Embark on a flavorful journey with us, Dave and Jen, as we take a stroll down memory lane and relive our early adventures in marriage. Our latest episode is a culinary escapade, beginning with our quirky arrival in Boston during the infamous Big Dig. We searched high and low for the enigmatic No Name restaurant, and its hidden charm didn't disappoint. Our narrative doesn't stop there; it's a smorgasbord of experiences from gourmet treats in SoHo to a student-prepared feast that made our taste buds dance at the French Culinary Institute. The roads of Vermont welcomed us with its springtime spl ..read more

Ever been in the middle of a recipe only to find your knife squashing tomatoes instead of slicing them? That's where Richard from Bear Claw Knife and Shear comes in, bringing his edge to Sweet Tea and Tacos! This week, we're all about honing your blades and cutting through the clutter of choosing the right knives for your culinary quests. Richard spins the tale of his journey from a small sharpening operation to a booming business, giving us the sharp truth on how investing in quality steel and craftsmanship can transform your cooking. Our kitchen counters become the arena as we tackle the ar ..read more

Buckle up, friends, because we're hitting the road on a Southern food odyssey that's as rich in flavor as it is in culture! Starting in the historic heart of Vicksburg, Mississippi, we don't just feed our stomachs at Walnut Hills; we feast on tales of the town and its people. Each forkful of their mouth-watering fried chicken and purple hull peas is a bite of the South's soul, and trust us, their cakes and pepper sauce are the stuff of legends. Our journey doesn't stop there – we venture down to Louisiana, where the cuisine is as vibrant as the jazz that fills the air. At Al Basha, we're talki ..read more

Embark on an auditory journey to the vibrant heart of Cajun country as we sit down with Mike Davis, the passionate president of Conrad Rice Mill, and explore a story steeped in history and flavor. Mike's personal tale of acquiring America's oldest operating rice mill, with nothing but determination and the support of two backers, is as rich and textured as the medium grain rice his mill produces. Our conversation meanders through the milling process from paddy to plate, unraveling why rice isn't just a side dish in Cajun cuisine but the very soul of Southern cooking. Cook up a storm with us a ..read more

Ever dreamed of hosting a Thanksgiving dinner that unfolds with the grace of a ballet rather than the chaos of a food fight? We've got you covered. Join us as we whisk you through the essential steps of holiday meal prepping, ensuring you're armed with strategies to outsmart any turkey shortages and kitchen mishaps. Imagine your freezer, once a cluttered abyss, now neatly packed with pre-made pies and space to spare. This episode is no ordinary recipe swap—it's a masterclass in transforming Thanksgiving prep from a frantic day of chaos into a leisurely dance of culinary delight. Gather 'round ..read more

Ever wonder how to up your turkey game and leave your guests gobbling for more? Look no further! We've roasted, smoked, and brined our way to turkey triumph and are eager to share the golden nuggets of our poultry prowess. Join us, Dave and Jen, as we carve into the heart of turkey preparation, from the dark art of the 12-hour smoke to the bright side of oven baking. We spill the beans on the mess and stress of wet brining and reveal why dry brining, with a stealthy layer of butter under the skin, has turned our turkeys into legendary feasts. Our chat isn't just about cooking; it's a full-on s ..read more

Ever found yourself bewildered in the produce aisle, mistaking cilantro for parsley? We've been there, and during our latest gabfest on Sweet Tea and Tacos, Dave and I share that laugh-out-loud tale, among others, as we reminisce about the Thanksgiving sides that have graced—and sometimes disgraced—our holiday table. Tune in for a hearty serving of nostalgia as we chat about the recipes handed down through generations, like the secret to the perfect Southern dressing and the surprisingly simple pleasure of whipping up fresh cranberry sauce. Trust us, you'll come away with not just stories to c ..read more

Get ready to become the dessert hero of your next Thanksgiving gathering! Dave and I have wrapped up our series with a decadent discussion on the holiday's sweetest finales. From the classic pumpkin pie and its sweet potato counterpart, to the debate over regional pie allegiances, we've got all the tips and tales to spice up your festive spread. And let's not forget the whipped cream—none of that store-bought stuff—we're talking fresh, homemade peaks of perfection here. Plus, we venture into the delightful realms of pecan, apple, and even the traditional, yet often overlooked, mincemeat pie. W ..read more

As we unpack our boxes and set up our new kitchen in the heart-warming West Texas landscape, Fred, our resident grill skeptic, stirs in her two cents on the surprisingly sparse local BBQ scene. We're bantering about everything from the unexpectedly scant 'meat and three' joints we've left behind to the tantalizing Mexican eateries that have welcomed us with open arms. Our culinary journey doesn't stop there; we explore the fusion of flavors in our own home, creating comforting dishes that have quickly become staples as we navigate life's latest chapter. Cracking open the next phase for Sweet ..read more

Rekindle your love for timeless culinary classics as we leaf through the pages of beloved cookbooks that have seasoned our stovetop stories. From the ever-reliable "Joy of Cooking" to the delightful pie recipes in "Pie Every Day" by Pat Willard, this episode promises a hearty serving of nostalgia paired with practical kitchen wisdom. Discover how these cherished guides have not only been a foundation for cooking techniques but also a connection to a community that shares a passion for dependable and delectable dishes. Embark on a flavorful journey through the diverse landscapes of cultural co ..read more