The Story of Us

In early 2007 I was living in Knoxville, Tennessee. I had just bought a 1950s era mobile home. Don't laugh it was solid and had a large lot that came with it. I had ended a two year relationship with my boyfriend after catching him sleeping with another man. Like most gay men, I hopped …

Let Them Eat…..Jam

I consider myself pretty well rounded when it comes to food. I've dedicated nearly thirty years to serving, cooking, and baking some of the best....and some of the worst (not my fault)....food the industry has to offer. I can smoke, grill, saute and flambe with the best of'em. Only one thing intimidates me......home canning. My …

Flowers on the Wall

Countin' flowers on the wallThat don't bother me at allPlayin' solitaire till dawn with a deck of fifty-oneSmokin' cigarettes and watchin' Captain KangarooNow don't tell me I've nothin' to do "Flowers on the Wall" by The Statler Brothers I think I've picked an appropriate title for this post since most of the country is under …

From the Vault: Asparagus and Pea Soup

It's been awhile since I have written anything. I would like to say I've been busy testing recipes for my cookbook, but that would be a lie. I've been cooking, mainly easy things and tried and true recipes that I have already written posts for. It doesn't help that work has been kicking my butt …

Christmas Without You

Well, here we are again. Another year has came and gone. Time seems to fly by anymore. Seems like yesterday I was loading up my mom's car up to go to my Aunt Willie's house for Christmas. I know I talk about her house a lot at the holidays, but that's how it was back …

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I can't believe that a song released in 1953 has people in such a tizzy. Pretty soon we won't be able to say, do, or listen to anything without someone being butt hurt. Last Thought on the subject before we begin...Grow Up America. Everything isn't laced with ill intent. Hey …

Birthdays, Cancer, and Green Gumbo

Yesterday was my 42nd birthday. I didn't do anything or cook anything special. There was no cake, ice cream, gifts, or fancy party hats. We had Chic-fil-a for dinner, and I was fine with that. I find it kinda funny the things we give up on as we get older. Those things, like birthday parties, …

Hoppin’ John

I don't remember having Hoppin' John when I was little. The only memory I have of blacked eyed peas wasn't very pleasant. I can't remember who prepared them, or where I was. I know it was around New Year's Day or a little while after. All I can remember about them is they tasted gross …

Moroccan Spiced Bean Soup

You know in the South, we love our beans. As a child, I remember we had beans and cornbread at least once or twice a week made with a left over ham bone or fat back. Of course, we had sliced homegrown tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions on the side. This was the way of life …

Fat Tuesday

Tomorrow is the first day of Lent. That makes today Fat Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras!! I keep meaning to make to New Orleans for the carnival. I can never seem to find the time to go. It was suppose to be our honeymoon detestation, but that fell through too. I wasn't in my high school …