The Companion Group Library of Cookbooks
Like any other task in life, grilling is made much easier with a few helpful things: the proper tools, and the proper knowledge. Here at The Companion Group we’ve been producing barbecue tools and grill accessories for years now but we’re also proud to say we’ve made a few cookbooks along the way too. From stuffed burgers to salt plates and even the art of pizza we’ve been busy creating recipes and perfecting techniques to pass on to pizza and grill fans alike. Let’s take an inside look at the cookbooks we’ve created in the spirit of good food, great pizza, and a most importantly a passion for barbecue.
The Stuffed Burger
The origin of the stuffed burger is said to have been traced all the way back to 1954, at one of two small bars in Minneapolis, MN. Both establishments claim to have created the stuffed burger, also known as the “jucy lucy”. To this day both parties involved still argue their points of what a true stuffed burger should be. Part of the story also goes to say that it was actually a customer who requested his burger with a single slice of American cheese stuffed into the middle, creating the stuffed burger craze.
Whoever started it, we do know one thing for sure – stuffed burgers are delicious. That’s why we decided to create a 37 page recipe book with 19 recipes to get people started cooking these flavor behemoths. After all, what could be more suitable for the grill than a giant, fully loaded beef patty that weighs over a pound!
Early in the book we cover technique and discuss using our stuffed burger press, both of which make the task of stuffing a burger no sweat. This cookbook is a must for anyone who’s got a hankering for a stuffed burger on their next grill night.
The Salt Plate Cookbook
Himalayan salt plates are truly a thing of wonder and intrigue. Harvested from deep within the earth, these plates are a beautiful and flavorful way to cook and present your food. Every time I introduce someone to a salt plate, I get the same surprised and elated reaction. After we expanded our line of salt plates and accessories considerably, we knew it was time for a cookbook. This book features over 20 delicious recipes that include appetizers, main courses, and even dessert.
It can be hard to wrap your head around the idea of cooking food on a 1-inch thick block of salt, but it’s quite possible and it’s quite delicious too! There’s a bit more to it than simply putting your plate on the grill and turning on the flame, so we’ve taken the time to discuss technique and the many different ways you can use a salt plate. You can even test drive one of the recipes in the book, seared Ahi Tuna with wasabi potato salad, by checking out our blog recipe here.
Pizza: From Every Day to Gourmet
Of course our library wouldn’t be complete without a pizza cookbook, especially since the launch of the Pizzacraft product line and the Pizzeria Pronto. The biggest of all of our cookbooks, this guide to pizza spans over 100 pages and features more than 30 recipes! As the title of the book states, the recipes have a wide range of flavors from simple to gourmet. Gourmet ingredients such as goat cheese, prosciutto, and braised beets can be found on some of our tastiest gourmet pizza recipes – while classics like sausage, mushrooms and bell peppers cover those with more simple tastes.
Since nearly everyone can appreciate a good slice of pizza, this book is the perfect gift for anyone interested in making pizza at home.
The Grilled Cheese Grilling Book
Much like pizza, there’s another classic favorite that’s enjoyed by many: the grilled cheese sandwich. This American classic dates all the way back to the mid 1930’s and lately has seen a huge comeback with gourmet chefs and popular restaurants putting an upscale twist on this iconic comfort food. Being in the barbecue business we figured it was time someone wrote the book on grilling these sandwiches to take the flavor profile to the next level. Similar to our pizza cookbook, this book also covers a wide range of recipes from simple to complex. You’ll also find plenty of helpful tips regarding tools and techniques, as well as a little bit of history on exactly how the grilled cheese came to be.
So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of our latest cookbooks. It’s time to master all four of these categories for your next back yard dinner party!
