Fall is in the AIR!!

Have you noticed that I use a LOT of exclamation points? I'm a VERY happy and excited guy! I mean, what's not to be happy about? I've got the perfect job, talking to folks about their kitchens; cooking great foods and trying new recipes to put on our website; "interviewing" new wines; writing crazy stuff on my Blogarooni! What more could I ask for? PLUS the fact that I have an awesome and supportive family that really want to see me do GREAT!! How cool is THAT?? Okay, enough of my cheerleader routine....it's time to get busy. I'm prepping my menu for our Fall Flavors cooking class, which takes place on Sept. 24. I'm very excited about cooking these recipes, as I haven't had the opportunity to use some of these in a long time and I just KNOW they're going to Rock Yo' World, BABY!! I'm doing a Butternut Squash, Sausage and Wild Rice Soup to start, and it's gonna be off the flippin' hook. If you want to have the recipe, you gotta come to the class, Wilbur! I know it's going to be fun. Then we're stepping deep into the fall with a delicious Roasted Tenderloin and Mushroom Ragout. I mean, what's not to like about mushrooms? They are definitely a very savory, comforting food that provides enough earthiness AND elegance to satisfy any palate. Some delicious Glazed Root Vegetables as an accompaniment and you're in business. Top it off with some of Julie's Pumpkin Fritters and you're gonna think you've gone to Heaven! We've got a few spots left, so you need to call ASAP if you wish to come. I've received many emails from folks who came to the Tailgating 101 Class telling me of different things that they did with the Famous Chicken Sauce, and you're ideas really sound great. I loved the idea of putting that in the slaw, and it really is Yummy-licious! Also, I owe you folks the recipe to my "Famous Bleu Cheese" Dressing/Dip. I'll get that to you soon. Speaking of tailgating, I was so excited when I was tailgating with my Posse to hear a voice scream out, "Mark! Chunkman! What are you doing?" It was our friend Abby from the Tailgating class. Girl, I look forward to the entire Clemson Season knowing that you are tailgating right next to us. We WILL THROW DOWN, MAMA! Hey, we've got a Store-Wide Sale going on this coming weekend, so come getcha some! Appliances, gadgets, you name it....it's for sale! Oh, another thing: We are selling a LOT of the "Pimiento Groove Cheese", so if you want it, you NEED to call the store and reserve it. I only have it on Friday and Saturday, and thanks to the article in "G Magazine", it's going like hot cakes! (why hot cakes? Where did that come from? Why not "it's going like The Groove"??hmm) That's all for now, my peoples. Let me know if there is something you would like to talk about and we'll make it happen. Until next time....Cheers! Chef Mark "Chunkman" Pollard: chef, father, Elvis Lover, and Husband of a Princess!