Skirt steak is one of my favorite cuts. It grills quickly, accepts marinades well, and has a great beefy flavor….
Melissa’s Recipes
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…
Pink Peppercorn Sauce
I love love love pink peppercorns! Pink peppercorns are actually berries from a shrub known as Peruvian Peppertree. They are…
BBQ Yucatan Pork
BBQ Yucatan Pork A recent trip to an international market yielded plenty of treasures to play with in the kitchen….
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…
Winter Pork Stew
A few days ago I had plans to cook a Boston butt for a friend (of course, it was going to…
Smoked Catfish Dip
When you get an invite to cook at the James Beard House, you make plans to go to NYC! I…
Achiote Pork Tenderloin
I’m posting some of the recipes I cooked at the James Beard House dinner. This recipe for Achiote Pork Tenderloin…
Piri Piri Sauce
Have you tried Piri Piri Sauce (aka Peri Peri?) The sauce runs the gamut of flavors, from citrus-y fresh, savoriness,…
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…
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…
Wagyu Ribeye Caps
note: I am a paid ambassador for Mishima Reserve, but all opinions and recipes are my own. Spinalis Dorsi, or…
Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri sauce is one of my favorite sauces to serve with steaks. The freshness and zip of a nicely-made chimichurri…
Smoked Goose
Smoked goose is a traditional Christmas item that has fallen in popularity over the years. However, I think it should…
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…
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…
Smoked Trout Year Round
*This post and recipes are sponsored by my friends at Kingsford Charcoal. All recipes and opinions are my own, however….
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…
Smoked Beef Tenderloin
Recently I was so honored to cook at the James Beard House and I want to share the recipes! This…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon sets the standard in comfort foods Beef bourguignon has kind of fallen out of favor over the last…
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…
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…
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…
Chipotle Maple Pork Chops
This post is sponsored by The Home Depot*. Fall and early winter are my absolute favorite times to grill. I…
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,…
Gochujang Glazed Pork Porterhouses
Have you tried gochujang? It is a Korean fermented chili paste that packs quite a punch. Other ingredients include soybeans…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Easy Sesame Aioli
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Red Beans and Rice
In New Orleans, Red Beans and Rice is a traditional dish. Historically, it was a “Monday” item, set in a…
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,…
Green Chili Sauce
Even though I’m a Mississippi Girl, I love the flavors of the Southwest. I absolutely adore the robust flavors…
Grilled Pickled Red Onions
These beautiful Grilled Pickled Red Onions are the perfect accompaniment to any burger or sandwich. I just love the color…
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…
Smoked Pork Meatballs
These delicious Smoked Pork Meatballs make a great appetizer or snack! I recently cooked these up on my Pit Boss…
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…
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…
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…
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Do you Couscous? Couscous is one of my favorite pastas, and I love the way it takes up flavor! This…
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…
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…
SMASHED New Potatoes
Smashed potatoes has become one of my favorite ways to cook potatoes lately! They still retain some of the “creaminess”…
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…
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!…
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…
Southwest Lamb Seasoning
I made this Southwest Lamb Seasoning blend up a while ago to play around with some racks of lamb. I…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
Peruvian Chicken Sauce
This simple sauce brings a creamy freshness to almost any dish. I call it my “Peruvian Chicken sauce,” as it…
Poblano Creamed Corn
Poblano Creamed Corn is a super easy side dish to make, and is one of my all time faves! I…
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….
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…
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…
Holiday Smoked Turkey
One of the reasons I love to smoke turkey for the holidays (or really, anytime) is the nuanced flavor and…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Tailgate Tips!
It’s tailgating season folks, and I’ve compiled some great tailgate tips to make your game day a win for your…
Chili Rubbed Pork Porterhouse
I like pork chops. To me, they are as versatile as chicken breasts, but with more intrinsic flavor. No…
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…
Grilled Pineapple Bacon Salsa
My grilled pineapple bacon salsa is a versatile dish. I love to make this when we are grilling skirt steak…
Brown Sugar Chili Glaze
My Brown Sugar Chili Glaze lends a sprightly flavor to anything grilled. This recipe really carries the entire palate of…
Chili Rub
Chili rubs are among my favorite seasoning blends with which to cook. I really love the rounded flavors that chilis…
Smoked Top Sirloin Cap
One of my favorite cuts of steak is known as the top sirloin cap. I think it is one of…
Zesty Pimento and Cheese
Everyone in the South has a favorite pimento and cheese recipe, or several! This recipe for a zesty pimento and…
Sweet Memphis Style Ribs
During the summer, Ribs and BBQ are kings of the smokers, and I wanted to share a simple method for…
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…
Sweet Memphis BBQ Rub
When I started in the competitive BBQ world, I thought everyone made their own BBQ seasonings and sauces. This recipe…
Creamy Cole Slaw
Creamy Cole slaw is one of the most common side items served with a BBQ meal. I always have it…
Grilled Peach Caprese Salad
Summertime food should be fresh, enjoyable and flavorful. That is why I love this grilled peach caprese salad. The flavors…
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…
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…
Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing
Note- I try to not use brand names unless I believe a certain brand is integral to the flavor that…
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…
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…
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…
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….
Balsamic Fig Glaze
This super-easy, two ingredient glaze is wonderful with roast chicken, pork loin or a firm fish such as swordfish. I…
Smoked Beef Short Ribs
Beef Short ribs are one of my favorite items- unctuous, tender and extremely beefy when cooked right. They are an…
Balsamic Grilled Veggies
Summertime is fresh vegetable time, and I try to use them as often as possible. One of my favorite ways…
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
A leader on my list of favorite dressings, this balsamic vinaigrette dressing is so easy to make and so much better…
Grillin’ Shake Seasoning Blend
My Grillin’ Shake is my go to grill seasoning recipe, especially for steaks and chops. Large pieces of meat, especially…
Memphis in May 2017 in Review
Memphis in May 2017 CATCHING OUR BREATH. WHAT A WEEK! Whew! The 2017 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking…
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Thai Chili Glaze
Gulf shrimp, bacon and a grill- what could be better? Glaze said shrimp with a sprightly Thai chili sauce, that’s…
Thai Chili Sauce
Make this pleasing sweet and hot sauce at home. I love to make this instead of buying it as I…
Poblano Creamed Corn
This is, without a doubt, one of my very favorite side items. In the South, we’re raised to cook corn…
Shishitos and Shiitakes
In my travels out west, I see shishito peppers on menus. They are a small green, crisp pepper with a…
Grilled Caprese Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloins are so versatile, you can make them a common dinner item and still have uncommonly good meals. This…
Sriracha Vinaigrette Dressing
Smooth and spicy, this sriracha vinaigrette dressing is a quick and easy dressing recipe. I love it, and it wakes up…
Pico de Gallo
Fresh Pico de Gallo is so easy to make, there should never be an excuse for buying it again! For…
Avocado Crema Recipe
This avocado crema recipe is so fresh and light tasting, it is one of my favorite additions to almost any…
Smoked Spanish Meatballs recipe
When you’re looking for an awesome appetizer, give these Smoked Spanish Meatballs a try! With ground pork and chorizo, these…
Pit and BBQ Fire Maintenance
Proper pit and bbq fire maintenance is the key to good BBQ. A poorly made fire will result in you…
Bacon-infused Mint Juleps
It’s getting close to Kentucky Derby time, and that means Mint Juleps! In case you don’t know, Mint Juleps are…
Grilled Fingerling Potato Salad with Bacon-Cilantro Vinaigrette
The fingerling potato salad makes a wonderful side item for almost any grilled entree. I especially like it when I’m…
Smoked Ham with Jalapeño Peach Glaze Recipe
Green Egg and Ham! Ham is a very traditional meal on Easter, and I will use about any excuse for…
Charred Chard Salad with Sriracha Vinaigrette
Try this grilled chard salad recipe tonight! Swiss chard is an item that hasn’t seen a lot of rotation in…
Southwest Seasoned Skirt Steak Tacos
Have I told you I’ve been on a taco kick lately? Well I have- they’re simple, delicious, and easy to…
Blues Hog BBQ and Music Festival- March 31-April 1, 2017 Savannah TN
If you have been around competitive BBQ at all, you’ve heard of Blues Hog BBQ Sauce. For years it has…
Tupelo BBQ Duel- March 17-19
Over the last couple few years, I haven’t been able to compete in BBQ contests as much as I’ve liked. …