Summertime is almost over in the 100lbCountdown family, yet for me, grilling season has just begun.
Earlier this summer, I was asked if I would like to review a cookbook. Being that I’m diving into my cookbooks to make more diverse meals for the family, I was happy to oblige. Then I found out it was a grilling cookbook, definitely a plus, because I don’t grill. Not because I don’t want to but I’m not really sure what I’m doing. I hadn’t even tried.
Then I got the cookbook in the mail! I was so excited! The book is America’s Most Wanted Recipes At the Grill by Ron Douglas!
Why was I excited? I already had two of his “America’s Most Wanted Recipes” Books in my collection which I LOVE!
The series recreates your favorite restaurant recipes with easy and simple instructions so that you can eat in instead of eat out. The second book that I purchased was his lower calorie versions in the books that include “Without the Guilt”.
Now, I can grill with someone I already trust.
I wanted to take it easy. Besides watching my husband at the grill, I never really did much with it. So with summer and grilling on my brain, I chose a burger. I mean, how hard can it be, right?
I took the time to read through most of the Grilling Guidelines, which was the first 32 pages of the book. The chapter contained some valuable information, from what type of meat you choose, how firm your vegetables should be and the types of fish that are best for the grill to grilling temps, times and methods! The only thing I was missing was how much charcoal to use (where my husband graciously stepped in).
What I learned is that pre-made patties tend to have preservatives and the rough nature in which they are created will cause the burgers to be more crumbly. He also said that you should not overmix patties. I didn’t even know you COULD overmix patties. I mean, it’s ground beef. One thing I saw in the book is that most of the seasonings are put on top of the patties, instead of mixed within. I tried that for my recipe and it still had plenty of flavor.
I chose Red Robin’s Bacon Cheeseburger! The directions were so simple. He outlines the ingredients and directions. The directions were so thorough, he included which ORDER to make your burger. So, it was basically fail-proof. Here are the results:
Does that look good? It tasted delicious! Well, my timing was a bit off and it was a touch undercooked, so tossed it on the grill for another couple of minutes and then it was delicious!
Got a bbq this weekend, next up Benihana Grilled Shrimp and Red Lobster’s Cod Grilled in Foil with a side of California Pizza Kitchen’s Grilled Vegetable Salad. I’m so glad that it stays warm for such a long tim here, I’ll be getting tons of use out of this book!
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I haven't had luck yet and that looks absolutely delicious. Have to check this out now and thanks for sharing, April!!
His books are awesome! He breaks down some of the recipes that I wish I could make at home and am able to! I was so proud of myself.
I love copycat recipes. I just had an Olive Garden one (soup) and it was SO good.
Don't you love GOOD ones! I have been so pleased with this series. I can't even tell you how many things went over well in this house.
I love cookbooks, and this is a new one on me! My grilling skills could use some help!
I love the way he broke down what you're cooking and what grills best, especially because I tpically buy what's cheapest. Worked wonders. My husband was happy to get grilled food with no work! Tried a couple of chicken recipes too. So good.
I love grilled food. There is just something about the taste of it that is always so good, no matter what the season.
Yes! Definitely!
My boys would love that burger, I would have to leave the bacon off. I think I am the only person out there that does not like bacon! Now that you are venturing into grilling, it will get easier. I love grilling cookbooks, grilled foods taste so much better I think so I love grilling.
I hope so. Cooking in general stresses me out, so put me in front of real fire… or something non-adjustable and it worries me. I love when hubby grills! They really are my favorite dishes, but it sucks to have to wait for him to decide to grill.
You can over-mix patties? Who knew. Thanks for the grilling tips; I’ve never even tried.
Neither did I. I love that my husband does it, but I don't like tha tI have to wait for him to grill for me to get some awesome grilled food!
Now this sounds like an awesome book that I need to look in to. We also like to try copy cat recipes and are thankful they are out there.
I have been very pleased with this series. Not one recipe I found was bad (granted, I have NOT tried them all), and some were even better.
Okay I'm officially hungry. When is dinner served. There is nothing better then burgers.
Love that summer means grilling. That's the one thing that I won't miss this year, being in heat all year long!
That burger does sound uber yummy and I'm a big grilling fan myself. I wouldn't mind this cookbook at all.
It was SO good. My mouth is watering just coming back to the post!
I love Red Robin's burgers. I need to get this and try making them at home.
That looks drool-worthy! I want a burger right now. Can't wait to see what else you make on the grill.
Hmmm, is that a challenge? I'm going to have to photo more recipes. Guess you'll see more this fall!
I love a good burger. That one in the photo looks amazing.
I was surprised that it came out so good for my stomach and the photo! Can't say I minded though!
Oh yum that looks like one delicious burger – I could definitely tuck into it. x
It was DELICIOUS! I was happy that hubby was happy since he's the griller in our family.
Okay, I can't even get past that photo – I am drooling just looking at it! Mine never look that tempting!
Not bad for first time out, right?
Um yum! We grill a lot in the summer. That is awesome looking patty there by the way. I am all for the shrimp!!
We love having people over for barbecues and we grill all the time. I'd love to get this book so we can serve some quality grilling dishes…we usually limit ourselves to about 5 basic dishes that we grill over and over again and it definitely becomes boring after awhile
The book has well over 100 different recipes. Someone challenged me to post more, so those will be coming in the future!
I'm drooling! I love a great tasting burger. Looks delish!
It was!
Do you know, I have no idea how to grill? I mean, I have a general idea I suppose, like throw the food on the grill and wait for it to get hot, lol. But I've never done it on my own. Way to go on your grilling!
Before we moved, we grilled almost every weekend… and the most I did was bring out the charcoal and lighter. I didn't realize that I really didn't have a clue what I was doing until I started. LOL! The book came in handy!
this is a book I need to get! we do grill year round so I will be making plenty from it
seems like your first experience was a hit!
With the new place, and that our grill is in an enclosure (but outside, we can grill every day! I'm excited.
We have a grill but I have honestly never even fired it up myself. My husband does all of the grilling. It is like he protects it from me or something. lol
I didn't quite realize before getting the book that I hadn't either! LOL. Same with my husband. With the book, I felt comfortable telling him that I could do it. I know I tried to start grilling once and I ended up just letting do it.
I would love to try some new grilling recipes. I always grill the same things i think it is time to get adventurous.
It is, it is! Try it out! They are delicious!
Still looks GREAT! and can't wait to see how you progress in your learning!
I want to be as comfortable as my husband is when cooking on the grill!
I don't currebtky own any cookbooks. This one seems pretty handy!
It definitely is!
This does look good!! We just moved to FL, so I think we'll be grilling year round. I need this cookbook!
So did we… well, it's been a year now! Yep, we can grill nonstop!
Looks so good! Pinned. Lou Lou Girls
It was so good! I've actually grilled again. It wasn't so bad!
So do I!