Chris Webb's Book of the Month: Southern Smoke: Barbecue, Traditions, and Treasured Recipes Reimagined for Today by Matt Register

Read the review for Chris Webb's choice for August 2026's Book of the Month and get your copy online here or in store for 20% off!

Matt Register's Southern Smoke is much more than a barbecue cookbook. It's a thoughtful exploration of Southern culinary heritage that blends history,

storytelling, and approachable recipes into a satisfying tribute to regional

American cooking. Drawing on family recipe cards, vintage cookbooks, and his

experience as the pitmaster of Southern Smoke Barbecue in rural Garland, North

Carolina, Register presents a collection that respects tradition while making it

accessible to today's home cooks.

The book begins with an excellent introduction to barbecue fundamentals, whichis great for beginners. Rather than assuming readers already know the difference

between grilling and slow-smoking, Register explains smoker selection, fuel choices, wood varieties, temperature control, and common challenges such as managing "the stall"; during long cooks. These practical lessons make the book welcoming for beginners while still offering useful reminders for more experienced pitmasters.

The heart of Southern Smoke is organized geographically, highlighting the distinctive food traditions of North Carolina, the Lowcountry, Memphis, and the Mississippi Delta before concluding with a chapter devoted to Southern baking. This regional approach gives the cookbook an identity beyond recipes alone, illustrating how barbecue evolves from place to place through local ingredients, techniques, and cultural influences. Alongside smoked pork, ribs, chicken, and seafood are classic side dishes, breads, stews, pickles, and desserts that together create complete Southern meals rather than isolated barbecue recipes.

Register's writing is warm and conversational. Short historical anecdotes accompany many recipes, adding context without overwhelming the cooking instructions. The recipes themselves are clearly written, rely on ingredients that are generally easy to find, and include enough detail to inspire confidence in home cooks. Menu suggestions and pantry guidance near the end of the book further reinforce its practical value.

One of the cookbook's greatest strengths is its balance. Register modernizes traditional recipes without stripping away their character, making dishes feel authentic rather than trendy. Readers interested in Southern food history will appreciate the cultural background, while those simply looking for dependable barbecue recipes will find plenty to keep their smokers busy.

Southern Smoke succeeds because it understands that great barbecue is about more than meat and smoke. It celebrates family traditions, local history, and the communal spirit that surrounds Southern cooking. Whether you're a novice learning to tend your first smoker or an experienced cook looking to deepen your appreciation of regional barbecue traditions, Matt Register offers a cookbook that is as enjoyable to read as it is to cook from. It is a worthy addition to the library of anyone who loves Southern cuisine.