February
February’s winds brought heavy grey skies Thick with a Southern surprise I stood at the window, took in the sight Of a tree, sturdy and aged, that’s brought us many a morning delight A home to sparrows, mockers, Juncos and warblers that Enchant with song, dazzle our eye, and often confound the cat She […]
Goliath vs. David
Want to compete in a big time BBQ contest? $275.00 is all it takes to enter the NC BBQ Championships and that gets you a 25 by 30 foot piece of grass with water and electricity. The only thing left to pay for is meat, fire, spice and beer. A few days prior to […]
An Acorn Did That?
I finished my shower, toweled off then walked into the bedroom. My wife’s eyes momentarily twinkled until she saw the baseball sized bruise on the left side of my chest, just above the third rib. “What on earth happened to you?” “Oh that? An acorn did that.” She shook her head and frowned. “You’re […]
Sex and Chocolate
2:45 AM. Damnit. I lie still and listen to Amy’s gentle breathing, and wonder if I can get out of bed without waking her. This medicine has me getting up at least once a night and I’ve succeeded in waking her in the middle of the last 12 nights. Maybe if I get out of […]
Kid Stuff
This essay originally appeared in the September 2002 issue of Smithsonian Air & Space Magazine The Beechcraft King Air 200 has shut down; the passengers disembarked and as the pilots are walking away I whisper into my 4-year-old son’s ear “Wave at the pilots”. It works like a charm. One of the pilots walks […]
The Good Lady Upstairs
Bonnie, our faithful and fearless Jack Russell Terrier was growling, a deep threatening growl that meant business. She was determined not to let this intruder near our bed. The hair on the back of her neck spiked upward and her teeth were bared. She was this close to leaping on and ripping into this intruder. […]
Do you hear that?
Those were foot-steps. No question about it. Even in the darkness I could see the fright on my wife’s face. She threw the blanket over her and clutched me like never before, the flesh on my shoulders proving no match for her recently manicured nails. Someone was walking on the third floor of my […]
Cabot Pimento Cheese & Chicken Soup
I’m always taken aback when I cook at a friend’s house and I’m asked if I “mind cooking.” I’ve actually known chefs that would answer “Yes.” Seriously, if you don’t love it then why would you do it? While spending a week at the beach with friends I’ve been doing a lot of cooking […]
A Blogging Award for chefjohnmalik.com
My good friend Shaunda Wenger has awarded chefjohnmalik.com with the Versatile Blogger award. This is an informal trophy that bloggers pass back and forth to let their followers know who they follow, admire and appreciate. Shaunda is a gifted writer and author of nine books and her first book (which we have) the Book […]
Vegan Doughnuts and Artisan Dogs
Laura Huff of Carolina Epicurean is the sweetheart of the Carolinas! Here’s her lead story for this week…by none other than your humble servant. Enjoy!