This right here is my kind of BBQ. I’m a huge fan of Hard Eight BBQ. I mainly visit two locations in Texas, and that’s in the cities of Coppell and The Colony. The first time I had it was in Coppell. Both locations gives you the same respect, laughter, and great staff. Ok so let’s just get into BBQ. I love when it’s been smoked for hours with the juices dripping causing that sizzling sound. The smell of the maple wood just makes my stomach growl. I don’t eat BBQ from many places, there’s about a handful of establishments I go to in Texas. I’m also on both sides of the fence. You know how people refer to locations in “the hood” as hole in the wall and any place in a “suburban “ like community is upscale. Well my few places are from both sides. My stomach does not discriminate against good food (haha).

As for Hard Eight, they have large grills right outside as you walk in to order your meats. They have a little bit of everything from Steaks, Jalapeño Poppers, Ham, Ribs and more. I love the fact that I can see my food and pick out which piece I want. Now you may get one of those small white containers to hold your meat but more than likely they’ll slap in on a piece of paper and send you up the line. Here you also have the chance to handpick some of your sides. I’ve tried plenty from this grill and have not experienced a bad time at this establishment.

What does good barbecue taste like to me? I’d say some that’s well seasoned that I can enjoy without barbecue sauce. I also tend to eat my barbecue with fresh sliced onions and jalapeños. Now if I taste it and can enjoy my food without then I know it’s good. Hard Eight has a way of blending perfect seasonings for their meat. As for the sides options are pretty much the same as other locations may be. The have jalapeño cream corn, salad, fruit salad, baked potatoes, fries, and more. After you’ve picked up your food and pay (if you’re an adult) you may wanna stop by the bar and grab a tasty beverage. Otherwise head out to grab seating. Depending on what day and time it is this place can get busy, but they also have good seating inside and a covered outside area. While you’re filling your cup ( non- alcoholic) in the back, take a peak over into the huge pot next to the soda fountain. Inside the pot are some beans that sit on this single burner. The beans are considered FREE. So you might as well taste them you’d be very surprised about the taste. I look forward to them every time I visit.

Bottom line the food is undeniably GREAT! If you’re ever in these areas (Coppell, Texas OR The Colony, Texas) please make sure you visit. The prices are reasonable for the amount of food given. The meat is extra tender. This is important for those of us who can only eat on one side (haha, I’ve been there). The staff keeps it very tidy and clean so that will never be a issue. The other guest that dines with you must get hit with the vibe as soon as they walk in because it’s one of those places that really feels like a family dinner. Whether you’re there in a group on eating alone, someone on the staffs team will come by to ask how are you and if everything is ok. More than likely it’ll be the manager.

Since we’ll all be in the house I wanted to do a dish that’s fitting. I’m in Texas and the weather here has been up and down. I figured beans combined with ham hocks and smoked neck bones, some good southern cornbread, and some baked turkey wings would be perfect for me to catch the itis and go to sleep. Tune in later to see it all unfold but I wanted to share a quick view of the Over Night Beans. Now if you prefer turkey for this dish only I would suggest you use smoked turkey necks. They are just as delicious. As for seasoning you can use what’s good for you. I had the options of seasonings such as smoked black pepper, cumin , garlic, onion powder, and other spices. I just used what I like and you can do the same. Enjoy and come back to share your experience.

Did the virus of today make you realize how unclean humans can be? Everyone’s walking around with mask, gloves, and squirts of hand sanitizers just to stay clean. The Coronavirus has widely spread throughout the world and is impacting a little bit of everyone. Now everyone is going over board to be clean. However being clean or cleaning should not be something new as it should be something we all maintain. Some might not be properly informed and that is fair. I will go over common practices to keep the risk of germs low while in the kitchen.

First things first. NEVER cook in a dirty kitchen. I’m not sure about you but for me I can’t think straight when the kitchen is dirty. It makes me feel like the clutter is closing in on me. Besides that, it’s just not sanitary. Wash up any dirty dishes you may have. Clean and disinfect ( because it’s a difference) your counter tops, stove, even the microwave. I also believe as much as we love them, animals do not belong in the kitchen. My saying is “ if you haven’t washed your hands and feet, don’t come in this kitchen bothering me”! You should also put away any dishes that are clean and you won’t be using. This also go for the seasonings you’ve left out from the other day when you were cooking. It’s just better and sanitary to have a clean work space. As you cook you should clean. Even if there isn’t a plan to cook, tidy up the kitchen.

Practice cleaning common areas that are touched frequently on a daily basis. This would be things like the light switch, handles, counter tops, sink, faucet, handles, and the microwave. If you wear shoes outside and inside your home I recommend mopping also. For me I keep my shoes on a rack in the laundry area before we enter our home. This way outside germs we may have picked up on our shoes does not enter the home. You also want to disinfect after each time you finish cooking and at least 2-3 times a week. Yes, cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. Disinfecting refers to the use of a chemical to kill the surface of germs. It’s one way to lower this risk of the spread of germs. You also want to wear gloves when using these chemical products. I still like to use diluted bleach. Just add a few caps to some water. DID YOU KNOW ON THE BACK OF CLOROX, LYSOL, AND PURELL IT SAYS IT KILLS THE CORONAVIRUS ON HOUSEHOLD SURFACES!? Now I’m no partner of either one of these companies ( but if they call I’ll take the deal lol), but I recommend that you keep any one of them in your home. Again I like Clorox.

Now it’s time to prep your kitchen to cook. The number one thing you want to do is prevent cross contamination of raw meat. Make sure not the meat to touch anything other than the bowl or container it sits on. Also if your meat is stored in the fridge while you prep, keep it on the bottom shelf. This way any droppings from the meat won’t contaminate anything. If you can try to have two cutting boards in your home. Use one for meats and one for veggies. It is also easier to have all portions set aside. From food to seasoning and cookware. This will make cooking a easy process. You won’t have to look for something while possibly burning up the dish causing you to ruin dinner. When all is ready begin cooking.

I’ll leave you with a few other tips. Wash your hands for 30 seconds or more. So think of a good song and get to singing. Never allow an ill person in the kitchen as this can quickly spread germs from one person to another . Also it puts the ill person at risk as well. Germs found in a kitchen could worsen an ill persons condition. Also wear gloves when cleaning or cooking for large groups. This will also cut down the spread of germs but also keep cross contamination down.

I hope this blog was able to help remind or inform you of a few common practices to keeping the Coronavirus out of your kitchen. Before you go do me a BIG favor drop a comment, like, and share! Until next time… stay safe.

Bwok Bwok chicken chicken, chicken dinner! Did you know there are more than 365 ways to prep chicken? (Haha) When I was about 27yrs old, my grandmother had given me a book by Cheryl Sedeker. She covered 365 different meals involving chicken. I found this book to be handy as I, a new mother, trying to satisfy a guy and a baby whom both loved chicken. Great book for entertaining guest or just making another home cooked meal. As my recipe for Orange Chicken hadn’t come from this book, the inspiration from making so many other dishes did.

My daughters palate had not been experienced enough to like a lot of things that we as adults might have enjoyed. So I thought, what does my child like? Sweets and oranges! Being that she was already a big fan of rice, pairing it with the orange chicken would’ve been the best idea. Especially if I excepted her to get full.

If you don’t have kids this meal is still for you too. It’s so easy and quick even a guy who’s typically not in the kitchen could follow along with no issues. I made this dish in a crockpot because I figured I wouldn’t have to be standing over it in the kitchen. The flavors could also come together marinating while cooking. The best part I COULD GET OTHER THINGS DONE!

I hope you and your family enjoy this dish as much as I have. And before you go, support the team. Hit the like button below.

Orange chicken recipe

1 jar of mandarin orange jelly

1/2 c Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce

1tsp Soy Sauce

Pinch of fresh cut ginger

Coconut flour

Grease ( I used coconut oil)

Natures seasoning

In crockpot pour jelly, bbq sauce, soy sauce, and ginger and allow to cook on low ( keep eye on it, making sure to stir often)

Clean chicken then cut into bite size pieces. Season to your taste with nature’s seasoning then coat LIGHTLY with coconut flour. Pour grease into pan once hot drop chicken. Once done pour chicken into jelly mixture. Allow to cook 30-45 minutes now on HIGH. Continue to check and stir. Once done serve with rice and enjoy 😉

For those of us whom prefer dark vs clear, I encourage you to try Maker’s Mark Whiskey. To me dark liquor doesn’t give you that morning hangover. I’m not a fan of that feeling and I’ve had my share of nights (haha). This brand is not expensive but it’s definitely a top choice in Whiskey. I also don’t believe the stigma that only men drink whiskey. Whiskey can be dolled up to be a ladies drink and one for the fellas.

My first time trying any whiskey was with my mother. I trust her judgement on liquors. She showed me how to prep a Whiskey Sour. Oh boy was it good and got me exactly where I needed to be. I wasn’t drunk but I was feeling like a light float was happening. I prefer my whiskey as a mixed drink instead of on the rocks. I like sassy yet drinks that you can enjoy both flavors of the liquor and the mixed liquid used. I like a drink with a punch I guess you can say. Also one that I know my limit on.

I jazzed you this Whiskey Sour by adding a little color using Grenadine. The extra flavor and color was just what I had been looking for. You can purchase a 350ml bottle in most places for about $19-$25. Before I give the recipe to the way I like it. Please be advised you can make this drink to your likings. This isn’t a drink just for the ladies, men have enjoyed it as well.

2 shots of Maker’s Mark

1/2 cup Stone Sour

1tbsp Grenadine

2 cubes of ice

Cocktail shaker

Drinking glass

To view full video of products used please click on link below . And before you go please like this post and share!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKvYiVZq2Sg&feature=share

To see the full video please view

This video gives you the full guide to working your way around the kitchen providing some southern comfort. Let’s cook y’all!

How many of us “are the snack”? At the same time how often is it that we crave to at least feel good? Life isn’t about just looking good, I hope that’s the thought. You want to feel good too. Have you watched the “Red Table Talk” with Jada Pinkett – Smith? She has an episode where her and the fam gets a health screening. We all know them for their roles and Hollywood looks. Well the doctor confirmed their looks BUT also some areas where their health suffered. My take on this is that you can make BETTER decisions when it comes to what you eat which will start to show on its own.

When you think of the words like diet, healthy, non fat, you assume the worst. It definitely feels like someone is asking you to break up with your one true love which is food. If you’re like me you may start having withdrawals IMMEDIATELY! However that can change. Our mind has been programmed to think hearing any words like “diet” means eating tasteless meals. I know for a fact that’s a thing of the past. Many different herbs and spices can naturally kick your meal up a notch. Pairing up the right foods and cooking them different can always make a big difference. For instance, take away seasonings with a lot of salt. Unless you want fat ankles and swollen feet. Instead of eating a lot of beef incorporating ground turkey can be healthier. Turn those beef tacos into turkey tacos, no one would know the difference.

Eating out often is just racking up calories. I know you’re not thinking or caring much when all you’re thinking of is just how good it taste. However, think about how often you don’t wanna play with your kids after work because “you’re tired”. Think about how you get “ the itis” after eating a “good meal”. This is not how food should make you feel. To tell you the truth, the food we have on this planet was meant to fuel us. We watch the news everyday about bio- chemically raised food, yet we indulge none the less. Now I’m not perfect, I eat or have eaten it too. Once you know then you can make the appropriate changes. You can even eat less calories during the week to save the left over calories for the weekend turn up. Example: your daily intake is 2,500. You eat 2,000 a day for five days. By the weekend you have an additional 2,500 calories to split between the 2 days over the weekend, all while staying in budget of your calories. Below are a few ideas of meal preps you can enjoy over the weekend.

1.) Baked Chicken, greens, steamed broccoli.

2.) Chicken spinach quesadilla, snow peas, grapes

3.) Chicken salad, cucumbers, sliced mangoes

4.) Chicken lettuce wraps

5.) Baked chicken, red potatoes, zucchini

6.) Ham & spinach pinwheel, broccoli, red pear slices

7.) Meatless Italian rainbow pasta, cucumbers, pecan and dried cranberries