Bludso's BBQ Cookbook: A Family Affair in Smoke and Soul

Kevin Bludso, founder of the Los Angeles-based Bludso's BBQ, shares 75 recipes and stories in this James Beard Award-winning cookbook. Born and raised in Compton, California, Bludso spent summers in Corsicana, Texas, learning barbecue techniques at his grandmother's BBQ stand. In 2008, he opened his own walk-up stand in Compton, which has since expanded to multiple locations in California, Texas, and Australia. The cookbook covers barbecue fundamentals: pit selection, seasoning, cleaning, and choosing meats like brisket, ribs, and sausages. It includes recipes for main dishes such as BBQ Lamb Leg, Spicy Curried Oxtails, Buffalo Rib Tips, Blackened Catfish, and Grilled Mojo Shrimp; sides including Creole Cabbage, Pinto Beans, and Down Home Mac & Cheese; and desserts like Mom's Banana Pudding, Buttermilk Pie, and Kevin's Hennessy on the Rocks, accompanied by photographs. Beyond recipes, the book tells Bludso's personal story of family and community. It serves as a tribute to Compton and documents how Bludso has supported his community through food while sharing barbecue knowledge.