Miss Maria Rumlin Reveals Her Signature Southern Comfort Food Secrets

Miss Maria Rumlin, owner of M&R Café Southern Cuisine, has shared two beloved comfort food recipes. The dishes—Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs and 7-Cheese 'Cheese & Mac'—showcase her signature techniques and bold flavours. Both recipes rely on her proprietary 'Petty Chef' seasoning and careful preparation methods.

The Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs begin with a generous coating of Miss Maria's 'Petty Chef' beef seasoning. The ribs are seared until browned, then set aside while onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed in the same pan. Ten cloves of garlic and fresh herbs join the mix before the pan is deglazed with red wine. The ribs return to the pot, submerged in beef broth, and braise for three hours until tender. Once cooked, they're removed, and a flour slurry transforms the braising liquid into a smooth, rich gravy.

The 7-Cheese 'Cheese & Mac' starts with elbow noodles boiled in salted water with a pinch of sugar. A roux, made from butter and flour, thickens a mix of half-and-half and heavy cream. Seven cups of shredded cheese—including Smoked Gouda, Velveeta, and Mozzarella—are folded in, creating a creamy, stretchy texture. The sugar balances any sharpness in the cheese, ensuring a smooth, indulgent finish. Miss Maria's techniques set these dishes apart. The Southern-style roux in the mac and cheese adds depth, while the flour slurry gravy elevates the beef ribs with a velvety consistency. Both recipes reflect her commitment to layering flavours for maximum comfort.

These two dishes highlight Miss Maria's approach to Southern cooking: rich, well-seasoned, and deeply satisfying. The Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs and 7-Cheese 'Cheese & Mac' combine traditional methods with her personal touch. Fans of hearty comfort food can now recreate her café's most iconic meals at home.