If you’re not a hunter in the midwest, pheasant is not a game bird with much awareness. However, it is…

A Food Blog from The Winningest Woman in BBQ
If you’re not a hunter in the midwest, pheasant is not a game bird with much awareness. However, it is…
Melissa’s Big Present Giveaway! I’m so excited about this year’s December Giveaway! I’m so lucky to be partnered with some…
I’m really pleased to announce my new website, Maggie’s General Store! My daughter, Lauren, and I make or personally source all…
I love turkey. A lot. In fact, it’s pretty much a year-round item for me, not just around the holidays….
It’s coming to the time of the year when you’ll probably entertain a few family and friends. Everyone wants…
It’s almost Turkey Time! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means lots of people think of those dry turkeys…
Fusion Time! I love mixing and matching flavors, and this recipe does exactly that. It brings the umami of Asian…
If you want to impress the friends, fam, or whomever with your cooking prowess, this is a recipe to try….
I am a lover of jelly. I know, I’m not supposed to like it, it’s really not good for you….
As you may know, I started my own little patio garden this year. I’ve really enjoyed it, and have had…
I’m a foodie, and if you’re reading this you probably are too. I love challenging recipes, creating flavors, and seeing…
Chicken salad has long been a mainstay of the “church social” in the South, and for good reason. It’s just…
Check out my video on how to make an amazing Posole Rojo! Posole is a Mexican soup that is traditionally…
Problem: I want to impress the family or friends for dinner, but I don’t want to spend all day in…
One of the highlights of my professional life was being able to cook at the James Beard House. I was…
2020 has been very trying to get through but it has brought back a lot of interest in making and…
What have I been doing? I’ve literally had to work harder than ever before to keep my restaurants alive and…
Wow, it’s been a while! Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve had time to post. I hope everyone…
Skirt steak is one of my favorite cuts. It grills quickly, accepts marinades well, and has a great beefy flavor….
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you may be thinking about making a special dinner. I have the solution, not only…
I love love love pink peppercorns! Pink peppercorns are actually berries from a shrub known as Peruvian Peppertree. They are…
BBQ Yucatan Pork A recent trip to an international market yielded plenty of treasures to play with in the kitchen….
Need a rich, creamy dip for a get-together, but you’re tired of the same-old-same-old? Then here’s an easy recipe for…
A few days ago I had plans to cook a Boston butt for a friend (of course, it was going to…
When you get an invite to cook at the James Beard House, you make plans to go to NYC! I…
I’m posting some of the recipes I cooked at the James Beard House dinner. This recipe for Achiote Pork Tenderloin…
Have you tried Piri Piri Sauce (aka Peri Peri?) The sauce runs the gamut of flavors, from citrus-y fresh, savoriness,…
It is definitely the season for special meals, and I hope I have given you some ideas with my recipes…
Have you had braised pork shanks? Well if you have, I’m here to help you take this amazing comfort dish…
note: I am a paid ambassador for Mishima Reserve, but all opinions and recipes are my own. Spinalis Dorsi, or…
Chimichurri sauce is one of my favorite sauces to serve with steaks. The freshness and zip of a nicely-made chimichurri…
Smoked goose is a traditional Christmas item that has fallen in popularity over the years. However, I think it should…
Cornish game hens take on a whole new flavor when prepared in the smoker. These flavorful little birds make for…
I’ve been on a seafood kick lately. I served Smoked Catfish dip at the James Beard House. I made some…
*This post and recipes are sponsored by my friends at Kingsford Charcoal. All recipes and opinions are my own, however….
When you’re looking for a special meal, I present my Surf and Turf Extravaganza! The centerpiece is a horseradish crusted…
Recently I was so honored to cook at the James Beard House and I want to share the recipes! This…
Melissa’s Holiday Giveaway! Yep, you guessed it, it’s time for another giveaway! I had been planning to have this early,…
Everything you need to know about cooking Turkey! Holiday time! Finally, America starts remembering that they love turkey! I don’t…
It’s that caveman drumstick time of year! Does your family fight over turkey legs? Easy solution, just cook extra! And,…
I was shopping in my local grocery the other day and they had Cajun Flavored Pork Tenderloin from my friends…
Beef Bourguignon sets the standard in comfort foods Beef bourguignon has kind of fallen out of favor over the last…
It’s turkey time, and I couldn’t be happier! This is one of my favorite times of the year because…
One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to mix and match flavors from different cultures. The…
Cast iron. There’s a reason cast iron skillets get handed down through generations, it’s because they’re awesome. They hold and…
This post is sponsored by The Home Depot*. Fall and early winter are my absolute favorite times to grill. I…
Fall weather seems to bring out in me a desire for earthy, comfort flavors. This recipe has grilled beets,…
Have you tried gochujang? It is a Korean fermented chili paste that packs quite a punch. Other ingredients include soybeans…
One of my favorite side items to make is brussels sprouts. I cook them many ways, when I’m feeling lazy…
This post is sponsored by The Home Depot*. It’s finally the season for game day, and that means it’s time…
Everyone loves tacos. However, I tend to think I am in the “obsessed with tacos” club. As in, lately,…
I get asked to review lots of grills. As my house is literally chocked full of grills and smokers, I…
Ok folks, this is the last installment of my “salmon series,” which features 4 different salmon recipes cooked on four…
This is recipe three of four in my “Salmon Series,” and is definitely the easiest. Check out my Miso Salmon…
This is the second recipe in my “Salmon Series.” I am writing this series for a couple of reasons. First,…
Hey, it’s summer, and it’s grilling season! I wanted to put out some easy recipes to help you get out…
Have you ever wanted to eat the Best Steak Ever?!? Let me tell you what you’ve been missing then, Wagyu…
Have you ever smoked cauliflower before? It’s so easy and delicious, you’ll be wondering why you never did! I’m…
When you’re looking for a special (but still easy) meal, this is a show stopper. My Smoked Pork Loin…
Two of my favorite things in life are Ribs and Coffee. This recipe combines both of them! This recipe for…
Hey Peeps! This is the start of my “Food Artisans” series! Today, too many people are used to the same…
Truffle Video Click on the link to watch the video!!!! I am very lucky in that my passion for BBQ…
In New Orleans, Red Beans and Rice is a traditional dish. Historically, it was a “Monday” item, set in a…
Recently, I was at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts cooking demos for Smithfield. As I was wandering around,…
Even though I’m a Mississippi Girl, I love the flavors of the Southwest. I absolutely adore the robust flavors…
These beautiful Grilled Pickled Red Onions are the perfect accompaniment to any burger or sandwich. I just love the color…
I’ve had tons of requests to post some BBQ Sauce recipes on my site. I’ve always been a believer in…
These delicious Smoked Pork Meatballs make a great appetizer or snack! I recently cooked these up on my Pit Boss…
Whew! Memphis in May 2018 is in the books, and it was a hot one! The Memphis in May BBQ…
Everyone I know loves a “Surf and Turf” for dinner, but usually reserve them only for special occasions. If…
Looking for a super tasty, light flavored dinner? This Mediterranean Mixed Grill with Couscous Salad Video will show you how…
Do you Couscous? Couscous is one of my favorite pastas, and I love the way it takes up flavor! This…
Watch the video on making these great Pub Burgers (and please like and subscribe to my channel!) The full recipe…
Want a quick, flavorful dinner? How about something that tastes just as great as a cold noodle salad as it…
Smashed potatoes has become one of my favorite ways to cook potatoes lately! They still retain some of the “creaminess”…
When I make a salad, I want it to be fresh, flavorful and delicious! This super-easy bacon sherry vinaigrette dressing…
Have you ever used Sichuan Peppercorns? If not, I’m here to tell you they need to be on your list!…
Watch the video on cooking this wonderful recipe, then read below for the full recipe! Don’t you love it when…
I made this Southwest Lamb Seasoning blend up a while ago to play around with some racks of lamb. I…
Flank steak is one of my favorite cuts of beef, and it’s not just for fajitas! This Asian flank steak…
While I’ve always been known for southern-style BBQ and cuisine, I have been working on a new cookbook. As part…
Deviled eggs are among the most Southern of items, and you absolutely must have a recipe available to you. Take…
Recently, I had the honor of hosting Jennifer Biggs, food writer for the Commercial Appeal, with her bi-monthly Lunch Bunch….
Smoked chicken has always been a favorite of mine. It’s simple, flavorful and easy to cook. However, sometimes you just…
This simple sauce brings a creamy freshness to almost any dish. I call it my “Peruvian Chicken sauce,” as it…
Poblano Creamed Corn is a super easy side dish to make, and is one of my all time faves! I…
Cacio e Pepe, translated as “cheese and pepper,” is a simple pasta dish that is a favorite specialty of Rome….
Love Chili? Love Brisket? Here’s a super simple recipe for Brisket Chili in the Instant Pot! Recently, a friend recommended…
Those pretty little mini pumpkins that you picked up for décor? Cook them! These make adorable side items, and are…
One of the reasons I love to smoke turkey for the holidays (or really, anytime) is the nuanced flavor and…
Here’s my video on making Pork Muffuletta Sliders! OMG, they were so good (you have to be an olive fan…
A great olive salad makes a great muffuletta sandwich, and I love a good muffuletta sandwich! If you haven’t had…
Spaghetti squash is one of the coolest vegetables available. I love squash anyway, so when you can have it but…
Want to win friends and influence stomachs? A reverse seared tomahawk ribeye certainly fits the bill! What is reverse searing,…
It’s tailgating season folks, and I’ve compiled some great tailgate tips to make your game day a win for your…
I like pork chops. To me, they are as versatile as chicken breasts, but with more intrinsic flavor. No…
Tired of the same old burger blah? Liven up burger night with my Pimento Pork and Chorizo Burgers! This simple-to-make…
My grilled pineapple bacon salsa is a versatile dish. I love to make this when we are grilling skirt steak…
My Brown Sugar Chili Glaze lends a sprightly flavor to anything grilled. This recipe really carries the entire palate of…
Chili rubs are among my favorite seasoning blends with which to cook. I really love the rounded flavors that chilis…
One of my favorite cuts of steak is known as the top sirloin cap. I think it is one of…
Everyone in the South has a favorite pimento and cheese recipe, or several! This recipe for a zesty pimento and…
During the summer, Ribs and BBQ are kings of the smokers, and I wanted to share a simple method for…
Good side items at any BBQ party are mandatory, and with a little work can be the star of the…
When I started in the competitive BBQ world, I thought everyone made their own BBQ seasonings and sauces. This recipe…
Creamy Cole slaw is one of the most common side items served with a BBQ meal. I always have it…
Summertime food should be fresh, enjoyable and flavorful. That is why I love this grilled peach caprese salad. The flavors…
After a “fruitful” trip to the Memphis Farmers Market, I wanted to use my finds as soon as possible. The…
Ok, before you look at all the ingredients this southwest seasoning recipe requires, let me tell you that this will…
Note- I try to not use brand names unless I believe a certain brand is integral to the flavor that…
Weekends are usually super busy for me with restaurants or appearances. This weekend I planned to cook a BBQ contest…
My grilled blackberry upside down cake recipe covers a lot of territory for me. I am a blackberry fan, and…
In my house, chicken breasts for dinner have ranked just above ordering pizza and way below anything else I can…
Roasted chicken is one of my favorite comfort foods, but can get mundane if you don’t change it up occasionally….
This super-easy, two ingredient glaze is wonderful with roast chicken, pork loin or a firm fish such as swordfish. I…
Beef Short ribs are one of my favorite items- unctuous, tender and extremely beefy when cooked right. They are an…
Summertime is fresh vegetable time, and I try to use them as often as possible. One of my favorite ways…
A leader on my list of favorite dressings, this balsamic vinaigrette dressing is so easy to make and so much better…
My Grillin’ Shake is my go to grill seasoning recipe, especially for steaks and chops. Large pieces of meat, especially…
Melissa Cookston is a 7-time world barbecue champion; owner of Memphis BBQ Company, a successful barbecue restaurant with locations in Horn Lake, Mississippi and Dunwoody, Georgia; an author of two cookbooks, “Smokin in the Boy’s Room” and “Smokin’ Hot in the South;” and a celebrated southern Delta chef who is sponsored by Prairie Fresh.
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