Meet Lisa aka “Momma” Miller. This Barbecue Wife is as sweet as the baked goods she is whipping up from scratch daily at Miller’s Smokehouse in Belton, Texas. We can’t wait for you to meet her and we hope you will consider supporting these folks by swinging by and seeing them as soon as you can.

Name: Lisa Miller

Miller's Smokehouse (Belton, Texas)

Age: 55

Tell me a little bit about where you are from and where you grew up? I was born in Panama . I was an “Army brat.” As a child, we lived in Kansas, South Carolina, and finally settled in Salado, Texas when I was eight years old.

What did your parents do? What influence did they have on you in becoming the woman you are today? My Dad was in the military . My Mom was an emergency room nurse. Well, my childhood was pretty textbook dysfunctional . My mother in “love” has been my absolute role model. I met her when I was just eighteen, and I wouldn't have made it without her. I hit the jackpot when God gave me her.

What were you like as a child? What did you want to be when you grew up?

“I was a mess LOL.” I was always the benchwarmer in sports. I was a cheerleader in high school before you had to be a gymnast to be a cheerleader. As a career, I wanted to be a hair dresser or an interior designer.

Tell me a little bit about Miller's and how it all came to be. How did it get started and what makes it such a special place? The story of Miller’s Smokehouse is one made of family, hard work, and determination. To read more about the start of Miller’s Family Smokehouse you can check out the Our Story section on their website. Lisa “Momma” Miller was able to quit her job in 2013 and come on as the full time Baker at Miller’s Smokehouse. Dream accomplished.

What do you think people might not know about the day in the life of Lisa Miller and your role in the family business?   Lisa heads up the baking program at Miller’s Smokehouse. I am like Lucille Ball in the kitchen. I have no formal training. I have learned as as our business has grown, with a supportive family and staff. I am truly the mom of Miller's. Keeping it all together. What you see is what you get!

How did you meet your husband? Fun fact we might not know about your relationship?

My husband Dirk and I met at a bar believe it or not! Back in the early 1980s everyone went dancing at the bars every weekend . We just celebrated our 35th Wedding anniversary.

What is the best thing about being in the barbecue business?   I have been blessed with employees and customers that I've come to love .

What is the worst thing about being in the business? I'm a perfectionist, so it hurts my soul if a customer is unhappy.

The restaurant business can be one of the most exhausting businesses to be in...Any advice you can give as a making it all happen every day? Well, that's hard one for me . When I'm stressed I eat pie, but don't recommend that if you want to keep your nice figure . I'd say balance is the key. Always make time for your family and friends . Work your butt off and try to do your best on every little thing .

What do you do for fun? I spend time with my grand-babies! I like to eat out, go to the movies, antique shop, and travel.

If you were going to give one piece of advice to a young person who wanted to get into the business of barbecue or just "food" in general, what would that be?   Put together a team you invest in. It takes more than just cooking skills to be successful. Our family is blessed to have a CPA (Dusty) in the family . Your team needs to have different gifts and also be able to recognize them and use them unselfishly.

If you could do something outside of the restaurant/hospitality business, what would that be? I'd be the 3rd Junk Gypsy or maybe their weird Aunt.

When you actually get the chance...what do you do for fun with girlfriends or a "Night Out?"  

Eat a good meal and just catch up and talk!

Favorite Musician? Lauren Daigle

If you were to empty out your purse on the table right now, what would we find?   Coins, candy wrappers, 5 lipsticks and H-E-B receipts.

Is there a local or national charitable cause that you support and would like more people to be aware of?

Foster Love

RECIPE CARD

We end each interview with a piece we can share from your kitchen to the reader’s home kitchen. Think of it as sharing a recipe card from one good friend to another. What is a favorite recipe you like to share from your home kitchen when you are entertaining with friends and family?

Grandma Grier’s Cheese Ball

My Grandma Grier was quite a cook and taught me a few recipes. I get my love for baking from her. Here is the handwritten recipe from Grandmas Grier for her Cheese Ball. This is a great recipe for entertaining.

Ingredients:

(2) 8oz packages of Cream Cheese

(2) cups sharp cheddar cheese

(1) Tbs each of finely chopped - bell pepper, pimento, and onion

(2) tsp Worcestershire Sauce

(1) tsp lemon juice

Dash - cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients together well. Refrigerate until firm enough to form a ball. Roll Ball in chopped nuts.

To serve: Remove from refrigerator and let sit soften for using to spread. Serve with party crackers.

Lisa puts a lot of love into everything she does. If you get the chance, stop by and visit with her at Miller’s Smokehouse in Belton, Texas. You can follow her baking adventures on her instagram page at @millersbakedgoods and all the bbq at @millersmokehouse

It’s always a treat when I get to cross paths with Lisa. This picture was taken when we last saw each other at the 2019 Texas Monthly Barbecue Fest in Austin. I’m looking forward to our next get together…..hopefully soon and hopefully it includes some of her amazing cinnamon rolls!!

Till Next Time!

Catherine Stiles

For more adventures follow along Instagram at @BarbecueWife