After a one year hiatus, Real Men Cook Dallas came back in a major way on Father's Day at the Dallas Convention Center.  Terry Allen produced the local version of this nationwide event. There were over 1,100 tasters who weathered Sunday's rain to celebrate African-American fathers and men.

Men from throughout the community prepared all sorts of dishes; including crab cakes, collard greens, sweet potato pie, chicken sausage, gumbo, and many other savory delights.  Unfortunately I didn't get to take many good picture because I was busy serving Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding.

Real Men Cook , now in its 18^th year, has become a Father’s Day tradition.  It is the largest and longest running national Father’s Day celebration of it’s kind. The Chicago originated event is now held in 11 cities around the country, including Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Detroit.

Chef Jeff Henderson served as celebrity chef for the evening in Dallas. Chef Jeff is the author of Cooked: From the Streets to the Stove, From Cocaine to Foie Gras.  He most recently held the title of executive chef at Cafe Bellagio in Las Vegas.

The energy and spirit throughout day were unbelievable.  From the cooks to the volunteers, the celebrity tasters to the entertainers, it was the people that made Sunday a really special day.   Bounty was the national partner for Real Men Cook 2007.

I can't wait until next year.  A family event that has something for everyone (namely food), what more could you ask for?  The crazy thing is that among 40 plus chefs and cooks on hand I won two awards; Best Content and Best Presentation for Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding.

Shout out to my mother-in-law Sherry Washington for the recipe and my wife Tamela for coaching me (I made it myself…really!!!). Also props to John Hancox, "The Link Man" who served his chickens sausage at the next station over, and our assistants for the day - Lawrence Brown, Michael Smith, and Jeff Tyler.

Kudos to Mr. Allen, as well as Yvette Moyo co-founder of Real Men Cook for their vision and passion.  Go ahead and mark your calendar for Father's Day 2008, that way we won't have to hear all the excuses about how everyone already has plans.  Just make sure when you get your tickets next year, you by them from me (Thanks in advance).