Fanning the Flames: Recipes and Tall Tales from BBQ Hall of Famer Melissa Cookston
By (Author) Melissa Cookston
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Andrews McMeel Publishing
7th May 2026
United States
General
Non Fiction
Hardback
224
Width 203mm, Height 254mm, Spine 15mm
57g
Melissa Cookston, renowned as the winningest woman in barbecue, judge on the Netflix hit, Barbecue Showdown, the only female, seven-time barbecue world champion, and author of two acclaimed barbecue cookbooks, returns with a collection of classic, blue-ribbon favorites plus 70% new internationally-inspired recipes with the stories behind them all.
From her beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to becoming a BBQ Hall of Famer, award-winning chef Melissa Cookston blends tradition with innovation in every dish. Building upon her previous books, Smokin in the Boys Room and Smokin Hot in the South, she serves personal anecdotes, 80 classic barbecue recipes, and new, unique dishes inspired by travels to Sicily, Chile, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and Greece. Packed with expert tips and techniques, this book is your ultimate guide to transforming from a home cook into a seasoned pitmaster.
Chapters include the basics of Mississippi BBQ with recipes like Smoky Brisket and Baby Back Ribs, insights into Melissas philosophy with dishes of Duck Breast with Blackberry Pan Sauce and Smothered Oxtails, and meals inspired by her travels like Peruvian Smoked Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce, Greek Roasted Goat, and Beef Cheek with Bao Buns.
Melissa Cookstonis a seven-time world BBQ champion and the first woman inducted into the BBQ Hall of Fame. Sheis a renowned pitmaster, restaurateur, and author. Her award-winning food is served at her Mississippi outpost Memphis BBQ Co. and via Goldbelly nationwide. Melissa is a judge on BBQ Showdown, the award winning Netflix Series.
In 2023, Melissa retired from competition barbecue to focus on her non-profit: The World Jr. BBQ League. There, she mentors at-risk youth in the culinary arts, while teaching skills beyond the grill. Melissa Cookston's legacy continues to inspire barbecue enthusiasts worldwide.