Sugar & Spice by Celeste

Photo courtesy of Pursell Farms My latest culinary road trip took Brad and me to Pursell Farms , where I recently had the opportunity to sit down with award-winning Chef Andrea Griffith during our Easter weekend visit (read about our fun weekend HERE !). With over 13 years of experience, Chef Griffith is no novice and is using her passion for farm-to-table southern cuisine to create exciting new menus and culinary experiences at Pursell.  She was gracious enough to sit down with me after a long day to answer a few questions, which I think you'll really enjoy.  Read on as she talks about trying to duplicate an elusive Canneles de Bordeaux, her advice for home cooks, and making authentic Polish Pierogies with her grandparents: Let's start with what everyone wants to know about an award-winning chef:   What are 5 items that you always have stocked in your kitchen? 1.   Sriracha 2.   Sweet chili sauce 3.   Grits 4.   Greens (collards, tu...

Shortly after walking into Birmingham's beloved Hot and Hot Fish Club recently to chat with Chef Chris Hastings, I was greeted by a warm smile, a firm handshake and a bottle of sparkling San Pellegrino by the Chef himself.  As far as culinary royalty goes, Chef Hastings is certainly on that list.  He's a James Beard winning, Iron Chef conquering, seafood loving, PB & J eatin', passionate and inspiring chef.  Read on as he talks about his most unforgettable meal, what it was like competing against Bobby Flay, his awesome advice for serious home cooks, and lots more... Let's start with what everyone wants to know about a phenomenal chef:   What are at least 5 items that you always have stocked in your home kitchen? Collection of fresh herbs Seasonal fruits and vegetables Good olive oils, grains and vinegars, or what I call a well-stocked "larder".   Larder being an old term for your cellar or where you store dried goods. Interesti...

I recently had the chance to sit down with chef, cookbook author and CEO of Masterbuilt , John McLemore, for a delicious lunch here in Birmingham, AL.  John was in town for the day on a media blitz, and I'm so thankful that he took the time to meet with me.  Upon arriving, I was greeted by the entire gang - his wife Tonya, his daughter, his Social Media Specialist and even his pilot!  We had a great time at lunch, and I immediately felt like I had known them for years...What a wonderful group of folks.  We talked about all kinds of fun things - memories of his Memaw's Southern Fried Chicken, the story surrounding his most unforgettable meal, the strangest thing he's ever eaten (it was in China!) and even a visit with Paula Deen, in which she prepared an amazing breakfast spread for John and his family at her home.   I love that John's cookbooks have such a big focus on family.  Flipping through his cookbook is like looking through a family album, f...