Duff’s Café gets an A+ for Southern Hospitality

REPOST FROM MY DUPLIN TIMES NEWSPAPER COLUMN, "DUPLIN EATS"

NC and the south, in general, are known for its southern hospitality, and Duff’s Café in Beulaville falls right in line with that stereotype. From the moment you walk in, everyone is friendly, smiling, and very welcoming. You can tell the people that are in there are regulars and enjoy just hanging out there just because of how the environment makes you feel. 

National Muffin Day

Today we celebrate the goodness of the muffin on #NationalMuffinDay. The most common, English muffin, originated in Europe and Wales and was first sighted in literature over 1000 years ago. The word muffin is thought to have come from the Greek bread "maphula" which is said to refer to a cake baked on a hearth or griddle. Also, the word "mouffin" which means soft bread in old French. American style muffins, on the other hand, have been around since the 18th century.

National Pizza Day

This week we're celebrating #NationalPizzaDay all week! Sunday the 9th was one of America's favorites food's day to shine. No matter your age, you probably can't pass up a good greasy slice of pizza. It's the way to a kid's heart and a great party or event food for almost any occasion.

National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

I needed a reason to fill up on some carbs and what better reason than #NationalFettuccineAlfredoDay! It just so happened to be a church night for my mom's church and we tend to serve food at least once a month AND it was one of our member's birthday. How serendipitous right!? It was meant for me to cook alfredo today! Because of the national holiday, Olive Garden actually has shared the secrets to their alfredo sauce recipe! This is a #FlashbackFriday photo from the 1st time I ever made chicken fettuccine alfredo.

A Wee Bit of Scottish Culture - Tasting Haggis

On January 25th, I attended a very interesting event for the 2nd time. The Robert Burns Scottish Dinner Celebration at the Country Squire Winery and Restaurant in Kenansville. The Squire is known for being a family-operated business that celebrates its Scottish background. While at the event I tried a Scotland national delicacy, Haggis. But what the heck is it?

The Last Taino Puerto Rican Food Truck

REPOST FROM MY DUPLIN TIMES NEWSPAPER COLUMN, "DUPLIN EATS"

When I was first introduced to The Last Taino, I was under the impression it was a Mexican food truck which is great because I do love Mexican food, but once I checked out their Facebook page and found out they had a Puerto Rican Twist, I was sold! It was going to be the next stop on the “Duplin Eats” train. My mom grew up in a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood called Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, NY, so as kids, she introduced us to the tastes of Puerto Rico and my siblings and I have loved it ever since. We found a great spot near my sister’s old apartment in Fayetteville and almost every time we are in the area we go there. We actually went last week. She also cooks it sometimes at home. It’s hard to find Puerto Rican food in this area, so we were excited to go check it out.

National Chocolate Cake Day

Chocolate cake is one of those go to foods that pretty much everybody likes. Even grumpy old Ms. Agatha Trunchbull loved chocolate cake! Do you remember the movie Matilda and how she tortured a little boy for eating some of her chocolate cake? Man, memories. My family and I used to watch that movie all the time. Happy National Chocolate Cake Day! Let's learn a little more about one of America's favorite desserts!