Food and Drink

Gooey butter cake is the representative dessert of St. Louis and has thus become the representative dessert of the Show-Me State. Adding pumpkin elevates this ooey gooey dessert to a whole new level. Perfect for Halloween or anytime of the year.

Persimmons can tell if the winter is going to be harsh or mild. They also are great to eat in pies or sweet breads. This pie is made with persimmon puree which can be purchased at specialty stores or online. Give it a try!

Is “Top Chef” at the top of your viewing list? Then you'll want a ticket to be an audience member when Missouri cooks vie for a shot at a spot in a  worldwide cooking competition—with you taste testing their dishes in different categories!

The KC Strip steak is a favorful and tender cut of beef. Dressing it up with fingerling potatoes, bacon lardon, cipollini onions, and wild mushrooms really makes this a center stage dish. Great for special occasions. Your family and friends will be wowed.

Missouri Life wine columnist Doug Frost lets us know that chilling down wine with ice is just fine. Temperature affects flavor and wine that is too warm just does not taste good. So drop a few cubes in your favorite wine and enjoy.

The dog days of the summer are coming to a close. August is the perfect time to get your homemade ice cream fix in. Strawberries and coconut milk add a delightful twist to a classic favorite. Make a batch to share while it is still hot out!

Leong’s Asian Diner is known for creating Springfield Cashew Chicken. Try making this elegant shrimp and scallop dish that they created. It is worth the time to find the Asian salted black beans and the black vinegar. This dish is a real treat!

Preparing scallops may seem like a challenge. This recipe makes a stunning dish you can easily create and serve. The smoky bacon and the full bodied seasonings bring out the sweetness of the scallops. Make this dish for your next special occasion.

Southern-style fare is as much about the food as it is the hospitality. Dishes with names like “Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf,” “Three Deviled Eggs Went Down to Georgia” and “Fried Green Tomato BLT”  are worth the drive to this outstanding restaurant.

The heat of August summers bring Missouri an abundance of fresh tomatoes. Create this relish and serve over chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, or toasted bread. This list goes on and on. Leave it to say, this dish is very versatile and easy to make.