To

Elisa Berry, adopted Kentuckian and Jewish pig farmer—so proud to make country ham and bacon with you.

The memory of my uncle Roy Eason Williams, who colored my childhood with exaggerated belches, bawdy humor, and smoky treats from his cinderblock pit.

My barbecue companions, past and present. Love and peace to you all.

In memoriam: Ford Ranger, 1991–2012. I’ll miss your company on my barbecue odysseys, mostly dependable rattletrap.