Gaynell's Kitchen

09/06/2026

A few months ago I needed a different kind of pan for the Bunk House where we stay during “chemo” days - thank you Linda Bacon our Texas family bestie! So off to a Ross I fled and was rummaging through piles of pans and this one was buried in the back. I was SO excited when I held it - I was like “A Dolly Parton Custom Lodge Iron pan?”-what luck! I have been a fan for over 50 years.
The lady next to me was patting me on the shoulder “You OK? You OK?” I was shaking with joy. You can bet this will be a generational pass down.
We will miss you Miss Dolly. A extraordinary one of a kind woman, we got to witness so many of your talents and amazing, kind generosity. We need more humans like her. On the bottom engraved “What would Dolly do?”

08/16/2026

One of my favorite chapters in Gaynell’s Kitchen: Down Home Cooking from a Wayward Southern Belle is The Power of Grains and Beans - and yes, I am a “wayward Southern belle.” 😉

Grains and beans are some of the easiest, most versatile ingredients you can keep in your pantry. They can become a hearty meal, a satisfying snack, or the beginning of something completely delicious.
They’re filling, nourishing, full of fiber, and proof that simple ingredients can have a whole lot of power.

So open that pantry, get creative, and check out The Power of Grains and Beans in the cookbook. Most of all, have some fun with it!

Buy the book at www.GaynellsKitchen.com

08/15/2026

Had such a great time shooting this piece for KPIX CBS San Francisco Bay Area with Roy.

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There have been legendary meals served up around their table in Novato. Gaynell served some tasty meals for some of the blues' greats, including John Lee Ho**er, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Rambling Jack Elliott, and Big Mama Thornton.

"Back in the day when [Thornton] used to come play in San Francisco, that was like an accident, that I couldn't even believe she was in my house," enthused Gaynell.
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Big thanks to wizard pro producer from KPIX CBS SF, Molly McCrae - what a gem!

And thanks for the shout out for Roy's show in Mill Valley TONIGHT at Sweetwater Music Hall

WATCH NOW:
https://youtu.be/20KY509jwv8?si=iIHQz2WQ94XccbXi

A new cookbook features not only wonderful Southern cooking recipes...

08/15/2026

https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bay-area-cookbook-memoir-serves-up-blues-southern-fare/

Thanks to SF's KPIX / CBS affiliate for this wonderful story on us, our best friend mode -.and the Sweetwater show on Saturday 8/15
So grateful for a long time friend and talented 'one women's who is a force of TV nature" the gifted Molly McRae. What fun we had!! Thanks so much and see you on the dance floor!

A blues virtuoso and a wayward Southern belle living in the Bay Area are sharing their recipe for comfort and joy.

08/11/2026

Happy 95th birthday to the legendary Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, who celebrated his 95th birthday last week! 🎂🎸

Jack has spent a lifetime carrying the great American folk tradition forward - from his early days traveling with Woody Guthrie to influencing generations of musicians like Jonny Cash, Bruce Springsteen & Bob Dylan

Roy produced two of Jack’s albums, Friends of Mine and The Long Ride - both of which earned Grammy nominations. Guests included John Prine, Guy Clark, Tom Waits, Emmy Lou Harris & many other notables. Great moments in these recordings

Here’s to 95 years of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott - and a lifetime of songs, stories, friendships, and miles traveled.

08/08/2026

I’ve been graced to cook for a lot of celebrities and famous people over the years, but one thing I’ve learned is that it's a real honor to create a comfortable environment for them. Have the artists check that "celebrity" thing at the door, make a good home meal and have some stirring conversation.

One of my favorite stories in Gaynell's Kitchen is Let It Swing, about the amazing Wynton Marsalis - one of the most important jazz musicians & music educators in the world. A cultural gift to all of us. Cooking 'natural & organic' jambalaya for a fellow New Orleanian was a little scary & brave, but it turned into one of those most warm, memorable moments around the dinner table with friends that I’ll always treasure.

Check out the Wynton Marsalis story, 'Let It Swing', in my book Gaynell's Kitchen. It’s a fun one. 🎺🍲

Get the book from my website: www.GaynellsKitchen.com

08/01/2026

A fresh summer favorite - can feed 10 to 100! - with a Southern twist!

My Black-Eyed Pea and Sweet Corn Salsa is colorful, flavorful & perfect for chips, pita bread or a side dish. Can be served warm or cold.

Ingredients:
• Black-eyed peas
• Sweet corn
• Scallions
• Minced Garlic
• Catalina dressing
• Meyer lemon zest
• Fresh Meyer lemon juice
• Salt

This salsa is bright, satisfying, and a delicious way to enjoy some protein & fiber packed black-eyed peas.

For the full recipe and many more, buy Gaynell’s Kitchen at www.GaynellsKitchen.com

07/30/2026

I wear an apron all the time when I cook or have dinner guests, it’s part of my fashion statement! Here are a few of my favorite aprons:

• NOLA Jazz Fest apron with roomy pockets & those yummy Louisiana Crawfish
• NOLA Jazz Fest Red Beans apron - deep pockets too!
• A sweet 'Grannie' apron from those wonderful Farmer's markets in Tuscany
• A lacy gift from a friend in Mississippi - who doesn't love lace on aprons?
• Light apron with side pockets from a outdoor market in Avignon France
• A colorful apron from a Mexico Cooking School

And remember: if your dinner guests misbehave, bring out the goat!

Find more great stories & recipes in my book - available via my website www.GaynellsKitchen.com.

07/26/2026

For years, friends and family encouraged me to put my stories and recipes into a book.

Gaynell’s Kitchen: Down Home Cooking from a Wayward Southern Belle is part memoir, part cookbook, and full of unforgettable stories from a life shaped by music, film, food, love, family, and decades of welcoming people around the table.

Come for the stories, stay for the recipes, and discover a little inspiration to help you feed your family well.

Order your copy today at GaynellsKitchen.com

07/24/2026

Great cover story on Blues Blast Magazine ! come see RR at the Sweetwater 8/15 💃🎸

Cover photo © 2026 Kelly Ralph In This Issue Dave Popkin has our feature interview with slide guitar master Roy Rogers. We have ten Blues reviews for you this week including new music from John Primer & Friends, Russ Green, Chris O'Leary, Tas Cru, Steve Louw, The Name Droppers, Jeff Saxon, Johnny R...