CHARLESTON -- "Going Whole Hog" is a celebration of South Carolina's BBQ culture.

Author James Roller has covered South Carolina barbecue since launching the SC BBQ website destination-bbq.com in the summer of 2012. Over a decade’s worth of research and experience reveal themselves on every page.

"Announcing 'Going Whole Hog' during National BBQ Month is truly exciting. As we kick off the summer, there's no better time to explore and celebrate the rich flavors and stories of South Carolina BBQ," Roller said.

"'Going Whole Hog' is more than just a collection of recipes, it's a journey through Southern BBQ history and heritage."

Going Whole Hog



"Going Whole Hog" is a new book about South Carolina barbecue by James Roller, who spent more than a decade researching the subject.

A key player in the history was the late Earl Dukes Sr., whose Orangeburg restaurant became the catalyst for the name Dukes being synonymous with BBQ.

"This collection also pays homage to the pitmasters who have shaped South Carolina's BBQ scene, from early pioneers like Big Joe Bessinger and Earl Dukes to many of today's legends including John Lewis and Rodney Scott," Roller said.

In addition, the book provides a guide to BBQ pit building, offering instructions for constructing your own cinder block pit, and a simple approach to cooking whole hogs.

"From the tangy vinegar sauce of Eastern SC to the staple mustard sauce of the Midlands, each region brings its unique twist. The book also covers hash recipes, a South Carolina original, from the yellow hash of the Lowcountry to the beef hash of the Upstate."

The cookbook features a collection of recipes from family heirlooms to professional tips from pitmasters like Lewis and Scott. Readers will discover the secrets behind making the perfect mustard sauce, the art of smoking whole hogs, the traditions and varieties of hash, and the stories of the people who have shaped this flavorful heritage.

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Destination BBQ is a premier online wesbsite for everything related to South Carolina BBQ, from news and recipes to event coverage. Founded and managed by Roller, the site serves as a hub for BBQ enthusiasts looking to delve into the culture, techniques, and community of South Carolina BBQ.

Roller, a retired high school English and journalism teacher, has been covering South Carolina barbecue since he and his wife embarked on a “Summer BBQ Tour” in June 2012. Roller is committed to preserving and celebrating the state's rich culinary traditions.

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