Ever found yourself bewildered in the produce aisle, mistaking cilantro for parsley? We've been there, and during our latest gabfest on Sweet Tea and Tacos, Dave and I share that laugh-out-loud tale, among others, as we reminisce about the Thanksgiving sides that have graced—and sometimes disgraced—our holiday table. Tune in for a hearty serving of nostalgia as we chat about the recipes handed down through generations, like the secret to the perfect Southern dressing and the surprisingly simple pleasure of whipping up fresh cranberry sauce. Trust us, you'll come away with not just stories to chuckle over but also a slew of tips to make your feast unforgettable.

Moving from the mishaps to the mastery of the Thanksgiving spread, we tackle the revered tradition of gravy-making. It's not just about getting that white sauce base right—it's a culinary expedition to craft the silkiest, most flavor-packed accompaniment for your turkey. And if you've ever pondered the perfect way to entice picky eaters to try brussel sprouts, you won't want to miss the revelations we bring to the table. So, pull up a chair, pour yourself some sweet tea, and indulge in the warm, delightful banter that is Sweet Tea and Tacos, where we're serving up more than just food—we're dishing out a feast for the soul.

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Ever wonder how to up your turkey game and leave your guests gobbling for more? Look no further! We've roasted, smoked, and brined our way to turkey triumph and are eager to share the golden nuggets of our poultry prowess. Join us, Dave and Jen, as we carve into the heart of turkey preparation, from the dark art of the 12-hour smoke to the bright side of oven baking. We spill the beans on the mess and stress of wet brining and reveal why dry brining, with a stealthy layer of butter under the skin, has turned our turkeys into legendary feasts. Our chat isn't just about cooking; it's a full-on strategy session for nailing that crispy skin and keeping your kitchen out of the danger zone.

This episode isn't just about the turkey—it's about the entire experience, ensuring that your centerpiece not only tastes incredible but also wows visually. We'll guide you through the pre-game of getting your bird room-temp ready and walk you through the halftime show of trussing and pan selection. Discover the secrets to crafting a swoon-worthy gravy with homemade stock, and why the perfect presentation doesn't require a Michelin star carving technique. For those looking to tackle supply chain woes and secure their birds early, we've got you covered. So tie on your apron, sharpen your knives, and tune in—Dave and Jen have got the playbook for a Thanksgiving that's sure to score big with family and friends.

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Ever dreamed of hosting a Thanksgiving dinner that unfolds with the grace of a ballet rather than the chaos of a food fight? We've got you covered. Join us as we whisk you through the essential steps of holiday meal prepping, ensuring you're armed with strategies to outsmart any turkey shortages and kitchen mishaps. Imagine your freezer, once a cluttered abyss, now neatly packed with pre-made pies and space to spare. This episode is no ordinary recipe swap—it's a masterclass in transforming Thanksgiving prep from a frantic day of chaos into a leisurely dance of culinary delight.

Gather 'round the podcast table for a feast of tips and tales guaranteed to infuse humor and ease into your holiday cooking escapades. We dish out the secrets to crafting that perfect from-scratch green bean casserole and share the rib-tickling alternatives for when the elusive turkey gives you the slip. No guest this time, just your dedicated hosts, seasoned with sage advice and a pinch of wit, ready to guide you through a Thanksgiving that's more about giving thanks and less about last-minute supermarket dashes. Button up your apron and tune in for a helping of holiday wisdom that'll leave you hungry for more than just seconds on stuffing.

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Ever felt cornered by the clock, scrambling to dish out a wholesome meal? We've been there, and that's exactly why we're peeling back the kitchen curtain to reveal our time-saving cooking strategies that don't skimp on flavor. This episode is your culinary life raft, as we dive into how to transform the simplest ingredients into mouthwatering meals, including one of our favorites, a Bordelaise sauce—a game-changer for pasta lovers. We're ditching the pre-packaged path, advocating for fresh, punchy flavors that can be whipped up faster than you can say "dinner's ready!"

We're not just talking the talk; we're walking the wok through a repertoire of quick  meals that promise to satisfy without chaining you to the stove. Hear about our love affair with bean stews, the art of a versatile baked potato bar, and why steaming greens can be your weeknight hero. Whether you want to do breakfast for supper or a meat-free Monday, this episode has got a plateful of ideas to make your kitchen life a breeze.

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Stranded by an ice storm with nothing but time and a chilly house, Jen and I found ourselves rediscovering the warmth of homemade soups. This episode is a steaming bowl of comfort, as we recount our journey from the convenience of canned creations to the aromatic world of soups made from scratch. We'll stir through memories of family traditions and debate the merits of bone broth, all while sharing the heartwarming satisfaction of a chicken soup that's been given the time and love it deserves. You'll hear our tales and get the scoop on how a simple pot of soup is able to be a nourishing remedy for the soul—and the body—during the coldest months.

As we simmered our way through the ice storm, we realized there's an art to the perfect stew, from the decision to sauté vegetables or let them meld their flavors directly in the stock. Listen up as we spoon out our thoughts on batch cooking's practical side, saving you time without skimping on taste. From the secret of a quick rotisserie chicken fix to making your vegetable stock sing, we'll share how personal touches and a dash of creativity can transform any recipe into your signature dish. Pull up a chair, and let's chat about making those one-pot wonders that are sure to warm up your kitchen—and your dinner table.

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As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, Jen and I often find ourselves yearning for those hearty dishes that echo the bounty of fall—a sentiment that rings true for many of us as the seasons shift. That's why, on this episode of Sweet Tea and Tacos, we're taking a deep dive into the warm embrace of autumn's comfort foods, joined by our wonderful friends, Melanie and Jeff. Together, we stir up memories of stews, braises, and roasts, and Jeff, with his rich experience in the French culinary scene, paints a vivid picture of how traditional cooking evolves with the changing produce, particularly the arrival of plump mushrooms and crisp apples. Listen in as we explore the cross-cultural influences from the Caribbean to Africa that intricately weave into our local cuisine, and get ready to be tantalized by the fall creation Jeff has up his sleeve—guaranteed to capture the essence of the season.

So, pour yourself a cup of something hot, and join us for an episode that's not just about food, but the threads that connect our meals to memories, cultures, and the heart of family life.

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Ever reminisce about that one dish your grandmother could whip up that instantly took you back to the simpler times of childhood? That's where Jeff and Melanie take us in this episode, guiding us through the kitchens of their past as we unpack the flavors and tales of Southern and Texan cuisine. They spin yarns of family cookouts and the sweet, smoky scent of home, while Melanie confesses her role as champion of cleanliness over culinary prowess. Jeff, on the other hand, shares his early experiments with a wok and a children's Chinese cookbook. Together, we laugh about the days when loving food didn't require the label 'foodie' and how their time in France has added a certain je ne sais quoi to their cooking philosophy.

But what happens when you leave those leisurely French lunches behind and find yourself back in the fast-paced American dining scene? Melanie and Jeff elaborate on the struggle of trading the freshness of international markets for the convenience of American grocery stores, and the bittersweet task of teaching their kids to readjust their palates. They also highlight the beauty of blending cultures at the dinner table, creating their own unique traditions. Wait until you hear about their Thanksgiving gatherings, where the humble pecan pie becomes a symbol of shared heritage and a feast that unites friends from all walks of life. We can't wait to continue this conversation next week, savoring the seasonal delights that showcase our cultural mosaic. Join us, Dave and Jen, as we relish these stories that are as rich and layered as the dishes that inspire them on Sweet Teen Tacos.

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Embark with us, your hosts of Sweet Teen Tacos, as we recount the unexpected joy and hilarity of our family's adventure into the world of plant-powered eating. After a heartfelt challenge from a loved one, we find ourselves in the throes of vegetarian gumbo and vegan cheese escapades, sharing the ups and downs, including our kids' surprisingly keen palates. Through laughter and the occasional snoring of our Scottie, we invite you to a no-holds-barred discussion on the health perks we're eyeing, like a dip in cholesterol and a leaner waistline, and the real talk on steering clear of additives—all served up with a generous portion of sincerity.

Without missing a beet, we tackle the nuances of vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, from autoimmunity-friendly label reading to the art of smoking celery root. Our friend Devon sparked a biscuit challenge that has us scrambling for plant-based shortening, and we're spilling the beans on the results. So, pull up a chair and let's chew over the ins and outs of crafting a diet that's as colorful as our conversation. Whether you're a seasoned veg-head or just veg-curious, join us for a sizzling episode sure to satisfy your appetite for both food and fun.

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Rekindle your love for timeless culinary classics as we leaf through the pages of beloved cookbooks that have seasoned our stovetop stories. From the ever-reliable "Joy of Cooking" to the delightful pie recipes in "Pie Every Day" by Pat Willard, this episode promises a hearty serving of nostalgia paired with practical kitchen wisdom. Discover how these cherished guides have not only been a foundation for cooking techniques but also a connection to a community that shares a passion for dependable and delectable dishes.

Embark on a flavorful journey through the diverse landscapes of cultural cookbooks, where each recipe tells a tale as rich as its ingredients. We'll celebrate the way cookbooks like Danielle Walker's "Against All Grain" series artfully accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing the essence of cooking. From the narrative-driven "Deep Run Roots" by Vivian Howard to Melissa Martin's "Mosquito Supper Club," we'll reveal how these collections document culinary heritage. This episode is a tribute to the boundless inspiration found in the pages of both vintage and modern cookbooks—join us at the table for a feast of the senses.


Joy of Cooking
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_of_Cooking
Mastering the Art of French Cooking
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastering_the_Art_of_French_Cooking
Pie Every Day by Pat Willard
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1270711.Pie_Every_Day
Southern Biscuits by Nathalie Dupree
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/
southern-biscuits
5--- How to Grill by Steven Raichlen
https://www.barbecuebible.com/books/how-to-grill/
Against All Grain by Danielle Walker
https://againstallgrain.com/books/
Deep Run Roots by Vivian Howard
https://www.vivianhoward.com/deep-run-roots
Mosquito Supper Club by Melissa Martin
https://www.mosquitosupperclub.com/cookbook
The Art of Creole Cookery
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Creole-Cookery-William-Kaufman/dp/B0007E0XK2
The Making of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33794.The_Making_of_a_Chef

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Indulge your senses and spark your culinary creativity as we whisk you through the whimsical world of homemade ice cream with Anne Aaron, whose passion for blending unexpected flavors will leave your taste buds in a state of anticipation. From the comforts of classic vanilla to the tangy twist of goat cheese ice cream paired with cherry sauce, Anne's stories will inspire you to unlock the freezer and embark on your own frosty concoctions. And don't worry about any kitchen mishaps; we're here to share the sweet secrets to a perfect scoop, including my love affair with cream cheese as a game-changing ingredient for that ultra-creamy texture.

Stir in a dash of daring as we turn to the delicate dance of crepe-making, the perfect companion to your homemade ice cream. Join Jen and me, your culinary co-pilots, as we demystify the art of the perfect flip and batter consistency. We promise, crepes aren't as intimidating as they seem, and with Bastille Day around the corner, it's the perfect time to master these thin, delightful treats. Whether your crepes end up embracing a savory filling or a dollop of your freshly churned ice cream, this episode is a feast for both the ears and the palate, leaving you eager to heat up the pan and chill down the ice cream maker.


Jacques Pépin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_P%C3%A9pin
L'Adurée
https://www.laduree.us/

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