Best Cooks Series

Highlighted foods & great cooks

Alvin Howell serves up delicious meals at Wilkesboro’s Teresa’s Carousel Cafe.

Alvin Howell’s philosophy is, “Always eat with your eyes, that’s presentation!” He also believes in easy recipes and is sharing a broccoli casserole for you to try. Alvin sincerely likes to cook and fondly recalls an aunt who was a great baker, freezer and canner of fresh fruits and vegetables for those dreary winter months. After cooking through his military years, he went on to earn an Associates Degree in Culinary from Wilkes Community College and is head chef at Teresa’s Carousel Café in Wilkesboro.

Alvin loves to cook at home too, especially his Sunday dinners. With two daughters and three grandkids, it isn’t unusual for the table to seat six or seven people. Because he likes to fix all dishes from gourmet to fast food, he also does dinner parties and catering.

Broccoli Casserole

1c. chopped onion
1 16 oz. frozen, chopped broccoli, steamed per directions
2 c. cheddar cheese sauce
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c. mayonnaise
2 T. Old Bay seasoning
1 t. each salt and pepper

Combine the above in a casserole dish and bake at 300-325°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and top with seasoned bread crumbs, (Pepperidge Farm Croutons, ground and combined with
2 oz. margarine). Return to oven for 5 minutes to brown.
Serves 8 to 10.

Alvin was kind enough to share two more of his recipes!

Alvin's Potato Soup
6 potatoes, diced
2 c. whole milk
1 c. cream soup base
2 T. black pepper
1/4 c. onion, diced
1/4 c. celery, diced
1 T. garlic powder or garlic salt
Cook potatoes until tender. Add other ingredients to potatoes and simmer to preferred consistency and serve.

Stir Fry Vegetables
1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1/4 c. garlic salt or 2 whole garlic cloves, chopped
1 T. iodized salt
4 oz. margarine
1/2 c. water
1 c. fresh broccoli, chopped
1 sml. carrot, shredded.
Combine first six ingredients in sauté pan and cook aldente. Add broccoli and carrot. Continue to cook for 2 minutes.