Easter, Brisket, and a Very Happy Dog
Detour ahead issue #10, Meet Wally, Easter Dinner, Ken's Smoked Brisket, Mashed Potatoes with Carmelized Onions and Roasted Garlic, Green Beans Sautéed in Beef Tallow
I wasn't planning to write about Easter this year, but it ended up being one of those days that sticks with you—the kind that deserves to be written down.
Ken, who never cooks (and I mean never), decided he was going to smoke his very first brisket. We were at the store the day before Easter and found a small one—manageable enough to experiment with. He started watching YouTube videos like a man on a mission. He even went so far as to buy a brisket knife. I just kept nodding and smiling, wondering how this was all going to play out.
You guys… it turned out so good. Smoky, tender, and juicy. He was ridiculously proud of himself, and I was proud of him too. There’s something so satisfying about learning something new and pulling it off, especially when everyone is counting on you for Easter dinner.
Jacob and Olivia came over, and they brought Wally, their new rescue pup. Wally has been through it: shelter life and then straight into apartment living. But out here, he finally got to run. I mean, full-out zoomies across the yard, tail wagging, tongue flopping. Sheena couldn’t keep up, but she certainly tried. He looked so free and happy, like he was made for open space. It was his first real taste of that kind of freedom, and you could just feel how much he loved it.
The rest of the meal came together around Ken’s brisket. I made mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and caramelized onions—creamy and rich, with just enough texture to keep it interesting. And fresh green beans that I sautéed in the rendered beef tallow from the brisket. Wow, just that little bit of extra richness made such a huge difference.
Now, I won’t pretend it was my favorite Easter—Ethan wasn’t able to make it because he had to work, and that always leaves a little ache. Holidays feel different when one of your people is missing, don’t they?
But even with that, it was still a lovely day. Full of little moments that made me smile. Full of good food, happy dogs, and people I love.
Here’s a peek at Ken’s masterpiece, and I’ve dropped the recipes for those mashed potatoes and green beans down below if you’re in the mood to try them yourself.
Mashed Potatoes with Carmelized Onions and Roasted Garlic
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 whole bulb of roasted garlic (Easy Air Fryer instructions on the blog)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon kosher salt (to season the water for the potatoes)
4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large skillet over low heat, heat olive oil. Add the chopped onion; cook until golden brown, 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a food processor. Squeeze in softened garlic and add a drizzle of olive oil. Process until blended; set aside.
Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add salt and enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, until tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain; return to pan. Add the processed onions and garlic to the potatoes; add butter, sour cream, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until you reach your desired consistency. (I like to leave mine a little chunky)
Green Beans Sautéed in Beef Tallow with Onions and Garlic
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh green beans
2 tablespoons beef tallow or olive oil
1/2 onion, sliced very thinly
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the green beans and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl with ice-cold water.
Heat the beef tallow (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the beans and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté until softened to your liking, about 5 minutes.
Check for seasoning. Serve warm
You can find more recipes with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions on the blog.
Reader Spotlight & Community Corner
Have you ever smoked a brisket or tackled a holiday meal that felt a little out of your comfort zone? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite side dish that always shows up on your Easter table? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment or share a photo below—I’d like to feature a few of your Easter (or springtime!) creations in the next issue.
Quote of the Week
“The most memorable days usually end with the dirtiest dishes.” — Unknown
Isn’t that the truth!!
Well, guys, that’s all I’ve got for now! Wishing you a fantastic week ahead. If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love it if you shared it with a friend!
Spread the word – Invite a fellow food lover or travel enthusiast to join us on this journey.
And if you try a recipe, have a question, or just want to say hello, drop a comment below—I’d truly love to hear from you! ❤️
Nice job Ken!!! That brisket is making my mouth water. It looks incredible! So do the mashed potatoes and green beans. What a delicious meal! And awwwww, Wally, what a sweetheart. I'm glad he got to be wild and free at your place. ❤️