a competitive BBQ cook's food curiosity
a competitive BBQ cook's food curiosity
This brioche braided bread is so beautiful, I tend to bake this every year at Easter. Its beautiful, it looks fancy and its different than hot cross buns. The best part, is that while its easy to alternate or braid the dough layers, this braided …
Indulge your taste buds with this savory and aromatic Miso Sesame Pork Shoulder with a hint of smoke. A dish that beautifully marries the rich umami of miso with the nutty warmth of sesame. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, …
Pork shoulder has this cooking option to transform into a magnificent morsel, into Pork Burnt Ends or call them Pork Bites, that will sweetly melt in your mouth. When you cook a pork shoulder as Pork Burnt Ends instead of pulled pork, you save cooking …
Do your pork chops curl up during cooking? Pork Tip: Cut 2-3 relief slits on the outside of your pork chop to enable the pork chop to lay flat during and after cooking Want to keep your pork chops juicy? Pork Tip: Grill your pork …
When I walked past the deep hue of a bone-in pork rib roast at Sunterra Markets the other day, my mind was distracted by flavor combinations during the rest of my coffee. All I could think about how delicious and juicy this pork cut could …
Smoked Sour Cherry Cake with Sweet Vanilla Glaze and Sour Cherry Coulis
I am so fortunate to enjoy sliced pork belly often in my life. Asians love pork belly and it’s the perfect addition to a bowl of fried rice, a bowl of ramen, or the most dangerous, but most enjoyable, just a snack!! Sliced pork belly …
This recipe outlines a basic Smoked Pork Tenderloin sliced thin as an open faced sandwich, which I personally love. Alternatively, you can serve the pork tenderloin in thick slices with mashed potatoes and veg, or in a 4-6 oz piece, more similar to a steak. …
The beauty of grilled pork jowl ramen is that its quick, its comfort food and its perfect for cold days. Never heard of pork or hog jowls? You’re in for a treat! This unusual cut is from the pork cheek. This meat is heavily marbled …
Who’s craving pork chops for a weeknight dinner? Pork Rib Chops cook up juicy when grilled at lower temperatures, but rest assured, this is still a quick cook!
Be not afraid of game meat like pheasant breast! Extra flavor and extra liquid is key to grilled Teriyaki Pheasant Tacos!
The last time the McDonalds McRib sandwich was sold in Canada was in 2013. So, the only way to enjoy a McRib – Double Smoked Boneless Rib Sandwich at the SmellaQue house is to make it from scratch. There’s no $5.89 burger available around the …
When looking for an affordable dinner option, pork loins can be overlooked. At the Calgary Co-op grocery store, for regular price, I found a 2.1lb / 0.984kg Center Cut Pork Loin for $19.61 CAD. There were leftovers after feeding our family of 4 once this …
Have you noticed the price of vegetables, dairy and especially meat these days? Oh, by the way, that’s all the good healthy foods we are supposed to eat. How do we stretch a dollar when food prices have escalated? How can we make meals affordable? …
For brunch, I love a rich and divine dish. I want a meal that stands out. I want a dish that makes me question if I want to eat anything else for the day. I want a platter that holds my attention. And what if …
Most often we think of steak as associated with a steakhouse – Béarnaise sauce, mushrooms, asparagus spears and double stuffed potatoes. But, when one wants to enjoy a steak at home, it can be much simpler and also much more affordable. One of my favorite …
Meatless Mondays can be flavorful and delicious, and it can be done with this Mediterranean Inspired Orzo. Powerful seasonings like sundried tomatoes, olives, curly leaf parsley and feta cheese will taunt the tastebuds and fill your stomach without realizing you are missing anything. This recipe …
I was overcome with the need to bake this morning and couldn’t stop thinking about peanut butter cookies. Seeing as cookies don’t inspire many breakfast choices, I started working on the dough for a half batch of my Epic Cinnamon Rolls recipe and updated it …
If you could make Cinnabon at home, it would be epic right? Here, you go, Epic Cinnamon Buns that won’t last!! Truly! That’s why this is a 2 pan recipe. One pan for everyone else to share….and one pan for …ahem, me. I really truly …
Barbecue in all its styles and flavors is a treat; including using lip smacking everyday barbecue rub and sauce by Kosmo’s Q to enjoy the authentic flavors of Char Siu BBQ Pork. Its amazing that an all- American barbecue base can be tweaked to showcase …
There’s a special appreciation for barbecue and art at 2M Smokehouse at 2731 S WW White Rd., San Antonio, TX 78222. The hand painted murals are expressive and unique. While, this boutique barbecue joint has been listed in concurrent Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints, …
There was no shortage of whooping and hollering after being invited to compete at the 2022 San Antonio Rodeo Cook-off. It is the 2nd largest sanctioned barbecue contest in the USA and the world for that matter! One of my favorite aspects of this contest …
What a treat! I was fortunate to spend a Saturday in February 2022, behind the scenes at Pinkerton’s Barbecue at 107 W Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205. www.pinkertonsbarbecue.com Pinkerton’s Barbecue made the 2021 Texas Monthly Top 5. This is a huge accomplishment, for cooking …
Herbs like ginger, cilantro and mint make a beautiful medley when paired with smoked chicken in this Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad. Smoked chicken has its own aroma and flavor profile that is best elevated with fresh flavors. When its barbecue season, I’m fortunate to enjoy …
This week’s Supper Challenge is “poppy.” While I love lemon poppy seed loaf, the cooler weather and autumn season brings about pheasant if you know a few hunters. Cooking a savory dish with poppy seeds called for the color and flavors of cranberry, so Poppy …
The delicate balance between sweet and savory is achieved in a simple surprising vegetable dish, Miso Chocolate Cauliflower. This dish is unexpected. However, the addition of the separate ingredients works. The savory aspect of white miso is mellowed by creamy chocolate. The sweetness of chocolate …
What if the squishy yet meaty texture of Acorn squash is paired with a light, fluffy, toasted cornbread and rounded out as a dish? Ideal for brunch or light lunch, it’s a surprising delightful and composed dish. This recipe also works great with leftover cornbread. …
Harvest Grains and Grill Bowl, a guilt free and surprisingly satisfying meal. I typically don’t order vegetarian bowls at a restaurant, add in the extra challenge to cook grains into a tasty dish? I’m in. The secret to delectable, is to ensure all aspects are …
This week’s Supper Challenge is “Spice It Up.” As I was enjoying a warm autumn’s day, I really had to stretch the spice aspect. Autumn is a time of pumpkin spice lattes, root vegetables and belly warming comforts foods. So the best I could do …
Beet Tartare, not Beef Tartare. While I haven’t turned into a vegetarian, we could all use more vegetables in our diet. This is a fun way to enjoy some – on a salad, as toast or as a spread. It has the visual appeal of …
Korean Barbecue stands out because of simple flavors that pairs well with interesting cuts of meat; Pork Jowl Lettuce Wraps are no exception. Jowl is the face meat, along the jawline and chin. While pork cheeks are also part of the face, this smaller cut …
I love Asian cooked green beans because they are always cooked with a ton of flavor, no blanching in an Asians kitchen, thus, Miso Green Beans! With the earthy base of miso and spicy kick, you’ll enjoy these and be cooking this again! Best thing …
Squid is deceivingly easy to grill and for a simple flavor twist, Korean Grilled Squid Rings hit the spot. Starting the grill with aromatics – onion and scallions will perfume the air to get your mouth watering. The sweet caramelization of the onions balances the …
One of my biggest pet peeves (in my quiet voice) is dry meat. Given the opportunity for a delicious, juicy meal, I find it difficult to enjoy when the meat is chewy, grainy and just dry. Some cuts like pork loin or chicken breast are …
I enjoy adding my own twist on classic flavors; an hour later, we devoured grilled lamb chops with garlic mustard cream. There is something magical about grilled meat and a cream sauce, especially when its nicely balanced. The cream needed a zing, an “ah ha” …
Happy Canada Day! What says, “Canadian” in a cool summer meal on Canada’s birthday? Caesar in a Caesar salad. When Walter Chell developed a custom cocktail for a restaurant opening, he likely didn’t consider this would be an iconic Canadian drink. This savory cocktail with …
When the weather is warm, I love enjoying meals outside. Cauliflower Greek Salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats! The brine of olives and feta cheese cuts through the rich sizzle of crispy and juicy chicken. So so so delicious! I truthfully can’t say …
Cows don’t have hands, let alone fingers, so what is Smoked Beef Finger Meat? These big gnarly 1 inch strips of meat look like fingers off your local friendly giant. But thankfully, this cut is just the rib meat on your local cow. More specifically, …
Ooey gooey cheese stuffed meatballs is pretty much a non-discussion item for dinner. When I bought a 5lb package of lean ground beef from Costco for this week’s Supper Challenge “bite size” theme, I didn’t expect to prep the whole package. Nor did I expect …
Avocado Toast was all the rage for a while; so that got me thinking, what about a Grilled Mushroom Pesto Toast? A hint of smoke, an herb garlic spread and flavor all the way! With this week’s Supper Challenge listed as “pesto,” pasta was not …
When you’re >1000 km from the closest ocean, Crab(less) Tofu Cakes can substitute. What do you know? They’re vegetarian and perfect for Meatless Mondays too! On a serious note, I’m clearly a carnivore at heart, so when it comes to any sort of cooking, the …
I’ve got a hankering for the sweet crunch of Coconut Shrimp, the question is, can it be made at home? Of course! I live in the Prairies, so seafood is far distance away. The easiest and most economic way to access seafood is frozen. But …
The best days as a Mom, includes baking with the kiddos in the kitchen. For this year’s Mother’s Day, I am so incredibly fortunate to be baking another batch of these delectable Carrot Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting and Lemon Curd with the kids. …
The special aspect of BBQ, is that it is enjoyed in every country, with different ingredients and different flavor profiles. BBQ is a universal food experience. Grilled meats are not isolated to North America, Asia loves it too! It was so much fun to consider …
Krapow Gai or Thai Basil Chicken (or Pheasant) is a fresh Thai dish, especially great for a weeknight! The largest challenge of infusing basil into a dish, is to ensure the basil is highlighted, while keeping the dish fresh. The basil and the chicken must …
Avocado Basil Pheasant Salad Rolls is not your run of the mill salad roll. Similar to Thai Basil Chicken (Krapow Gai) without the spicey tingle, the infusion of basil and cilantro really accentuates the avocado. With “avocado” as this week’s theme for Supper Challenge, I …
Ready to cook? Follow this link to a recipe for quick BBQ Baby Back Ribs.
This style of BBQ Baby Back Ribs will be quick; cooking at higher temperatures will shorten the cooking time. BBQing at higher temperatures is also known as hot and fast. Of course, if you want to cook ribs at a lower temperature, you will also have …
What are Match Green Tea Blondies? It’s a green tea latte in a blondie square. It is tea and dessert all in one. Can you imagine? The difference between brownies versus blondies is dependent if the classic treat contains chocolate or not. Brownies contain …
Deliciously rich and creamy, this restaurant style, Creamed Spinach can be made in your own home. Plus, who doesn’t love the antioxidants, iron content and the health benefits of spinach? This recipe is a keeper! Creamed spinach is an excellent side dish to steak, chicken, …
There is something elegant about a dish that includes a pistachio crust, the great part is, its easy! Pistachio Matcha Crusted Halibut is uniquely nutty with a vibrant citrus zing! Halibut is a mild, firm fish that enables this combination well. Alternatively, another white fish …
What the duck? Duck breasts are a no fuss kind of meal, despite finding them in fancy restaurants. I like cooking this poultry in 15 minutes on a weekday. Its fantastic with a quick salad and a perfectly cooked breast requires no fancy layout or …
Pork Ribs are my go-to for BBQ when people are coming over for a backyard event, but before cooking, you need to know how to find them and what makes them different. Pork ribs come with their own handle, are individually portioned and everyone loves …
I love love love sweet breads and this Cinnamon Almond Knotted Bread is no exception. Its perfect for brunch, breakfast, snack, tea time, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas – generally anytime. This knotted sweet bread is tender and sweet and looks beautiful. Inspired by an Estonian …
Smoked Rack of Lamb is amazing. Its flavorful, its delicious and you can find it local in Canada! Ontario and Alberta are two of the largest producing lamb provinces in Canada, where >800K sheep grow domestically. I like buying local knowing that I’m supporting one …
Its a household treat at Thanksgiving for Sweet Potato Casserole, but for “Easter” Supper Challenge, I wanted to enjoy a more savory version of this root vegetable. I wanted to use fresh herbs with a flavorful umami base. I think this casserole is just that! …
What is a steamed bao? Pronounced “bow,” steamed bao is a bread or roll that is steamed and filled with meat and/or vegetables. Alternative names for steamed bao? Mantou = plain steamed bao with no filling, sometimes tinted a color due to the addition of …
Jalapeno Popper with brisket, also known as Texas Twinkies are oh, so good! An ultra flavorful fusion filled bun seemed like a great excuse to cook something new with leftover brisket and enjoy the spicy cheese goodness of a jalapeno popper. An Asian steamed bao …
I’m anxiously awaiting a warm holiday, so in the meantime, my travels will have to be done through food. This week’s supper challenge is themed “Spanish,” in consideration of the anniversary of Kent’s first cook, Paella. I love seafood. My distance to the ocean is …
So pleased to collaborate with Rob Reinhardt, another Canadian BBQ champion and friend, on smoking Tri-Tip two ways! In this video, I cook Tri Tip, also known as Santa Maria steak to medium rare and Rob cooks it like a brisket. Both are delicious options. …
This Japanese street food is an Asian cross between a cabbage based pizza and a pancake. A cooked cabbage patty with delicious toppings like bacon, shrimp, squid or octopus can be enjoyed. In North America, an okonomiyaki sounds a little odd, but don’t judge it …
An introduction to brisket – where the brisket comes from, what does it look like, should brisket be cooked fat side up or fat side down? Brisket can be a daunting meet to cook. Whether its BBQ’d, smoked, oven roasted or braised, brisket can be …
Super enjoyed myself, @jsmella_smellaque, as a guest on @prairebbq Instagram LIVE event. I smoked tri-tip steak and Rob cooked a tri-tip like a brisket. What fun! Tri-tip is incredibly versatile, affordable and so delicious. <Yes, our family devoured the steak once the recording was done!> …
You pull steaks out of the fridge for dinner, company is on the way, you reach into the cabinet and oops! Are you out of spice rub? This is a quick all purpose rub that is versatile and can be used on anything – duck, …
Carrot cake is a classic dessert that always comes with cream cheese icing, but what if it was warm served with a pineapple sauce? I’ve been playing with classic flavors for carrot cake to include pineapple and honey mustard. Its slightly unconventional, but its also …
Pineapple Chicken Thighs make a quick and easy weeknight grilled meal. Needless to say, the chicken is full of flavor and the sweet is a hit with the kids. Found some chicken thighs when “deep freezer diving” for Supper Challenge and wanted to enjoy it …
Tailgating, finger foods, game eats and camping food cheers for Bacon Wrapped Mozza Dill Pickles! Yummy! Superbowl weekend screams “Big Game” eats as the theme for SupperChallenge!
So you bought a brisket and now, let’s smoke/ BBQ/ cook this brisket! If you’re trembling with excitement, then you are ready!. We all feel that buzzy, lightheaded feeling knowing an excellent meal is coming soon! For more information on the two muscles that make …
Kimchi is so great for your gut, its full of probiotics and bacteria that is good for your body. Often served as a Korean side dish, these spicy pickled vegetables help reduce inflammation, low in sugar and has flavor to distract you from the vegetable …
There is nothing better than grilled, plump, juicy shrimp complemented by Cuban mojo (pronounced “mo-ho”) on a hot summer night. It would be even better if such a meal could be enjoyed on the humid island overlooking a white sandy beach. Citrus, garlic and herbs …
Its a much lighter meal when cauliflower rice fills your plate. Its not hard to skip the carbs and fill your rice with flavor instead. This is the perfect accompaniment to Cuban Mojo Shrimp, so if you want a full meal, this is it! In …
My kid’s have excellent taste. They asked me to cook a Beef Wellington. Right…. I guess the a la carte must be excellent at Bistro SmellaQue? How am I going to execute this dinner request? Foodies often miss the level of difficulty in cooking a …
Asian cultures cook and serve whole fish all the time, so when I saw a fresh whole sablefish (black cod) at the store, my jaw dropped and I couldn’t wait to take it home and enjoy it roasted at home. My favorite dish at Japanese …
These Apple Cider Biscuits with Pepper Jelly and Apple Slices are phenomenal! I started the week stumped on how to create a dish from “apple cider” for our weekly @supperchallenge. But as I thought about the familiar flavors of apple and buttery biscuits in a …
What does one do with leftover turkey or chicken when you’re looking for flavor punch? Tortilla soup has all the makings of a hearty meal and its easy to assemble! After cooking a turkey dinner, the next couple days, I want to cook with as …
There’s something festive about orange cranberry icebox shortbread cookies that I love. While everyone else bakes up chocolate or fudgy treats, I like to break the mold <haha, break the cookie mold>. That’s the great thing, not only is this cookie equally as festive, but …
Old fashioned whipped shortbread with a maraschino cherry is classic. I have to confess that any Christmas cookie platter holding whipped shortbread will mean that I will make a hurried walk to snatch up this melt-in-your-mouth treat. <I can’t even say I’m embarrassed. First one …
When my neighbor generously shared the finds of his hunting trip, I was ecstatic. Pheasant? Cleaned and prepped pheasant breasts? YES, I WOULD LOVE SOME <in my most polite and rational voice>. The real question was – how was I going to cook it. BBQ …
Save yourself some $$ and enjoy Oyster Rockefeller at home in a casserole form with a touch of smoke. When you can get double or even triple the value in oysters, this is a great deal. Even better, oysters pairs with smoke beautifully, so this …
Oyster Boulettes (Fried Oyster Balls) is most likely to be found in New Orleans or in Creole country. I cooked Oysters on the Prairies for this week’s theme of Supper Challenge this week “naughty,” since I was unable to locate Prairie Oysters. <Ha! Lucky for …
Grilled octopus is a challenge and fascination for me. I’ve had memorable eating experiences when its tender and delicious, and I’ve suffered through chewy challenges as well. Like all cooking adventures, the goal is to ensure this delicacy is cooked well! Octopus and particularly the …
Caramelized brussel sprouts with maple syrup and bacon will add a new dimension to brussel sprouts you grew up with. Magically browning these little cabbages removes the bitterness of the vegetable. Add steak spice, bacon and maple flavors and these little cabbages will be thoroughly …
Known as pasta pillows in our house, this potato pasta or gnocchi is a simple fresh pasta easily made at home. Because of the ridges and the slight curling of the pasta, it perfectly traps your favorite sauce! Gnocchi taste (by itself): seasoned potato, generally …
With American Thanksgiving, I can’t help but drool about the great ways to use leftovers, including simmering a chowder from leftover chicken, turkey or duck. Hearty soups are a great way to to literally clean out the fridge as well. The recipe itself is a …
Have you experienced the autumn symphony? Cool weather, fall leaves and migrating birds calls for spaghetti squash rosé in the repertoire of warm, hearty dishes. That’s a lot of words for WOW this dish is amazing! Its so amazing, that we have promptly bought a …
A new flavor on some old favorites, a barbeque peanut sauce can do the trick. Great for salad rolls, salads, noodles or seasoning for a stir fry, this tangy and nutty combination is a crowd pleaser. For more savory flavor, add more soy sauce, for …
With Asian rice noodles and succulent barbecue pulled pork, I think this dish qualifies as BBQ Asian fusion – like me! Ha! Sometimes barbecue should be enjoyed in a different format, so when there are pulled pork leftovers, this is my go-to. Blues Hog Original …
Cold weather and a countdown towards the festive seasons, this ginger gingerbread cake is the perfect weeknight dessert. Nothing says comfort food like the warm flavor of ginger. By adding two components of ginger, this cake has got a great flavor and textural punch.
My original intent was to recreate an Ube (purple potato) cake, typically found in Filipino bakeries. It wasen’t until I started prepping that I realized that I did not have purple potatoes (purple skin and purple flesh). I had Japanese Sweet Potatos (purple skin and …
This week’s Supper Challenge theme is “Social Media inspired”. You know, the Tik Tok, Instagram or Facebook 1 minute videos full cooking and assembling a dish? Usually the videos show ooey gooey cheesy goodness or a cake baked and beautifully decorated. As usual, I took …
One of the goals I had when building my DIY Tin Can Smoker, was to cook a whole animal. For directions to build your own DIY Tin Can Smoker, click here. In a 6 diameter tin can, the choices are pretty limited. Where lump charcoal …
When a friend’s Facebook memory showed his home made smoker, I was obsessed and wanted to have my own fun. Thanks JLH! After a bit of planning, I now have my own DIY Tin Can Smoker and manufactured for less than $5! Objectives and considerations: …
This week’s supper challenge theme is “TV or movie inspired” theme. There are so many options to choose from! Who doesn’t start drooling or find their stomach rumbling when watching a good show? Its a dream come true to think food could rain from the …
The best thing about Korean food is the flavor punch! It might have been the K-cup with spicy pork I had for lunch, but when I thought about cooking the young brussel sprouts in the fridge, I had to cook it. Conveniently, I live by …
In South American, European and Asian cultures, beef tongue is a delicacy. Its flavorful and very tender. The “trick” is not to think of it as tongue. Its simply beef! If there is a restaurant with beef tongue on the menu, I’ll be ordering. …
As this week’s supper challenge theme of “Halloween,” this is both a trick and a treat. Taco de Lengua is a beef tongue taco and smoking the beef tongue for extra flavor is worth it. Don’t worry, these tacos are not as scary as you …
I was incredibly giddy when gifted a bag of tomatillos. In Canada, locating tomatillos is uncommon, to say the least. Ask a Canadian where to find tomatillos and they say, toma-wha? Describe a tomaillo as a green tart tomato and more blank stares – you …
For Supper Challenge this week, the theme is “layers.” With fall in full swing, I’m looking for comfort food and a challenge – so harvest vegetarian lasagna??!! If I’m going to all veggie, those veggies better stand out and be full flavored. Alright, veggies, layer …
After a big meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas, a lighter dessert can be enjoyed without feeling stuffed. A cranberry lemon pudding cake with cumin yogurt and maple glazed walnuts is festive, tart and a nice touch of sweet. Growing up, boxed pudding cakes were the …
Here it is, instructions to spatchcock with pictures below! I’m not sure I’ll ever get over this fowl word <haha, get it? Fowl for poultry, not a foul word!> I know you want to spatchcock, so you can brag to your buddies. Check out the …
No, its not a foul word, its a fowl word! Spatchcock means to remove the spine or backbone of poultry, flatten the poultry so it is ready for grilling. So, a fancy word for a butterflied chicken, duck, goose, turkey, cornish hen. So, why “spatchcock?” …
I realized today how inspired, motivated and proud to have rubbed shoulders with amazing women in BBQ! They have fired up my inspiration and I’m in complete awe of these strong, vibrant and gifted ladies! I am ever so thankful to have come across them! …
I’m not kidding, this vegetarian soup with lentils is absolutely delicious! Second helpings by everyone at dinner! I love a challenge, especially for the weekly @supperchallenge. For “apple” this week, I want to cook apples in a savory way. When I came across a recipe …
I live in the frigid great white north, in Canada. Confession: I’m a total wimp when it comes to being outside and “enjoying” it. Yep, the quotation marks around “enjoy” is what I am expected to say, but that doesn’t mean I do. BUT! I …
I’m Curious Marinating meat is first, to instill flavor into meat and then, often known to tenderize the meat and collagen via acid or enzymes. But does connective tissue in tough cuts of meat actually breakdown with acid? Do enzymes increase tenderness? How do acids …
How can you elevate the King’s classic peanut butter, bacon and banana sandwich? “School Lunch” is the theme of this week’s supper challenge. Do you remember peanut butter banana sandwiches? How to take a simple sandwich to the next level? Bacon. What else? Nuts are …
I could be the laziest baker ever. When brioche can be mixed simply and not require the painfully messy kneading of warm butter, I’m in! Just because traditional methods have been converted to stand mixers, it doesn’t mean breads need to be processed traditionally. Brioche …
There really are tips to better beef below! But first, a quick tip on a lesser known beef cut. Tri Tip is a triangular cut found at the bottom of the sirloin. Originally marketed and made popular in Santa Maria, California in the 1950s, this …
Fun facts about Albertan and Canadian Beef that will moo you: Canada is one of the largest exporters of red meat and livestock in the world? We export around 45 percent of Canadian beef and cattle production each year! Canada’s pasture and prairie store up …
Lemon Mousse Cake screams light summer dessert. Even better, mousse cakes are perfect to make ahead and enjoy. So, when I have invited a friend to cook a seafood feast for dinner, I also start pairing a dessert. Picture the meal – homemade maki rolls, …
I’ve got a new squeeze! Blues Hog sauces is in a new squeezable format taking blondies to a whole new level – Blues Hog Smokey Mountain Blondie finished with raspberries, ice cream and Blues Hog Raspberry Chipotle sauce. I love the sweet and savory! Because …
Breakfast will never be the same. This plate is so good, I enthusiastically encourage beer for breakfast! It is 5 o’clock somewhere. And its out of the box. Beer Infused Peach French Toast with Ricotta and Blues Hog Champions Blend BBQ Sauce is delicious! If …
What fishy facts or beef myths are out there? Are they real? Read on! Myth: The left brisket is more tender than the right brisket Answer: False! Come on! The brisket muscle is the front shoulder of a cow. Since cows stand on four legs, …
Ever heard of a tamale pie or a cornbread pie? If you live north of the American border, it turns out, a cornbread crust cooked on top of typical tamale fillings makes a tamale pie (also known as cornbread pie). But don’t get distracted, leftover …
What is the difference between white meat and dark meat? Meat is largely comprised of protein and when it comes to protein, there are different kinds. The protein at hand, is myoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the different muscles and is highly pigmented …
During the early stages of COVID, the number one searched online recipe was for banana bread. When I looked at most of the recipes that came up, none of them fit my criteria of what banana bread should be. Ha! Call me picky. Call me …
BBQ is not just for meat lovers, so when looking for a full flavored lighter dinner, I’ll make a Strawberry Kale Salad with Blues Hog Tennessee Red Dressing. Blues Hog makes this awesome sweet and tangy sauce that has a great zest. While Tennessse Red …
Summer fruits season calls for ways to maximize the fresh sweetness that always seems too short for me. So, when stone fruits and berries can be enjoyed without cooking them down, I’m in! Pavlova’s are mostly commonly known in New Zealand or Australia, to the …
I like a good AAA steak in Canada, but what does that mean? What is beef grading? How does AAA translate in the USA? What about Wagyu? Surprisingly, these are loaded questions and worth every bite (of information). Canadian beef is graded or evaluated against …
YOU WILL RULE THE GRILL if you cook meat to the perfect doneness! You know what a perfect steak tastes like – perfect amount of salt and maybe a slight edge of pepper or spice. But your perfect steak is also perfectly done to your …
How can Jalapeno Poppers be enjoyed all times of the day? Jalapeno Poppers (aka atomic bacon turds (ABT) aka armadillo eggs) are a fan favorite. They are perfect for tailgating, Superbowl weekend, backyard BBQs and more. So, how could this appetizer be recreated in a …
Summer calls for fresh bright flavors and when it comes to dessert with company, a lime coconut cake with coconut cream cheese frosting will hit the spot. This cake takes a bit of time with all the components to make, but a nice way to …
YOU WILL RULE THE GRILL if you cook meat to the perfect doneness! You know what a perfect steak tastes like – perfect amount of salt and maybe a slight edge of pepper or spice. But your perfect steak is also perfectly done to your …
Goal: Golden crispy fried chicken on the outside that is juicy, tender and thoroughly cooked on the inside. Fear: Chicken cooked on the outside and raw on the inside. Yeech. Answer (with fear resolved): sous vide fried chickenBy slowly cooking the chicken prior to battering …
Ode to local farmers and growers with an Amaretto Saskatoon Berry Tart! I couldn’t wait to harvest and enjoy the local berries this summer! Berry tarts highlight the brilliance, the flavor and the deep richness of a tart. I love the pairings of berries with …
European pastries have a different tart shell or pie crusts, called Pate Sucre. I’ve used this recipe multiple times with great success. So, when I want to make tarts, I like using the recipe by Petit Gateau from Amsterdam, Netherlands. If you are ever in …
You’re curious! And I bet you don’t even have a bucket of ice cream close by. Haha! All kidding aside, these dill pickle wings are not run of the mill and SO DELICIOUS! I admit I have wrinkled my nose to the notion previously, but …
The ultimate campfire marshmallow is pillow soft, slightly spongy and sweet. How can you easily level up a camping trip? If you mention roasted marshmallows to any kid, their eyes will light up. So, if you could make the Ultimate Campfire Marshmallow EASILY at home, …
When a weekly supper challenge involves “chips”, Dill Pickle Potato Chip Soup was the first thing that came to my mind. Chips are a comfort food. It only seems natural to pair comfort food with comfort food, in a soup. Luckily, I was inspired by …
Through a weekly cooking challenge among friends, we happened upon “Cajun” as the theme. I’m born and bread in Canada. Except for a handful of dishes I’ve eaten, Cajun, is a just a Southern concept. I scoured the grocery stores for grits – nada. Fresh …
Its hot, its cool, its grilled, its watermelon salad! Will watermelon grill if its 80% water? Yes! By keeping the rind on when grilling and using high temperatures, this summer treat can indeed be grilled. The most noticeable difference after grilling the watermelon, is the …
Can mushrooms burst with flavor and nutrients without much loved bacon or cheese? The answer is yes! I’m on a personal challenge to ensure that vegetables really stand out at the dinner table without basting the vegetables in high amounts of fat. So, how can …
Can you smoke Chinese Char Siu BBQ Pork Belly for an Asian meaty treat? Why is Char Siu, or more commonly known as Chinese barbeque pork not actually cooked on a barbeque? Why is Char Siu roasted? Born and raised in Canada, Char Siu was …
A prepared single serving meal that isn’t run of the mill, Make Ahead “Canned” Laksa? When I need a break from chili, casseroles and stewed dishes, I want a bright and flavorful dish! Can a bright and flavorful, out of the box meal really be …
Do you love cornbread? Can a sandwich be made from cornbread? Can the flavor of cornbread and texture of bread coexist? Smoke the cornbread loaf for some authentic southern flavor! A slice of cornbread loaf is great for grilled cheese, pulled pork sandwich, pork belly …
