Cooking Wisdom from Cowboy Kent Rollins

“Cowboy” Kent Rollins has spent decades cooking on ranches throughout the U.S., but his message extends beyond just culinary tips.

The seasoned chuckwagon cook and TV personality encourages people to set aside their smartphones during meals, arguing that this habit diminishes family connections.

“It’s alarming how many folks sit at the table—be it at home or in a restaurant—holding a phone instead of a fork,” Rollins, who hails from New Mexico, shared in a recent interview.

Appearing on shows like “Cast Iron Cowboy,” which airs on the Food Network and Outdoor Channel, Rollins emphasizes that the simple act of enjoying a meal together, free from digital distractions, can really strengthen familial ties.

“America would be a better place if we still gathered around the table, took off our hats, held hands, and gave thanks for our blessings and our meals,” he expressed.

As life becomes more fast-paced and tech-driven, Rollins is urging a return to traditional dining practices, which he believes can have significant benefits.

“We’ve drifted away from that, but let’s revisit gathering around the table,” he implored.

A YouGov survey from last year revealed that while about 55% of Americans eat dinner with family, many—63%—tune into the TV, and 28% even use their phones during meals, with only 41% engaging in conversation.

For Rollins, the dinner table represents more than just a place to eat.

“My mother used to say, it’s not the table legs that support the table; it’s the family around it,” he recalled.

The sentiment is clear: “Leave your phone in your pocket and truly enjoy your meal,” he advised.

Reflecting on his childhood, Rollins reminisced about his fondest memories of Sunday dinners after church, where family would come together in the kitchen to prepare a meal.

“Whether it’s a stale pot roast or double-fried chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes, sitting down for a simple meal of beans and bread—that’s family,” he noted.

These gatherings were about more than just physical sustenance.

“It feeds not only your belly but also connects you with others,” he said. “We shared stories, laughter, and love.”

Rolling out tips for cooking—from oven-roasted ribs to spring grilling—Rollins keeps his approach straightforward.

He conveys this philosophy through various platforms, including a popular YouTube channel, his series on the Outdoor Channel, and his new podcast, “Cowboy Coffee Hour,” co-hosted with his wife.

“If cooking were truly difficult, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he remarked. “Life is simple, and there’s no reason to complicate cooking.”

Rollins encourages everyone to gather with family and friends, celebrate food, and savor the joyous moments. With summer on the horizon, he reminds us, “It’s time to eat!”