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Crispy roasted okra is one of my new favorite veggies. Its a no-fuss, delicious side that is ready in less than 30 minutes. Down here in Texas we're lucky to still be able to get fresh okra locally. If you're fortunate enough as well this is a great side you can add that will free you up to focus on other dishes. Many people fear okra because of the slime. Don't fear the slime, as a matter of fact, follow the great Nelson Mandela's words and don't fear anything - "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." I recently discovered the musician Mimi. She is an incredibly inspiring and brave artist. Check out her song "Afraid" as an example of her talent and testimony.

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Grilling season for me is all year round. I'm not much for rain, but the elements generally do not stop me from that grill life, especially during football playoffs season. Big games are scheduled this winter weekend so I'll be pretending I'm vacationing in the islands with an ice cold Red Stripe Lager and these slow-smoked jerk ribs. Make this for your gameday experience or wait til the summer if you're not inclined to deal with the weather. Enjoy

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Crunchy, Fiery Haitian Pikliz with Tangy Citrus Bite and Bold Scotch Bonnet Heat Alright now, lend me your ears and your taste buds—we're bringin’ you some Haitian fire in a jar with this pikliz recipe that’s crunchy, funky, and full of island attitude. Think of this Haitian condiment like Nas’ “One Love”—sharp, honest, layered with …

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As I continue to make dishes rooted in South American cuisine, this Brazilian Collard Greens dish is one of my favorite. It's simple, quick, but has crazy amounts of flavor. Brazilians cut their greens into thin strips kinda like shredded paper. This allows for a very quick cook, ??? (15 minutes) sauted in an oil infused by smoked ham hocks, lots of garlic, and onions.

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These smoked beef ribs are rich, smoky, and deeply savory with bark-covered edges and buttery meat that pulls clean from the bone after hours in the smoker. This recipe blends classic low-and-slow barbecue technique with Caribbean flavor traditions, creating beef ribs that eat like Texas barbecue with serious diaspora soul. Seasoned with cassareep, the Guyanese …

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There is nothing like a good classic meatballs and spaghetti sauce recipe, but sometimes a change-up like instant pot meatballs is necessary. These North African inspired meatballs are delicous, moist, and easy to make thanks to the instant pot cooking. These easy instant pot meatballs are well seasoned with a dry seasoning mix and cooked …

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This coconut curry chicken is a flavor-loaded comfort dish where tender chicken simmers in a rich coconut curry sauce layered with aromatics, warm spices, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. The sauce turns silky and deeply savory as it reduces, coating every piece of chicken while still staying bright from fresh herbs and …

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Coffee rubbed steak recipe - Flavorful hanger cut steak seasoned with a smoky coffee based spice rub and grilled to perfection. This grilled hanger steak recipe hits with a bold flavor promise: smoky char, espresso depth, and juicy, rosy slices that eat like a chef’s secret. Rooted in steakhouse technique but tuned for backyard grills, …

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Cuban ropa vieja transforms humble flank steak into tender ribbons of beef slowly braised in a vibrant tomato and sofrito sauce layered with garlic, cumin, oregano, and sweet peppers. Briny green olives cut through the richness, adding bursts of salty brightness that make every bite more complex. This iconic Cuban comfort food develops deep flavor …

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This smoked Jamaican jerk chicken delivers everything that makes authentic jerk unforgettable: fiery Scotch bonnet heat, fragrant allspice, fresh thyme, ginger, and garlic layered beneath deeply smoky skin and incredibly juicy meat. Rooted in Jamaica's Maroon cooking traditions, this version swaps the traditional grill for low-and-slow smoking, creating richer wood-fired flavor while preserving the bold …

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These vegetarian breakfast quesadillas turn breakfast into a bold, texture-packed experience. Crispy tortillas cradle melty Oaxacan cheese, caramelized Brussels sprouts, tender asparagus, juicy nectarines, and a homemade chili oil that ties everything together with smoky heat. Rooted in the spirit of Mexican quesadillas but remixed with seasonal vegetables, they're equally at home for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, …

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As I continue to delve deep into okra this month, I thought I'd introduce my first okra soup. The soup borrows its flavor from smoked chicken, which I bought from one of my favorite local bbq spot. I'm all about saving time when I can and left-over smoked chicken works well. This recipe calls for a pressure cooker/Instant Pot, but easily converts to regular stovetop prepared soup.

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Vegan Cranberry Beans Slow-Simmered to Creamy, Herb-Laced Perfection Now listen here, my flavor-seekin' brothers and sisters - this cranberry beans recipe ain’t just simmerin’, it’s struttin’ like Showbiz and AG on a “Next Level” loop, smooth and steady with soul-soaked bass. Cranberry beans simmer down into something downright luxurious - creamy centers wrapped in a …

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