Travelling Shoulders

Knoth's Barbecue

Knoth’s Amazing Barbecue Followed Me Around the South

It was always there. On the 4th of July, Memorial Day, family reunions—even Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had other food on those occasions, but a genuine hickory-smoked shoulder from Knoth’s was the prized chunk of goodness on the table. The one that made us go “ah.”

Pork Barbecue Sandwich
Pork Barbecue Sandwich

We eagerly gathered around when it was brought in—still wrapped in the white butcher’s paper—hot from the pit. We stood smiling with buns open on our plates. It’s no exaggeration to say we salivated as the paper was unwrapped, finally revealing the crusty brown skin and that Heavenly aroma.

Some wanted a fatty part, some wanted crispy crust, and some only lean. I wanted some of it all. I would grab the tongs and tear off a tender piece of moist pink, then stick some crispy skin and hot fatty parts on top. Drench it all over with half mild sauce and half hot. Mmm, unbeatable.

Continue reading “Travelling Shoulders”

Fantastic Home Made Caramels

Fresh home made caramels

So creamy and delicious you many never buy them in packages again.

I first made these between Thanksgiving and Christmas last year. Friends and family kept asking me when I was going to make more. Then of course I got the obligatory request for the recipe. This is the recipe I used, and having made several batches I can report it never failed.  You can whip up a batch fairly quickly. For best results use a candy thermometer whenever making candy. It’s a very worthwhile investment. Continue reading “Fantastic Home Made Caramels”

The Ballyhooed Broccoli Casserole

Delicious broccoli casserole

Along about the holidays each year I get the calls for my broccoli casserole recipe.

It isn’t really mine, of course. Years ago—when I lived in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia–I was introduced one Christmas to this broccoli casserole, and it was the best I had ever tasted.  There are many versions of it, of course.  Some use rice, or celery, even chestnuts. You name it and I’ve tasted it.  Some leave out the onion, which is a big no-no around my house.  Somehow, this one just tasted “right.”

The woman who made it got it from her mother, but there wasn’t anything extraordinary about it.  No “hidden” ingredients or special treatment.  Just an excellent combination of ingredients that make for a heavenly rich and crunchy dish.  You may have made this same recipe yourself. If you haven’t, you should.  Here it is: Continue reading “The Ballyhooed Broccoli Casserole”