The month of May is jammed packed! If you are going to multiple graduation parties Anne Milneck (Chef, Smidgen host, and owner of Red Stick Spice Company) feels ya! Anne knows the parties can pile up—you may even be hosting multiple parties through this grad season. What is a busy home cook to do? Enter the nearly foolproof graduation party menu from Red Stick Spice Company. Anne has put together a practical selection of dishes that allows you to make ahead most of the party menu, allowing you to go right from the ceremony to the festivities. You are going to love all the “feed a crowd” dishes ..read more

Attention, Barefoot Contessa fans—Anne Milneck (Chef and owner of Red Stick Spice Company) is back as an Ina Garten superfan on this episode of Smidgen to share some solid recipes, perfect for the home cook to try out. (Please note: this episode has several homework assignments, including making Overnight Mac & Cheese and Lemon Bars.) Home cooks: If you are looking for approachable yet refined recipes that will please your family and guests alike this episode will get you on the right track. Host Anne’s passion for these recipes will inspire for a week’s worth of family meals—at least! Rec ..read more

People love enjoying an Afternoon Tea. While it is less of a regular event in the United States, many people, including Anne Milneck—host of Smidgen, and chef/owner of Red Stick Spice Company—have fond memories of special tea outings. Did you know you can enjoy a special Afternoon Tea at home with family or friends? On this episode of Smidgen, Anne shares tips on how to pick the teas to serve your guests; how to put together a savory course, a scone course, and a sweet course (and recipes OF COURSE to accompany your tea.) FOR MOTHER'S DAY: Enjoy a Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Red Stick Spice ..read more

If you have questions about using dried herbs or fresh herbs in your home cooking, this informative Smidgen episode is for you. Anne Milneck—host of Smidgen, and chef/owner of Red Stick Spice Company—answers the top two questions she gets asked about dried vs. fresh herbs (can you guess what they are?) plus Anne spotlights a bounty of recipes that will give you a chance to experience some dishes where fresh herbs get to shine and some dishes where dried herbs excel. Trust us—you are going to want to try every recipe she shares (links below!) Where can I get dried herbs? ·   &nbs ..read more

Easter is here! If you are planning on hosting a brunch (or attending an Easter brunch) Anne Milneck—host of Smidgen, and chef/owner of Red Stick Spice Company—has a brunch menu that will have you rejoicing. Yes, we talk about brunch a lot—but brunch is flexible and fun, a perfect time to try out some new, fresh spring flavors and prepare your favorites. What is a good Easter Brunch menu? - Anne mentioned the yummy butternut squash hummus: https://blog.redstickspice.com/recipe/butternut-squash-hummus/ (tip: make a classic hummus batch, too) - A hearty salad, Ina Garten’s Charlie Bird Farro Sal ..read more

Sweet Potato love is a real thing. But have you ever wondered what the difference is between yams and sweet potatoes? Well, our host Anne Milneck (chef and owner of Red Stick Spice Company) dives into the history of yams—or should we say “yams”—in the United States and reveals all, including how Louisiana lost out on being the Yam (or Sweet Potato) capitol of the world and if there is such a thing as sweet potato fudge. After “nerding out” on the history, Anne gives a set of sweet potato recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Sweet Potato Recipes to Try - There are an amazing array ..read more

The Lenten Season changes the menu for some families as they observe the 40-day period before Easter. Traditionally, this has meant a lot of fish meals (especially on Fridays.) But what if you want to observe lent without leaning too heavily on fish? This new episode of Smidgen—hosted by Anne Milneck, owner of Red Stick Spice Company is here to help. What are the best meals to serve during Lent? - Read Anne’s blog post on the Lenten meals here: - Want to share Smidgen podcast with someone who might appreciate knowing these resolutions? Please do! Easy link to share: https://pod.link ..read more

You can make a lovely and romantic dinner for Valentine’s Day at home! Anne Milneck of  Red Stick Spice Company has you covered with an elegant, multi-course meal that will impress—and that you can actually successfully make—that is sure to make your evening in something special. What is a good menu for home cooked Valentine’s dinner? - Read Anne’s blog post on Valentine’s, complete with menu and optional variations. Click here to read Anne’s blog post. - Did someone say vanilla balsamic? Shop for this unique vinegar, featured in the menu: https://www.redstickspice.com/products/vanilla-ba ..read more

What food trends are home cooks going to be seeing everywhere in 2024, and maybe more importantly, what are some of the recipes that will help you explore the best this new year has to offer? Smidgen host and owner of Red Stick Spice Company Anne Milneck loves food trends. So when she saw Southern Living’s list of pertinent food trends for 2024, she knew she wanted to talk about them on the show—and bring some exciting recipes from the Red Stick Spice Company teaching kitchen to help our customers bring these trends into their homes right away.   This week’s episode is inspired by Souther ..read more

The holidays and Christmas season is here! Are you or a favorite home cook feeling stressed? Less than jolly? Anne Milneck, chef, owner of Red Stick Spice Company, and host of Smidgen has some help for you. Lots of outlets churn out “helpful hints for the holidays” lists that… let’s face it… are a little less than robust. We need real help this year, and Anne delivers on this episode of Smidgen. What are the best tips to make holiday cooking easier? - Read Anne’s blog post with 12 Holiday Tips that are impactful; real-world tested; not your usual run-of-the-mill tips. Link on the Red Stick Spi ..read more