- - Bananas - -

Did you know? Bananas are naturally slightly radioactive because of their high potassium content. Supporters of nuclear power sometimes refer to the banana's dose of radiation to support their arguments. Banana shipments often set off the radiation monitors installed at US ports to detect illegal shipments of radiological material. Despite this fact bananas contain considerable amounts of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Bananas are classified either as dessert bananas (meaning they are yellow and fully ripe when eaten) or as green cooking bananas. So cook up some banana bread, bananas foster or the Southern Favorite Banana Pudding! ~ Chef Wilkinson ~

~ Marshmallows ~

Technically, marshmallows are a confection. They've been around in the form we know today since the mid-1800s. They are called "marshmallows" because part of the early recipe called for sap from the root of the marshmallow plant. The following recipe is for making your own marshmallows:

1/4 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup confectioners sugar
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/3 cup water
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sift the cornstarch and confectioners sugar into a bowl. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch square baking pan and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch-and-sugar mixture into it. Tilt the pan to coat the sides and the bottom. Leave any excess in the pan. Sprinkle the gelatin into the water in a small saucepan and let soak for five minutes. Add the granulated sugar and stir over low heat until the gelatin and sugar dissolve. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the gelatin mixture, corn syrup, salt and vanilla and beat for 15 minutes on high speed, until peaks form. Spread the fluffy mixture in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Leave for two hours or until set. With a wet knife, cut the marshmallow mixture into quarters and loosen around the edges. Sprinkle the remaining cornstarch-and-sugar mixture on a baking sheet and invert the marshmallow blocks onto it. Cut each quarter into nine pieces and roll each one in the starch and sugar. Place the marshmallows on a cake rack covered with paper towels and let them stand over night to dry the surface slightly. Store airtight; the marshmallows will keep for a month.

~ Chef Wilkinson ~

~ Waffles or Pancakes ~

Which do you prefer? Today I prepared waffles. A few years ago we stayed at the Peacock Hill Country Inn and while there I purchased the Peacock Pantry Cookbook. It has some marvelous recipes and I have to say the Pancake Recipe is the absolute best! The Inn has since then closed but you may be able to purchase the cookbook online through this link:

https://www.frpbooks.com/store/store_details.aspx?iid=198&tid=4

~ Chef Wilkinson ~

~ Moonshine ~

In 2009 the great State of Tennessee approved legislation that made dozens of Tennessee counties eligible for distilleries. Prior to this legislation production of distilled spirits was only legal in Moore, Coffee and Lincoln counties (where Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, George Dickel Whisky and Prichards' Rum operate). On July 2nd, 2010 the first legal distillery in Gatlinburg opened ... Ole Smoky Distillery. I read somewhere that the 'boys with diplomas' were unable to produce the desired product without the help of some 'mountain men'. That doesn't surprise me. I personally have tried their product and I can't really give it a fair comparison as I have never tried the real thing. I can tell you (in my opinion) it is very dry and appears to just instantly evaporate in your mouth. Then when you inhale you get the effects of having drank it as it burns all the way down. They also have a product called Moonshine Cherries, which appears to be quite appealing. So if you get to the Mountains of East Tennessee stop by and give it a try. ~ Chef Wilkinson ~

- What Happened to Customer Service? -

I know this is a 'cooking blog' but I just wanted to know if I am the only one who feels this way. Do you find yourself practically having to BEG retailers to spend $$$ with them these days? Now, we all know Wal-Mart is definitely not known for their Customer Service and we have gotten used to NOT receiving any when we shop there. The places that surprise me the most are the ones that act like 'we don't need your business'. Then you look around and there MAY be 5 customers in the entire store on a good day. Where I live there is only 1 grocery store (if you want to call it that - more like a convenience store) and the owner has the attitude of 'I can charge what I want and if you don't like it take your business elsewhere'. And that is exactly what I have done! ~ Chef Wilkinson ~

~ Chili ~

Need I say more? I know it's typically a winter dish ... but why? Who said you can't serve chili any time of the year. I like mine on the mild side served with cheese and crackers. ~ Chef Wilkinson ~

- Never FREEZE Whipping Cream! -

Ok I learned the hard way if the carton says ... DO NOT FREEZE then I guess that means DO NOT FREEZE. Recently, I purchased a moderate amount of Heavy Whipping Cream. It didn't get used as quickly as I planned so I thought I would freeze it and then be able to use it when needed. WRONG! Who would have guessed? What a shame to waste such a delightful and extremely useful product ... not to mention expensive. So take it from me ... READ THE LABELS! ~ Chef Wilkinson ~