Happy Birthday, Chickie!

I know you may find this silly, but I think I need to say Happy Birthday! Today is the first day of my new Chickie blog.  Who knew I would ever have a blog.  I remember 4 years ago, after having moved way too many times in one year, I googled what a blog was-I thought it was the biggest waste of time and so self serving.  Needless to say, I have changed my mind.  I have so many blogging friends who had simple, but beautiful ideas that are now out there in the world for everyone to know, because of blogging.  It is amazing.  Mark this down on your calendar, McKenzie Aiken Crisp is admitting she is wrong.  Now that that is done...WELCOME!!!!

You will find recipes, menus, helpful hints, silly and not so silly advise, and many other things.  What you will not find here, nor is it welcomed, is anything hateful, political, or too controversial! For those of you that do not know me, I LOVE to cook! 

I started collecting recipes from my grandmothers, mom, and mom's friends when I was 5.  When other girls wanted to order the Charlie's Angels books from Scholastic Reader, I would buy the cookbook.  I loved playing with my dear friend, Kathy and we would make the  most interesting things in her Easy Bake oven.  I loved making melted cheese in a pan with my Texas grandmother, Mammy and who could ever forget my NY/FL/CAN grandmother, Grandma, and her Parslied Potatoes-I think my mom, Moppy, still has nightmares about those gems. 

I come from a long line of great cooks-I am a Heinz 57 as far as my tastes and background.  I am from a Yankee mom, a Texas dad and I am a Southern Belle, of sorts!  When I was 18, I worked for a catering company in Memphis, called Just for Lunch, Etc. I worked there through college and beyond. It is still in Memphis (my hometown) and run by the same wonderful and sassy owner, Ann Barnes.  Her sidekicks were, and are, Diane, Dewanna, and Ora.  They taught me how to make things taste good and look beautiful.  They are wonderful and talented women and I am so very blessed to have worked with them and gained knowledge and inspirations from their sweet and talented souls!

So now you know a little about me, welcome and look out, there will be some amazing food adventures ahead and I am glad you are a long for the ride.  Have a great day and Happy Cooking!

PS  I am a BBQ snob aka a Memphis BBQ lover!  We will talk more about this later! :)