For most of my life, a taco was ground meat, a package of seasoning and hard shells from the box, with lots of cheese and maybe a little lettuce on top. And I will tell you, I have nothing against that version. But in the last few years, there has been a proliferation of Mexican restaurants in Memphis that serve what is considered more authentic Mexican food. And I haven’t … [Read more...] about Smoky Beef Tacos
Green Chile Cheese Puffs
I love these little puffs. They are tender and cheesy with a nice bite from the green chiles and couldn’t be easier to make. They are a great nibble to start a family taco night but are also elegant enough for the swankiest party. Green Chile Cheese Puffs I love the extra little hit of smoked paprika on top, but use sweet paprika if that’s what you have. ½ pound … [Read more...] about Green Chile Cheese Puffs
German Meatballs
Recipe ideas come to me everywhere, at any time and take me in odd directions. I was reading a magazine during an interminable wait at a doctor’s office once and saw a recipe called “German Meatballs.” My mind immediately went to bratwurst, beer and mustard so I was intrigued and kept reading. But that magazine recipe involved frozen meatballs, French onion soup mix and … [Read more...] about German Meatballs
Butterscotch Babies
Every once in a while, it’s nice to take a step out of the brownie box. Technically, I suppose these qualify as a blondie, but for some reason, that term has always bugged me. I don’t really remember where this recipe came from, but I seem to remember cleaning out the panty and finding a surfeit of butterscotch chips (probably from Apple Pie Bars) and improvising these babies … [Read more...] about Butterscotch Babies
Royal Crown Short Ribs
Cooking with cola is a Southern tradition undoubtedly dates back to the days when the first glass bottles clinked onto the shelves of the Piggly Wiggly and the Jitney Jungle. Frankly, in most parts of the South, cola means Atlanta’s own Coca-Cola, or as we call it Co-cola. I love to cook with cola, from rich chocolaty co-cola cakes to ribs cooked in root beer. I have even … [Read more...] about Royal Crown Short Ribs






