Cook of the Week
by Nathan Straus

Joe Stephens

A lifelong East Texan, Joe Stephens enjoys hunting, farming and cooking up some of the manliest dishes this side of Tyler.

"It's very satisfying to watch people eat what I cook," Stephens said. "It's the thing I enjoy most about cooking."

Another event Joe enjoys is Brownsboro Independent School District athletic games.

"I go to all the games I can make," Stephens said.

Joe's wife, Marsha Stephens, works in the administration office at BISD, and the two have three grown kids. Two have kids of their own.

All three of the Stephens' kids are daughters, and Joe said the stereotype of protective - or at least interrogative - fathers is quite true in regards to daughters and their relationships.

"All three had to answer a lot of questions," Joe said.

On Sundays Joe goes to Faith Baptist Church. He teaches an adult class there and has been in the congregation for 15 years, two years longer than his current job as a correctional officer for the state in Tennessee Colony near Palestine.

Stephens enjoys hunting, farming and good chili. Wolf Brand Chili is his favorite store-bought brand, Joe said.

"My favorite chili of all time, though, is the chili I make myself."

One of Joe's favorite recipes involves chili, along with a host of other flavorful ingredients.
The Guy Dish
2 cans of favorite chili (any
will suffice)
‰ bottle of preferred BBQ
sauce
1 small, sliced onion
1 package of Earl Cambell
Hot Links, diced
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
Crushed red pepper for flavor

Toss the ingredients into a crock pot and cook the dish until it is hot. Take some hot dog buns and pour The Guy Dish into the buns for a Joe's take on a chili dog.

Joe also had a piece of canned wisdom to impart.
Joe's Seven Can Stew
1 can sliced tomatoes
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can cream style corn
1 can green beans
1 can English peas
1 can carrots
1 can okra gumbo (the secret
ingredient)
1 large onion, diced
1 large potato, diced

Simmer the ingredients over low heat until all the vegetables are soft. Meal is best served with enriched crackers, and whole recipe can be doubled as needs dictate in order to serve a larger group.