The Great Meat Cookbook – Perfect for Carnivores

Certain people are so difficult to buy gifts for.  Especially men.  I’ve found that most men like to cook, or at least grill.  The Great Meat Cookbook by Bruce Aidells is a fantastic item for those fellas. 

The cover of the book states “Everything you need to know to buy and cook today’s meat” and boy, is that true!  The Great Meat Cookbook is not just a cookbook, but a primer on how to choose meat and why we should use certain cuts for whichever recipe.  It doesn’t leave off there, though.  Aidells explains the differences between “grass fed” and “pasture raised” meats, how to store your meat, and even how to defrost frozen meat. 

The book also describes how to cook meat effectively, without it becoming tough or chewy.  It covers the different grilling techniques, charcoal vs. gas, and dry heat like grilling vs. moist heat like braising or roasting. 

The recipe sections are broken down by meat variety.  Beef and bison recipes are together, as are pork, lamb & goat, and even veal.  These sections are further broken down by the cut of meat.  Have a beef roast you want to do something different with?  Turn to the beef roast section.  Since Bruce Aidells is known for his amazing sausages, The Great Meat Cookbook even has a chapter on making your own sausage, confit, and pates. 

Each recipe has a small blurb about what it’s best for.  Is this a great meal to serve when having company?  Is it more of a family-type meal?  Does it make fantastic leftovers so you might wanna make a double recipe?  Does this recipe stand up to being re-heated?  All the info is here!  Each recipe even includes alternate cuts of meat and how to adapt the recipe for that specific cut.  Recipes are even included for cuts that you never thought you’d use and economical cuts. 

Don’t think that this cookbook is just for meat though.  Oh no!  There are all kinds of amazing side dishes, sauces, and relishes, too.   There’s even several varieties of meat rubs.  There’s even a section on how to get an authentic Steak House experience at home.  And there are a variety of flavors!  You can make anything from a perfect pot roast to Osso Bucco (braised beef shanks) to Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) to  the classic Iceberg Wedge salad. 

About the Author

Bruce Aidells is the founder of the Aidells Sausage Company.  He is a contributing editor to Eating Well magazine and a frequent contributor to a plethora of other food magazines.  He is an authority on meat, having contributed to The All New Joy of Cooking and The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook. 

The Great Meat Cookbook by Bruce Aidells

$40 SRP
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
The Great Meat Cookbook can be purchased through Amazon or anywhere else books are sold.