It's not every day that you're in Minnesota while the state fair is going on.In fact, for me, it was my first time in Minnesota, period. And, I was mostly just passing through, stopping to see some art, and hitting up the Mall of America.But the fair, I learned, is one of the...

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Here's my latest column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail:The word buttermilk makes anything seem more indulgent. Buttermilk pancakes. Buttermilk fried chicken. Buttermilk biscuits. But what is buttermilk?Traditionally, buttermilk is the liquid that is left over from churning butter out of cultured cream. It is what is left in the churn after the butter has...

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Shawnee Park recently played host to this year's Ribfest. Last year, I went the rib route. But this year, there were a few other vendors I was interested in checking out.Nellita's Cocina - She had empanadas for sale: bbq chicken or pork. I went with the chicken, and it was delicious. Seriously good....

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Take a look at all the goodies in this month's J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile box. Farm Life - Pear Jam (I almost typed pearl jam): This is SO delicious. Think applesauce, but pears! I'm eating it on top of greek yogurt right now.Buffalo Bob's Jerky - Maple Duck Meat Sticks: Curious what duck...

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Taco Spot is a food truck-turned-permanent-spot in Fayetteville. Rather than traveling around, I think they have a solid home on Court Street - next to an ice cream spot. Tacos and ice cream, does it get much better?The menu isn't huge - a few tacos, nachos, rice and beans. But they also have...

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