WINTER
TREAT IN A GLASSFIREPLACE OPTIONAL
SAFETY
ROMANCE SCAMS ARE ON THE RISE, BEWARE!
TRAVEL
SCENIC BEAUTY, HISTORY & TRUE LOVE IN TENNESSEE
• 2 year unlimited miles full comprehensive warranty
• Next 4 services are complimentary
• 161 point inspection by a certified Lexus technician
• Roadside assistance included
• Voted “Best Certified Program” many consecutive years
Get ready for a family friendly experience that supports Texas youth and showcases western heritage all across the state.
Billy Bob Dante
Cowboy boots, denim and fringe as far as the eye can see. Tip your Stetson and saddle up!
Lisa Dante
Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and apps or contact you through popular social media sites like Instagram or Facebook.
The art of romance! How to set the mood for a romantic Valentine’s Day.
Jim Peterson
Exploring Tennessee’s unique attractions and natural wonders.
Denise Payne
These soups and stew will be your go-to meals to chase away those winter chills. From easy shortcuts to all out gourmet.
Daylilies are not only beautiful, tough and drought-tolerant, they are one of the most adaptable flowering plants in the world.
Marc Hess
For those days when you’re torn between coffee and hot chocolate with a bit of alcohol, this mocha drink checks all of the boxes.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHERS
CONTRIBUTORS
LISA DANTE
KEITH CHESTER
JOSH HUSKIN
LISA DANTE
MARC HESS
DR. JUSTIN PHILLIPS, L.Ac
LISA DANTE
MATTHEW HARVEY
BILL DANTE
DR. RICHARD BRUCE WINDERS
ALBERT FLORES
NANCY FOSTER
SHERIFF JAVIER SALAZAR
JIM PETERSON
DENISE PAYNE
GABE SPENCER
ILLUSTRATOR
JEREMIAH TEUTSCH
CONTRIBUTING PRODUCTION STAFF
JOSH LOPEZ, SAMANTHA MUSCAT-SCHERR, GABRIELA ALTAMIRANO
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
It’s a brand new year and with that beginning comes the start of Texas rodeo season. This isn’t just about top-tier rodeo action. It’s also a heartfelt mission to support communities with youth education programs across the state. Check out our westerncore (yes, that’s a word) fashion article for what to wear to stand out from the crowd and bring a little “yee haw” to your wardrobe.
February brings us to the most romantic month of the year. Wine writer, Jim Peterson’s Valentine’s Day recommendations will help you choose the most delightful vino for you and your one and only.
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, if you find yourself solo by choice or not, remember to celebrate…. you! Meaning, pamper and make time to spoil yourself. You deserve it. Self love is a very good thing. But hey, if you do happen to be looking for a soulmate, maybe online, we offer some very important safety tips.
True love was alive and well in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, and writer Denise Payne shares her travels and stunning photos you won’t want to miss. You’ll discover much to love in this issue with gardening, recipes and more!
Happy New Year! It’s a fresh start on the calendar, full of hope and potential.
Lisa Dante Editor-In-Chief
RODEO SEASON IN TEXAS!
by BILLY BOB DANTE
Rodeo ain’t no ordinary life but a cowboy ain’t no ordinary man.
- Tracy Byrd
In the next few months all across Texas, you will be able to witness the excitement of the competition, the display of skills and the honor of the traditions of the American West. Rodeo originated in the sixteenth century when the Spanish and Mexican settlers introduced the breeding of horses and cattle in the Southwest part of the country. Driven by practical skills required by cattle ranchers and cowboys, rodeo has evolved into the competitive contest that it’s known for today.
You may have noticed that during the last several years since the “Yellowstone” TV series opened its corral, it seems like every drug store
cowboy and cowgirl, from New York City to Seattle has gone western. Just when you thought the international western craze was going to die down, it hasn’t! Sales on western boots, jeans and hats are still hot with record purchases, especially by TEXANS! So don’t put your boots up yet. You might have to think about upgrading to a custom, handmade leather boot or an exotic skin. It’s about time you had a couple of pairs of boots and one outstanding pair for those rodeo days and nights! I recently spoke to longtime western wear expert, Greg White, of Billy’s Western Wear, and asked him about that very subject. He said, “A lot of people don’t realize that there are many, many options to choose from in exotic skins.” Among them are lizard, python, rattlesnake, elephant, hippo, giraffe, kangaroo, shark, stingray, piraracu, alligator, crocodile and caiman.
One other thing, make sure your hat fits your head and face. It sits on the top of your head, right up there, for all to see! Doesn’t have be expensive. But there is a person in every good western store that shapes the hats. So ask them and look your best. Don’t depend on your best friend to say that looks great because they probably don’t know.
The right jeans combined with the right boots and hat will have all eyeballs
looking at you when you attend that next rodeo, dance or TEXAN gala. No matter where you live there are some great stores to shop, from Fort Worth to Brownsville. Remember, there are boots and western wear to fit your budget.
Now that it’s rodeo time in Texas and has been in the blood of all Texans starting back in 1883, get ready to ride!
Let’s start in the southeast section of the state.
FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW AND RODEO JANUARY 17- FEBRUARY 8, 2025
This is the first large rodeo that kicks off the new year. Also, this time of year it can be colder in the Dallas Fort Worth area so bundle up. There are many champion cowboys and cowgirls from north Texas and the competition is hot and fast. These major 2025 rodeo stars are looking to win some of that (over one million dollars) prize money and also take home some coveted, shiny, championship buckles. There will be twenty-three days of rodeo fun from barrel racing, bulls and broncs and of course the fairgrounds for family fun. This
includes many major, live music entertainment acts, such as Chris Janson, member of Grand Ole Opry, who will perform some his best tunes like “Good Vibes” and “Buy Me A Boat.”
SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO FEBRUARY 6-23, 2025
Great rodeo, combined with lots to do around the Alamo city. The Riverwalk deserves an evening stroll, go by the Buckhorn Saloon on Houston Street which houses the only “Texas Rangers Museum” in south Texas. And it’s right around the corner from The Alamo! Never been to The Alamo? And you call yourself a Texan!
This is one of the largest rodeos and 2025 has some of the best live entertainment. Write this down, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Hager and of course Dwight Yoakam just to name a few.
Prior to the official start of the rodeo, commonly known as the HSLR, check out, from February 27th-March 1st the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARB-QUE contest. The location for the Houston BBQ cookoff will be in the NRG parking lots. Tickets are available to the public. For more information look up rodeohouston.com
One of the largest and most popular major family events, also ahead of the rodeo official start, is the downtown western rodeo parade. It’s all about tradition for TEXANS with the parade being on Saturday, March 1st. Many large, colorful floats combined with a few thousand horses and riders make for a tremendous western celebration. This is a great way to start off the rodeo season with Houstonians lining the streets as the floats, steers, horses and marching bands make for an exciting day for friends, visitors and family members of all ages.
When it comes to rodeo competition only the best of the best qualify to compete.
When it comes to rodeo competition only the best of the best qualify to compete. This year a record purse of $2,533,500 will be available for the taking. This is an increase from last years take by $355,500. There will be a lot of happy and hard working cowboys and cowgirls.
Keep in mind that rodeo in Texas is also all about scholarships for the kids. The HSLR 2025 educational commitment will award $14.7 million in scholarships, more than $9.7 million to junior show exhibitors, more than $3 million in educational program grants and more than $481,000 to graduate programs across Texas.
Besides the competition there is the star studded live shows every night from country, rock, Tejano and much more. The fairgrounds are one of the best wats to spend numerous days watching, eating and enjoying the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
To see this year’s lineup visit rodeohouston.com.
Friday, Jan. 17
5:30 PM • Ginny Mac Trio - The Corkyard 6:30 PM • Holly Tucker - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Saturday, Jan. 18
9:00 AM • Mariachi Competition
5:30 PM • Heath Wright - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Dusty Moats - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Sunday, Jan. 19
5:30 PM • Macy Dot -- The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Latin Express - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Monday, Jan. 20
12:00 PM • Don Diego - The Corkyard 1:00 PM • Legacy 4 - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Tuesday, Jan. 21
5:30 PM • Matt Hillyar - The Corkyard 9:30 PM • Chancey Williams - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Wednesday, Jan. 22
5:30 PM • Texas High Road - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Race Ricketts - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Thursday, Jan. 23
5:30 PM • Jason Manning - The Corkyard
7:30 PM • CLINT BLACK with Pug Johnson
9:30 PM • Brandon Rhyder - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Friday, Jan. 24
5:30 PM • Vic Trevino Jr. - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • The Rich Girls - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Saturday, Jan. 25
5:30 PM • Ryan Berg Band - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Jack Blocker - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Sunday, Jan. 26
12:00 PM • Weston Jazz Ensemble - The Corkyard
3:30 PM • FWSSR Fiddle Showdown
Monday, Jan. 27
12:00 PM • Cowboy Campfire - Western Music & Cowboy Poetry
5:30 PM • Courtney Prater and Josh Jaccard - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Neon Prophets - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Tuesday, Jan. 28
12:00 PM • Cowboy Campfire - Western Music & Cowboy Poetry
5:30 PM • Joseph Neville - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • The Taylor Party - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Wednesday, Jan. 29
12:00 PM • Cowboy Campfire - Western Music & Cowboy Poetry
5:30 PM • David Adam Byrnes - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Lowdown Drifters - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Thursday, Jan. 30
5:30 PM • Delaney Ann - The Corkyard
7:30 PM • Jim Gaffigan - “Everything Is Wonderful!” Tour
9:30 PM • Dustin Massey - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Friday, Jan. 31
5:30 PM • Riley Gilbreath and Lone Star Blue - The Corkyard
7:30 PM • Jim Gaffigan - “Everything Is Wonderful!” Tour
9:30 PM • Caroline Woodfill - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Saturday, Feb. 1
1:00 PM • Jacob Furr - The Corkyard
4:00 PM • Jim Gaffigan - “Everything Is Wonderful!” Tour
5:30 PM • Aurora Bleu - The Corkyard
7:30 PM • Jim Gaffigan - “Everything is Wonderful!” Tour
9:30 PM • Poo Live Crew - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Sunday, Feb. 2
12:00 PM • Sonny and Jolie BurgessThe Corkyard
Monday, Feb. 3
5:30 PM • Dalton Torres - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Scooter Brown BandMichelob Ultra Roadhouse
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Scott Dean Trio - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Squeezebox BanditsMichelob Ultra Roadhouse
Wednesday, Feb. 5
5:30 PM • Brad Thompson - Corkyard
7:30 PM • Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners
9:30 PM • Rob Leines - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Thursday, Feb. 6
5:30 PM • Randy Brown/Steve HelmsThe Corkyard
9:30 PM • Joey Green - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Friday, Feb. 7
5:30 PM • Andy Meadows Trio - The Corkyard
7:30 PM • Chris Jansen
9:30 PM • Gone Country – Alan Jackson Tribute Band - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Saturday, Feb. 8
5:30 PM • Will Banister - The Corkyard
9:30 PM • Walker Montgomery - Michelob Ultra Roadhouse
Thursday, Feb. 6
7:00 PM • Scotty McCreery
Friday, Feb. 7
7:00 PM • Koe Wetzel
Saturday, Feb. 8
12:00 PM • Keith Urban
7:30 PM • Keith Urban
Sunday, Feb. 9
12:00 PM • LeAnn Rimes
7:30 PM • Bellamy Brothers
Monday, Feb. 10
7:00 PM • Mark Chesnutt
Tuesday, Feb. 11
7:00 PM • Eli Young Band
Wednesday, Feb. 12
7:00 PM • Jon Pardi
Thursday, Feb. 13
7:00 PM • Muscadine Bloodline
Friday, Feb. 14
7:00 PM • Tyler Hubbard
Saturday, Feb. 15
12:00 PM • Southall
7:00PM • Turnpike Troubadours
Sunday, Feb. 16
12:00 PM • Zach Top
7:00PM • Pesado
Monday, Feb. 17
7:00 PM • Diamond Rio
Tuesday, Feb. 18
7:00 PM • Joe Nichols
Wednesday, Feb. 19
7:00 PM • Whiskey Myers
Thursday, Feb. 20
7:00 PM • Sammy Hagar
Friday, Feb. 21
7:00 PM • Nelly
Saturday, Feb. 22
12:00 PM • Nate Smith
7:30 PM • Dwight Yoakam
Koe Wetzel will be performing Feb. 7th in San Antonio
Dwight Yoakam will be performing Feb. 22th in San Antonio
by LISA DANTE
For most Texans, cowboy boots and a western hat are closet staples. But have you noticed how in the past few years western wear is more popular than ever among celebrities and high-end designers?
Rodeos in Texas have become more than fried food, mutton bustin’ and barrel racing. “It’s also become a runway for Texans to show off their favorite western wear,” says Sarah Bishop, owner of Billy’s Western Wear located in Boerne and Kerrville, Texas. When most people first hear the word “rodeo,” they will likely picture a man in a ten gallon hat, boots, a plaid shirt and jeans. Think Marlboro Man. The truth is, rodeo and fashion have gone hand in hand for decades.
Cowboy boots are undoubtedly the key accessory to an authentic western wear look. They have a rich history that dates back to the 1500s and early 1600s, when the Spanish brought boots to Mexico. The modern cowboy boot evolved in the late 1870s during the cattle drive era in the American West. Today, cowboy boots come in every color under the sun, with a wide range of materials used, from genuine cowhide leather to exotic skins. There are two basic styles of cowboy boots, western (or classic), and roper. The classic style is distinguished by a tall boot shaft, going to at least mid-calf, with an angled, “cowboy” heel, usually over one inch high. The toes can be rounded or squared.
The “roper” style is a design with a short boot shaft that stops above the ankle but before the middle of the calf, with a very low squared -off “roper” heel, usually less than one inch high. They can be seen with rounded or squared toes.
Brands like, Ariat, Corral, Ferrini, Black Jack and Lucchese , are among the most popular top brands. Boots are like well made handbags. Investing in a good quality pair that will last for many years is a wise purchase. Although, there’s not one boot that’s going to serve every purpose in your wardrobe.
Most western-inspired outfits wouldn’t be complete without accessories featuring denim, fringe, studs, rhinestones, embroidery or suede detailing. However, classic denim can certainly stand alone. Personally, I was never a fan of denim. I found it stiff and constricting. I would watch friends throw on a pair of jeans and look casual, cool and comfortable, but I wasn’t one of them. Then my entire denim world changed when designers started adding the slightest bit of stretch to jeans. They became one of my favorite wardrobe staples. The western trend isn’t riding off into the sunset anytime soon. Hats off to you if you decide to go for a head-to-toe western ensemble.
But, if you’re a little hesitant about pulling off a full yeehaw look, start with a simple denim shirt. Stick to blue denim, it’s the most classic and versatile option. Denim blue jeans have become a universal symbol of western fashion. Do denim your way.
Designer Yves Saint- Laurent
I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: they are the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and the most nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity— all I hope for in my clothes.
- Designer Yves Saint- Laurent
summed up denim the best: “I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: they are the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and the most nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity— all I hope for in my clothes.”
There is one accessory that captures the essence of cowboy charm like no other. The western belt buckle is the way to go and a large buckle style is forever timeless. Belts are eyecatching and take even the simplest of outfits to a whole new level. From their intricate designs to their rich symbolism, western belt buckles have become a statement piece that adds a touch of rugged sophistication to any outfit.
Whether you choose simple, classic rodeo wear or the glitz and glamour of a rhinestone studded jacket, the current fashion aesthetic in western wear reflects the rich history and spirit of the American West.
Saddle Up!
It could NEVER happen to you, right? Because you’re smart, streetwise, educated and aware. Think again,” says Bexar County Sheriff, Javier Salazar. It can happen to anyone! Who doesn’t want to be loved? In this day and age all it takes is online access and you’re off and running in finding the
Romance scammers adjust their story to what they think will work in each situation. They are very, very clever.
potential love of your life. Millions of people use online dating apps or social networking sites to meet someone. But instead of finding romance, many find a scammer trying to trick them out of their hard earned money. Romance scammers adjust their story to what they think will work in each situation. They are very, very clever.
They quickly want to leave the dating website and communicate through email or instant messaging. They might also insist on speaking on a chat app of their choice. Also, once the online relationship is established, they always have an excuse as to why they can’t meet you in person. Their profile seems too good to be true, or their picture looks more like a model than a snapshot. Unfortunately, people can be blinded by this, but if someone’s profile looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are in it for the long term. They will “make you fall in love” and still take everything you have. They have no remorse.
Why would someone pretend to be a celebrity? Well, one reason is dissatisfaction with oneself or a desire for escapism. However, BEWARE! Scammers often use the profiles of famous people to build a level of trust and authority.
These days, celebrities share career news, personal views, even travel videos on social media and sometimes interact with fans in comment threads. Criminal scammers (celebrity imposters) take advantage of that by copying profiles and trying to convince fans that they are indeed the celebrity. They will send out tens of thousands of personal messages knowing that…. it….only….takes…. one….person…to fall for their scam.
To repeat, the scammer creates a very, very authentic looking online presence, stealing photos and images from the REAL celebrity. Next, they engage potential victims through direct messages, offering personalized attention or “insider” information to build a sense of trust. This building of trust may go on for quite some time. Remember they are working several victims at once.
The scammer will try to build a strong friendship bond very quickly, showering the victim with compliments and expressing “innocent” feelings early on. They’ll often make excuses to avoid video calls or in some cases, in-person meetings, claiming poor internet connection, “busy” with their career, or being in a remote location.
Now here’s the really scary part: With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other techniques, criminals can replicate voices, create deepfake videos, and forge identification cards. By using their arsenal of deceptive technology and tools, the potential monetary loss to victims is staggering.
Once trust is established, (meaning you’ve been “chatting” with this “celebrity” for awhile and yet, they have asked nothing of you,) the scammer will eventually present a compelling reason to ask for money. “What?” you say, “I would NEVER fall for that!” Well, they might ask you, their trusted friend, to contribute to a (fake) charity or fundraiser. Or perhaps they present an “investment opportunity” that supposedly offers high returns.
They might create a sense of urgency by claiming the offer is limited or that the “celebrity” is facing a pressing issue, encouraging immediate action. Think about it, if they received only 10 dollars from 100 different people…. That’s an easy $1,000! And so on, and so on.
Now here’s the really scary part: With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other techniques, criminals can replicate voices, create deepfake videos, and forge identification cards. By using their arsenal of deceptive technology and tools, the potential monetary loss to victims is staggering.
First of all, NEVER ever share your personal information with or send money to someone you don’t know and have only communicated with online, no matter how famous they are, or how long you’ve been communicating. ( For example, you might think it would be harmless to tell the “scammer” things like the name of your pets, or where you were born. Harmless conversation, right? No, no no!)
Why? Well, most people use their pet’s names as their password for many different accounts, including financial. It may seem innocent to you, but it is valuable information to the scammer.
Your true love may indeed be out there, but if you suspect a romance scam stop all communication with the scammer, reach out to someone you trust to discuss the situation, and report the incident to the platform where you met. Do not blame yourself, as romance scams are often very sophisticated and manipulative. Take steps
to protect your finances if you’ve shared personal information.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
To report scams: FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
by JIM PETERSON, WINE ENTHUSIAST & INSTAGRAM WINE INFLUENCER
How do you create amazing memories?
How do you show someone meaningful to you that they are truly special?
For a wine lover like me, there is nothing I love more than enjoying a great bottle of wine with someone special. The mystery and allure of wine can often be a metaphor for the complexities of life. It’s a bit of a paradox that vines facing the most difficult hardships in the growing season often produce the best wines. I have always thought that aspect of wine should appeal to the best of human nature. We can create greatness no
matter the circumstances. It was described brilliantly by the character Maya in the movie “Sideways” as she talked about what wine meant to her: “I like to think about the life of wine. How it’s a living thing… I like how wine continues to evolve, like if I opened a bottle of wine today it would taste different than if I’d opened it on any other day, because a bottle of wine is actually alive.”
Wine is one of the greatest romantic inventions in human history. I encourage you to use this Valentine’s Day to create your own amazing wine memories. Here are some ideas…
Of course we must start with champagne. No other wine sets a mood for romance like a lovely glass of bubbles. An interviewer once asked me which champagne I would serve to a lover. I responded, “For a lover I would want a wine that evokes romance in every aspect. I can think of no better bottle than a vintage BillecartSalmon Elisabeth Salmon Cuvée Rosé, whose namesake met Nicolas-François Billecart in 1818 and fell in love. The Billecart-Salmon Champagne house was formed out of this romance and marriage. Is there a better way to introduce romance than with delicate
aromatics of rose petals and red berries, followed by flavors of red cherry and strawberry? It’s like bottled happiness.”
There are many terrific rosé champagnes in every price range. Remember that “pink” does not mean the wine is sweet. If you see “Brut” or “Extra Brut” on the label, you can be sure it is not sweet. Some of my go-to producers of rosé champagne that are easy to find include Billecart-Salmon, Laurent-Perrier, Nicolas Feuillatte, and Moët & Chandon. Some fantastic “grower” rosé champagnes to look for include Marc Hébrart, Famille Moussé, Paul Bara, and Laherte Frères.
Let’s be honest here. The obvious choice when it comes to seafood or white meat is white wine. Wait. What’s romantic about white wine? To me, this is where knowing a little history and the “story” behind the wines can help add to the mystique of why the wine choice matters. My first choice for a white is a fine Chablis from France, made from the Chardonnay grape. Why Chablis? The soil or terroir of Chablis has a large amount of limestone. This land was covered by an ocean millions of years ago, and the resulting “Kimmeridgian limestone” gives Chablis its rather unique flinty and mineral characteristic. There is added depth of character and intensity. Doesn’t it make sense that grapes grown in soil that used to be a seabed would be a perfect pairing for seafood?
Chablis can be very versatile when pairing foods. There are some classic pairings like raw oysters or pan seared white fish that are quite appealing. I also enjoy Chablis with crab cakes or a shrimp cocktail. Because most Chablis wines are vinified in stainless steel tanks, they tend to express the true characteristic of the Chardonnay grape. There is a freshness and preciseness that becomes irresistible. Irresistible? How’s that for a mood?
This is Texas so of course we must talk about a nice, juicy grilled steak. I mean, I might be fired if I didn’t talk about how to pair red wine with a nice ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. One thing I know is that Texas wine lovers enjoy pairing their steak with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Everything is big in Texas – including the wine! The truth is a nice Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with red meat because the tannins present in Cabernet more easily cut through the fat in the meat. I recently experienced this at a wine dinner with Guy Stout, the first Master Sommelier from Texas, who also makes his own wine. A bite of my picanha steak completely transformed his young Napa Cabernet. The wine’s flavors harmoniously blended with the rich cut of the beef, and it is not an exaggeration to say it shocked my palate in the best way possible. If you opt for a more delicate meat like lamb, or if your dish is more suitable for a lighter bodied red wine, then a nice Pinot Noir may work best. For California Pinots I prefer those from Sonoma County (especially Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley wines). They have just enough tannins to mesh well with red meat, but typically exhibit a higher fruit profile. For Pinot Noir with bright, cheery fruits, look to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Won’t it be romantic when wines like these heighten the senses?
My advice on selecting a good Napa Cabernet Sauvignon or a solid Pinot Noir is straightforward. Try to avoid the mass-produced, high-volume wines. When a wine tastes exactly the same vintage after vintage, you should be more skeptical than satisfied. Instead, look for some of the amazing smaller or family-owned wineries that put their heart and soul into their winemaking. Like people, wines are much more interesting when you know their story.
Some of my favorite producers of big, bold Napa reds include Paul Hobbs, Dunn Vineyards, Paradigm, Opus One, O’Shaugnessy, and Spottswoode. For Pinot Noir I always enjoy DuMOL, Williams-Selyem, Three Sticks, Big Table Farm, Walter Scott, and Hazelfern.
There is no better way to cap off a romantic dinner than with a savory dessert and a succulent wine to match it. I consider the top end of dessert wine to be a Sauternes from Bordeaux. Sauternes is a small region in Bordeaux that has the perfect growing conditions to allow a fungus, Botrytis Ceneria (aka Noble Rot), to form on grapes but not necessarily harm them. Noble rot concentrates the sugars creating a sweet, concentrated wine like nowhere else on earth. The most prized Sauternes is Château d’Yquem, a favorite of renowned wine lover Coach Gregg Popovich. Fun fact: I had dinner with Coach Pop in 1999 to celebrate the first Spurs NBA championship, and he brought a 1976 d’Yquem. That was a memorable wine moment. Another amazing dessert wine is the German Auslese Riesling. I have been enjoying these since I first lived in Germany over 20 years ago, especially those from Mosel vintner Joh. Jos. Prüm. Both Sauternes and Auslese can pair with almost any fine dessert. My personal favorite dessert with both wines is crème brûlée. There’s something about the vanilla flavor in the custard intertwining with the rich, luxurious mouthfeel of these wines that’s transcendent.
When I think back about the most memorable wine moments in my life, the best ones have a common theme – there was something that surprised me. Tasting the 1982 Château Pichon Lalande Bordeaux on Valentine’s Day 1999 is a great example. A friend sent a glass over to me. I was so enthralled by the aroma that I had to remind myself to taste it! It is still one of the best wines I have ever had. This year, do something to surprise yourself or your partner. Make it special. Break away from the mundane. Create a timeless moment of your own. You only live once, so make it count!
Jim Peterson is a retired U.S. Air Force officer who mainly flew the A-10 fighter jet. He has ties to the wine business going back over 25 years, has visited many wine regions, tasted the world’s top wines, and is an avid wine collector. His new business, The Texas Wine Pilot, offers customized in-home wine tastings and wine collecting consultations in the San Antonio and South Texas area. Visit txwinepilot.com or email him at jim@txwinepilot.com to book your tasting or consult. He has also cultivated a large following on his Instagram account, @tx_wine_pilot.
With an absolutely stunning and diverse landscape that includes mountains, valleys and rolling plains, the state of Tennessee has been a pivotal player in American history. Our daughter decided to get married in Dollys Parton’s picturesque hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee. We drove from Texas, taking our time and got in plenty of sightseeing. Driving through the Texas Hill
Country up to Sulfur Springs for our first night, we had dinner with friends who live in Emory. Tall pine trees, babbling streams and bright white windmills started dotting the fields. We arrived in Tennessee the next day in time for lunch with friends from North Dakota who were visiting Nashville. After hearing the wonderful news of their engagement, we hugged them goodbye and continued onto Sevierville, Tennessee.
Breathtaking mountain scenery started appearing just about the time my ears began to pop from the altitude. Nestled in panoramic views, towering green pines and that famous bluish haze was our Airbnb for the next week. Our host warned us about bears in the area. I shared this info with the grandchildren telling them to not leave food around outside.
The next night the rehearsal dinner was at The Pines in Sevierville. It’s a cute town and our Airbnb was just five minutes away and twenty minutes from Pigeon Forge. If there were a Las Vegas for children, I think it would be Pigeon Forge. Of course, there is Dolly Parton’s Dollywood.
There are countless options for dining, many themed dinner shows, such as the Lumberjack Feud Dinner. You will also find magic shows, a Hollywood wax museum, zip lines, indoor snow tubing, jeep tours into the mountains, interactive children museums and the list goes on for entertainment. We had a great experience exploring Wonderworks interactive
museum. It’s an indoor amusement park for the mind and body. There is so much to do in Pigeon Forge, you need about a week or more in the area. We didn’t get a chance to explore Gatlinburg, which is about twenty minutes away. Hearing about Gatlinburg’s commitment to preserving traditional Appalachian crafts, we decided we must come back.
The mountains were showing off their rich tapestry of golden hued oranges, maroons and yellows. Winter was here but many trees still retained a painter’s palette of color, especially the evergreen shades of the majestic conifers.
The day of our daughter’s wedding was perfect, cool and sunny. The wedding venue, The Magnolia, was at the top of a mountain in the Smokies and I mean the top. The road is very curvy, steep and narrow. A parking area is provided at the bottom for your car where a shuttle takes you to the top. Since our truck had wedding decorations in it, we rode up the curvy, crazy road in my husband’s extra-long pick up. The scenery was beyond words and took my mind quickly off the steep incline.
The mountains were showing off their rich tapestry of golden hued oranges, maroons and yellows. Winter was here but many trees still retained a painter’s palette of color, especially the evergreen shades of the majestic conifers.
Higher in the mountains the air turned cooler as we got to the top and started unpacking wedding items. The ceremony went off beautifully as my daughter and her fiancée were married in an area overlooking the Smokies. After the ceremony an orange glow settled onto an outside area where antique chairs and a love seat were placed. It was magical and inspired you to take many pictures. Then it was time for food, drink, more pictures and dancing. I felt like we were in “The Sound of Music” movie, surrounded by misty mountains and the little ones running all over.
The next day, some of the family started either flying or driving back home. My husband, Steve and I started packing the truck and cleaning the Airbnb. Despite the waiting area being packed at Smokey Mountain Pancake House the next morning, the waitress was nice and patient when I asked about seeing bears. She told us that she lived in Cades Cove, where there was an abundance of bears. We decided this is an area we want to visit again, but now we were heading to a friend’s distillery four hours away in Leipers Fork, Tennessee. Many years ago, I met Gayle Kennedy in Bandera Tx, we hit it off instantly and became close friends. She stayed part
Gayle once told me a story about Lee when he was 16. An uncle showed him how to build a still from a pressure cooker.
time in Texas, but she lived in Franklin, Tennessee. Her son Lee Kennedy and his wife Lynlee own and operate Leipers Fork Distillery near Franklin. Gayle once told me a story about Lee when he was 16. An uncle showed him how to build
a still from a pressure cooker. Finding family old whiskey recipes inspired him. Fast forward to 2016, Leipers Fork distillery was born. Steve and I arrived on a chilly sunny day. The smell of wood burning caught my attention. There were several patrons sipping whiskey or bourbon sitting around fire pits while enjoying the beautiful countryside. I chose a hot chocolate with a bit of whiskey and Steve has a whiskey called Leipers Fork
Tennessee whiskey which they produce. Walking around the distillery was interesting, learning how whiskey is brewed and gazing at the huge copper still was impressive.
After some relaxing down time, we were back on the road heading to Athens, Alabama. I’ve heard about Natchez Trace but wasn’t sure what it was. It turns out it’s a 444 mile scenic parkway that goes through three states. It follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” which is a passage used for centuries by American Indians, settlers, soldiers and slave traders. We got on the Natchez just past the town of Cherokee, Alabama. As we drove along the parkway, it felt like we were in a bubble. There are no towns nor lights, nothing but the parkway, trees and fields of round bales of hay. To our delight, there were historical stops along the way. Smaller sights such as Buzzard Roost Spring, which at one time had an inn many years ago that provided shelter for travelers along the Natchez Trace from the 1790s to the 1840s. Further down the road was Bear Creek Mound, a village site occupied as early as 8000 BC by hunters. The earthen mound, which is all that’s left, was a crude temple built by migratory peoples. An interesting site we came upon was the burial ground of “Thirteen Unknown Confederate” soldiers. No one knows who they were or where they came from. They are thought to have died in 1862 or 1864. The original gravestones might have had their names engraved but they disappeared many years ago. In 1940 Senator Bilbo had marble head stones made but they were stolen and finally the
Park service provided simple white stones with the words “Unknown” and Confederate Soldier engraved on it. It was a very moving sight. Not a far drive down the road is a sign “Old Trace.” It’s a plaque designating where there is a portion of the Old Trace to go hiking. The Parkway was built pretty much alongside the original 1800s passage. As we took a short walk along this trail, we were wondering about the settlers, soldiers and others who walked this trail so many years ago. Imagine the stories these trees held.
We decided it was getting late and should look for a hotel. We got off the parkway and I started scouring the internet for historical sites along the way back and a hotel near whatever I found. Vicksburg National Military Park came up. I’ve heard of it and Steve loves old battlefields, so that was our next destination. The hotel I found was five minutes from the Military Park, so we were there early the next morning. It is a driving tour so you can pop in and out of your vehicle and look at whatever appeals to you. There is also audio you can get on your phone explaining the sights as you drive around.
President Lincoln re-
ferred to Vicksburg as the “key” during the American Civil War when Vicksburg found itself at the center of the battle. States that helped in the campaign have monuments erected around the fields. One tall, circular, white granite stone
building that stood out to me was the Illinois Monument. After climbing the 47 steps, one for each day of the Siege of Vicksburg, you are rewarded with a beautiful mosaic floor before you. In the middle is the seal of the state of Illinois. Bronze tablets line the interior walls with the names of 36,325 Illinois soldiers who participated in the campaign. The acoustics are unbelievable. I do not have a good voice at all, but it inspired me to sing the little bit that I know of Amazing Grace. It was just Steve and I so I didn’t feel out of place. There were many beautiful monuments we saw during the tour, but that one stood out to me and one that I will always remember. The last stop for us was “Cairo.” This was an iron clad gunboat the first used in combat in 1862. It was sunk that December and found in 1956, raised, restored and relocated to this park.
It was early afternoon with plenty of time to get to our next destination in our home state of Texas. We hopped on Interstate 20 and headed to somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit. Ever since I saw my first picture of the beautiful old bald cypress forests of Caddo Lake, I fell in love. This
Caddo Lake is named after the Caddoans, Native Americans who once lived in the area. It’s like a window into ancient times as Spanish moss swaddles the trees like intricate lace embroidery and creates a mystical and magical drama.
was the perfect opportunity since we were so close. We checked into our hotel and realized we didn’t have much time to get there before dark. Stopping at Park headquarters, we paid the $4.00 each and the ranger directed us to the pier, noting that it would be dark in 30-45 minutes. The exhilarating smell of the pines fueled my
anticipation. Orange twilight began just as we left the truck, and we quickly walked to the pier. I truly gasped as it was so beautiful. Spanish moss draped over tall ages- old cypress trees that surrounded us. I took picture after picture because every step revealed another gorgeous shot.
The golden hour is magic. The sun starts setting and bathes trees in warm tones, yellows, oranges and golds. Many of the already flame colored treetops were amplified by the soft golden hue from the setting sun. Swampy water prevented us from exploring some areas. A light gray mist floated upon parts of the lake only accentuating the twisted trunks of the cypress.
Caddo Lake is named after the Caddoans, Native Americans who once lived in the area. It’s like a window into ancient times as Spanish moss swaddles the trees like intricate lace embroidery and creates a mystical and magical drama.
As the sun was setting, boats were pulling in, strange sounds bellowed from the trees and ripples in the water suggested animals coming out for the night. When we decided to stop here, I did research on both Louisiana and Texas to find where the best spot to see the cypress forests would be in such a limited amount of time. Turns out the area which I wanted to photograph was mainly in Texas. We only were able to taste a small portion of this 25,400 acre lake. It is worth doing extensive research about other parts besides the State Park, where you can also rent a cabin. There is a vast amount of things to do and hidden areas to explore. As the sun did a final drop behind the trees the darkness gave way to more sounds of the night. We drove back to our hotel room and excitedly started talking about our next trip here. Breakfast the next morning produced some ideas about our next trip, though we looked forward to seeing our home sweet home, the Texas Hill Country. It was nice driving through our gate. We packed a lot into this trip. But as usual, it’s nice to be back home.
Denise Payne was born and raised in New York, but as the saying goes, she got to Texas as fast as she could. In 2022, she married the love of her life, Steve, who was born and raised in Texas. She enjoys traveling the world, writing, photography, hiking and working on their property in the Texas Hill Country.
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm the body and nourish the soul. From hearty stews to delicate broths, soup has the power to evoke feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and culinary satisfaction. Simply put, good soup is a hug in a bowl.
Now, of course your neighborhood market has some ready made soups to
choose from and you may already have a favorite. However, if you compare store bought to home made soup, spoon for spoon, there’s nothing better than soup made from scratch in your own kitchen. (Or at least one that tastes like you made it from scratch.) Keep in mind that there’s also nothing wrong with taking a few shortcuts. Wink, wink.
The first recipe can be fast and easy to prepare if you’re willing to take a little short cut. It’s definitely a South Texas favorite:
Most of the ingredients are pantry staples and if not, it’s time to restock.
2 cups of shredded chicken breast. (You can buy it pre-cooked and/or shredded)
32 ounces of chicken broth
2/3 cup ranch dressing
2 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 package Taco Seasoning (You choose the heat)
1 14 ounce package frozen corn, Southwestern blend
For garnish:
2 large limes
2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Crunchy tortilla chips
Cook the chicken breasts, either on the grill or if already cooked, then shred the chicken. Put it aside.
1. Add all of the ingredients, except for the garnish, of course, into a pot and place over medium-high heat and allow to come to a slow boil.
2. Reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes.
3. For the last 5 minutes of cooking time, remove the lid.
Note: Keep in mind, if it’s freezing outside, a friendly shot of Tequila amongst friends will warm you up! Don Julio Anejo is suggested.
Enjoy and let’s eat!
This is something a little different on a cold night or chilly afternoon. It’s not as thick by not using heavy cream. Keep it simple with vegetables, seasoned broth and a few cheeses. Also, get some store bought frozen “take and bake” French bread for dipping. Feeds 4-6
2 bunches of fresh asparagus (about 2¼ pounds), bottom ends trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. (HINT: Cut tips off for garnish later, place tips in ice water)
3 Tablespoons of unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
( I always keep sliced quarters of limes and lemons in the freezer. They defrost quickly and can be used as needed.)
1 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 Tablespoon each of Italian seasoning, thyme, dill, and basil
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 10 minutes. Do not brown or over sauté.
2. Add the chopped asparagus to the pot (minus the reserved tips in ice water), along with the chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft
3. Back to the iced tips. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the asparagus tips for a few minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain the tips and then place them back in the bowl of ice water. This stops them from cooking further and makes them bright green. Once the tips are cool, drain them and set aside for the final garnish on top of soup.
4. Purée the soup with a hand blender until completely smooth. (HINT: use a standard blender to purée the soup in batches, then return the soup to the pot.) Bring the soup back to a simmer and stir in the lemon juice and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Season to taste...(HINT: If you like your soup thicker then simmer uncovered a little longer)
5. Using a set of medium sized bowls, use a large spoon, slowly place soup into bowls. NOW, place asparagus tips on top of each serving. Add Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh herbs and a final squeeze of lemon juice.
6. Time baked bread to be hot and ready.
Enjoy and stay warm!!
For this next recipe, let’s spice things up a bit, ya’ll!
Coubion is one of those true southern comfort food dishes. It’s like a Cajun fish gravy. Any thick fish that will not easily break apart can be used in this recipe. Remember, you control the spiciness of the hot sauce to suit your taste. It’s no wonder there are so many Cajun culinary influences in Texas. After all, the east side of Texas from Texarkana all the way down to the tip of Port Arthur borders Louisiana. A lot of the original settlers of Texas came through the Bayou state on their way to the Lone Star state. It’s only natural that creole recipes and delicious border foods became a part of many Texans staple foods.
This is a hearty and simple dish with a serving size of 4-6.
1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined
1 lb white fish, like cod, cut into chunks
4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
3 cups red salsa (mild, medium or hot. It’s up to you!)
1 cup hot (or regular) tomato sauce (try Goya, for hot)
¼ cup flour
¼ cup parsley, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
½ onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons butter, unsalted
4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Creole seasoning
1 Tablespoon black pepper
½ Tablespoon garlic powder
½ Tablespoon onion powder
½ Tablespoon paprika
½ Tablespoon chili powder
Green onions to garnish
Hot cooked rice
Hot sauce to serve
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix seasoning blend together and set aside.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to pan over medium heat.
Add bell pepper, onion, and celery to pan and sauté 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Season with 1 tablespoon of seasoning mix, blend well.
Add butter and remaining olive oil to pan.
Stir in flour and cook for 5 minutes to slightly brown the flour.
Add broth, tomato sauce and red salsa to pan.
Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes on low, uncovered.
Season fish and shrimp with seasoning mix and set aside.
Add fish to sauce, cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.
Add shrimp and parsley to sauce and stir gently.
Cook shrimp 7 minutes.
Serve over hot, cooked rice and garnish with green onions.
Don’t forget the hot sauce!
Enjoy with an ice cold Shiner Bock (Texas side), or a Yuengling Black and Tan (Louisiana side)
Bonus:
Here are a few Cajun words for you and friends to learn over dinner... Allons [Ah-loh(n)]: Let’s go.Ça c’estbon (Sa sayboh(n)):That’s good. Joie de vivre [Jhwa da veev]: Joy of living
Next up, tender, fall apart chunks of beef are simmered in a rich red wine gravy that would have made Julia Child proud. Here, the beef is seared on the stovetop and then simmered for several hours in the oven until it’s incredibly tender and falls apart at the touch of a fork.
From the ingredient list to the cooking process, there are a lot of similarities between these two cozy stewed beef dishes. The main difference is that beef Bourguignon uses a full bottle of red wine for the sauce, whereas beef stew calls for little to no wine. Additionally, beef Bourguignon also typically includes bacon, pearl onions, and mushrooms.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces bacon, (five to six slices) roughly chopped
1 (3 pound beef chuck roast, trim off the fat)
1 large carrot, sliced
1 large yellow onion, diced
6 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
1 pinch coarse salt, or more, to taste
1 pinch ground pepper
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
12 small pearl onions, optional
1 bottle dry red wine like Merlot, Pinot Noir, or a Chianti - for a milder sauce, use only 2cups of wine
2-3 cups beef stock (if using 2 cups of wine, use 3 cups beef stock)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 beef bouillon cube
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped,
2 bay leaves
1 pound fresh, white mushrooms, quartered
2 tablespoons butter
Traditional stove top and oven method: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat the oil in a large dutch oven or heavy based pot. Sauté the bacon over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until crisp and browned. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large dish and set aside
3. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel; sear in batches in the hot oil/bacon fat until browned on all sides. Remove to the dish with the bacon
4. In the remaining oil/bacon fat, sauté the carrots and diced onions until softened, (about 3 minutes), then add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat (leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan) and return the bacon and beef back into the pot. Season with 1 or 2 teaspoons of coarse salt and a teaspoon of ground pepper. Sprinkle with flour, toss well and cook for 4-5 minutes to brown.
5. Add the pearl onions, wine and enough stock so that the meat is barely covered. Then add the tomato paste, bouillon and herbs. Bring to a simmer on the stove.
6. Cover, transfer to lower part of the oven and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meat is fall apart tender (adjust the heat so that the liquid simmers very slowly.)
7. In the last 5 minutes of cooking time, prepare your mushrooms. Heat the butter in a medium-sized skillet/pan over medium heat. When the foam subsides, add the remaining 2 cloves of garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add in the mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, while shaking the pan occasionally to coat with the butter. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Once they are browned, set aside.
8. Place a colander over a large pot. Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully empty its contents into the colander (you want to collect the sauce only.) Discard the bay leaves.
9. Return the beef mixture back into the dutch oven or pot. Add the mushrooms over the meat.
10. Remove any fat off the sauce (if any) and simmer for a minute or two, skimming off any additional fat which rises to the surface.
11. You should be left with about 2 ½ cups of sauce, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon lightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of stock. If the sauce is too thin, boil it over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until reduced to the right consistency.
12. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper, if desired. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables.
13. If you are serving immediately, simmer the beef bourguignon for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles.
14. To serve the following day, allow the casserole to cool completely, cover and refrigerate.
The day of serving, remove from the refrigerator for at least an hour before reheating. Place over medium-low heat and let simmer gently for about 10 minutes, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce.
by MARC HESS, EDITOR, “GARDENING SOUTH TEXAS,” NEWSLETTER
Daylilies provide maximum color to the landscape with a minimum amount of effort. Blossoms now come in pink, purple, red, peach, apricot and all shades in between, including dramatic color combinations. Petals may be ruffled, twirled or flecked with eye-catching glitter called diamond dust.
Daylilies have been called America’s favorite perennial because of their carefree garden beauty. They tolerate our drought, heat, cold and floods. Feed them or not, they’ll still bloom for you. Even when they’re not in bloom, they make great border plantings or “frames” for other plantings. You will find that daylilies are prolific and colorful bloomers. Few pests show any interest in them. They will grow in sun or shade, dry or wet soil, can tolerate both flooding and drought, and produce beautiful flowers throughout Texas. You can find tiny flowers and large flowers, compact plants and tall plants. You can even create your own varieties with relative ease. Daylilies require good drainage; they will rot if they are planted in a spot where they constantly have wet feet. Plant only to the base of the crown, the area above the roots on the plant where it is white in color and gradually goes to green.
For best growth and bloom of your daylilies, select a location that has full morning sun and some protection from afternoon sun. All-day sunshine in Texas is hard for most plants to take, and daylilies appreciate afternoon shade. April is a good time to plant one of the easiest to grow and compost are all good organic amendments for your daylilies and will keep them at the peak of health. Be careful not to mulch heavily around the crown of the plant to avoid rotting and maintain air circulation. In the spring, a good blend of fish
emulsion and seaweed is a fine tonic to get them growing.
Daylilies grow from fleshy roots below ground with fans of leaves above ground, coming together at the crown of the plant. From the crown, flower stalks (scapes) will emerge in May and June, bearing typically 10 to 20 flower buds. Though each flower is only open for one day (thus the name), the buds will take turns opening, resulting in weeks of garden color. And many cultivars send up repeat scapes into June, July and August.
Daylilies can make nice cut flowers, especially the heirloom types. Individual flowers last just one day, but buds will continue to develop and open for up to a week indoors.
• The trick is to cut daylilies with buds that are just about to open, with a bit of the flower color showing. The higher up buds will open as the bottom ones fade.
• As soon as you get the flowers inside, trim the stem ends an inch or so, making a diagonal cut with a sharp knife.
• Change the water every few days.
• Remove the faded flowers daily and new buds will open.
Daylilies can be aggressive spreaders and will likely require dividing at some point (usually every 3 to 5 years). In addition to controlling their spread, dividing will also reinvigorate plants, resulting in better and more frequent blooms. To propagate them, divide the daylily clumps in early spring (February through April) or in the late summer to fall after flowering (late July through mid-September) prior to the autumnal equinox. The plants need at least six weeks to get re-established before winter.
Though dividing can be done any time the soil is workable, it is best done right after the daylily has finished blooming. Note: Remember, the plants need at least 6 weeks to get re-established before winter.
• Dig up the entire root clump.
• Remove as much soil from the roots as possible. Soaking the roots in a bucket of water helps to get rid of excess soil.
• Locate the crown of the plant. Starting from the outer edge, break it into smaller clumps (usually 3 to 4 per plant). Each clump should have healthy roots and at least a few leaves.
• Cut the leaves back to approximately one-third of their original length (5 to 6 inches, generally).
• Then replant and water thoroughly.
With minimal care, you can look forward to an amazingly colorful perennial! There are thousands of beautiful daylilies to choose from.
MARC HESS is an author whose latest novel, “The Gillespie County Fair,” is available on Amazon. It’s a riveting story about the gentrification of rural Texas. He is also the editor of Milberger’s Gardening South Texas newsletter, a monthly (except January) publication covering the challenges and solutions of gardening in South Central Texas’s unique growing zone. It’s available online at no charge at https://www.milbergernursery.com/newsletter-archive/
If you’re looking for that special hot cocktail, you’ve found it. The simple addition of Bailey’s Irish Cream in this delicious mocha recipe will give you that socks-on-myfeet-in-front-of-a-firewith-a-good-book-whilekids-are-asleep feeling.
SERVINGS: 2–4 depending on the size of your glasses
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream
• 2 tablespoons mocha chocolate sauce such as Ghirardelli’s or Torani
• 1 cup espresso or very strong coffee
• 1 cup half and half or milk of choice
• Optional Toppings
• Whipped cream
• Drizzle of mocha sauce
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat Irish Cream, mocha sauce, espresso and half and half (or milk substitutes) in a saucepan or microwave until steaming, NOT boiling.
Stir until fully combined.
Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Enjoy!
Fireplace and ski slopes are optional!
“We had a group of 14 people from Colorado, Arkansas, and Texas. JCR provided and catered to every single request and need. There were options and activities for the non-hunters. Everything was arranged in advance with full itineraries provided. The accommodations, food/beverage, and especially the hunts were world-class. Highly recommend and will return.”
| Conchita, Orvis.com Review
HIGH-VOLUME SHOOTING FOR DRIVEN PHEASANT AND DECOYING MALLARD DUCKS UPLAND HUNTING FOR QUAIL, PHEASANT, AND CHUKAR FREE-RANGE AXIS DEER, WHITETAIL DEER, AND BLACKBUCK HUNTING SPORTING CLAYS, SIMULATED DRIVEN CLAYS, AND HELICE SHOOTING FLY-FISHING AND GUADALUPE RIVER FLOAT TRIPS HANDGUN & LONG-DISTANCE RIFLE SHOOTING RANGES LUXURY LODGING, FINE DINING, AND RESORT AMENITIES & FACILITIES
SCAN QR CODE BELOW FOR SPECIAL 35TH ANNIVERSARY WINGSHOOTING PACKAGE!
