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IN THIS ISSUE: TSTC Culinary Arts Belton Daytripper Local Area B&Bs Hog Creek Ice House Cactus Grill
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2012 Issue 5
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yourself and stay at a local Bed and Breakfast for the weekend. I promise, you will be pampered! I found another hidden gem that many of you may not know about. The culinary school at TSTC opens its doors to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch. If you want to experience gourmet food and service at affordable prices, you must visit these talented students and enjoy the fruits of their labor. This also serves as an actual course for the students, so let's support these “chefs-to-be�. You won't be disappointed. I must warn you though, reservations are a must!
A showcase of the tastiest restaurants
ummer is here and the hot Texas temperatures are a daily reminder. But don't fret! There are food options that blend perfectly with this summertime heat. Be sure to read about these delicious foods that I found in my reviews on Cactus Grill in Meridian and Hog Creek Ice House in Waco.
We have been busy at Bite of Wisdom to bring informative reading that keeps you entertained. I hope that you will enjoy this issue as we strive to constantly improve. As always, be sure to check out www.biteofwisdom.com for lots more! And drop us a line on Facebook to let me know what you think about our little publication. I would love to hear from you. Enjoy your Summer!
The BW Daytripper this month takes us to Belton, a great little town to get away for the day. You will experience friendly folks and a quaint downtown full of shops and restaurants. Have friends and family visiting this summer? Don't miss the article on Bed and Breakfast Inns. With such a wonderful selection, deciding which one may be a challenge. You may want to take a mini vacation
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BWDaytripper:
Belton City Limits
rowing up in the Central Texas area, Belton was always just a little town you drove through to get to I-35 South. Fast forward to 2012 and this once quiet town has became a growing metropolis of specialty shops, restaurants and lots of fun things to do. Rolling hills with towering trees welcome you as you enter this quaint town and driving down main street reminds me a little of Fredericksburg with numerous historic homes and buildings that eloquently line the streets. The County Courthouse majestically towers over and keeps watch of Belton and the surrounding area with several shops and restaurants encircling this magnificent structure. Make this destination your very own daytripper for a delightful sightseeing, dining and shopping experience.
I just love when small towns have their own little cafe where “everybody knows your name�. The food here is fantastic and the staff so friendly. And it is here that you can drink the Granddaddy of all Root Beer, Sarsaparilla. Select from a number of sandwiches and salads at very affordable prices. The atmosphere will take you back to an earlier time where you can belly up to the bar and have a cold root beer or ice cream float. Visit their website at www.sarsaparillasaloonandcafe.com to take a gander at their menu.
This coffee shop and cafe's eclectic decor reminds me of the places I would visit in larger cities like Chicago and Boston. Have a fresh baked pastry with your morning coffee or stop in for lunch and enjoy unusual salad and sandwich creations. Experiencing an afternoon slump, grab a real fruit smoothie for a quick pick-me-up. Bodega Bean also has live entertainment on the weekends. Feel free to sit a spell and surf the web or just enjoy the unique surroundings of this popular coffee shop. Visit their website at www.bodegabean.com for more information.
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This barbeque restaurant has been around for 18 years and continues to serve great food in a beautiful new location. Choose your meat right from the pit, grab a side of potato salad or coleslaw and top your meal off with a variety of cobbler flavors. Schoepf's Backyard is home to free live concerts throughout the spring and summer months. Barbeque and music, a Texas tradition. Visit www.schoepfsbbq.com for their Texas Music Series calendar. The perfect spot for breakfast or lunch. This little bakery really knows how to bake Kolaches, Cinnamon Rolls, Breads and more fresh every day. Their signature breakfast rolls are chock-full of bacon and cheddar cheese or ham and cheese. Stop in for lunch for a great sandwich prepared on fresh baked bread. As their slogan goes, “Enjoy Your Day The Little Bohemian Way!�
If you like lake front views, then this is the place for you! Overlooking beautiful Lake Belton, this restaurant is the perfect setting for a summer lunch or dinner. Here you can get your fill of seafood or try a burger or steak featuring their signature Creole Whiskey Sauce. Keep cool with a cold beer or try one of the many margarita concoctions while listening to live music. Dead Fish Grill is famous for their breathtaking sunsets. Who knows, maybe you can fire the cannon! Visit their website at www.deadfishgrill.com for more information.
Britt Drug Store, the oldest pharmacy in the county, is now home to the Soda Fountain at Britt Drug. Here you can step back in time and sit at the bar to gobble up hand-spun milkshakes and malts or sip on ice cream sodas. Enjoy that favorite soda as you indulge in exotic homemade fudge. This delightful soda fountain is one not to be missed. This is Belton's new claim to fame! The Gin is situated within a beautiful park-like setting which is home to shopping, dining and entertainment and it all sits on the banks of Nolan Creek. Enjoy shops such as Brickwood and Creekside Gallery, relax at the Woodhouse Day Spa or experience great food at The Gin at Nolan Creek Steakhouse. Top off the day with sweet frozen yogurt from Weigh Station Yogurt and listen to live music under the stars in the courtyard. This could be a day trip in itself! Visit their website at www.thegin.net for additional restaurant and shopping information. Belton's new addition to the city. This is a dream come true-eating a meal as you watch your favorite movie on the big screen! This premiere movie house shows first run movies with 3D capabilities. The Cafe is always open and serves favorites such as pizza, sliders, and even fried shrimp. The Parlor offers ice cream, fruit smoothies, floats and malts. This is truly a one-stop shop for your summer entertainment. Visit their website at www.grandavenuetheater.com for movies and times.
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This is what small towns are all about. Local vendors show off their homemade wares in booths sprinkled around the square. This event takes place every third Saturday so mark your calendar. Visit their website at www.downtownbelton.com. And to enjoy more of the small town experience, visit the every Saturday beginning at 7am sharp! You won't find events like these in the big city! Yes, Belton has their history to tell us all! Originally housed in the restored Carnegie Library Building, this award winning museum added another 10,000 square feet to allow for traveling exhibitions and a variety of interactive exhibits. Fun Shops and Summer Camps insure that people of all ages can enjoy this museum. This is one place you've just got to see! Visit their website at www.bellcountymuseum.org for up-to-date information and all exhibits both new and old.
This barbecue joint is in the heart of downtown Belton and serves up some mean baby back ribs, rib-eye steaks and awardwinning sausages just to name a few. Those who have savored the flavor of this great Texas barbecue say its the best around. Try it and you make the call! They have their hands in other “stuff� too. The taxidermy services are ready and waiting for your prize deer and the freezer at the processing plant, also located downtown, is full of their award winning meats for you to purchase. Visit their website at www.wildmillers.com for more information.
Downtown Belton has all kinds of shopping to discover. Cochran, Blair and Potts, the oldest family owned department store in Texas is a must stop for today's shopping needs. But for those who love antiques, this charming downtown area has a plethora of stores to choose from. And for you water-lovers, Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake are amongst the most beautiful in Central Texas. Belton has a lot to offer everyone and is a short drive from all directions, north, south, east or west. So there is no excuse not to venture into this small town with that big Hill Country feel.
There are all kinds of things going on at the huge silver-topped dome. This center provides all kinds of entertainment including arts and crafts shows, sporting events, rodeos and concerts. It can also provide the perfect place to host corporate conferences or more personal events such as wedding celebrations. Visit their website, www.bellcountyexpo.com for upcoming events. www.biteofwisdom.com
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Here Fishy, Fishy by Advocare10 Our bodies don’t produce Omega-3 fatty acids, so we must get them through our diet. Here’s why they are so important and how you can make sure you’re getting enough.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, also known as fish oil, are an important part of our diet, helping to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and according to many studies, possibly stroke. They are also known to help reduce inflammation and decrease a component of cholesterol known as Triglycerides.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for growth and brain function and are thought to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. According to a study published in the April 18, 2007, Journal of Neuroscience, dietary consumption of DHA (found in Omega-3 fats) slows the development of the two proteins that are responsible for the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease. Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3s. Some of the best are salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggest the average person consume 12 ounces a week to get enough Omega 3 fats in their diet. The evidence for benefits is so strong that the American Heart Association suggests everyone consume fish twice a week. But most of us aren’t eating fish that often. Unfortunately, less than one in five Americans heeds that advice according to the Harvard School of Public Health. About one-third of them eat seafood once a week, while nearly half eat fish occasionally or not at all. That’s where supplements can help us! If you’re not getting the amount of Omega-3 fats needed, the HSPH recommends taking 500 mg or more of an Omega-3 supplement a day. Evaluate your weekly Omega-3 fat intake, and don’t get caught without it. www.biteofwisdom.com
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I was able to sit down with Department Chair, Executive Chef Mark Schneider and was treated to much more than a visit. The first thing I noticed about Chef Mark was his chef’s jacket. It was ‘decorated’ much like that of a Navy Captain, with various acronyms sewn in red thread noting his many accomplishments. Among these numerous culinary certifications and awards include winning the coveted Texas Chef’s Association 2008 Chef of the Year Award. Along with being a department chair and a Master Instructor at the culinary school he also hosts a cooking show for Mom’s Everyday which airs each Monday on KWTX in Waco.
ou wouldn’t think of our own Texas State Technical College as a place to have a gourmet lunch but think again. TSTC is home to a new Greta W. Watson Culinary Arts Center, a state-ofthe-art culinary school which now rivals those in Austin and Dallas. Every Wednesday and Friday, students greet, cook and serve a gourmet lunch to the public fit for a king. Once I became privy to this and the school, I had to pay a visit and try out the students culinary talents. But first, I wanted to know what was behind the beautiful new structure and the fabulous food I have been hearing about. www.biteofwisdom.com
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So I certainly felt privileged that he took time out of his busy schedule to talk with me about the school and to give me a tour of the new culinary building. As we walked through the different classrooms, it became clear that much of what happens here and much of what the students are exposed to would not have happened without Chef Mark’s influence. He was consulted on every level when the culinary program was awarded funds to build the new school and I was impressed with the results. The students have access to state-of-the-art equipment with which they learn how to cook various kinds of food and prepare all kinds of dishes. There is a kitchen set up much like a restaurant kitchen where the students prepare, cook and serve gourmet dishes to the hungry Waco public as well as meals for many college in-house functions. Additionally, there are other commercial grade kitchens offering instruction on catering, baking and hot food preparation. Since the culinary school is part of a technical college and is an important aspect of the restaurant world, you will see that technology plays an important role in the student’s instruction. iPads grace each classroom wall and large TV screens hang from the ceiling so students can view each cooking technique. The latest in commercial grade ovens sits in one of the kitchens and can cook or bake many a dish with just a touch of a button.
students do. But nothing prepared me for what I encountered in the dining room. Each week, the students prepare a gourmet meal that will knock your socks off! This is an actual course that is part of the curriculum so all students are graded on each task including the setup of the dining room.
After talking with Chef Mark and touring the facility, I gained a greater appreciation for what these
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The tables are set with white table clothes and napkins and the silver, dinnerware and glassware are all top notch. A fresh flower on each table gives a sort of elegance not seen in many restaurants. The servers are dressed in white shirts, black pants and aprons and stand poised ready to serve.
Mango Crème Brulee with Chocolate Curls. I cannot begin to tell you how good it was! The presentation itself was breathtaking. And to know the students were behind all of this was truly amazing. If you think about it, all of the diners that day were contributing to a young person’s education!
As a major part of the course grade, the students choose a region from around the world and design a menu with all courses depicting the cuisine of the area. The day I was there, the menu title was “A Taste of Hawaii” by Simone Haynes. All menu items had a Hawaiian flair such as the Kalua Pulled Pork Sandwich or the Spicy Thai Beef Salad. I chose Nalo Green Salad, Passion Fruit Soup, and Macadamia Crusted Tilapia with Ponzu Sauce. I couldn’t pass up dessert this time so I ordered the
As a side note, meals made daily by the students are sold as “Gourmet Meals-to-Go”. They are very affordable and available at the kiosk in the main lobby of the building. All proceeds from the lunches and meals-to-go are funneled back into the culinary program.
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You may dine at the TSTC Culinary Arts school on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Check out their website to view the current week's menu and I strongly recommend making reservations. So let’s all drive out to TSTC and have lunch or grab a meal-to-go and support these bright young students.
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Waco, Texas
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Elegance Breakfast
taying at a Bed and Breakfast Inn provides that cozy, home-like feeling with an unrivaled uniqueness that is difficult to find at any hotel. Starting a fabulous day with a wonderful breakfast, we discovered that many of the B &B’s offer exceptional quality food made fresh by the artistic hands of the innkeepers. My first experience savoring a tasty B&B breakfast was in Napa Valley, California. We happened to choose one where the innkeeper was a gourmet chef that also teaches cooking classes right there at her B&B. Decked out in her chef’s jacket each morning, she poured French pressed coffee and presented a breakfast that was absolutely fabulous. We immediately knew that a stay at her B&B was a must on our return visit to Napa Valley. Visiting many B&B’s since then, I have found the stay at each establishment to be just as special. Many innkeepers present these delectable breakfasts with the utmost care to the smallest details. In addition, the owners of these B&B's enjoy enlightening conversations and thoroughly love to discuss the history of these grand homes. Upon discovering many of the local Bed and Breakfast Inns within the Central Texas area, I was excited to present those that made it extra special with their gourmet breakfasts. In doing research for this project, I found a variety of Inns, each with their own personality and the innkeepers who just love what they do. This was going to be fun!
1910 Austin Avenue Waco, Texas 254-753-7294 www.thecottonpalace.com Cotton Palace Bed and Breakfast was my first stop of touring B&B's. Innkeeper, Becky Hodges greeted me with such enthusiasm, I knew I was in for a treat! The home was built in the early 1900's and has kept the old southern charm of a time gone by
but includes 21st century comforts of home. Becky, I believe was meant to be an innkeeper and infuses her vivacious personality into each visitor's stay. She likes to show off her B&B and make her visitors feel right at home by cooking up a Texas gourmet breakfast. She uses Texas ingredients which includes pecans from her own pecan tree on the property and fresh herbs, grown in her garden. The flour used to make her homemade scones is milled at Homestead Heritage in Waco. Coffee and teas, both from Texas companies are available all day long along with homemade cookies. Many of Becky's special recipes are inspired by her grandmother's recipes, which we all know, are usually the best! Breakfast is served in an arts and crafts designed dining room where Becky herself converses with her guests as they sip specialty coffee and tea and munch on homemade scones while they await a scrumptious Texas gourmet breakfast. Now this is hospitality, Texas style! www.biteofwisdom.com
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2425 Colcord Waco, Texas 254-537-4720 www.spencerhousewaco.com Spencer House Bed and Breakfast is one of the many Arts and Crafts style homes which line Colcord Street in Waco. Innkeepers Dan and Vivian Capps recently purchased the house with the intent of turning it into a Bed and Breakfast and guests are glad they did. The house, built in 1913, has retained much of the periods elegance and with a few touch ups here and there, the Capps have turned it into a very comfortable place to hang your hat. This is a hobby of sorts for the innkeepers and serving a gourmet breakfast is one of their favorite things to do. “We are all about doing things different”, Dan Capps told me when I sat down to chat with the couple on a recent visit. They grow some of the fresh ingredients used in their recipes which includes lettuce and herbs. Figs picked from their very own tree are transformed into wonderful fig preserves. The Capps like to emphasize their “3 course breakfast” which consists of a fresh fruit parfait, a meat, egg and potato plate and a “dessert” which is usually a homemade pastry. They have been known to serve a Mile High Meat Pie! The innkeepers like for their guests to remember them after their stay by sending them on their way with a “goody box” filled with homemade energy bar and brownies. I am pretty sure guests won't forget their stay at Spencer House Bed and Breakfast! 1515 Columbus Avenue 254-235-0768 www.camillehousebandb.com Camille House Bed and Breakfast was my next B&B visit. This house was built in the early 1900's and throughout the years, lost its southern charm due to many different families and organizations occupying it. Ronnie and Michael Fanning bought the house in 2008 and restored it to it's elegant beginning. I was given a tour of the house and I felt as though I stepped back in time. The porches are what sets this B&B apart and will take you back to simpler times. A dream kitchen, where fresh gourmet breakfasts are prepared is just off the main dining room. Ronnie loves to cook and makes sure her guests don't leave hungry. She usually serves a fruit parfait to start the meal and one of her signature dishes, Strawberry Stuffed Marscapone French Toast soon follows. Ronnie has also been known to stuff her french toast with Nutella! She uses farm raised eggs in her dishes and can accommodate any special diet requests. Not up for a full breakfast? The innkeepers will accommodate by bringing a continental breakfast up to your room. Now this is service! www.biteofwisdom.com
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321 CR 1630 Clifton, Texas 254-622-3449 www.lakehaven.biz Lakehaven Bed and Breakfast, located on Lake Whitney, is a very different kind of B&B. Guests can experience country living for a time and soak up fresh air, beautiful scenery, spot wildlife and gaze up at starry skies at night. Innkeeper's Elmer and Jo Ann Mulhausen, bought the house to satisfy Elmer's desire to retire and Jo Ann's quest for continuing to cook as this is her favorite thing to do. And I can attest to her cooking as I was invited to stay for breakfast one morning. She offered me a front row seat in the kitchen as she cooked and told stories of how she came to love cooking. Here blueberry pancakes are a favorite of guests and neighbors but she encourages everyone to ask for their favorite breakfast fare. This particular morning, I was able to sample her Eggs Florentine, her special potatoes and of course, those famous blueberry pancakes! (I didn't eat for 3 days after consuming this breakfast of champions!) Elmer sat at the head of the table and entertained us. I felt truly blessed to be around these wonderful people! And as Jo Ann tells all of her guests,�If you leave here hungry, its not my fault!�
Made
Fresh By
8451 Gholson Road Waco, Texas 254-723-8539 www.thepecantreeinn.com Pecan Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast is a special place unlike any other. This Bed and Breakfast is actually cottages with living areas and kitchens. Innkeeper's Brent, Teresa and Angela Heath know what hospitality means. Teresa invited me out to experience this first hand. Additionally, I was able to enjoy breakfast with one of her guests who stays there quite often and learned of the many other breakfast choices she has had. I received the royal treatment by eating on fine china, sipping exquisite coffee while being waited on hand and foot. First up was a parfait of cream and berries followed by a breakfast entree of farm fresh scrambled eggs and organic turkey sausage ending with an orange sparkling punch. It is a good thing I don't do this every day! All food prepared by Teresa contains organic ingredients and is supplied mostly from Homestead Heritage which is nearby. I was told that locals come to stay at The Pecan Tree Inn as a weekend getaway. Now that's an idea! www.biteofwisdom.com
Breakfast
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Discover
SouthWestern Charm at this
Texas Grill
delightful placed worth driving to for a memorable meal. The first thing I noticed as we walked in was the larger than life tapestries hanging from the ceiling. Pictures of the great Southwest hang from the walls and the furniture mimics this same dĂŠcor. As we were seated, the waiter brought us warm rolls accompanied by their signature butter whipped together with parsley, garlic, thyme and onion. Oh my. I knew at this point that all the wonderful things I had heard about Cactus Grill were going to be true. With one quick scan at the menu, the names of the various dishes alone piqued my interest. Sandwiches and Tacos such as Fried Blackened Baby Shrimp Sandwich or the Chicken Tinga Tostada sounded mouthwatering. Among the salad choices were a Classic Caesar Salad and a Spinach Salad all topped with the Grill's homemade dressings. Pecan Crusted Pork Scallopini and Pan Seared Tilapia, I am told, are among the customers' favorites.
ucked away on a Meridian side street next to Bosque County's courthouse you will find the Cactus Grill. I was informed of the great food at this establishment and decided it was time to find out for myself. I have recently subjected my daughter to these restaurant adventures and her only dislike is that she can't eat until I take pictures of the food we are about to devour. It is nice to know that gourmet-type food, found in the larger surrounding cities, is available in such a small town. Cactus Grill is a quaint restaurant residing in one of the older downtown buildings which in itself adds to the ambiance. Toss in Southwestern dĂŠcor and you have a truly www.biteofwisdom.com
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have eaten sopapillas in numerous Mexican restaurants, but I was not prepared for what I was about to encounter. Along with the traditional puffed pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar, these sopapillas were drizzled in a warm pecan caramel sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. What a perfect ending to a superb lunch! The Cactus Grill was such a pleasant experience that a return visit is already on my calendar. This is absolutely one place that you must experience for yourself!
We both ordered a cup of fresh made cream of asparagus soup to start this lunch adventure. It was so delicious we almost licked our bowls clean! My daughter also chose a Greek Salad and I must say that I have never seen lettuces as green as these! All the traditional Greek ingredients were present and topped with their homemade Greek dressing. For myself, I chose the Chicken Caesar Tortilla Wrap which was presented in a spinach tortilla, filled with grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes and homemade Caesar dressing. I spoke briefly with owner Veronica Contreras. She told me that her husband Raul, who is the chef of this wonderful place, uses only fresh ingredients and nothing from the big box stores. This exceptional food left us with anticipation to experience Raul’s dessert making talent. There were many choices such as chocolate mouse cake but we couldn't pass up the sopapillas. I www.biteofwisdom.com
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by Jennifer Vickery of JoCo Builders Summer is a fun time for families and friends to gather, spending time camping at the lake, lounging by the pool, or attending family reunions. Whatever the occasion, it is a time to enjoy the best summer foods like tender BBQ smoked in flavors of hickory or mesquite, fruits and melons filled with juicy mouth bursting sweetness, and fresh vegetables ripe with flavor and color. This super easy recipe feeds a crowd for your budgeting bucks.
3-4lb. Whole Chicken 3-4lb. Pork Shoulder Roast 2-3lb. Beef Roast 3 Diced Sautéed Sweet Onions 4 Cans Crushed Tomatoes 2 Cans Butter Beans or Lima Beans 2-3 Cans Drained Whole Kernel Corn 4-6 Large potatoes (peeled, boiled, and cubed) 1-2 Bottles of your preferred BBQ Sauce or your own recipe Salt and Pepper Hot Sauce (optional) Note: You may also like okra, peas, green beans, or pinto beans.
Place meat in a large pot (I use a 16qt. tamale pot). Season the meat with salt and pepper, cover with water, and cook until meat falls from the bones. Remove meat from the pot and cool. (I cook meat the day before and allow it to cool over night), reserve and freeze stock to use with other recipes. Remove meat from bones and fat, and then shred it by hand or using two forks. After cooking onions and cubing cooked potatoes, return meat to the pot on med/low heat. Add onions, tomatoes, beans, corn, and potatoes. Mix veggies in with meat. Add BBQ sauce and hot sauce to taste; heat through stirring occasionally. Serves 20 plus.
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Summer’s Healthy Recipes By: Summer Aletky
Spaghetti Squash with fresh tomato sauce 1 Spaghetti Squash 1 tbs Olive Oil 3 tomatoes diced (a 6oz can will do the trick too) 2 cloves garlic minced 1 6oz can tomato paste 1/4 cup low sodium chicken stock 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp salt 1 lb ground turkey* optional Parmesan cheese to taste Preheat oven 450 degrees Place the squash in the oven for 10-15 minutes to let the skin soften. (I usually put the squash in as the oven is preheating.) Coat a small casserole dish with olive oil Cut the squash in half; remove the seeds (save for baked seed snack), place face down in casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes. While the squash is baking prepare the sauce. In large saucepan sauté garlic in olive oil until it is lightly toasted or golden brown. *If you decide to add meat brown it with the garlic. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, oregano and salt. Let simmer for 20 minutes. When the squash has cooked, remove it from the oven and use a fork to remove the “spaghetti-like” insides. Smoother the squash with sauce, top with Parmesan cheese to your liking and garnish with a basil leaf. Family Approval: This is one of my son’s (14 years old) favorite fake out foods. He likes the spaghetti squash better than wholewheat noodles. My husband is also a big fan of this recipe. Of course, the guys like it with ground turkey, which is a great lower calorie alternative for beef. The boys give it an eight out of ten with texture being the only complaint. It does have a grainy texture. I love it because: This is a super simple recipe. It does take about an hour to prepare, but most of that time is cook time, so I start other projects while cooking this one. It’s fairly inexpensive. I usually spend about $4 on this meal for four with the turkey being the biggest cost. It is also easy to find great squash right now. I also love it because an 8oz serving is only about 300 calories, 15g carbs and 21g of fat! Serve it with: Warm whole-wheat loaf, found for about $2 in the bakery section of your local grocery store. Make a mixture of olive oil and garlic for dipping. It is also delicious paired with a crisp white wine such as a light pinot or sauvignon Blanc. Added bonus: You can take those seeds that you set aside, rinse them off and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes or until crispy and golden. Lightly toss them in olive oil and salt and they make a great salty, healthy snack. Great alternative for nuts. www.biteofwisdom.com
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Country Cooking… Where You'd Least Expect It! raveling down Highway 6 just west of Waco as much as I do, I have always wanted to stop at the Hog Creek Ice House. From what I've been hearing around town, Hog Creek is a great music venue. As everyone knows, “everything is bigger in Texas” and Hog Creek Ice House is no exception. I finally got my opportunity to visit the Ice House and upon entering this 8000 square foot building, I can see why! Everything from the bar, to the tables and chairs, to the dance floor is just that—BIG! But on this adventure, it was food that I was after and I was not to be disappointed. The Country Menu was filled with the typical Texas fare that includes Fried Pickles, Chicken Fried
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Yes, Hog Creek Ice House is known as a great music venue but don't dismiss the restaurant. In looking around the place, I noticed a flier advertising the Thursday Night All You Can Eat Pork Chops for $9.99. And mark your calendar that Wednesday is Hump Day at the Ice House with all kinds of drink specials. Catering is available and a Special VIP Events room is located upstairs as a place to gather with your friends and family.
Steak, Fried Catfish, Steak Fingers and Hamburgers. In keeping with the Texas theme, they now serve BBQ. This expanded menu includes barbecue plates, sandwiches, by the pound and taters. This did not ease my decision of what to order. I shifted my attention to the extensive appetizer menu which consisted of unique choices as Texas Toothpicks, Mini Corn Dogs and Fried Pickles. But since mushrooms are a favorite of mine, I decided on the Fried Mushrooms. My appetizer arrived promptly and was oh so delicious. My dining companion chose the Chopped Beef Sandwich from the new BBQ menu. It was sloppy-good and served alongside with homemade French fries. These fries were sliced fresh and fried to a consistency of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Knowing my fingers would make their way to these potato beauties, I chose a healthy, less caloric option. The Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad was a welcome change to the usual. The chicken was absolutely tender and juicy, seasoned with all of the appropriate Cajun spices and paired perfectly with the cold salad greens beneath it. Feeling completely satisfied, it was time to roll me out the door! www.biteofwisdom.com
Hog Creek Ice House provides something for everyone. So the next time you are in the mood Texas eatin', plan to visit this ole for some good “everything's bigger in Texas� kind of place. Ya'll enjoy!
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2012: Issue 5
I Love to Eat
Waco, Texas The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is a year round riverside market featuring the best local agricultural producers and artisan vendors within 150-miles of Waco. Open every Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. www.wacodowntownfarmersmarket.com
Belton, Texas Don't miss hometown fun and shopping every third Saturday of the month at Belton Market Days! www.downtownbelton.com
Schoepf's Barbecue, Belton, Texas Hang out under the shade trees and listen to some great music. Thursday evenings this Spring/Summer. 7:00-10:00 PM. www.schoepfsbbq.com
Troy, Texas The Troy Farmers Market is held on the 4th Saturday of each month starting at 8:00 AM. Offering a variety of items from local farmers and vendors. Dedicated to supporting the local economy by offering a variety of items, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and cheese, and arts and crafts. www.troyfarmersmarket.net
Carl Levin Park, Harker Heights, Texas All Harker Heights Farmers Market vendors produce and sell 100% Texas grown produce and handmade crafts. We strive to bring to the consumer local, affordable unique items only found in Texas! Saturdays 7 am -12 pm. www.ci.harkerheights.tx.us/default.aspx?name=pr.farmers
Red Caboose Winery, Meridian, Texas Every last Friday of the month with live music. Bring your own food, first come, first served. No outside alcohol. 7 pm -10 pm. www.redcaboosewinery.com
Walburg Restaurant, Walburg, Texas Enjoy live music at the Walburg Restaurant Biergarten. Every Friday and Saturday this Spring/Summer. Opens at 6:00 PM, music starts at 7:30 PM. May get crowded, so get there early. www.walburgrestaurant.com
7/4/2012 Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard, Marble Falls, Texas Six Texas Hill Country Wineries will converge on the North Shore of Lake Travis for VinoPalooza 2012! Join us in celebrating the best wine and food Texas has to offer. Great Local Music overlooking the vineyard. www.flatcreekestate.com
212 S. Main Street, Temple, Texas A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers awaits you at the Temple Farmer’s Market. Colors, tastes and smells unmatched by grocery store offerings invite you to take your time selecting your delicious produce. Come early for the best selection! Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, or until everything sells out! www.ci.temple.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=205
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7/4/2012 Indian Spring Park, Waco, Texas Enjoy music, food and drinks on the banks of the Brazos River. Begins at 7 p.m. Indian Spring Park, 113 S. University Parks Drive. www.wacotexas.com/cms-brazos-nights
7/12/2012 Messina Hof Winery, Bryan, Texas Includes lessons, tips, tricks, recipes, how to pair food and wine, and more for beginners and more seasoned cooks. Participants receive a tote bag filled with goodies, a recipe book. Call (979) 7789463 or toll free (800) 736-9463, ext. 234 for more information. Messina Hof Winery,4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan, Texas. www.messinahof.com
7/14/2012 Salado, Texas The Village of Salado invites you to its first annual Salado Swirl. For those who know the "Six S's" of wine tasting this is the event for you! The "Salado Swirl" will be held throughout the Village of Salado. This one-day event promises to satisfy all of your culinary delights from wine tastings to enjoying local cuisine while listening to music. www.saladoevents.com
8/17 - 8/18/2012 Taylor, Texas International BBQ cook-off brings competitors and master cooks from around the state and beyond. Also includes great entertainment, arts and crafts. www.taylorchamber.org
7/13 - 7/15/2012 Fair Park, Dallas, Texas The largest outdoor food festival in Dallas includes restaurant and retail booths, and music on three stages. Fair Park, 1121 First Ave. www.tasteofdallas.org
8/25/2012 Extraco Events Center, Waco, Texas Make plans now to attend the biggest, coolest, hottest party of the summer. www.extracoeventscenter.com/margaritaandsalsaf estival
7/14/2012 Weatherford, Texas More than 225 quality arts and crafts, local produce & food vendorswill line the historic streets of downtown as you shop with the charming Parker County Courthouse as the backdrop! Many antique and specialty stores will have specials throughout the day so be sure and visit the downtown merchants as well. Last year 30,000 folks attended this outstanding one day event! www.peachfestivaltx.com
7/20 - 8/26/2012 Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas This five-week event includes grape picking and stomping, the Moonlight Harvest event, murdermystery dinners, special tours and tastings and the Grand Finale Celebration. www.messinahof.com www.biteofwisdom.com
8/26/2012 Fiesta Gardens, Austin, Texas If you wanna beat the heat this summer, then you gotta eat the heat – join The Austin Chronicle for the world's largest hot sauce festival. Drawing as many as 15,000 spectators and more than 350 entries every year. www.austinchronicle.com/Market/HotSauce/
8/31 - 9/2/2012 West, Texas Parade, Arts & Crafts, Czech Food, Music, Midway Rides, Children's Area, Karaoke, Polka Mass and much more. www.westfest.com
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9/3/2012 Homestead Heritage, Elm Mott, Texas A fun-filled, family-oriented event: Watch the craftsmen of Homestead Traditional Craft Village demonstrate traditional homesteading crafts. Features include Make-Your-Own craft activities, sustainable living seminars & horse-drawn hay rides. We will have special music at noon, grilled hamburgers, brick oven pizza & homemade ice cream. Tour our restored early-1800's timberframe buildings, and a 1760's gristmill. www.homesteadheritage.com
9/21 - 9/23/2012 Salado, Texas The Village of Salado invites you to its fourth annual Chocolate & Wine Weekend. For those who believe the four basic food groups consist of white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate and truffles….the Chocolate & Wine Weekend is the event not to be missed. www.saladochocolatefestival.com
9/22 - 9/23/2012 Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas Featuring presentations from your favorite Food Network Stars Live in our Celebrity Theater, plus over 300 exhibitors ranging from specialty food companies, caterers, stationers, appliance manufacturers and more! www.metrocookingdallas.com
9/8/2012 1501 E. FM 2410, Harker Heights, Texas This Central Texas Food & Wine Festival will also include Texas Breweries! www.hhfoodandwine.com
9/13 - 9/16/2012 Grapevine, Texas Festival goers will enjoy award-winning wines perfectly paired with culinary treats at the largest wine festival in the Southwest. This year, a special focus on Australian wines and culture livens up the action, while the festival’s trademark activities continue: People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic – the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation, Culinary Pavilion, GrapeFest Golf Classic, Kid Zone, Grape Stomp, six stages of live entertainment and much more! www.grapevinetexasusa.com/FestivalsAndEvents/ GrapeFest913162012/tabid/228/Default.aspx
9/15 - 9/16/2012 Reliant Park, Houston, Texas Featuring presentations from your favorite Food Network Stars Live in our Celebrity Theater, plus over 300 exhibitors ranging from specialty food companies, caterers, stationers, appliance manufacturers and more! www.metrocookinghouston.com
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9/23/2012 Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin, Texas Meat. Fire. Smoke. Get Ready! City Terrace at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. www.texasmonthly.com/bbqfestival
9/29 - 9/30/2012 Sixth Street, Austin, Texas The Pecan Street Festival is a free, bi-annual arts and crafts festival held on 6th Street in Austin, Texas. The show features artisans from all over the United States who display and sell homemade art and craft work. Festival goers can find paintings, sculpture, woodwork, candles, jewelry, cowboy hats, home decor, games, and other useful and whimsical household items. Local musicians provide entertainment on three stages. The festival is the largest art festival in Central Texas, attracting over 300,000 people per event. Take part in a tradition that is 100% Austin and has been known for the last 33 years as a great way to spend a weekend. www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com
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