As a food journalist, humorous essayist and cookbook author, I've learned that food can begin conversations among all kinds of people. I'm a native North Carolinian and former food editor for The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.). My essay column for the paper has won awards, and my writing has appeared in numerous publications. I've written six cookbooks, enjoy teaching classes in both writing and cooking, and like to talk with readers about what they love to cook. I'm a member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, Association of Food Journalists and Les Dames d'Escoffier. When not cooking or writing, I play Celtic fiddle and volunteer at the domestic violence agency here in Raleigh, N.C.
Debbie Moose got these recipes from real people at real events. She even included one of mine (Denise's Mimosas) and one of my husband's (Jim's Bourbon-Pecan Pie) at the Brookhill Steeplechase, a tailgating event she attended with us.