Legendary pitmaster, restaurateur, and James Beard award-winning chef Rodney Scott's life is as colorful and flavorful as the incredible food he prepares and shares with those fortunate enough to partake of his uniquely delectable cuisine. "Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day: A Cookbook", coauthored with acclaimed writer and filmmaker Lolis Eric Elie, is a memoir, a cookbook, a vivid snapshot of Southern culture in Scott's lifetime, and of course, a homage to all things BBQ--done Rodney Scott's way. The work ethic instilled by his family during his growing-up years is still driving Scott to attain a higher level of functional perfection. "BBQ" is a simple term for a richly-varied, regional-specific manner of cooking--and way of life--that encompasses much of local resources combined with a universally-favored style of food preparation and enjoyment of delicious food. Rodney Scott's "World of BBQ" is centered in South Carolina, with sauces, spices, and cooking techniques changing not just from county to county, but also from city to city and the little towns in-between. One constant is that pork is the favored meat, with appearances here and there by beef and chicken. Scott, with his thoroughness and "do-it-right" persona, details selecting and using wood, building the BBQ pit, maintaining the fire, and the all-important process of cooking the meat to perfection--then the recipes begin. You'll find incredible dishes "From the Grill" and "From the Stove", "Snacks, Salads, and Vegetables", "Desserts", and "Cocktails". A section called "The Pantry" helps you build your own foundation for preparing such mouthwatering edibles as "Smoked Prime Rib", "Steak Sandwich with Sauteed Onions", "BBQ Bacon Burgers", "Honey-Butter Fish", and "Smoked Turkey Breast". Side dishes include "Marinated Tomatoes and Onions", "Coleslaw", "Cornbread with Honey Butter"', "Hushpuppies", and "Hoppin' John". Smoky, spicy BBQ done right will make you crave something sweet and make you very thirsty. Try desserts like "Apple Hand Pies" and "Banana Pudding", and cocktails like "Red Pickup" and "Punch-n the Carolinas" to make your taste-filled travels through "Rodney Scott's World of BBQ" a complete culinary adventure.

Disclosure: "I've received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review." ( )