• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • About Melissa
  • Recipes
  • Press
  • Restaurants
  • Competition
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • 0 items$0.00

Melissa Cookston

A Food Blog from The Winningest Woman in BBQ

Melissa’s Recipes

Chipotle Pecan Short Ribs

Short ribs are among my favorite things in the world.  Just the smell of them slowly cooking is enough to…

Read More

glazed pheasant

Asian Glazed Smoked Pheasant

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

Read More

giveaway pic

Melissa’s Big Present Giveaway for 2020!

Melissa’s Big Present Giveaway! I’m so excited about this year’s December Giveaway!  I’m so lucky to be partnered with some…

Read More

Announcing Maggie’s General Store!

I’m really pleased to announce my new website, Maggie’s General Store! My daughter, Lauren, and I make or personally source all…

Read More

injected turkey

Ghee Injected Turkey Breast

I love turkey.  A lot.  In fact, it’s pretty much a year-round item for me, not just around the holidays….

Read More

Herbed Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pepper Jelly

It’s coming to the time of the year when you’ll probably entertain a few family and friends.   Everyone wants…

Read More

carved turkey

Turkey Injection Recipes

It’s almost Turkey Time!  Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means lots of people think of those dry turkeys…

Read More

quesadilla with cream

Wagyu Asian Beef Quesadillas with Wasabi Crema

Fusion Time!  I love mixing and matching flavors, and this recipe does exactly that.  It brings the umami of Asian…

Read More

Pork Chili Verde

If you want to impress the friends, fam, or whomever with your cooking prowess, this is a recipe to try….

Read More

jalapeno jelly and cream cheese

How to make Jalapeño Jelly!

I am a lover of jelly.  I know, I’m not supposed to like it, it’s really not good for you….

Read More

fresh sliced tomatoes

Make your own Sun-dried Tomatoes!

As you may know, I started my own little patio garden this year.  I’ve really enjoyed it, and have had…

Read More

fried chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

I’m a foodie, and if you’re reading this you probably are too.  I love challenging recipes, creating flavors, and seeing…

Read More

chicken salad sandwiches

Super Chicken Salad

Chicken salad has long been a mainstay of the “church social” in the South, and for good reason.  It’s just…

Read More

pose rojo

How to make an amazing Posole Rojo!

Check out my video on how to make an amazing Posole Rojo!  Posole is a Mexican soup that is traditionally…

Read More

pork chop

Pork Chop Lollipops with Prickly Pear BBQ Sauce

Problem:  I want to impress the family or friends for dinner, but I don’t want to spend all day in…

Read More

Muscadine Glazed Quail

One of the highlights of my professional life was being able to cook at the James Beard House.  I was…

Read More

Fermented Habanero Ginger Hot Sauce

2020 has been very trying to get through but it has brought back a lot of interest in making and…

Read More

What I’ve been doing!

What have I been doing? I’ve literally had to work harder than ever before to keep my restaurants alive and…

Read More

Hope everyone is staying safe!

Wow, it’s been a while! Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve had time to post. I hope everyone…

Read More

carne asada tacos

Carne Asada Skirt Steak

Skirt steak is one of my favorite cuts.  It grills quickly, accepts marinades well, and has a great beefy flavor….

Read More

porterhouse steak

Wagyu Porterhouse with Pink Peppercorn Sauce

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you may be thinking about making a special dinner.  I have the solution, not only…

Read More

pink peppercorn sauce

Pink Peppercorn Sauce

I love love love pink peppercorns!  Pink peppercorns are actually berries from a shrub known as Peruvian Peppertree.  They are…

Read More

melissa holding taco

BBQ Yucatan Pork

BBQ Yucatan Pork A recent trip to an international market yielded plenty of treasures to play with in the kitchen….

Read More

crawfish dip

Spicy Crawfish Dip

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…

Read More

Winter Pork Stew

Winter Pork Stew

A few days ago I had plans to cook a Boston butt for a friend (of course, it was going to…

Read More

catfish in smoker

Smoked Catfish Dip

When you get an invite to cook at the James Beard House, you make plans to go to NYC!  I…

Read More

achiote pork

Achiote Pork Tenderloin

I’m posting some of the recipes I cooked at the James Beard House dinner.  This recipe for Achiote Pork Tenderloin…

Read More

Piri Piri Sauce

Piri Piri Sauce

Have you tried Piri Piri Sauce (aka Peri Peri?)  The sauce runs the gamut of flavors, from citrus-y fresh, savoriness,…

Read More

Bone-in Pork Loin with Smoked Cherry Sauce

It is definitely the season for special meals, and I hope I have given you some ideas with my recipes…

Read More

pork shank

Smoked and Braised Pork Shanks

Have you had braised pork shanks?  Well if you have, I’m here to help you take this amazing comfort dish…

Read More

chimichurri on steak

Wagyu Ribeye Caps

note:  I am a paid ambassador for Mishima Reserve, but all opinions and recipes are my own. Spinalis Dorsi, or…

Read More

chimichurri sauce

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is one of my favorite sauces to serve with steaks.  The freshness and zip of a nicely-made chimichurri…

Read More

smoked goose

Smoked Goose

Smoked goose is a traditional Christmas item that has fallen in popularity over the years.  However, I think it should…

Read More

glazed game hen

Smoked Cornish Game Hens with Peach Glaze

Cornish game hens take on a whole new flavor when prepared in the smoker.  These flavorful little birds make for…

Read More

black cod

Grilled Black Cod with Ginger Soy Broth

I’ve been on a seafood kick lately.  I served Smoked Catfish dip at the James Beard House.  I made some…

Read More

kingsford smoked trout

Smoked Trout Year Round

*This post and recipes are sponsored by my friends at Kingsford Charcoal.  All recipes and opinions are my own, however….

Read More

Ribeye and lobster tails

Horseradish crusted rib roast with lobster tails.

When you’re looking for a special meal, I present my Surf and Turf Extravaganza!  The centerpiece is a horseradish crusted…

Read More

smoked beef tenderloin

Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Recently I was so honored to cook at the James Beard House and I want to share the recipes!  This…

Read More

Melissa and prizes

Melissa’s Holiday Giveaway

Melissa’s Holiday Giveaway! Yep, you guessed it, it’s time for another giveaway!  I had been planning to have this early,…

Read More

holiday smoked turkey

Thanksgiving Turkey Q and A

Everything you need to know about cooking Turkey! Holiday time!  Finally, America starts remembering that they love turkey!  I don’t…

Read More

Melissa with Turkey Leg

Smoked Turkey Legs with Garlic Sriracha glaze video

It’s that caveman drumstick time of year!  Does your family fight over turkey legs?  Easy solution, just cook extra!  And,…

Read More

Creole Pasta with Cajun Pork Tenderloin

I was shopping in my local grocery the other day and they had Cajun Flavored Pork Tenderloin from my friends…

Read More

Beef bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon sets the standard in comfort foods Beef bourguignon has kind of fallen out of favor over the last…

Read More

smoked turkey

Smoked and Lacquered Turkey

  It’s turkey time, and I couldn’t be happier!  This is one of my favorite times of the year because…

Read More

Grilled Sambal Chicken and Shrimp

One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to mix and match flavors from different cultures.  The…

Read More

Golden’s Cast Iron Grill Review

Cast iron.  There’s a reason cast iron skillets get handed down through generations, it’s because they’re awesome.  They hold and…

Read More

Chipotle Maple Pork Chops

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot*. Fall and early winter are my absolute favorite times to grill.  I…

Read More

beet, butternut and bleu cheese salad

Grilled Beets, Butternut and Bleu Cheese Salad

  Fall weather seems to bring out in me a desire for earthy, comfort flavors.  This recipe has grilled beets,…

Read More

gochujang glazed pork porterhouse with sesame asparagus

Gochujang Glazed Pork Porterhouses

Have you tried gochujang?  It is a Korean fermented chili paste that packs quite a punch.  Other ingredients include soybeans…

Read More

grilled brussels sprouts

Smoky Grilled Brussels Sprouts

One of my favorite side items to make is brussels sprouts.  I cook them many ways, when I’m feeling lazy…

Read More

Win Game Day Eats with a Slider Bar!

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot*. It’s finally the season for game day, and that means it’s time…

Read More

Chipotle Citrus Chuck Eye Roll Tacos

Everyone loves tacos.  However, I tend to think I am in the “obsessed with tacos” club.   As in, lately,…

Read More

Grill Review- Hub Grill by Everdure by Heston Blumenthal

I get asked to review lots of grills.  As my house is literally chocked full of grills and smokers, I…

Read More

Asian and Whiskey Grilled Salmon

Ok folks, this is the last installment of my “salmon series,” which features 4 different salmon recipes cooked on four…

Read More

The Salmon Series- Smoked Salmon

This is recipe three of four in my “Salmon Series,” and is definitely the easiest.  Check out my Miso Salmon…

Read More

Miso Glazed Salmon on a Cedar Plank

This is the second recipe in my “Salmon Series.”  I am writing this series for a couple of reasons.  First,…

Read More

Easy Sesame Aioli

Read More

The Salmon Series- Seared Sesame Salmon

Hey, it’s summer, and it’s grilling season!  I wanted to put out some easy recipes to help you get out…

Read More

The Best Steaks Ever!!

Have you ever wanted to eat the Best Steak Ever?!?  Let me tell you what you’ve been missing then, Wagyu…

Read More

Easy Smoked Cauliflower

  Have you ever smoked cauliflower before?  It’s so easy and delicious, you’ll be wondering why you never did!  I’m…

Read More

Smoked Pork Loin with Raspberry Balsamic Glaze

  When you’re looking for a special (but still easy) meal, this is a show stopper.  My Smoked Pork Loin…

Read More

Coffee Rubbed Ribs with Espresso BBQ Sauce

Two of my favorite things in life are Ribs and Coffee.  This recipe combines both of them!  This recipe for…

Read More

A visit to a real Balsamic Vinegar Factory

Hey Peeps!  This is the start of my “Food Artisans” series!  Today, too many people are used to the same…

Read More

Truffle Hunting in Tuscany Video!!!

Truffle Video Click on the link to watch the video!!!! I am very lucky in that my passion for BBQ…

Read More

Red Beans and Rice

In New Orleans, Red Beans and Rice is a traditional dish.  Historically, it was a “Monday” item, set in a…

Read More

Pork Tenderloin Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Recently, I was at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts cooking demos for Smithfield. As I was wandering around,…

Read More

Green Chili Sauce

Even though I’m a Mississippi Girl, I love the flavors of the Southwest.   I absolutely adore the robust flavors…

Read More

Grilled Pickled Red Onions

These beautiful Grilled Pickled Red Onions are the perfect accompaniment to any burger or sandwich.  I just love the color…

Read More

Memphis Style BBQ Sauce

I’ve had tons of requests to post some BBQ Sauce recipes on my site.  I’ve always been a believer in…

Read More

Smoked Pork Meatballs

These delicious Smoked Pork Meatballs make a great appetizer or snack!  I recently cooked these up on my Pit Boss…

Read More

Melissa cooking BBQ

Memphis in May BBQ Contest 2018

Whew!  Memphis in May 2018 is in the books, and it was a hot one!  The Memphis in May BBQ…

Read More

Surf and Turf with Chipotle Glaze

Everyone I know loves a “Surf and Turf” for dinner, but usually reserve them only for special occasions.   If…

Read More

Mediterranean Mixed Grill with Couscous Salad Video

Looking for a super tasty, light flavored dinner?  This Mediterranean Mixed Grill with Couscous Salad Video will show you how…

Read More

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Do you Couscous? Couscous is one of my favorite pastas, and I love the way it takes up flavor!  This…

Read More

Pub Burgers with Beer Seared Onions Video

Watch the video on making these great Pub Burgers (and please like and subscribe to my channel!)  The full recipe…

Read More

Sesame Ginger Noodles with Shrimp

Want a quick, flavorful dinner?  How about something that tastes just as great as a cold noodle salad as it…

Read More

SMASHED New Potatoes

Smashed potatoes has  become one of my favorite ways to cook potatoes lately!  They still retain some of the “creaminess”…

Read More

Bacon Sherry Vinaigrette Dressing

When I make a salad, I want it to be fresh, flavorful and delicious!  This super-easy bacon sherry vinaigrette dressing…

Read More

Sichuan Peppercorn Duck Breasts with Plum Poblano Sauce Video

Have you ever used Sichuan Peppercorns?  If not, I’m here to tell you they need to be on your list!…

Read More

Aussie Rack of Lamb with Cactus Pear BBQ Sauce Video

Watch the video on cooking this wonderful recipe, then read below for the full recipe! Don’t you love it when…

Read More

Southwest Lamb Seasoning

I made this Southwest Lamb Seasoning blend up a while ago to play around with some racks of lamb.  I…

Read More

Asian Flank Steak with Shi-Shi Sautee

Flank steak is one of my favorite cuts of beef, and it’s not just for fajitas!  This Asian flank steak…

Read More

Achiote and Blood Orange Rotisserie Chicken

While I’ve always been known for southern-style BBQ and cuisine, I have been working on a new cookbook.  As part…

Read More

Southern Deviled Eggs with chive-truffle vinaigrette

Deviled eggs are among the most Southern of items, and you absolutely must have a recipe available to you.  Take…

Read More

You missed the Lunch Bunch!

Recently, I had the honor of hosting Jennifer Biggs, food writer for the Commercial Appeal, with her bi-monthly Lunch Bunch….

Read More

Smoked Chicken “Peruvian Style”

Smoked chicken has always been a favorite of mine.  It’s simple, flavorful and easy to cook.  However, sometimes you just…

Read More

Peruvian Chicken Sauce

This simple sauce brings a creamy freshness to almost any dish.  I call it my “Peruvian Chicken sauce,” as it…

Read More

Poblano Creamed Corn

Poblano Creamed Corn is a super easy side dish to make, and is one of my all time faves!  I…

Read More

cacio e pepe

Hot Sauce Infused Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe, translated as “cheese and pepper,” is a simple pasta dish that is a favorite specialty of Rome….

Read More

Brisket Chili in the Instant Pot

Love Chili?  Love Brisket?  Here’s a super simple recipe for Brisket Chili in the Instant Pot! Recently, a friend recommended…

Read More

Smoked Mini Pumpkins with Wild Rice, Pear and Sausage Stuffing

Those pretty little mini pumpkins that you picked up for décor? Cook them! These make adorable side items, and are…

Read More

holiday smoked turkey

Holiday Smoked Turkey

One of the reasons I love to smoke turkey for the holidays (or really, anytime) is the nuanced flavor and…

Read More

Pork Muffuletta Slider Video!!

Here’s my video on making Pork Muffuletta Sliders!  OMG, they were so good (you have to be an olive fan…

Read More

Delicious Olive Salad (great for muffulettas!)

A great olive salad makes a great muffuletta sandwich, and I love a good muffuletta sandwich! If you haven’t had…

Read More

Grilled Spaghetti Squash with Video

Spaghetti squash is one of the coolest vegetables available.  I love squash anyway, so when you can have it but…

Read More

Reverse Seared Tomahawk Ribeye Video

Want to win friends and influence stomachs?  A reverse seared tomahawk ribeye certainly fits the bill! What is reverse searing,…

Read More

Tailgate Tips!

It’s tailgating season folks, and I’ve compiled some great tailgate tips to make your game day a win for your…

Read More

Chili Rubbed Pork Porterhouse

I like pork chops.  To me, they are as versatile as chicken breasts, but with more intrinsic flavor.    No…

Read More

Pimento Pork and Chorizo Burgers

Tired of the same old burger blah?  Liven up burger night with my Pimento Pork and Chorizo Burgers!  This simple-to-make…

Read More

Grilled Pineapple Bacon Salsa

My grilled pineapple bacon salsa is a versatile dish.  I love to make this when we are grilling skirt steak…

Read More

Brown Sugar Chili Glaze

My Brown Sugar Chili Glaze lends a sprightly flavor to anything grilled.  This recipe really carries the entire palate of…

Read More

Chili Rub

Chili rubs are among my favorite seasoning blends with which to cook. I really love the rounded flavors that chilis…

Read More

Smoked Top Sirloin Cap

One of my favorite cuts of steak is known as the top sirloin cap.  I think it is one of…

Read More

Zesty Pimento and Cheese

Everyone in the South has a favorite pimento and cheese recipe, or several!  This recipe for a zesty pimento and…

Read More

Sweet Memphis Style Ribs

During the summer, Ribs and BBQ are kings of the smokers, and I wanted to share a simple method for…

Read More

Maple Chipotle Baked Beans from Scratch

Good side items at any BBQ party are mandatory, and with a little work can be the star of the…

Read More

Sweet Memphis BBQ Rub

When I started in the competitive BBQ world, I thought everyone made their own BBQ seasonings and sauces.  This recipe…

Read More

Creamy Cole Slaw

Creamy Cole slaw is one of the most common side items served with a BBQ meal.  I always have it…

Read More

Grilled Peach Caprese Salad

Summertime food should be fresh, enjoyable and flavorful.  That is why I love this grilled peach caprese salad.  The flavors…

Read More

Blackberry and White Balsamic Glaze

After a “fruitful” trip to the Memphis Farmers Market, I wanted to use my finds as soon as possible.  The…

Read More

Melissa’s Southwest Seasoning Blend

Ok, before you look at all the ingredients this southwest seasoning recipe requires, let me tell you that this will…

Read More

Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing

Note- I try to not use brand names unless I believe a certain brand is integral to the flavor that…

Read More

Scenes from the Memphis Farmers Market

Weekends are usually super busy for me with restaurants or appearances.  This weekend I planned to cook a BBQ contest…

Read More

Grilled Blackberry Upside Down Cake

My grilled blackberry upside down cake recipe covers a lot of territory for me.  I am a blackberry fan, and…

Read More

Chicken Breast with Cipollini Onion Cream Sauce

In my house, chicken breasts for dinner have ranked just above ordering pizza and way below anything else I can…

Read More

Roasted Chicken with Balsamic Fig Glaze

Roasted chicken is one of my favorite comfort foods, but can get mundane if you don’t change it up occasionally….

Read More

Balsamic Fig Glaze

This super-easy, two ingredient glaze is wonderful with roast chicken, pork loin or a firm fish such as swordfish.  I…

Read More

Smoked Beef Short Ribs

Beef Short ribs are one of my favorite items- unctuous, tender and extremely beefy when cooked right.  They are an…

Read More

Balsamic Grilled Veggies

Summertime is fresh vegetable time, and I try to use them as often as possible.  One of my favorite ways…

Read More

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

A leader on my list of favorite dressings, this balsamic vinaigrette dressing is so easy to make and so much better…

Read More

Footer

The BBQ Allstars

About Melissa Cookston

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.

Quick Links

  • Popular Recipes
  • My Account
  • Order History
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Press

Follow Melissa

  • Menu Item
  • Menu Item
  • Menu Item

Search Our Store

Secure Checkout

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. All payment data is transferred securely to through our secure payment gateway.

Search the Website

Copyright ©2021 · Melissa Cookston - All Rights Are Reserved · Powered by WordPress.