It is a time-honoured tradition in backyards, and at parks and beaches across Australia, to hear the sizzle of a barbecue, the smell of sausages, seafood, steak and other delectable offerings wafting from the char grill. One man eager to learn about this tradition and advancements of cooking over live hot coals and BBQ briquettes in modern Australian cuisine is the American grilling expert, Steve Raichlen. He hits our shores next week to learn about the Australian char grilling tradition as part of research for his new book, Planet Barbeque – travels on the world’s barbecue trail.

Raichlen is the author of the international best selling Barbecue Bible and How to Grill and host of the Barbecue University television show on American Public Television. He is author of 28 books in total (which have been translated into 12 languages), and has also defeated the Iron Chef Roksbura Michiba in a barbecue battle on Japanese television.

In celebration of Raichlen’s arrival in Australia, the Heat Beads® Company is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a set of his barbecue books. Click here to enter – include your name and email address, and in 30 words tell us why you love to char grill over Heat Beads® BBQ briquettes. The winner will be notified by email toward the end of February.