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.
we love michelle (red). we would like to know if the show in Jackson, tn & paris, tn will be the same show or will she be cooking something different at each one. we usually go to both but the one in paris is usually in the spring & the one in jackson in the fall but paris didn’t have one in the spring.this year so both are in the fall. also is there anyway to get the spring cooking show mag. would love to have one.
THANKS!!! Yes it will be the same recipes but as you know with me, no 2 shows are ever the same!!
Let me check on getting you a spring magazine.
Did Michelle come to the show in Bolivia, NC the spring of 2011 at Odell Williams Auditorium? If she did, she is outstanding and I’m thinking about going to the show in Fayetteville, NC, this year.
I didn’t have a show in the Spring at Odell Williams in Supply but I was there in Fall 2010. I am glad you had a good time and I will be in Fayetteville so I hope you can come!!!
Could you please tell me who will be teaching the cooking school in Rome Georgia?
Cynthia, that would be ME! I hope you come and enjoy the show!
I enjoyed the show last night in Meridian. I was wanting to know if you could tell me where you purchased the square pedestal cake stand that you gave the pumpkin whoopie pies away on.
HI, M.S.!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the show, and the pedestal display dish. You can find a similar dish here: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=17771353&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping
If you have any other questions, please let me know, otherwise keep on cooking!
Michelle, My friends and I are so excited the Gwinnett show is coming soon.I work at a restaurant in Buford,GA called Aqua Terra Bistro where my husband is the chef. We have this yummy bread dipping sauce and I would love to bring you a jar to the show for your own personal enjoyment. Is there a way that we can meet you before or after the show or a way that we could just get the sauce to you? Don’t think I’m crazy…I just find you very entertaining and this will be our 3rd year coming to the show! Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Christy Legault
Christy, Thanks so much! I am glad you love the show and YES, I would love some dipping sauce. YUMMY!!!! That would be awesome! You are so sweet. Just come find me at the stage before or after the show. That is totally fine. I would love to meet you!
That stuff was so DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!
Will there be a show in Tifton, GA this year? I didnt see one on the calendar yet? I have attended the last 2 years in Tifton and hope they will continue it
Unfortunately there will not be a show in Tifton this year, but I plan to be back in Valdosta in the spring. I do hope you will attend that show and please come up and say hi!!!
Have just checked to see when your cooking school will be this year & find nothing listed in Florida. Goodness what happened? There has been a school at ” SFCC” in Sebring,Fl. for the past few years & it is always packed. Do you think one may be planned for 2012?
Salli Beatrice-Sebring,Fl.
The spring shows aren’t listed yet, just the fall shows. Sebring is a planned stop for me next year so keep checking. Thanks for your continued support for the Taste of Home Cooking School. I really appreciate it!!!
We LOVED the Asheville, NC show last night. Can you tell me about the portable cooking burner you were using? It appeared to be gas but I’ve never seen one like it? Thanks!
I am so glad you had a great time. The burner I was using is actually a butane burner. You can get them at Academy sports and get the butane there too. They are in the camping section. I bought my brother and mother one. Great to have on hand if you lose power and of course for camping. I haven’t found them at Dick’s sporting goods. They carry propane.
Loved your show in Asheville NC! You were GREAT!
I was wondering where I could find one of those cute red triangle serving dishes? It was adorable. Can’t wait until you’re back for another show!
Michelle, I loved your show in Duluth, GA! My 12-year-old daughter and I make it a traditional outing. I too loved the red triangle dish, and also was wondering where you purchased the hand-held mandoline slicer?
Here are some links for the red dish and some alternatives. I also got the the mandoline slicer at Target.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Tuxton+China+Red+Triangle+Plate&gs_upl=1360l1360l0l1985l1l1l0l0l0l0l312l312l3-1l1l0&um=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1184&bih=659&wrapid=tlif131860150036910&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=15470540032382757232&sa=X&ei=LkOYTs-hGoO4iAe-_oSsAg&ved=0CEoQgggwAA#
However, here are also some alternates:
White Triangle: http://www.wasserstrom.com/restaurant-supplies-equipment/Product_480600?utm_source=google-products&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_campaign=GoogleBase
Black Triangle: http://www.wayfair.com/Ten-Strawberry-Street-Black-Triangle-9-Tri-Plate-BLK-9TRI-TSW1171.html?refid=FR49-TSW1171
Red 11” Circle: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=14822941&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping
I really enjoyed your show in Mebane NC you were educational and oh so funny, thanks for a great evening out.
You are so very welcome! I am so glad you had a great time!
I would like to know if Taste of Home ever thought of doing it where we could sample the recipes that were being prepared? I have been to two cooking shows and have not won any dishes but wondered a few things. If someone had an allergy say to seafood and as in the first one I went to you prepare a salmon dish and they won. The dish might have been wasted.
Mary, thank you for your thoughts. While we would love to be able to prepare and give-away samples of the show demonstration recipes, it is unfortunately, cost prohibitive with over 300 shows each year. Food allergens are always a concern to us. We follow-each recipe, prepared at show, to script. Each attendee not only follows along from their seat in the audience but has the written copy in hand via the magazine. If any consumer were to voice concern over an allergen or the like – we would find a suitable alternative. Finally, the great bonus of receiving one of our tasty recipes is that the winner also goes home with a lovely display dish that is certain to please family and friends!
Thank you for such a great show tonight as always it was informative and entertaining
Very glad you enjoyed the show! Thanks for coming!
I was at your as alway awesome show in Rome, GA and you hd some cute salt and pepper shakers and I was just wondering where you got them??
I got them at Target. They have little ones and big ones. The little ones come as a set and the big ones are sold separately! Love them!
Michelle,
I absolutely LOVED the show last night in Newnan, GA! I had never been before, but will definitely come again!
Like you, I am not a fan of sweet potatoes, and am a little dubious about mixing my peanut butter with other things, so I am a bit hesitant about the Groundnut Stew you made last night. When I went to the ToH website to see how others had reviewed the recipe, it wasn’t there. I think it would be really helpful to have the show recipes available for review on the website, so that we could see what other people think of the recipe. Just a thought. If it tastes even half as good as it smelled last night, I am definitely sold!
Katherine,
I am glad you had a good time. Trust me on the Ground Nut Stew. I think you will be pleasantly surprised! The recipe is a Kitchen Basics recipe so you can find on their website and see if it has been rated. Here is the website for some additional information! http://www.kitchenbasics.net/display.cfm?p=617&pp=10
Enjoy!
Michelle,
I truly feel like you are part of my family! For the last nine years, your show (in AL and GA) has become a tradition for my mom and I. We both leave with lots of great memories and new ideas for recipes. Thanks for a great night out!
Newnan, GA
Cathy,
Thank you so much. I am so glad you had a good time!
At the show in Newnan Thursday you had some salt and pepper shakes that you just clicked. Where can i find them. Great Show
I got those salt & pepper shakers at Target! I love them!
Hey Michelle, loved your show on Thursday night in the great little city of Newnan, GA! I’ve been coming to it for years and have been bringing family and friends too. Love you and the enthusiasm you bring to your show, and all the little tips that you share with us. Like cutting the mozarella cheese with the egg slicer. Good tip! Also want to tell you how nice it was and to thank you for sharing your beautiful voice with us. See you next year!
Thank you Myrah! That is very sweet of you! I am glad you enjoyed the show. Thank you for coming!
Ok, have never blogged before but had to share-I was at the show in Newnan (my second one) and I have tried 3 recipes so far…Have to say the glazed pork roast was a huge hit on Sunday for family dinner, and my personal fave groundnut stew! OMG I am telling everyone about it. Can’t thank you enough for recommeding it, because like you said, you were skeptical. I probably would have passed this one up had you not convinced me to “go for it!” So glad I did, absolutely amazing! Oh and I did the peppers right on the gas stove! Have also tried the sweet and salty chicken from the magazine, wonderful! Thanks so much-would love to have your job!
I told you it was great! Glad you had fun and that you are having a good time cooking the recipes!
Michelle!
The Sparta show was sooooo wonderful this year! (As Always!) Please email me the brand of the mandoline slicer you had at the show so I can get on for my daughter! I know it came from Target, but I did not know the brand name!
Email to: lonniemckinnie@hotmail.com!
Thanks so much! Looking forward to next year!
Lonnie McKinnie
The brand of the mandolin is “chef’n”. You should find it with all of the kitchen gadgets in Target.
Michelle, Michelle, Michelle …
! You are adorable. You really are. I’ve been going to the Cooking shows since I moved to Rome, Ga in 1992. I have to tel you (& I told MIke at the Rome paper, too) how bad the shows used to be – before you. I would literally be falling asleep – & not because of being tired. It was an incredibly long (seemed that. Was the same length) home ec class that we “had” to attend. With the format change & you, everyone enjoys the show. Everyone! And your ending it with singing that beautiful song – just give us one more reason to attend next year.
Do I cut off the “peel” before freezing? Does it kinda separate like garlic does when you beat it up? 
Hey, I just don’t know! 
I do have a question, too – not just compliments. Ha.
I’m getting a little wild & making a Jamaican fresh ginger cake for Christmas. I remember your saying to keep ginger in the freezer, but I don’t remember more than that. I plan to grate it in my food processor – unless that’s a bad idea.
‘Glad I finally got to write to you – eventhough you don’t seem short on fan mail!
Lynn Bradfield
Thanks, Lynn! I’m so glad you liked the show. I love performing for you guys, and the guys in Rome are great!
As far as ginger goes, not only does it freeze well, its also much easier to peel and grate when its frozen. Simply break off or cut off pieces of ginger into thumb-sized parts, put all the bits into a freezer container, and let it be (after it is in the freezer, of course)!
When you’re ready to use, you don’t have to let the ginger thaw, because it is super easy to grate and peel when frozen. I use my microplane grater to grate the ginger. This also gets rid of the stringy pieces too! Hope this helps!
-Red
So you cut off the peel from the frozen ginger then grate it? Or does it separate as it’s being grated? The ginger cake calls for a quarter cup. Would it be okay to freeze a larger amount? Was the small size because most recipes don’t call for that much?
Am I making you crazy? Sorry! Just wanna get it right. Thanks!
Hope you have a great Christmas!
Just use a vegetable peeler or a spoon to scrape the peel off before you grate it. You can freeze whatever amount you want. It helps to keep the ginger longer because it would spoil fast just in the fridge.
Michelle:
I attended the show in Aiken, SC last year and am looking forward to this year’s show. How could I participate as a helper or volunteer?
One other question; I didn’t see it on the calendar but do you plan to hold a show in Augusta, GA this year?
Local volunteers are coordinated through the newspaper office. I will not be hosting a show in Augusta, GA. We will have another one in Aiken in May.
I was disappointed to see that you are not going to be at the show in Daytona Beach in March. I still hope to attend even though it has been moved to a weeknight instead of a Saturday, but it won’t be the same without you.
I will miss being there very much! I will be doing a show in another location. I am sure that you will have a blast! I think that Eric is doing the Daytona Beach show and he is so much fun. You will love him! Tell him I said HI!
Sure did enjoy your show tonight in Defuniak Springs FL. It was the first time attending and look forward to more shows in the future. It was so nice learning a bit about you. The Betty Crocker story was priceless! I was drooling most of the show, and if I had won anything, not only was I going to say I love food, but add thanks for making me drool =) I can’t wait to make that Peanut butter cheesecake. My family was with me and we were sitting there laughing when the how to melt chocolate tip came up on the screen. The story : We were all at a time share, and I wanted to make this special cake. Usually what I make works out, but, I was trying to make too many things at one time, and yes, I was wanting some helpers like you have! Well, I put the chocolate chips on for 30 (instead of 3) minutes! Well it burned and smoked, and came out (after 5 minutes) like charcoal! I will never live that day down. Everytime we used that microwave afterward, it smelled like burnt chocolate…wonder if it still does lol! Thanks for making our night out so much fun and educational, as well as bringing back some funny memories.
I am glad you had a great time! That is a funny story. I think we all have those kind of stories to tell or not to tell! Thanks for coming and thanks for sharing.
A couple of friends and I attended the show last night in DeFuniak Springs and had a great time! This was the first time any of us had attended (I’m a field editor and previous plans to attend a couple others in the past fell through), but I’m sure it won’t be the last. You might want to consider printing a warning on the tickets, though: attending the show on an empty stomach is not recommended! LOL Anyway, just wanted to say thanks and that we really enjoyed the show and having you as the chef.
Thank you for coming and that is a great idea. I am so glad you enjoyed the show. Thank you for the nice comment!
Took my husband to your show last night in PC – he loved it and thought you were very entertaining! Wanted to ask – where the cheesecake pan came from? Thanks for a great time – one of these days I will win a prize! LOL!
Thanks you for coming to the show. The springform pan is on ShopTasteofHome.com. Here is the link. http://www.shoptasteofhome.com/Silicone-Springform-Pan/50508,default,pd.html
Michelle, my mom and I enjoyed your show in Panama City, Florida this week and we fell in love with those squeezable salt and pepper shakers….can you tell me where I can find them? I didn’t see them on the Taste of Home website. Thanks for a great cooking show!
Thanks for coming and I am glad you enjoyed the show. The salt and pepper shakers came from Target.
thanks for coming to valdosta tonight. Can’t wait to try the mexican shrimp bisque! Looks yummt!
oh it is sooooo yummy
Love the peanut butter cheese cake , gallo family
it is awesome!!!
New Orleans garlic chicken
I hope you make it and love it like I do!
I just moved to the Valdosta area about a year and a half ago. I attended my very first Taste of Home Cooking School tonight. I had a WONDERFUL time!!! I only wished I had won one of the prizes (I never win anything…lol). But I still had a fantastic time and intend to attend more as long as I am still in the area or in an area where there is one. Michelle did a fantastic job and was thoroughly funny and entertaining!!! Thank you for a wonderful time tonight. I wish you well in future shows!!!
Also, the Johnsonville Meatball recipe was my favorite, I think (I love spaghetti). I can’t wait to try that and the peanut butter cheesecake recipes!!!
I am glad you came and had a good time. I love spaghetti also and I think you will love those Italian meatballs. I hope they change your life!
Tonight, my mother, my 9 year old daughter Katie and I attended the cooking show in Valdosta, GA. Michelle did an amazing job. Katie’s future plans are to be a chef at her own restaurant called “Katie J’s.” Katie had a wonderful time. Her favorite recipe was the taco casserole even though she thought the two desserts were absolutely fabulous. My favorite recipe was the mushroom tacos. I love mushrooms, cabbage, and avocados. Combining the three made the recipe even more enticing. My only problem is that my husband cannot tolerate the texture of mushrooms. Thank you for a fantastic evening with my favorite gal pals!!!
Thanks for coming and what a fun name for a restaurant! I bet he can tolerate the mushrooms they way they are in the tacos… Give it a whirl! If he doesn’t oh well more for you!
I loved your show in Asheville NC,wished there more shows in this area. My favorite brand was Gallo, I really like the new sangra,and never thought to buy small bottles to use in cooking,
I am glad you had fun at the show. Gallo is great and they have great recipes.
Really enjoyed the show in Asheville NC. Can’t wait to try the mexican shrimp bisque. Thanks a lot.
It is so delicious!!!!!
Michelle, just attended your show in Asheville and it was a treat! Loved all of the recipes that you demonstrated! Thnaks for all of the helpful tips! Thanks to Haywood Appliance for being a sponsor. It was wonderful to discover so many new restaurants in the area.
Thanks for coming and I am glad you had fun!
Thanks Michelle for another great show in Asheville, NC! We had a blast! Hope you are doing the next show in November. Made 4 of the recipes you showed us, and everyone loved it! Thanks again!
Thanks so much! Which 4 recipes did you make?
Peanut butter cheesecake
Sponsor. Ortega
Thanks! The cheesecake is yummy!
My favorite food was the Taco Casserole and ortega was my favorite vender
I love the Taco Casserole too. It is so quick and easy!
Michelle, I had so much fun back stage with you last night. Always good to see your smiling face! Terriffic show as always. Hugs sent your way and angels for safe travels!!
Much love,
Ann Hale
It was soooo good to see you too! Thanks for all of your help! Love you!
From the China Grove cooking school 4/24/2012, we love having you here, another great show
Thank you so much
Michelle loved having you in China Grove, hope you come back real soon. cant wait to try the peanut butter cheesecake and the mango chicken and the meatloaf, and i love Johnsville meats
well meatballs that is
I love Johnsonville meatballs too!
Loved have you in China Grove, NC again!! Enjoyed your cooking as usual! Can’t wait to try out all these wonderful recipes!! Looking forward to next time!
Thanks!!!
Great show! Enjoying recipes and fun monologues. Johnson meatballs favorite and fab sponsor! Tks
Need prizes on the other side of auditorium
Meatballs are delicious!
So much fun to have you back in China Grove, NC last night! Can’t wait to try the peanut butter cheesecake and my husband is begging for the Johnsonville meatballs and spaghetti! Gallo was my favorite sponsor. Wonder what that says about me…..
You have got to try both!!! Those meatballs are awesome! I am glad you had a fun time!
Hi Michelle. Can’t wait to see you in Demopolis, AL on May 31st. I attended your very first show there a couple of years ago. The presentations and your energy were amazing. Looking forward to another exciting show.
I am glad you are coming to the show later this month. I know it will be fun!
Great show tonight in Franklin, NC! The shrimp bisque was my favorite! Can’t wait to try it!
Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoy the shrimp bisque!
We love watching Red onstage in Franklin, NC! My favorite dish was the New Orleans Garlic Chicken. Can’t wait until next year!
Didn’t that recipe smell soooo good!
At the cooking school right now in Franklin!!!!! Michelle you are doing a fantastic job! This is my second show. I absolutely LOVED the Gallo Family’s Gried Chicken in Mango Chipotle Mojo. It looks absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to go home and try it! Who knows, maybe I’ll win it!!
. Thanks Michelle for a great show!!!!!
Thank you for coming to the show. I am glad you had fun! That Gallo recipe is so full of flavor! Enjoy!
Awesome show!!!!!!I. I don’t know how you put up with “smitty”. Fave recipe. Pnut butter cheesecake. Fav sponsor. Bi Lo
I love having “Smitty” as my emcee! He is so much fun! Thanks for coming to the show!
Johnson meatballs
Chico strawberry shortcakes look great!
Love the meatballs and the shortcakes!