A backyard-loving guy, Al Roker's passionate about firing up all three of his grills at once and cooking everything from Steaks As Big As Your Head and Kansas City-Style Ribs to Grilled Sea Bass.The hundred recipes in this book are casual and simple -- just the way Al likes to cook for his family and friends. Like most of us, Al first learned to grill at the knee of his dad, whose policy was "the more lighter fluid, the better." But a trip to the Memphis in May Barbecue Championship ignited a real passion, and since then Al's grills have rarely grown cold. And while Al does have some hard-and-fast rules, like "don't keep moving your meat around" and "never touch another man's grill," his food is simple yet inventive, impressive and delicious.In addition to great stuff for over the fire -- Jerk Chicken, Marinated Pork Tenderloin, Kebabs Cooked Right, New Orleans-Style Barbecued Shrimp, Fish Fillets with Lemon-Parsley Sauce, Turkey on the Grill, and, from "The Wurst City in the World," Sheboygan Bratwurst -- Al Roker's Big Bad Book of Barbecue has something for everyone, including recipes for quick-and-easy starters, marinades, main-dish salads, sides, classic American desserts, cooling drinks, vegetarian dishes, and low-fat fare.So lean back in that lawn chair and have a sip of Lemon-Lime Fizz. Munch on a Spicy Wing or some BBQ Popcorn. That brisket should take care of itself in another hour or so.

Al Roker began his broadcasting career as a weekend weatherman in Syracuse, New York, while still in college. After stops in Washington, D.C., and Cleveland, Ohio, he landed at NBC in 1983, where he is seen every day on "Today."

Al produces and stars in specials on the Food Network, most recently, "The Making of Al Roker's Big, Bad Book of Barbecue." He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller Don't Make Me Stop This Car! Al Roker lives in New York City and upstate New York with his wife, ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts, and their two daughters.

I've tried to come up with a book that you'll really use. Let's face it. We're talking about grilling and barbecuing here....This is not rocket science. This book is about starting your own traditions. Making your own way in the world of barbecue and grilling....

I guess I've always wanted to write a cookbook, to be able to help people make meals that they would be proud to serve to family and friends. After all, that's what cooking is all about. It means you care. We equate home cooking with love. I look at barbecue and grilling as a representation of love in edible form.

I want to help you give the people you care about a whole lotta love.

-- from the Introduction