Tom Maxwell
School
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Expertise
Southern American Cuisine, Food History, Home Cooking
- Tom has worked for three James Beard Award-winning restaurants across the country.
- He won Al Jazeera America's vaguely prestigious "World Cup of Food" competition in 2014, refereed by renowned food and drink writer Rosie Schaap.
- Tom's "A Really Strange and Wonderful Time: The Chapel Hill Music Scene 1989-1999" will be published by Hachette in 2024.
Experience
Tom began writing professionally at the tail end of a successful music career. He has contributed to The Oxford American, The Bitter Southerner, Longreads, and AARP. While writing a piece for North Carolina's Indy Week, Tom coined the term "historic locovorism" when encouraging a local chef to resurrect the classic Chatham Rabbit dish. Tom is also the co-creator of Shelved, an upcoming Audible music podcast produced by Gunpowder & Sky.
Education
Tom has a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Stories By Tom Maxwell
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We've all seen the sad-looking lobsters piled in grocery store tanks with tied claws. But why bother with this practice? Are these lobsters actually fresher?
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Using the best charcoal on your grill can get expensive. But there's a way to reuse your briquettes and save yourself a bunch of cash in the process.
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Every culture has customs surrounding dining etiquette. When it comes to using utensils correctly, there's a difference between American and continental styles.
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Adding a pinch of nutmeg to your next batch of homemade meatballs will infuse your dish with both warmth and a fragrant nuttiness without overpowering it.
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Cooking up a plant-based masterpiece? You can incorporate tequila to create new flavors. According to an expert, the timing is very important.
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If you're a fan of Nabisco's plaid-boxed Lorna Doone shortbread cookies, you've probably wondered what the name's origin story is. The answer is complicated.
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A simple ingredient from your cupboard can easily elevate your stir fry. Adding chicken stock to your sauce can make it more delicious and nutritious.
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Whether you're meticulously making French macarons or quickly baking chocolate chip cookies, don't let this mistake with almond flour ruin your bakes.
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The new film Unfrosted is sweeping the nation, but fans want to know -- what's real and what's been embellished? Let's look into the true history of Pop-Tarts.
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Fontina, a cheese originally hailing from the Alpine regions of Italy, has variations from Scandanavian to American that share commonalities yet are distinct.
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When it comes to candy bars in the U.S., we have so many delicious options to choose from. But one tasty treat consistently reigns supreme year after year.
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This savory breakfast item is a staple in Aruban culture and it's highly customizable. Learn all about pastechis and why you should try making some.
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Aldi is coming through with the sweet goods this summer. Here is a roundup of all the dessert releases you can expect in store throughout May.
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You might've wondered what the difference is between black beans and pinto beans. The truth is, there are several characteristics that distinguish the two.
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Perfectly roasted chicken breasts make for a satisfying main course. But if you want yours to bake up better than ever, then grab some toothpicks.
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Baking at high altitude isn't the same as whipping up desserts at sea level. So when you're craving brownies in the Rockies, follow this crucial tip.
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Believe it or not, there are actually two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck garlic. Here's how to spot the subtle differences between the two.
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If you're baking at home and want to cut a step out of the process, all you need is to whip out a roll of parchment paper. Here's why.
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If you've been having trouble figuring out how to get the most flavor out of your steaks, you'll want to hear what an expert has to say on the subject.
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Getting a bite at a fast food chain shouldn't mean heat-lamp burgers. If you want to guarantee your order is consistently fresh, know these ordering hacks.
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If you're haunted by childhood memories of restaurant staff grudgingly belting out kitsch birthday songs at you, blame an arbitrary licensing law.
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Brigadeiros are a national dish of Brazil. But is a one-time presidential candidate, who happened to be single and attractive, really to thank for them?
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Delicate greens like spinach are prized for their taste and nutrition, but unless you store fresh spinach properly, it can quickly turn into slimy compost.
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When you're at the grocery store or farmers market and on the lookout for the best bunch of asparagus, simply remember these three simple tips.
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If you've ever been foiled and frustrated by a jar of Talenti gelato that stubbornly refuses to release its lid, rest assured, you're not alone.
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Gochujang is a Korean condiment that has grown in popularity in recent years. Among its many uses, it can be used to easily upgrade a weeknight chili.
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When hosting a weekend brunch or Sunday evening dinner, chances are you'll be making a big pot of coffee. Here's the bitter mistake you need to avoid.