Turkey Day Cooking Class a HUGE SUCCESS!

I would have written this sooner, but my arms have been tired and my legs are tired and my EYEBROWS are tired from our class. I'm just now able to crawl across the floor like a snake and pull myself up by the keyboard and write to you all again! Whew! What a night it was for the Thanksgiving class. Thank you to my INCREDIBLE TEAM: Julie "4' 11" ", Kim, Sandy, and our President and great Pal, Kelly. Those of you that attend the cooking classes know it's NOT just me up there running my big mouth. There is a whole team working with me to ensure your satisfaction and FUN. Our goal is to make each of our cooking classes as fun and informative as possible, and I really think we did it with this one. To all of our "audience helpers", you did a GREAT job! Especially my new little 7-year old friend, Elizabeth. You ROCK, girl! You can come and cook with me anytime.
Thanksgiving is a busy time for everyone, but we urge you to come out and join us during your holiday weekend. We'll have lots of tasty treats for you to sample, plus great Christmas ideas for you as well. I would tell you to sign up for our "Ultimate Rat Pack Cool Christmas Dinner" class, but it's FULL! I'm working on the "After Holiday" schedule now, so be sure to watch our website, www.thecooksstation.com and see if there is a class that suits you. By the way, if you would like some of The PIMIENTO GROOVE for the Clemson-Virginia game this weekend, you neeeeeeed to call and reserve it, as it goes FAST!!! Thanks so much for all of your support, and I hope to see you all very very soon! Until next time, America....Cheers! Chef Mark "Chunkman" Pollard: Father to 4 Thanksgiving Turkeys and Humble Husband of a Little Princess!

Gobble Gobble GOBBLE!!

Well, my CLEMSON TIGERS won again, and I cooked up a mess of Yum Yums for the game, so we're ALL happy! Now I don't mind telling you that I got a little "tired", as I was cooking late into the evening on Friday, and didn't actually stop until almost 3am Saturday morning. WOW! What a day! But it all turned out well, and I hope everyone enjoyed the tailgating as much as the game itself. I want to thank all of my cool peeps for "Representin'" this weekend: The SOUL PATROL, Featuring Turner the Sub King, the always beautiful and sweet Lisbeth, Queen of Roosterland, Rayman the Human Scarecrow, Miss Hillary DeLovely, Gamecock Carter, Luscious Lauren, Middle School Adam, Andrew/Frank ScooterBoy, and of course, DISCO DONNIE. I was so happy to see you that I became overly excited and had to sit down before I succumbed to the "Vapors"! oooh, ahhh!

Thanksgiving is UPON US, and we are really excited about the Thanksgiving class this Thursday night. I want to thank you all for your interest and incredible support, and I'm very sorry I couldn't take everyone for the class. We had an overwhelming response to it and we are now
F-U-L-L! We'll have others, so be sure to watch our website at www.thecooksstation.com. Also, check out my Facebook page, "Mark Pollard", and you'll see all kinds of things happening. I guess that's about all for this Rainy Tuesday, so until next time, Cheers! Chef Mark "Chunkman" Pollard: Chef, Former Trainer to the Stars, Retired D.J. (I WAS the Soul-Sonic Sound Surgeon known as Doctor C.), Father to 3 Incredible fellows and one little sunshine, and Husband to a dream....My Princess!

SPOOOOKY SPOOOOKY HALLOWEEN!

BOOO!!
How was Halloween? I hope you all had a SPOOKTACULAR good time. Rain didn't stop any of our "Trick or Treaters". They are Ninja Warriors when it comes to that candy stuff. My little Princess set up her Extravaganza, complete with Karaoke machine so we could "broadcast" throughout the land! Oooh, Ahhh. After all of this stimulating activity, PLUS the fact that our Clemson TIGERS are on a roll, I went upstairs, turned on a spooky movie and fell asleep. Oh yeah, I'm a Cornucopia of Excitement sometimes. Can't stop me....I'm a Dynamo!
'Nuff about that: how about our Cookie baking class coming up on Thursday, Nov. 5? Are you signed up?? I hope so, 'cuz it's gonna ROCK. Julie has several delicious recipes to share with you, and we would like for you (if you want to) to bring in one of your favorite recipes to share with the class. Fun fun fun! It all starts at 6pm, so don't be late.
Hey, I've got to post my menu for the Thanksgiving class, which is on the 12th. WOW, I can't believe it's already here. I know you're thinking "he's slack! He hasn't posted it on the website yet". I like to keep things a SURPRISE, but I'll have it on there this week. The class is about full, so you need to call TODAY. I think we'll have fun. Ladies, we are going to show you the techniques needed to keep your husband awake after he's eaten a full Thanksgiving meal. Oh yes, there are many, such as 1) Telling him that you plan on "max-ing" out the credit cards at the Black Friday Sales if he falls asleep, 2) Surprising him by asking your mother to spend the entire weekend with you to discuss Christmas fashions, and 3) when he falls asleep, spread some pumpkin pie on his face and let the dog in. That's just a few of these surefire techniques that we'll discuss. Oh Boy!!
Well, that ought to do it for today. Let me know if there is anything pressing on your mind that I should discuss. You know, Clemson Football, Recipes to take to Clemson Football, Clemson Football Fashions, and the Andy Griffith Show. You get the Picture. Until Next Time, Friends: Cheers!! Chef Mark "Chunkman" Pollard....Proud Proud Proud Father of Turner, Justin, Aaron and Lindsay, Grateful friend to so many of you, and Husband of the most lovely Princess!

Halloween Treat Class was SPOOKTACULAR!

Well, the Halloween Treat Class was DEFINITELY a hit! I'm so thankful to my wonderful team, because without them it would have been a Whirling Vortex of HORROR!! heehee Julie and Kevin were awesome as always, and I especially want to thank my sous chef/daughter Lindsay "Lulu". She made the Brain Cookie dough and the BLOOD for it. I didn't have to prompt her or anything...she just knew what to do. It amazes me what culinary skills she has at the tender age of 12 1/2. Thanks, doll. So ya wanna know what we made? Cool! We made the "Brain Cookies with a Blood Glaze, Graveyard pudding with Whipped Cream Ghosts, Oreo Dirt and Gummy Worms, and Snake Bite Sandwiches." It was a lot of fun and the kids were really hilarious. While the brain cookies were in the oven, I decided to take all the squirts outside in the parking lot and play "Simon Says" in front of all of Greenville. (didn't want to have any "down time" waiting for cookies, you know.) Well, I must say that it wasn't just the kids and moms who found humor in it: it was also enjoyed by the folks driving and walking by, along with the trolley riders. Quite funny, a chef out there with the kids, doing the "Octopus" and making them run and jump in place to when the coveted title of Simon Says Master. Needless to say, I was a little "Pooped" when the class was over. I loved having all the kids there and I hope they had as much fun as we did. Hey, we have a Cookie Swap coming up next, followed by our Thanksgiving class. You neeeeeed to call the store NOW and make your reservations, 'cuz I promise you this will be fun fun fun fun!
As for the rest of my weekend? Well, my little Princess and my son, Skeet M.R. (Master Redneck) went to Pittsburgh to visit family and go to a Pitt Panthers game, Turner the Sub King went to visit the Beautiful Lisbeth Rooster Queen, and Lulu and I just went home after the class and watched our TIGERS Whup up on those 'Canes!! WWOOOHOOOOO! I'll calm down now. Anyway, everyone came home last night and now it's time to get a great week going from the very start. Every day is a new adventure; and opportunity to do something good. Make good use of it, and don't be afraid to try new things. You just might fall into something cool. Until next time, my friends: Cheers! Chef Mark "Chunkman" Pollard: Friend, Father, Chef, Nut, and Husband of a Beautiful Princess!

Pain is good....Extreme Pain's Extremely Good!

Yep, Pain can be a good thing sometimes. I should know, because it seems like I'm getting a lot of a good thing lately! My ankle was swollen to the size of my head, and we ALL KNOW that's big. It's from old taekwondo injuries. I know....MOST men say "old football injuries", but my was taekwondo and the fact that for many years, I was also a running FREAK. I practiced tkd from a hospital bed when I was a kid. I had just had an operation and my older brother and my tkd instructor sneaked into the hospital to see me. There I was, with my leg going up and down in the middle of the night, not realizing that I could have ripped out my stitches. Then there's the running part: when I was a personal trainer, I ran in the sun, fog, snow, rain, earthquakes, 9/11 (THAT was scary!)...you name it. I had stress fractures, twisted ankles and knees, blisters. I didn't care, I had to be in shape. Well, as your Favorite Cook's Station Chef, I can be an idiot when I'm passionate about something. "NO", you say, "NOT YOU"!! Oh yeah, babe....me. I do the same when I'm cooking. When I have a passion for a new recipe or technique, I'll stop at NOTHING to perfect it. So there ya go....portrait of a Freaky Chef Dude! I'm no longer training, and there's a LITTLE MORE OF ME than used to be, but I'm gonna work on getting healthier and staying there as I have for most of my life. Do I ever want to be the weight I was 10 years ago? No, not at all. I just want to be healthy so I'll be here for my sweet little wife and my awesome family and friends. That's all. So after the holidays, beginning in January, I'm going to do a series on healthy eating, but make it taste like EVIL EATING!! That's the ticket. Be watching for that. In the meantime, Gear up for our remaining cooking classes of the fall. Julie is going to be doing a cookie swap soon, and she has some tremendous recipes to share with all of us. I'm teaching a Thanksgiving class that will be off the hook and I want YOU to join me. If you don't have your reservation for the Ultimate Christmas Cool Dinner, you'd better do that VERY SOON!! It's going fast. Some of you have asked me about this thing I have going with the Food Channel....can't talk about that very much at this time, but I can tell you it's good news! I'll share with you later. That's about all I have to say, except thanks to our Rooster Queen Lisbeth for taking care of our son, Turner the Sub King, at the race in Charlotte this weekend. We love you!!!! Also, to my friend Vance: Son, a restaurant is a place to EAT, NOT read the flippin' comics! Put the paper DOWN and Walk away from it, boy!! Peace out everyone! Chef Mark "Chunkman" Pollard: Father, Friend, Funny Guy and Husband of my AWESOME GORGEOUS PRINCESS!!!!

Another Fall Festival, Come and Gone

What a wonderful weekend I had! The Third Annual Princess' Fall Festival was held at the Palace in Clemson, and it was a stellar event! The food was fantastic, and I have to thank my sous chefs Lulu and BLEEEEEED!!! Both helped me with the culinary extravaganza, and I truly appreciate their marvelous efforts. My WONDERFUL little Princess made a Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle that was to DIE for! Really: I almost died for it. (just kidding) What's fun about an event like that was to be able to share it with all the folks you truly care about. Too bad none of them were there! hahahahaha No, the attendees are people I really love, and I'm so glad they could come. To those who couldn't make it this year, we still love you and we'll see you again soon. My son, Squarehead, and his girlie, Heather came to throw down with us and that made it all the more fun. One of the most memorable events of the day was my son SKEET, M.R. (master redneck) playing his favorite fall game, "Rip the Ball Joints Off the GMC Jimmy". Oh yeah, babe, the chicks were digging THAT game. Turner The Sub King, our oldest, was chillin' like a bowl of Jello with his lovely little Sweetie-Pie, Lisbeth the Rooster Princess. It was a whirling vortex of fun and happiness. Never did get to the Fall Festival Gaming table to play Apples to Apples. I guess I'll never realize the FUN of that one. All in all, it was an amazing weekend, and as I said in my last entry, it's because we did it with family and friends. If you ever want to know what's on the minds of your kids and loved ones, get them to sit around the table. You'll be amazed what you will discover. By the way, for those who have followed my progress on the chance to be on the show, The Next Food Network Star 6, I will let you know that I wasn't picked to be on the show....'cuz they are going to bring me up to NYC in the Spring to audition for a chance to have MY OWN SHOW, COUSIN!! Oh yeah, The Princess will get a new Sled....one worthy of her beauty! I'll talk more about that next time because my fingers are starting to hurt. I'm just thankful to get the chance to try out, and if it doesn't happen? Well, I know my Princess, family and friends love me for who I am, not for what I have. God has been good to me, and perhaps I don't recognize Him enough. I am truly blessed! Until next time, my peeps: Cheers!!!! Chef Mark "Chunkman" Pollard: Party Thrower Extraordinaire, Father to some awesome people, humble friend to some real cool cats, (possible tv personality...sshhhh!) and Husband to the best Princess in the World!!! Thank you ALL!!

Fall Festival is Coming!

Yep, it's here again...Fall Festival at the Pollard Palace in Clemson! My lovely little Princess began this October tradition a few years ago, with soup and cornbread and tales of what a Festival should be. I'm proud to say that it has now grown into a highly anticipated event, filled with good food, fun and fellowship. There's nothing like a little "nip" in the air to really bring a festival to life. Will we play games like "Pin the Leaf on the Tree" this year? Or perhaps light a little fire in our outdoor firepit? (it WILL be 75 degrees, you know. I'm just sayin'...) Whatever my Princess wants....That's what we'll do, by golly. I have offered my services to cook for everyone this year. Princess usually does for the Festival, but I thought I would assist her in "kickin' it up" this year, so we're gonna Throw Down! She does so much for me and the family, so I want to lend her my full support. (I also don't want Taco soup. JUST KIDDING, SWEETNESS!! heehee) This weekend is also Fall for Greenville. I figure both Festivals will draw huge crowds, only MY crowd is by invitation ONLY! Oh yeah, babe...that's how I roll! And what a Star-Studded Celebrity Crowd I have, walking the Chef Chunkman & Princess Red Carpet! Some of the attendees include Rockin' Turner the Sub King, Lovely Lisbeth from Roosterville, the ever-popular celebrity outdoorsman, Skeet.. M.R. (Master Redneck), Chef Lulu and her Magic Whisk, and a very SPECIAL guest, which I can't divulge at this time. Wow, how cool is that?
What's the real important part of this festival? Being with my wonderful family and friends, of course. So whether you're on the Celebrity List at The Princess' Fall Festival, going to Fall for Greenville, or just doing your own thing, remember the truly important things: family and great friends. Go build some good memories this weekend. You'll be glad you did. Until next time, my Peeps....Cheers! Chef Mark "Chunkman" Pollard: A Very Blessed father, friend to some awesome folks, and an ecstatic husband to a PRINCESS! Happy Fall Festival to ALL!!