Sweet Tea and Tacos

A backyard boil doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of gear that’s been obsessed over, tested hard, and designed by people who love feeding a crowd. We sit down with Erin and Brad from Bayou Classic to unpack how a family garage project in Mississippi grew into one of the most trusted names in outdoor cooking. At the heart of it all is a simple promise: provide equipment that lets people co...

What if you could revisit a beloved place from your past and experience it anew through the eyes of your child? That's exactly what we did on our recent journey to Boston and Vermont, retracing the steps of a trip we took years ago. Join us as we relive the magic of Boston's culinary scene, indulging in fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder at the iconic James Hook. Our adventure brings h...

Ever been disappointed by a side dish that just didn't measure up to your entree? We sure have! In this episode of Sweet Tea and Tacos, we, Dave and Jen, are back in Mississippi and ready to talk about our biggest restaurant pet peeves. From the predictability of cheesecake and brownies on dessert menus to the importance of serving fresh and thoughtful vegetable medleys, we cover it all. Join...

Embark on a flavorful journey with us, Dave and Jen, as we take a stroll down memory lane and relive our early adventures in marriage. Our latest episode is a culinary escapade, beginning with our quirky arrival in Boston during the infamous Big Dig. We searched high and low for the enigmatic No Name restaurant, and its hidden charm didn't disappoint. Our narrative doesn't stop there; it...

Ever been in the middle of a recipe only to find your knife squashing tomatoes instead of slicing them? That's where Richard from Bear Claw Knife and Shear comes in, bringing his edge to Sweet Tea and Tacos! This week, we're all about honing your blades and cutting through the clutter of choosing the right knives for your culinary quests. Richard spins the tale of his journey from a smal...

Buckle up, friends, because we're hitting the road on a Southern food odyssey that's as rich in flavor as it is in culture! Starting in the historic heart of Vicksburg, Mississippi, we don't just feed our stomachs at Walnut Hills; we feast on tales of the town and its people. Each forkful of their mouth-watering fried chicken and purple hull peas is a bite of the South's soul,...

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...

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...

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 hande...

Get ready to become the dessert hero of your next Thanksgiving gathering! Dave and I have wrapped up our series with a decadent discussion on the holiday's sweetest finales. From the classic pumpkin pie and its sweet potato counterpart, to the debate over regional pie allegiances, we've got all the tips and tales to spice up your festive spread. And let's not forget the whipped crea...

As we unpack our boxes and set up our new kitchen in the heart-warming West Texas landscape, Fred, our resident grill skeptic, stirs in her two cents on the surprisingly sparse local BBQ scene. We're bantering about everything from the unexpectedly scant 'meat and three' joints we've left behind to the tantalizing Mexican eateries that have welcomed us with open arms. Our culin...

Embark on an auditory journey to the vibrant heart of Cajun country as we sit down with Mike Davis, the passionate president of Conrad Rice Mill, and explore a story steeped in history and flavor. Mike's personal tale of acquiring America's oldest operating rice mill, with nothing but determination and the support of two backers, is as rich and textured as the medium grain rice his mill...

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...

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 occas...

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...

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....

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 s...

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 favorit...

Step into the warmth of our kitchen where nostalgia simmers on the stovetop, and tales of culinary traditions bubble up like a comforting broth. This time around, we're ladling out secrets for the ultimate chicken pot pie, a dish that's stitched into the quilt of American cuisine. From the importance of choice chicken to the flaky, butter-laden bliss of a homemade crust, we're servi...

Who knew that the comforting embrace of a warm, buttery biscuit could carry the weight of family history and the power to soothe the soul? Devon recounts her transformation from a skeptic to a staunch advocate of self-rising flour in biscuit-making, a journey flavored with treasured family recipes and her mother's pioneer mix. As we swap stories, you'll find yourself nestled in the heart...

Ever wondered why some biscuits rise to fluffy perfection while others boast irresistible flaky layers? Crack the code to biscuit nirvana with us, Dave and Jim, and our pal Devon—a bona fide baking aficionado. Together, we sift through the delicious details that make Southern biscuits a household staple, guided by the wisdom of Natalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubart's cookbook. We weigh the pros...

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 fre...

Embark on a culinary journey with Dave and Jen as they arm you with the must-have essentials for your kitchen arsenal. Whether you're stepping into your new home or reigniting your passion for cooking, we've got you covered with the insights you need to select the perfect skillet, stockpot, and saucepan. From the merits of stainless steel and cast iron to the nuances of heat distribution...

Ever wonder if your kitchen knives are doing you justice, or if they're just slicing away at your culinary confidence? We've got the scoop on the essential trio every home chef needs: the chef's knife, serrated blade, and paring knife. Our discussion isn't just about the types of knives, but the intimate dance of finding the perfect grip, the allure of forged steel, and why the...

Picture this: a heaping plate of summer squash with onions, the tang of fresh tomatoes kissed with a dollop of mayonnaise, and the savory crunch of fried okra dusted with almond flour. Our Sweet Tea and Tacos podcast takes you on a flavorful journey through the South's summer bounty, where we discuss how a variety of garden-fresh vegetables makes a whole meal. We're not just talking reci...