Check It Out: Cookbooks are fun reads for all

Not to brag or anything, but my husband has perfected his brisket technique. In order to do this, he had to practice. It was a struggle to sample multiple brisket rehearsals, but somehow, I powered through every meaty exercise. Difficult? No. Would I do it again … and again? Yes. Yes, I would.

Why brisket? It’s tied to family experiences — mutual, by the way. We both have strong Texas connections; and if you weren’t already aware of this, Texas and brisket are as inseparable as Wisconsin and cheese. It’s a thing.

When looking back at past summertime “Check It Out” columns, I discovered a theme: food.

Maybe it’s because summertime gifts us with a bounty of delicious fresh veggies and fruits as well as ample opportunities for outdoor grilling. In other words, summer is yummy.

I’ve decided to keep the summer foodie motif in motion by providing another cookbook reading list. Are you like me, someone who enjoys reading cookbooks but has little desire in transitioning from reading to cooking? Well, that’s just all right, fellow cookbook-reader-who-isn’t-into-cooking. But hang on, you check out cookbooks because you enjoy cooking? Again, that’s just all right, cookbook-reader-who-really-does-cook. Basically, this week’s reading list is a perfect match for all cooks and noncooks, so that’s a win-win.

Read on. Cook on.

“100 Morning Treats: With Muffins, Rolls, Biscuits, Sweet and Savory Breakfast Breads and More” by Sarah Kiefer.
“Ever-Green Vietnamese: Super-Fresh Recipes, Starring Plants from Land and Sea” by Andrea Quynhgiao Nguyen.
“Franklin Smoke: Wood, Fire, Food” by Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay.
“The Gourmand’s Egg: A Collection of Stories and Recipes” edited by Ananda Pellerin.
“Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ: Every Day is a Good Day” by Rodney Scott.
“Shaq’s Family Style: Championship Recipes for Feeding Family and Friends” by Shaquille O’Neal.

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