perfect fire. It is a detailed book that can be useful to anyone wishing to cook on fire, regardless of experience.
Cooking on fire is something that I had pretty much reserved for camping trips. When I first saw The Backyard Fire Cookbook, I was really intrigued about the possibility of bringing a campfire to my own backyard. It is definitely a cooking technique that requires lots of additional planning and time, but the end result is absolutely worthwhile.
❀ PERFECT FOR THOSE WITH LITTLE EXPERIENCE
Ly has organized this book into different sections that describe various ways to cook on fire: the fire pit, foil packets, pots, grills, and planks. For those with little experience, there is a section at the beginning that goes through the basics and describes the tools and types of wood that will work best.
❀ EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
What is also really enjoyable about this book of recipes are the colourful images and easy to follow instructions. The recipes are also very unique and varied. The unpredictability of cooking on a live fire can, as Ly describes, be exciting as the tastes and outcomes are never the same. This is one recipe book that has inspired me to change the way I approach cooking outdoors.
The Backyard Fire Cookbook by Linda Ly is a fantastic collection of recipes and tips for cooking food on a live fire. The book explains the different ways of cooking on fire, as well as how to create the perfect fire. It is a detailed book that can be useful to anyone wishing to cook on fire, regardless of experience.
Cooking on fire is something that I had pretty much reserved for camping trips. When I first saw The Backyard Fire Cookbook, I was really intrigued about the possibility of bringing a campfire to my own backyard. It is definitely a cooking technique that requires lots of additional planning and time, but the end result is absolutely worthwhile.
❀ PERFECT FOR THOSE WITH LITTLE EXPERIENCE
Ly has organized this book into different sections that describe various ways to cook on fire: the fire pit, foil packets, pots, grills, and planks. For those with little experience, there is a section at the beginning that goes through the basics and describes the tools and types of wood that will work best.
❀ EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
What is also really enjoyable about this book of recipes are the colourful images and easy to follow instructions. The recipes are also very unique and varied. The unpredictability of cooking on a live fire can, as Ly describes, be exciting as the tastes and outcomes are never the same. This is one recipe book that has inspired me to change the way I approach cooking outdoors.
January 12, 2020
Great source of inspiration for outdoor cooking. Packed with exciting recipes, tips and tricks, accompanied by mouthwatering photos.
June 8, 2019
With the start of summer having just peaked around the clouds, this is the perfect book to accompany the ceremony of cleaning up the BBQ and being truly inspired for entertaining family and friends for al fresco dining. The book covers all different types of firepit and bbq, and has intriguing and tantalizing recipes for the novice or confident cook alike.
May 25, 2019
4 stars for this cookbook / backyard fire pit design manual. I have an urge to spend Memorial Day weekend planning and constructing a rustic getaway for my home. #TheBackyardFireCookbook
May 14, 2019
The Backyard Fire Cookbook written by Linda Ly is a great new book for the start of the outdoor cooking season. I don't have a lot of experience cooking outdoors, so I was really interested in the tips that I could learn in this cookbook, that would allow me to get more comfortable with cooking outdoors. I am very happy to say that I learned a lot, thanks to this book, and I am looking forward to trying out some recipes over Memorial Day weekend.
Types of live-fire cooking at home
Open Fire Pit
Vessel Fire Pit
Open Grill
Covered Grill
In this book, they explain pros and cons of each of these live-fire cooking methods. These options cover all budget options, and take into consideration space needs and even weather conditions. I could see that even choosing more than one method could be helpful if your family does a lot of outdoor cooking. I have decided to start with a covered grill to start my journey. Next you learn about the grilling tools and accessories. I have promised myself that I need to start small, but I admit that shopping can be quite fun for these options.
Wood and Charcoal for The Backyard Fire Cookbook
For outdoor cooking, your choice of fuel, wood or charcoal, really is just as important as the food that you are going to prepare. This cookbook includes a great table that shows the different options available for wood choices. Everything from Apple to Mesquite, you have choices on the favor that comes from cooking with various wood options. Charcoal is another great option, and I discovered the option of hardwood lump charcoal. The last thing offered (which I had NO idea about) is that you could add herbs and spices to your wood or charcoal to give your food an earthy smokiness. Since I love herbs so much, this is going to be a great thing for me to experiment with!
There are many more pages that cover techniques, grilling times, checking for when your food is done, and fire safety. Whether you are new to cooking with fire, or a seasoned outdoor chef, there is a lot of information that will help you to up your game.
The Recipes
Here are just a few of the recipes that you will have to choose from;
Peppercorn-Crusted Caveman Steak with Horseradish Cream
Smoky Ember-Roasted Eggplant Dip
Italian Burgers with Basil Mustard and Giardiniera
Whole Grilled Trout with Blood Orange and Fennel
Foil Pack French Dip
Dutch Oven Jambalaya
Thai Chicken Pizza with Sweet Chili Sauce
You get the idea. These recipes are exciting and taking things up from the regular burgers and steaks that are often the meals of the outdoor home chef. Whether you love to grill meat, or you prefer to explore vegetable options, this cookbook will have ideas to make you mouth water.
Types of live-fire cooking at home
Open Fire Pit
Vessel Fire Pit
Open Grill
Covered Grill
In this book, they explain pros and cons of each of these live-fire cooking methods. These options cover all budget options, and take into consideration space needs and even weather conditions. I could see that even choosing more than one method could be helpful if your family does a lot of outdoor cooking. I have decided to start with a covered grill to start my journey. Next you learn about the grilling tools and accessories. I have promised myself that I need to start small, but I admit that shopping can be quite fun for these options.
Wood and Charcoal for The Backyard Fire Cookbook
For outdoor cooking, your choice of fuel, wood or charcoal, really is just as important as the food that you are going to prepare. This cookbook includes a great table that shows the different options available for wood choices. Everything from Apple to Mesquite, you have choices on the favor that comes from cooking with various wood options. Charcoal is another great option, and I discovered the option of hardwood lump charcoal. The last thing offered (which I had NO idea about) is that you could add herbs and spices to your wood or charcoal to give your food an earthy smokiness. Since I love herbs so much, this is going to be a great thing for me to experiment with!
There are many more pages that cover techniques, grilling times, checking for when your food is done, and fire safety. Whether you are new to cooking with fire, or a seasoned outdoor chef, there is a lot of information that will help you to up your game.
The Recipes
Here are just a few of the recipes that you will have to choose from;
Peppercorn-Crusted Caveman Steak with Horseradish Cream
Smoky Ember-Roasted Eggplant Dip
Italian Burgers with Basil Mustard and Giardiniera
Whole Grilled Trout with Blood Orange and Fennel
Foil Pack French Dip
Dutch Oven Jambalaya
Thai Chicken Pizza with Sweet Chili Sauce
You get the idea. These recipes are exciting and taking things up from the regular burgers and steaks that are often the meals of the outdoor home chef. Whether you love to grill meat, or you prefer to explore vegetable options, this cookbook will have ideas to make you mouth water.
June 29, 2019
The Backyard Fire Cookbook by author Linda Ly has a wealth of information for those who want to cook outdoors and try something a little different from the typical barbecue or hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. Ms. Ly covers things from Know Your Cooking Woods, Build the Ultimate Cooking Fire, and Fire Safety, to name just a few.
Chapters included the following:
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Chapter 2: Back to Basics: The Fire Pit
Chapter 3: It’s a Wrap: Foil Packets
Chapter 4: Iron Chef: Pots, Pans, and Planchas
Chapter 5: Under Cover: The Grill
Chapter 6: Up in Smoke: Plank Grilling
I liked the layout of the cookbook. It's clean looking, easy to read and ingredients and directions are not overly complicated. With over 70 recipes, there's something for everyone.
A few recipes that caught my eye:
Dutch Oven–Baked Buttermilk Pancake with Raspberries and Almonds
Spicy Grilled Shrimp on Avocado Toast
Cumin-Crusted Chicken Tacos with Smoky Salsa Verde
Grill-Roasted Elephant Garlic
Glazed Cinnamon-Sugar Peaches
Dutch Oven Creamy Corn Chowder
Juicy Jumbo Creole Shrimp
Grilled Halloumi, Sweet Corn, and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Planked Shrimp with Spanish Green Sauce
Cedar-Planked Salmon with Soy-Ginger Glaze
One thing that I always enjoy is when a cookbook has pictures of the food and this book is loaded with gorgeous photos. So if you're looking to venture into outdoor cooking and want something a little more than throwing some meat on a grill this book is definitely one you want to pick up!
Chapters included the following:
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Chapter 2: Back to Basics: The Fire Pit
Chapter 3: It’s a Wrap: Foil Packets
Chapter 4: Iron Chef: Pots, Pans, and Planchas
Chapter 5: Under Cover: The Grill
Chapter 6: Up in Smoke: Plank Grilling
I liked the layout of the cookbook. It's clean looking, easy to read and ingredients and directions are not overly complicated. With over 70 recipes, there's something for everyone.
A few recipes that caught my eye:
Dutch Oven–Baked Buttermilk Pancake with Raspberries and Almonds
Spicy Grilled Shrimp on Avocado Toast
Cumin-Crusted Chicken Tacos with Smoky Salsa Verde
Grill-Roasted Elephant Garlic
Glazed Cinnamon-Sugar Peaches
Dutch Oven Creamy Corn Chowder
Juicy Jumbo Creole Shrimp
Grilled Halloumi, Sweet Corn, and Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Planked Shrimp with Spanish Green Sauce
Cedar-Planked Salmon with Soy-Ginger Glaze
One thing that I always enjoy is when a cookbook has pictures of the food and this book is loaded with gorgeous photos. So if you're looking to venture into outdoor cooking and want something a little more than throwing some meat on a grill this book is definitely one you want to pick up!
May 3, 2019
This book was so much more than I was prepared for - deliciously wonderful!
It covers topics I had not begun to consider and gave me valuable insight from someone who clearly enjoys cooking with fire, eating unusual foods, and discovering new ways to prepare a feast!
From how not only the type of wood used for the fire affects the taste of the finished product but also where the wood comes from, and safety precautions to consider, and best products to use while grilling, and so much more!
This is not your hot dogs and burgers cookbook. She has tempted me to expand my own skills as well as expand the types of food I want to taste!
I am excited to get outdoors (and maybe even indoors) and cook over fire with friends.
I requested this book from Netgalley to review but this is going to be great as gifts for special occasions.
It covers topics I had not begun to consider and gave me valuable insight from someone who clearly enjoys cooking with fire, eating unusual foods, and discovering new ways to prepare a feast!
From how not only the type of wood used for the fire affects the taste of the finished product but also where the wood comes from, and safety precautions to consider, and best products to use while grilling, and so much more!
This is not your hot dogs and burgers cookbook. She has tempted me to expand my own skills as well as expand the types of food I want to taste!
I am excited to get outdoors (and maybe even indoors) and cook over fire with friends.
I requested this book from Netgalley to review but this is going to be great as gifts for special occasions.
May 6, 2019
Wow! This is my new favorite cookbook. I'm a pretty seasoned backyard griller and I still learned a ton from this informative cookbook. We camp a lot in the summer and I'm always looking for easy but still gourmet grillable meals from breakfast through dessert. This cookbook is packed with flavorful, creative ways to grill your favorite foods and is healthy yet indulgent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy of this cookbook in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy of this cookbook in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2019
I was looking for something to slightly up my mediocre camping cooking repertoire but this went above and beyond my palette and level of effort. Perfect for a camping Foodie if there are such beings.
I received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
July 23, 2020
Who doesn’t love to cook over an open fire? It is one of the best things to do. I like to do mine in early spring or late fall because I can use fall vegetables to make some nice things. This cookbook has a lot recipes that I never even thought to try but I most definitely will in the future.
June 4, 2019
This is a great book for those who want to try backyard fire cooking. It goes beyond just recipes and gives good tips, such as which type of wood to use for what food.
November 11, 2021
A great cookbook and one to cherish for years to come.
The Backyard Fire Cookbook is detailed with easy to follow instructions. I love this book!
The Backyard Fire Cookbook is detailed with easy to follow instructions. I love this book!
August 31, 2019
The Backyard Fire cookbook is a fun guide to cooking over an open fire complete with recipes. It shows you how to cook over a grill, campfire or fire pit and gives instructions on how to build a campfire and how to build a fire pit in your yard. It discusses cooking with charcoal and the various types of hardwood and how to choose. There are many fun recipes including foil packet cooking and Dutch oven cooking. This book is an easy introduction to those looking to cook outdoors. I can’t wait to try some of these recipes!
Special thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Special thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
May 1, 2019
The Backyard Fire Cookbook has everything you want and need in a book about backyard cooking. My neighbors and I love to grill, and we share a fire pit, so we were very excited to see so many great recipes and knowledge about things we hadn't tried yet. I also have a friend that just bought a house - he was loving the instructions on how to build a fire pit, so that he can start cooking over an open flame. The photos are great and plentiful, with each delicious recipe pictured and perfectly showing readers how each type of backyard cooking works. Ly covers everything about open fire pits, cast iron, planks, grills, foil packets all grown up), and recipes for each.
May 1, 2019
This is a must have for grillers and fire pit enthusiasts. It demonstrates how to build your own fire pit with illustrations. I especially like the foil recipes for the fire pit. I really like that the recipes use commonly found ingredients that you most likely already have.. They are recipes that aren't in my normal repertoire, but look and sound delicious. My favorites are the gumbo and jambalaya. It has tips and recipes for cast iron grilling too.
May 2, 2019
This book exceeded my expectations. It is one of the most visually appealing recipe books I have ever seen, with clear and easy to read recipes. I like how it shows you how to do all the cooking techniques, with great explanations both in text and photos. I love this and, not being familiar with the author, was really happy to see the Korean grilled chicken recipe as my daughter had recently requested we learn how to make it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 13, 2019
The Backyard Fire Cookbook contains an Introduction and 6 chapters: Getting Started, Back To Basics: The Fire Pit, It’s A Wrap: Foil Packets, Iron Chef: Pots, Pans, and Planchas, Under Cover: The Grill, Up In Smoke: Plank Grilling, and a Resources section. I have a bbq grill and a fire pit at home but hadn’t considered using the firepit to cook. There is a wealth of information, including how to build a firepit, what types of wood and/or charcoal are best for different recipes, types of grilling tools, fun facts and hot tips, gorgeous pictures, and lots of recipes.
What can I say about the recipes other than these aren’t ordinary ‘grill a hot dog or hamburger’ type meals. I tried the Smoky Ember-Roasted Eggplant Dip, Grilled Brie with Sweet Cherry Sauce, Juicy Jumbo Creole Shrimp, and Spicy Grilled Shrimp on Avocado Toast( all delicious). It has been really cool and rainy spring on Long Island, but with over 70 recipes, I can guarantee that I will be trying many more( especially when my garden starts giving me a lot of veggies). There is enough detail for you to feel confident whether you are cooking on a fire pit or grill, and the author really seemed passionate about the whole process,
A really great way to turn up the heat when cooking outdoors and make every meal special. I can’t wait for summer parties and am looking forward to backyard get-togethers. I have subscribed to the author’s blog, Garden Betty, and it is one of the rare emails that I take the time to read every time. Her outdoor life, travels, adventures, and garden are a worthwhile read, and I am thinking that this book would be a great gift for some foodie friends( and a hard copy for me).
I received a DRC from Quarto Publishing Group-Harvard Commons Press through NetGalley.
What can I say about the recipes other than these aren’t ordinary ‘grill a hot dog or hamburger’ type meals. I tried the Smoky Ember-Roasted Eggplant Dip, Grilled Brie with Sweet Cherry Sauce, Juicy Jumbo Creole Shrimp, and Spicy Grilled Shrimp on Avocado Toast( all delicious). It has been really cool and rainy spring on Long Island, but with over 70 recipes, I can guarantee that I will be trying many more( especially when my garden starts giving me a lot of veggies). There is enough detail for you to feel confident whether you are cooking on a fire pit or grill, and the author really seemed passionate about the whole process,
A really great way to turn up the heat when cooking outdoors and make every meal special. I can’t wait for summer parties and am looking forward to backyard get-togethers. I have subscribed to the author’s blog, Garden Betty, and it is one of the rare emails that I take the time to read every time. Her outdoor life, travels, adventures, and garden are a worthwhile read, and I am thinking that this book would be a great gift for some foodie friends( and a hard copy for me).
I received a DRC from Quarto Publishing Group-Harvard Commons Press through NetGalley.
May 16, 2019
I would easily purchase this book after only a quick flip-through. The organization is clear and well-suited to repeated reference. The photos are beautiful and inspiring. At a more in-depth read, the basic information at the beginning, and tips scattered throughout, are extremely useful for both new and experienced outdoor cooks. Another great cookbook from Linda Ly!
May 17, 2019
As an avid camper who lives by both her fire pit and grill for the entire summer, this book definitely gave me some awesome ideas. Can't wait to try one of the foil packet meals for the next time we have company over. Lots of variety so that everyone can find a method they are most comfortable with, too. Really liked that. Also, there are all kinds of foods in this book, including dessert recipes.
Minus 1 star for no dietary value breakdown because I always think that's important (though the thoroughness of the rest of the book and the bright and enticing photos almost were enough to put the star back. Almost.
Minus 1 star for no dietary value breakdown because I always think that's important (though the thoroughness of the rest of the book and the bright and enticing photos almost were enough to put the star back. Almost.
May 23, 2019
I’ve always loved having people around a back yard fire pit talking and keeping warm late into the evening. This book is great for adding another layer to this by giving you lots of yummy recipes to cook on the fire. Can’t wait to get started.
May 28, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.
This book is a gem for anyone interested in cooking outdoors. The author covers most types of outdoor cooking including, but not limited to: open or firepit grilling, covered grilling, use of planks,
foil packets, and even outdoor cooking with pots or pans. The photos add a lot to the recipes and grilling instructions. This book includes fire building instructions as well as safety recommendations.
The “Hot Tips” included are interesting as well as useful. The recipes are new and interesting. I am especially interested in trying pizza on the grill as well as the chicken and the steak tacos. This book could perk up your outdoor cooking and entertaining this summer.
This book is a gem for anyone interested in cooking outdoors. The author covers most types of outdoor cooking including, but not limited to: open or firepit grilling, covered grilling, use of planks,
foil packets, and even outdoor cooking with pots or pans. The photos add a lot to the recipes and grilling instructions. This book includes fire building instructions as well as safety recommendations.
The “Hot Tips” included are interesting as well as useful. The recipes are new and interesting. I am especially interested in trying pizza on the grill as well as the chicken and the steak tacos. This book could perk up your outdoor cooking and entertaining this summer.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews