The UK Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill and Smoker Cookbook

The UK Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill and Smoker Cookbook, Jodie Parkes, 2026

This book is for a specific brand of outdoor grill that is available in the UK.

It sounds like a very versatile machine. Smoky BBQ flavor is possible using hardwood pellets (of the same brand). It runs on electricity, so is there is no struggling with charcoal or gas canisters. It has multiple cooking settings, including grill, smoker, air fry, bake and reheat. It's very easy to use and clean. The grill also works in all kinds of weather, from chilly weekday dinners to sunny weekends.

The book goes into detail on how, and when, to use the Woodfire Pellets. It also explores the control panel, which makes set-up very easy. The cooking modes are included, so that choosing the right one is a no-brainer. There are other tips for success. Don't add cooking oil when using the Smoker. Lighter foods soak up more smoke. It is a good idea to put meat on the grill right out of the refrigerator. Let food rest after cooking. There is also a Troubleshooting section.

For those who own a Ninja Woodfire grill and don't know what to do with it, this book deserves serious consideration.

The Eddie Abbew Diet Cookbook for UK

 The Eddie Abbew Diet Cookbook for UK, Niamh Doherty, 2026

Who is Eddie Abbew? He is a British fitness coach and influencer with a unique daily diet.

It emphasizes eating lots of protein from items like beef, lamb, fish and eggs. Animal fats like butter and beef tallow are better than highly processed industrial seed oils. Eat until you are full, and then stop. Avoid processed foods. 

Fruits and vegetables are not forbidden, but they should be eaten occasionally, not all the time. Fruits are a source of sugar, which may play a role in insulin resistance. Vegetables are a source of carbohydrates, which is not good for someone adopting a low-carb diet.

There are no cheat days in this diet. It may seem restrictive to those who are used to more choices in their diet. Focusing on a smaller group of foods can make consistency easier to achieve.

This cookbook should be considered as a framework, not as a strict rulebook (everyone's dietary needs are different). Whether you want to lose weight, or just eat healthier, this book has plenty of options.

The Long History of the Future: Why Tomorrow's Tech Still Isn't Here

 The Long History of the Future: Why Tomorrow's Tech Still Isn't Here, Nicole Kobie, Bloomsbury Sigma, 2024

For those who grew up in the 1960s, the 21st century was supposed to usher in an era of automation, robot servants and vacations on the moon. Who remembers the TV show "The Jetsons"? Where is it? Where is my flying car? This book attempts to give an answer.

Driverless cars have gotten a lot of publicity in recent years, both good and bad. It will be a long time before robots can walk and move on their own (whether in a factory or in public) without falling over or walking into a wall.

A couple of smart cities have been built, including one in Malaysia and one in the UAE. They are not exactly a roaring success. Perhaps a more modest, and achievable goal is trash bins that can signal when they are full, or underground pipes that can signal when there is a leak or other problem. Do you remember Google Glass? Enough said about augmented reality.

Many attempts have been made to graft airplane wings onto a car with enough power for liftoff. Once the flying car is in the air, where does it land? Can it land on a suburban street, fold its wings, then pull into the driveway (like an average car)? Probably not. Will it need a dedicated landing area, like a rooftop heliport? If flying cars become popular, it will be necessary to create things like airborne intersections and stop lights and speed limits.

This is an excellent book. It provides an easy-to-understand history of each subject. Where is The Future? Here is a very well-done answer to that question.

 

The Easy Diabetic Cookbook for Beginners

 The Easy Diabetic Cookbook for Beginners, David C Smoot, 2026

You, or a loved one, has just been diagnosed with diabetes. What do you do now?

Healthy eating has suddenly become very important. This book concentrates on colorful produce, high-fiber grains and lean proteins. Instead of restrictive diets that limit the dieter to 3 ounces of this, or 6 ounces of that, visualize the entire plate, and have, for instance, 1/4 plate of protein or 1/2 plate of produce. These meals also promote a slow and steady release of glucose into your bloodstream, avoiding the infamous "sugar spike."

Manufacturers use over 60 different names for sugar. Beware of Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Rice Syrup and Barley Malt. To get the amount of net carbs in an item, subtract fiber from total carbs (the lower the net carbs, the better).

There are recipes for all meals in the day. The instructions are very clear and easy-to-follow. Included is a 30-day meal plan for consistent meal planning. This book is good for individuals and families. For anyone who is dealing with diabetes, or who simply wants to eat healthier, this book deserves serious consideration.

The Homemade Ninja Slushie Alcohol Cookbook for Adults

 The Homemade Ninja Slushie Alcohol Cookbook for Adults, Isemoka Colerike, 2026

The Ninja Slushie blender is a good way to create bold, flavorful drinks for rooftop parties or hot summer days. This book adds alcohol to the mix.

The whole process involves a lot more than just adding some wine to fruit pieces in the machine and press Start. The amount of sugar involved is very important. Fruit juices and concentrates have a known amount of sugar; fruit pieces do not. Too much sugar, or not enough sugar, will cause your mixture to remain a liquid, with no slush happening, or will turn it into a giant ice cube.

The book talks about the individual parts of the machine, including the auger, the reservoir and the evaporator cylinder. If you want to make a "skinny" (diet) drink, skipping the sugar, use a tablespoon or two of real agave or simple syrup, or you will get a block of ice. The Ninja Slushie does not add cold, but removes heat. Putting your mixture in the refrigerator for a couple of hours ahead of time is a very good idea. 

For those who want to raise the sophistication of their entertaining, this book is well worth checking out.