The Shack’s Legendary Barbecue Sauce: A Taste of Little Rock History I remember the first time I tasted truly great barbecue. It wasn’t some fancy, award-winning competition entry. It was at a small, unassuming joint just outside Little Rock, Arkansas. The kind of place where the picnic tables are sticky, the air is thick with … Read more
Peanut Butter Chewies: A Nostalgic No-Bake Treat Every year at the school bake sale, amongst the towering frosted cakes and neatly arranged cookies, there was always a small, unassuming plate piled high with what looked like misshapen, crunchy mounds. Those were the Peanut Butter Chewies, and for me, they were pure gold. Forget the elaborate … Read more
The Shack Barbecue Sauce: A Taste of Arkansas Heritage I still remember the sweltering Arkansas summers of my childhood, filled with the smoky aroma of barbecue wafting through the air. My grandfather, a man of few words but legendary grilling skills, always swore by a thin, vinegary sauce he called “the real deal.” It wasn’t … Read more
Squirrel Mulligan: A Taste of the Ozarks My earliest memories of Squirrel Mulligan are intertwined with the crisp autumn air and the comforting aroma emanating from my grandmother’s kitchen. Nestled deep in the Ozark hills, she was a true culinary artist, transforming humble ingredients into dishes that warmed both body and soul. While I was … Read more
Squirrel Mulligan: A Taste of the Ozarks The first time I had Squirrel Mulligan, I was maybe ten years old, sitting around a campfire deep in the Arkansas Ozarks with my Uncle Billy. The aroma alone – a rich, earthy, savory scent swirling with woodsmoke – was enough to make my mouth water. It wasn’t … Read more
Front Porch Fried Catfish: A Taste of Southern Comfort The scent of frying catfish always takes me back to my grandmother’s porch in Louisiana. The air thick with humidity, the cicadas buzzing their evening song, and the golden-brown fillets sizzling in a cast iron pot – it was pure magic. We’d gather around, paper towels … Read more
Lea’s Baked Chicken: A Family Favorite My grandmother, Lea, wasn’t a formally trained chef, but she possessed an innate culinary wisdom passed down through generations. I have vivid memories of her bustling around her small kitchen, apron dusted with flour and a smile perpetually on her face. While she had countless recipes, it was her … Read more
Arkansas Shack Barbeque Sauce: A Culinary Legacy The scent of barbeque always takes me back to summer evenings spent at my grandfather’s shack, nestled deep in the Ozark Mountains. He wasn’t a man of many words, but his barbeque sauce spoke volumes. It was a fiery, tangy concoction that clung to ribs and chicken like … Read more
Arkansas Rice and Wild Duck Casserole There’s a certain magic in the air when the leaves begin to turn in Arkansas, a signal to gather with loved ones and prepare for the hunt. I remember one particular autumn, huddled in a rustic cabin with my grandfather, the aroma of wild duck simmering on the stove … Read more
Arkansas Hot Pepper Pecans: A Fiery Southern Snack The aroma of toasted pecans always takes me back to my childhood summers spent at my grandmother’s farm in Arkansas. I can almost feel the sun-baked porch beneath my bare feet and hear the cicadas buzzing in the distance. But it wasn’t just the sweet scent of … Read more
Arkansas Chicken: A Taste of Southern Comfort For years, my family’s Arkansas reunions were legendary, not just for the laughter and shared stories, but for the food. One dish, in particular, always stood out: Aunt Millie’s fried chicken strips. They weren’t just any chicken strips; they were perfectly golden, crispy on the outside, tender and … Read more
Arkansas Possum Pie: A Culinary Adventure The first time I heard about Possum Pie, I chuckled, imagining some obscure wild game delicacy. Growing up in the South, I’d heard tales of all sorts of interesting dishes, but this one seemed more folklore than food. Then, I stumbled across it on a dessert menu at a … Read more
Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Carrot Cake: A Slice of Southern Charm The scent of cinnamon, allspice, and warm carrots baking in the oven instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in rural Arkansas. Every Thanksgiving, amidst the pecan pies and sweet potato casseroles, her carrot cake held a place of honor. It wasn’t just dessert; … Read more