The Big Green Egg smokes, grills, bakes and roasts.I have been a fan of Dr. Seuss for many years -- entertaining myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. We have all been entertained and fascinated by "green eggs. . . ." This fantasy world is a fun place.

The real world is now more fun, too, with a real Big Green Egg.

Yes, Dr. Seuss, there really is a Green Egg! I have one and declare publicly that I am in love with it. My wife understands and even supports me in this love affair.

What is the Big Green Egg, you ask? It is a ceramic smoker/grill that is designed for smoking, grilling, roasting, baking and barbecuing. I have, like many backyard "cooks," owned hibachis, charcoal grills (open and closed) and propane-powered grills.

I was introduced to this product in an article in Evansville (Ind.) Living last summer. Intrigued, I saw my first Big Green Egg at Bassemier's in Evansville, while vacationing in the area.

Upon returning home, my fascination only grew with the concept of smoking, grilling, roasting, baking and barbecuing in one such fine Big Green Egg. I went to the manufacturer's website -- http://www.biggreenegg.com/ -- and learned more about the Egg and located a listing of dealers nearer me.

Nearest to me is Anson Gas Grill & Fireside on Shelbyville Road in Middletown. After a visit or two and a final "wife approval visit," a new, large Big Green Egg made its home with the Joneses just before Thanksgiving. (The smoker also is sold in this area by Walnut Ridge Pool & Patio in Clarksville.)

My first cooking adventure was our Thanksgiving turkey 2001. This was a brave step -- new cooker and all. There was no backup bird in the oven in the kitchen. It was up to the Big Green Egg to come through. And come through she did -- a 23-pound bird, held steady at 300 degrees, seven hours later.

It was a success! The easy temperature controls worked accurately, as advertised. The natural lump charcoal gave a steady, even burn without reloading, and the cooker started without using lighter fluid. And Tom Turkey was moist and golden brown. What an event!

Since then I have worked the Big Green Egg wonders on turkey breasts, sirloin strip roast, brisket, pork chops, pork loin, chicken breasts, shrimp, fish, vegetables, hamburgers, steaks and even pizza. Everything meets or exceeds the publicity for this cooker.

The Egg comes in four sizes -- mini, small, medium and large. Grill sizes range from a 9.5-inch grid to an 18.25-inch grid. They weigh from 30 pounds to 140 pounds. Prices range from about $199 for the mini to about $649 for the large. Various accessories are available to turn the backyard "cook" into a Big Green Egg "guru."

The cooker comes with its own video, cookbook/manual and a life-time ceramic guarantee.

The combination of the charcoal fire and the ceramic mass makes this a truly efficient cooking machine. A 20-pound bag of lump charcoal lasts and lasts. After cooking, I just close both dampers and the fire goes out, leaving fuel for the next time. Often, but not every time, I only have to top it off. I have never run out of fire in the middle of cooking or ever had to refuel in the middle of cooking.

What else can you ask for? It's even self-cleaning. I am in love! I can't wait to fire it up again!

Tom Jones lives in Louisville and is the principal of the Pitt Academy.