Melia Kay Boyson Schmidt

Beginning in Minot, North Dakota, and growing up across the United States, Melia Kay Boyson Schmidt took a while to find her way to the heart of Kentucky. Once she arrived, she stayed. She has now called the Bluegrass State home for more than 30 years.

Born to a Southern mother and a father from upstate New York, Melia brings both influences to her table. Kentucky’s warmth and hospitality made her feel at home, and she has since learned to make bourbon pecan pie, beer cheese, sweet tea and spoonbread.

Coming from a long line of accomplished cooks, Melia is now passing those recipes on to her daughters and sharing them with readers. She is the coauthor, with Genevieve Young Brown, of Gracing the Kentucky Table: A Guide to Entertaining, Bluegrass Style.