6 Father’s Day Cookbooks for BBQ and Beyond

My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking, by John Besh
Nominated for a James Beard Award, this emotive book is by acclaimed chef John Besh. Besh’s upbringing in Southern Louisiana influenced not only his cooking style, but his culinary traditions as well. As the title states, the book beckons families to return to the ritual of gathering around the table. And with his delectable gumbo on that table, it makes it easy to convince even the most stubborn of family members to come together.

Simply Ming One-Pot Meals: Quick, Healthy & Affordable Recipes, by Ming Tsai, Arthur Boehm, and Antonis Achilleos
James Beard Award–winning chef Ming Tsai knows how to cook a complicated and fancy meal. But he also knows how to keep it simple and in budget, without sacrificing health or flavor. This cookbook offers over 80 recipes, but home cooks will only need one pot. Which means easy cooking, and best of all—quick clean up.

OMG Dad’s Cooking: Your Everyday Healthy and Easy Recipes Cookbook, by Eran Iohan
Some dads—like Chef Pépin, Chef Besh, and Chef Tsai—are masters in the kitchen, while some fathers are great home cooks, preparing fantastic dinners for their families. But for some kids, the idea of their dads in the kitchen is a terrifying thought. For those dads who look at the kitchen like unchartered territory, start them off easy with this basic (and humorous) cookbook. In between the pages of the cute composition notebook cover are simple and healthy recipes like roasted veggies and couscous salad.

Dad’s Own Cook-Book: Everything Your Mom Never Taught You, by Bob Sloan
Written by Bob Sloan, a teacher, chef, parent, and owner of a catering company, this cookbook serves up easy-peasy recipes. But perhaps the best part is that, as a teacher and someone who is used to cooking big amounts for catered events, Sloan gives great party ideas for both kids birthdays and fancy soirées alike.

Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling, by Meathead Goldwyn
Another dad-is-cooking stereotype is the idea that he’s most comfortable behind the grill. For those fathers who do love their outdoor BBQ, check out Meathead by BBQ Whisperer and Hedonism Evangelist of AmazingRibs.com, Meathead Goldwyn. (The author was nicknamed ‘Meathead’ by his dad, and his career now perfectly suits his childhood nickname.) The book offers up various smokey recipes, as well as tips on making the most out of your grill.