Sweet Tea and Tacos Sweet Tea and Tacos

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's a smorgasbord of experiences from gourmet treats in SoHo to a student-prepared feast that made our taste buds dance at the French Culinary Institute.

The roads of Vermont welcomed us with its springtime splendor and tucked-away culinary gems. We chat about the cozy bed-and-breakfast that served meals too divine to forget and a riverside sandwich stop that felt like a secret shared between the trees and the babbling brook. We took a chance with the Trapp Family Lodge's five-course dinner and found ourselves enamored with Vermont's local maple syrup and artisan chocolates. The highlight, perhaps, was overcoming our skepticism about Vermont coffee, only to be pleasantly surprised by its robust flavor.

Rounding out our gastronomic tour, we share tales from the heart of Boston, where Italian feasts and historical bites along the Freedom Trail delighted and inspired us. During our reflections, we touch on the culinary schools that we toured, each with its unique offerings, and how these visits influenced our life-changing decision to start a family. So, pull up a chair and join us at the table for a podcast episode that's seasoned with laughter, love, and a dash of nostalgia.
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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 small sharpening operation to a booming business, giving us the sharp truth on how investing in quality steel and craftsmanship can transform your cooking.

Our kitchen counters become the arena as we tackle the art of knife sharpening and maintenance. Discover the secrets to keeping your blades in peak condition, from the WorkSharp belt sharpener's quick touch-ups to the importance of steering clear of those dreaded glass cutting boards. We share why sometimes leaving the sharpening to the pros can save your knives (and fingers) from unnecessary wear and tear. And for the DIY chefs out there, we've got some pointers that will have your knives gliding through ingredients like butter.

But it's not just about the knives—your cutting board deserves love too! We chop into the world of cutting surfaces, weighing up the pros and cons of wood versus plastic and how to keep them in top shape. And let's not forget the essentials: from the humble paring knife to the mighty chef's knife, we cover which blades are must-haves in every kitchen toolkit. So, sharpen your ears and join us, Dave, Jen, and our cutlery curator Richard, for a culinary conversation that's sure to leave you on the cutting edge of kitchen prep!
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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, and trust us, their cakes and pepper sauce are the stuff of legends. Our journey doesn't stop there – we venture down to Louisiana, where the cuisine is as vibrant as the jazz that fills the air. At Al Basha, we're talking Greek-Lebanese fare that'll make your heart sing as loudly as the flavors dance on your tongue. Then, it's only fair we pay homage to the iconic Louisiana po'boy at Old Time Grocery, where local bread reigns supreme and is best enjoyed with a cold regional root beer.

Our adventure takes a smoky turn in Austin, Texas, the mecca of barbecue aficionados. Here, we'll share how we got caught up in the electric atmosphere of the city, from laid-back Zilker Park to the bustling avenues of South Congress. The real star of the show? The Salt Lick BBQ, where the brisket and ribs are a smoldering testament to Texas' barbecue prowess. We're not just about the meats, though; our visit to H Mart proves we're suckers for the rich tapestry of international flavors that Austin has to offer.

Now, if you're itching to get a behind-the-scenes peek at our food escapades, join our YouTube family where we've been whipping up some kitchen magic. From our biscuit-making debut to our daughter's social media savvy, we're serving up more than just audio – we're creating a community. So, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, grab a taco, and let's toast to the journey. I'm Dave, and I'm Jen, your guides on this delicious audio excursion – thanks for listening and don't forget to check out our support page if you're craving more!
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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 cream—none of that store-bought stuff—we're talking fresh, homemade peaks of perfection here. Plus, we venture into the delightful realms of pecan, apple, and even the traditional, yet often overlooked, mincemeat pie. We're not just sharing recipes; we're sharing the spirit of experimentation and the joy of discovering your own signature Thanksgiving dessert.

As we bid farewell to fall flavors, you're invited to bake along with us and reminisce about your own culinary capers. Join us as we sift through the secrets of flaky crusts and fillings that sing, from dodging corn syrup to embracing real vanilla. We might have had some baking blunders along the way, but they paved the path to pie perfection. We dive into the versatility of pie crusts, encourage elevating classics with simple twists, and champion the unparalleled delight of a pie fresh from your oven. We can't wait to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions, so be sure to share your stories with us on Sweet Tea and Tacos, and let's keep the gratitude (and the butter) flowing.
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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 culinary journey doesn't stop there; we explore the fusion of flavors in our own home, creating comforting dishes that have quickly become staples as we navigate life's latest chapter.

Cracking open the next phase for Sweet Tea and Tacos, we're spicing it up by seeking the untold stories of local niche farmers and producers. This episode whets your appetite for the rich tapestry of specialized agriculture that's just waiting to be explored, and we can't wait to bring you along for the ride. Join Jen, Dave, and the occasionally indifferent Fred for a feast of conversation that's sure to satisfy your hunger for the unique and undiscovered tales of our new, flavorful frontier.
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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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