By William Horton This approximates the recipe that Bennett’s Drug Store used for Asheville’s best hot dog of the 50’s and 60’s.  For the hot dog I like to use Nathan’s or Ball Park Beef Franks. I boil them in Guinness Draft. There’s no reason why you can’t use them on any kind you like whether steamed, boiled, or grilled. I like mine with mustard chili and onion on a steamed or … [Read more...]

Recently, I have enjoyed cooking ground beef as “smashburgers” rather than standard burgers on the grill. First, it’s a lot easier than having to go in and out to tend the grill while the burgers are cooking. Secondly and most important, Smashburgers taste great. The juices are seared into the burger, and they cook quickly. I use about a ¼ pound of low-fat ground meat (ground sirloin is ideal) … [Read more...]

The only problem with cooking is having to clean up your mess and they say the best cooks make the biggest messes. I tell my wife Nancy that, but she is not impressed with the multitude of pots and pans scattered about the kitchen after one of my “Emeril Lagassi” endeavors. Knowing that I make most of the messes, I do my share of dish washing and I have discovered an able assistant. Ms. Meyers … [Read more...]

The folks up at Forest Lakes are heartbroken as their go-to pizza shop – End Zone – has shuttered its doors. From all of us closer to town, we heartily recommend Vocelli’s to our northern neighbors. A superior pizzeria, the Vocelli’s crusts are always delicious and perfectly cooked. We especially enjoy their thin crust pizzas, and their toppings are spot on. Their salads, however, are special. … [Read more...]

I can’t remember if I’ve printed this recipe before, but I figure if I can’t remember, you won’t either. Plus, this is worth a repeat. It’s super easy and beyond delicious. It’s Hash Brown Potato Soup. With the morning thermometer now dipping down in to the 40’s, this is a perfect time to break out the Crock Pot for some steamy hot, rich and creamy Hash Brown Potato Soup. Here’s how. Combine … [Read more...]

I just ate the best BBQ sandwich I’ve had in my life, and I’ve eaten a lot of BBQ. A North Carolina native, I ate BBQ instead of Pablum when I was a baby. I love Eastern NC BBQ, I love western NC BBQ, South Carlina BBQ and I’ll even eat Virginia BBQ if there’s nothing else. But the sandwich I just fished was the best ever, and it was just an afterthought. I had cooked a Baby Back Rib in my … [Read more...]

Nothing hits the spot like a warm muffin and a cold glass of milk, particularly when fall arrives and ice clings to your windshield. Muffins are generally healthy; they taste great and they’re not all that hard to make. One of my go-to recipes is this one for Apple Sauce Muffins. I made a batch this week. Yumm! Heat the oven to 375 and spray a muffin tin with a little Pam. I then take a … [Read more...]