Did you know that chili powder is not just one chili ground up? It’s typically a combination of chiles with oregano and spices.

Slow cooked, sweet and savory sums up these Root Beer Baked beans. I use two different beans, root beer, bacon and spices.

Carne Adovada starts with tender, seasoned pork that’s braised in a delicious purée that includes chili powder, coffee and raisins.

The secret is all in the sauce. A golden yellow mustard sauce simmered with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and pantry staples.

Smoked Potato Salad is easy to make. Instead of boiling the potatoes I smoked them first with the usual ingredients plus bacon!

For my Grilled Monterey Chicken I use grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, bacon, and peppers instead of tomatoes. Grilling makes the difference!

Dry rubbed with a sweet and spicy rub, these grilled pork chops get topped with a fresh cherry, pepper and honey salsa.

Grilled Steak Fajitas are the perfect blend of seasoned steak charred with bell peppers and onions, wrapped in a tortilla.

Rocky Road Blondies – Baked to a golden brown these are loaded with walnuts and topped with Rocky Road candy.

For Homemade Cornbread I add corn kernels and diced, pickled jalapeños to the batter then drizzle honey on top after baking.

For Authentic Mexican Rice, onions, garlic, tomato paste and spices get sautéed with rice and steamed with stock until rich and fluffy.

Shredded chicken that’s been tossed with Alabama White sauce, a tangy, mayonnaise based white sauce, and topped with dill pickles.

An incredible substitute for traditional ketchup barbecue sauces, my Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, mayonnaise based white sauce.

This Summer Pasta Salad has an incredible Cilantro Ranch dressing and lots of fresh vegetables, nuts and cheese, too.