Culinary Specialist Michelle "Red" Roberts
Meet Taste of Home Culinary Specialist Michelle “Red” Roberts! Michelle conducts Cooking School shows throughout the country, focusing primarily on the Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Carolinas, Tennessee and Mississippi areas. When asked why she loves the Cooking School, Michelle responded, “I love being on stage, entertaining, and sharing my love of cooking!”
Michelle is originally from southwestern Mississippi and she currently resides near Birmingham, Alabama. Michelle graduated from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts. Michelle gained previous experience in the restaurant industry and served as a Foods Intern with a popular national magazine. Michelle drives about 40,000 miles per year to maintain her hectic schedule and conducts about 40 shows a year. When she’s not busy putting on great shows, Michelle can be found at home playing with her two cats, Simon and Madeline and watching good movies.
To learn more about Michelle, take a look at some of her answers to questions below!
Tell us something about yourself that very few people know? I collect Tigger (from Winnie the Pooh) stuff and Ladybug stuff.
If we were to open your refrigerator at home, what would we find? Not a whole lot, I am never home. But I do always have a jar of Blue Plate Mayo and a Brita pitcher of water.
How did you develop your passion for cooking/food? I am Southern, it is in my blood.
What is the best thing you ever ate? Chicken and Waffles in Harlem, NY at Amy Ruth’s.
What food today brings back childhood memories? My Mama’s chicken and egg noodles. I remember her rolling out the dough with a green bottle filled with water because we didn’t have a rolling pin. She would roll up the dough and cut the noodles and I would help unroll all of them.
When did you start cooking and who taught you to cook? I started cooking when I was six years old with an easy bake oven. And I was most influenced by my Grandmother, aka “Mamaw.”
Do you remember your grandmother’s cooking? What was her specialty? Yes I do, I grew up in her kitchen. She was great with desserts such as banana pudding and especially peanut butter cake. I now carry that tradition on and make peanut butter cake. She also made the best yeast rolls.
Awesome show!!!!!!I. I don’t know how you put up with “smitty”. Fave recipe. Pnut butter cheesecake. Fav sponsor. Bi Lo
Where did you get your squeeze salt and pepper shakers?
Thanks for coming! I love having “smitty” as my emcee! I got the shakers at Target.
http://www.target.com/p/Vibe-Mini-Magnetic-S-P-Ball-Set/-/A-10836700
http://www.target.com/p/Vibe-SaltBall/-/A-10836698
http://www.target.com/p/Chef-n-Vibe-Pepper-Mill-Ball/-/A-10836699
I love the show also & i too want to know where you got the salt & pepper shakers
Thanks, I got them at Target:
http://www.target.com/p/Vibe-Mini-Magnetic-S-P-Ball-Set/-/A-10836700
http://www.target.com/p/Vibe-SaltBall/-/A-10836698
http://www.target.com/p/Chef-n-Vibe-Pepper-Mill-Ball/-/A-10836699
I got them at Target. The brand is VIBE.
I got them at Target and the brand is VIBE.
Where do you get the rectangular measuring spoons? Really enjoyed the cooking school tonight!
I don’t know where those came from but I just did a quick search and found these:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=11508030
Loved tonight and had a wonderful time. Can’t wait til next year’s show. Loved the peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate strawberry shortcakes and New Orleans garlic chicken. Can’t wait to try the recipes on my family. Thank you sooooo much for a wonderful evening.
I would love to know what kind of food processor you used it was so quiet. Also where did you get the juicer you used on the limes? Oh and my favorite sponsor was Bi-Lo’s.
That food processor was a cuisinart. Not sure where it came from but that brand is carried in many places. Here is a link to the squeezers:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Fox-Run-Craftsmen-Lemon-Juicer/15007786
What an awesome time we had last night!!! I have enjoyed watching you and Scottie aka Smitty for the third year in a row. Hope you will return to the Performing Arts Center again & again!!
I plan to return as long as they will let me!
Thank you for coming to the show!
Michelle, my daughter and I attended the show in Franklin, NC last night & loved it. It was our first, but not last, show! You were so very entertaining & knowledgeable. I loved how you worked little known and often overlooked tips on cooking into the show. And, the interaction with Scotty aka Smitty was hilarious! He was my daughters drama teacher in middle school so we really enjoyed that part of the show. Again, wonderful show & we look forward to next time. Thanks to Bi-lo for sponsoring & also to Gallo, Ortega, Stonefire, Emeril & others!
I am glad that y’all came. I love working with Scotty! He is so much fun and I love our banter also! He keeps me on my toes!
Great show on Saturday! It was my first show and I hope to be back next year! You are great at what you do!
Thank you very much! I am glad you enjoyed the show!
We enjoyed the show in Franklin NC-had a great time !You were a great hostess and Smitty was fun. My husband won the refrigerator that evening-what a pleasant surprise that was-we truly appreciate it. See you next time…..
Wow that is amazing! I am glad you came to the show and won the fridge!
I have greatly enjoyed you show tonight. Thanks for coming to Charleston. My favorite recipe is Taco Casserole, and my favorite soonest is Stonefire. Thanks again for a great night, opal
Thanks for coming! I love the taco casserole too! So Easy!
Went to cooking show tonight in North Charleston.Awesome show. Went last to had a great time.Peanut Butter Cheesecake was my favorite but I loved them all. Publix was my favorite tonight. I won I bag of groceries but I love all vendors. See you next year. You were great as usually.
How fun, I am glad you won groceries! Congrats! Glad you had a good time and I hope you give that cheesecake a try!
Thanks Michelle for a GREAT evening! Your show was FABULOUS!! My favorite recipe was Emeril’s chicken, but I’m buying groceries to make MOST of them today! My favorite sponsor was Publix – all of the employees there were awesome, friendly and fun, and their giveaways were great too! Can’t wait ’til you come back next year!
OH YUMMY! Let me know how they all turn out!
My daughter and I had a wonderful evening with you, Haas, and Priest in North Charleston. Our third time with you. Enjoy the show so much.
Thank you for coming, I am glad you had a good time!
Wow….super show in North Charleston last night!!!! Have attended your show in Orangeburg for years, but switched to Charleston this year. Great job by the Journal-Scene and their staff, but just like always…..you were a HIT!!!! With all the great recipes and products, it would be hard to pick a favorite! Loved your song…….fabulous ending to a memorable night! See you next year!
Thank you for the comments! Glad you had a fun time!
attended the third year at your show in Charleston,SC it was wonderful as always you are amazing
Thank you so much! I am glad you had fun!
Attended the event at Aiken, SC last night and enjoyed it and our “chef”. Tried the Naan Pizza tonight, but with Prego sauce. Tasted good. Thanks.
Oh I bet that was good! Glad you had fun!
Didn’t know if you knew this. But…..I just got the Mango Chipotle Dressing and Marinade by Kraft last night for the Mango Chipotle Chicken. It was fabulous!!! and it saved so much time!!!
Loved your show!!! The banter between you and Hass please ask her back as eemcee for next year!!! my friend and I loved ya’ll. And do you know which cook book was offered for the premium tickets? And could ya’ll email us as to when the next North Charleston show is?
Thank you! I am not sure what cookbook was offered with premium tickets. You can always find our show schedule at http://www.tasteofhome.com in the cooking school section. I loved having Terry also. I hope she can come back next year too!
Hi Michelle, thanks for a great show in Columbus last night! It was my first TOHCS. As a new resident of Columbus (just one week), it was a great first event to attend! Where did you get the hot plate you used to cook on? I’ve been looking for one, and I love red!
Thanks for coming to the show. Here is a link to the butane burner that I was using. http://www.campchef.com/butane-1-burner-stove.html
Hi Michelle! Missed you at the Taste of Home Cooking School in Anderson, S. C. (May 17). I brought the baby with me again (his third show in 13 months). We enjoyed it & hope to see you at the next show.
I missed being there also! I was doing a show in GA. I hated not seeing you and the baby!!!! Maybe you can come when I do the Duluth, GA show in Oct.
I will absolutely try to make it! I’m thinking of taking a ‘mini’ summer course on ‘anti-aging cuisine’ (has to do with anti-inflammatory ingredients & in how to incorporate them into everyday cooking). I bought a juicer & use it to juice ginger, mint, kiwi, & pineapple to clear up (took less than a month) my 16 yr old’s eczema, awesome! Have a wonderful summer!!
That sound really interesting. See you in Oct.
Michelle, As always loved the show in Aiken, S.C. Already making plans for next year, My friend and I have been going to shows everywhere they have been, even before you got this area. We would go to Augusta, Orangeburg, Columbia, then they started being held in Aiken and we haven’t missed a single one. Love all the prizes, recipies, and most of all you!
Thank you so much for loving the show! I am glad you come each year!
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Hey from Elkin! I was fortunate enough to be able to “help” Michelle at her show yesterday and last night. Let me tell you, she knows her stuff. I didn’t think have a clue and she, not only was kind and helpful but also professional and just top-notch! She literally transformed that stage to a real cooking school! She never got frustrated even though her name was called 2013 times! She is my favorite “red”head cook! Thanks for the wonderful experience! Sincerely, Joy
P.S. Next year, I’m inviting Everybody!!!!
Thank you Joy!!!! I had a great time working with you! You are a hoot!!!
My mother, brother and myself are coming to the taste of home cooking show in Sparta tn. And that is my moms birthday just wondering if you could wish her a happy birthday during the show. Would really make her day. Thanks
Renea, what is your Mother’s name?
Her name is Reva Rowland. Thanks so much. Will be seeing you Thursday.
i wrote it down so i will try and remember!
Ok thanks !!!!
Michelle, I would love to get your mamaws’s recipe for the peanut butter cake!!! I bet it was awesome!!! I collect old cookbooks and really love trying the older recipes. Most of them prove to be a lot better than the newer usually quicker versions!! I hope that maybe when you are ‘home’ during the holidays this year maybe I could see you some time. Maybe a few of us girls could get together and go out for supper or something. Would love you catch up with all you girls!!!! Love ya girl!!!
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Michelle!
‘Loved you & the great show you put on since you started here in Rome, GA! ‘Been to every one!
‘Have a baking question for you? (How unlikely is that?!? ;D): Why is my pumpkin bread so sticky on top? Right-from-the-oven sticky! It is lowfat so I’m thinking it isn’t too much butter, etc. Too much sugar? It’s baked, not underbaked. The edges are less sticky, but it’s the complete top.
Thanks for your help!
I asked some of my fellow culinary specialist and we think that it is probably the sugar and all the moisture in the pumpkin. You could try turning up the temp about 25° and move as close to the top with the upper rack as possible. That may help.
You are SUPERWOMAN at responding!!!
I’m using a gas oven. ‘Think that matters – with the moving the rack up? Is there a set temperature with quick breads? This recipe says 350, which now that I’m thinking about it,, is kinda low for quick bread … or is it?
I am not sure about the gas oven. I have electric. 350 is about the right temp.
Hi Michelle! There is something I am in need of… where can I find an on-line source/program that will enable me to type in ingredients & it give me the nutritional facts? My daughter Katelyn’s birthday is Christmas day & she is on a special diet and can only have 5 grams of sugar or less. I’d love to make something dessert wise for her to enjoy. Or would you know of some kind of quick bread or dessert that would work? Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Have a blessed Christmas & New Year! (This really isn’t a comment, but thought you would be a great person to ask about this. — I do though enjoy the cooking schools & love to see you there!)
I just did an online search and found this. I hope it helps. I have also asked my fellow culinary specialists and if they come back with other suggestions I will post them here too.
http://caloriecount.about.com/
You could also try asking a dietician at your local hospital.
Thanks Michelle! I appreciate you looking into it for me.
one of my co-workers gave me this link… I think you will like this!
http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/list
Hi Michelle, I was at your show in Duluth,GA (3 years running) and you demonstrated a garlic mincer made of stainless steel. Could not find it on the shopathome website. Is this still available or can I get it somewhere else? Loved the show and love your interaction with the crowd! Hope to see you again next year!
Here is a link to the garlic rocker: http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Rocker-Garlic-Crusher-Stainless/dp/B003Y3AZSM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354674176&sr=8-1&keywords=garlic+rocker
Thanks for coming to the show!
Thank you!! Have just ordered it and looking forward to using it. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us at the next show.
GREAT!
Michelle, Michelle, Michelle!!!
Nahhh! 
Did you see “American Idol” this week? Someone auditioned with the song you end your shows with. It was pretty good, I guess. (The contestant got to “go to Hollywood!,”). BUT it was NOT NEARLY AS GOOD AS WHEN YOU SING IT! You give chills. Not kidding!
With that voice & great personality, YOU KNOW YOU”D GO THROUGH! You know it!
Put it on your to-do list – find out which cities are holding auditions next year. ‘Having the entire southeast voting for you wouldn’t be a bad thing now, would it?!
‘Be seeing you when you come my way!
I did see that audition! Thank you for all the great compliments! It would be nice, but unfortunately I am too old to audition! lol
:O
I don’t know if I believe that one! 
I know I’M too old, but I don’t know about you! …. Maybe “The Voice” then! … Choose Blake! …. Okay, okay, at least continue to end your shows with a song! You are so fun to watch! We, & I speak for everyone ;D, ALWAYS thoroughly enjoy your shows. (Your shows, not Taste of Home’s 
YOU are what we come back for. You are!)
You are too kind! Thank you so much for sweet and kind words. I really appreciate them very much!
Had a great time at the show in Kingsland, GA last night. I made the stuffed potatoes tonight for dinner and they were perfect with a grilled steak. Thank you for making the show so much fun and entertaining! I was hoping to win those pineapple upside down mini cakes. Maybe I will make them next week…. Looking forward to seeing you back here next year.
Thank you and glad you had a great time. I am also happy that you tried and liked the potatoes! They are so good!
“I love FOOD!!!” Loved your show