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http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/wrestling/6864186.htm

Fri, Sep. 26, 2003   
 
Ross cooks up winner

By RAY HOGAN
Stamford Advocate

To fans, he's one of the most famous broadcasters in the history of
sports entertainment. But now Jim ''J.R.'' Ross, the voice of WWE Raw,
World Wrestling Entertainment's live Monday night show on Spike TV,
has added author to his resumé with the publication of J.R.'s
Cookbook: True Ringside Tales, BBQ and Down Home Recipes (World
Wrestling Entertainment Books, $26).

The project originated three years ago when Ross, also WWE executive
vice president of talent relations, and his wife, Jan, inherited a
book project on the wrestlers' favorite recipes. With Ross being from
Oklahoma, where family barbecue recipes were in abundance, and his
wife with a strong Italian heritage, they were soon approached about
writing their own cookbook.

Ross went with what he knew: grilling. The appeal? Spending time with
his trusted Weber grill reminds him of childhood, it brings families
and friends together, it's a culinary chore men don't mind and, most
important, it can produce great food.

''One of the more boring meals is a grilled chicken breast with
nothing on it,'' he says. ``To me that's crime and punishment.
Grilling is a fun activity because people discover the backyard. It's
a reason to get out of the house and most guys need a reason to lay
down the clicker. You don't need a culinary degree to do it well.''

The 100-plus recipes in his book include testosterone-fueled numbers
like Piledriver Pork Chops as well as family favorites like Granny
Mae's Collard Greens and Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Salad.

Interspersed throughout are ringside tales, Top 10 lists and an
account of his bout with Bell's Palsy, a condition that causes facial
muscles to weaken or droop. Ross hopes the book serves the same
purpose backyard barbecues did in Oklahoma.

Gathering together is an easy way to interact, he says. ``My mother
worked eight to 10 hours a day and never once did I remember her
failing to cook dinner. It gives us one minute to discuss our day. As
families with children, we don't take the opportunity to do that. I
learned great lessons in life by having dinner with my family every
night.''


--- Internet Rex 2.29