DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
1
2
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
SHOP, EXPLORE & STAY IN GOLIAD DURING THE HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
3
CONTENTS
December 2017
10
OUR COVER Kilgore’s oil derricks, the famed, “World’s Richest Acre,” sparkle at Christmas. — Southwest Studios Kilgore
In Every Issue
8 10 42 48
Rural Ramblings Travel + Leisure History + Heritage Relics of Yesterday
56 Garden Basics 60 Recipes 65 Cafés Across Texas
Features
10 SERENELY SALADO This Central Texas town offers a nice change of pace from the big-city life. 22 KILGORE CHRISTMAS This one time boomtown celebrates the holidays like none other. 32 DINING GUIDE Famous Texas restaurants offer up their favorite recipes for the holidays. 42 RAISING CANE A Baytown couple still grow cane and make a little syrup, keeping an old tradition alive.
4
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
5
EDITOR’S WELCOME
Christina Cutler Stewart
Another Merry Christmas
www.texasfarmandhome.com VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 3 MANAGING EDITORS Christina Cutler Stewart, cstewart@texasfarmandhome.com Wayne Stewart, wstewart@texasfarmandhome.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda Moffett, Jolene Renfro, Jenn Ford ADVERTISING SALES Department Linda Moffett, Promotions Manager lmoffett@texasfarmandhome.com 512-966-9426 Ansel Bradshaw, sales ab@texasfarmandhome.com 936-546-6707 Kelly Sullivan, sales ksullivan@texasfarmandhome.com 936-635-1662 DISTRIBUTION Randy Rollo SUBSCRIPTIONS Lesia Rounsavall, lrounsavall@messenger-news.com 936-687-2424 or Texas Farm & Home, P.O. Box 130, Grapeland TX, 75844
EDITORIAL/SALES OFFICES: 202 South Main St., Grapeland, TX 75844. TEXAS FARM & HOME is published monthly by Nicol Publishing Company L.L.C., Copyright 2017. Subscription price: $24.95 a year (12 issues). Reproduction without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.
6
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Another year has come and gone here at Texas Farm & Home, and how they pile up. I managed to turn 40 this year, I have a few gray hairs popping up here and there, but I still feel just like I did when I was 39. There was a time when I thought 40 was old. Now, old has moved to about 80. If God wills me to 80, then I will think of 100 as old, I guess. No matter what age you are, this truly is a wonderful time of year, seeing all the times dress up for Christmas, working hard to get people into the holiday mood. This month we visited three towns that do a really good job of celebrating Christmas. Kilgore gets busy when Christmas rolls around, and it’s a fun town to visit with all its museums and other attractions. Salado, on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, has a lot of natural beauty sprinkled with plenty of charm. Its shops are unique and while we were there near the ruins of the old Salado College, I saw the biggest dear I’ve ever seen in the wild. They don’t grow that big, generally, for us here in East Texas, so I took my chance to stalk him with my camera. I guess he’s used to being around people, because he allowed me to get pretty close before blowing and running away.
I’ve never quite had the patience to be a wildlife photographer, where you sit for hours just to take that perfect shot. If all the animals cooperated like that big buck, then I might rethink that, but I’ll just stick to what I’m doing now. Back to great towns, Burnet’s also a great Christmas town. This town is surrounded by the Hill Country and possesses a beautiful ruggedness that draws people to it. Burnet blends its frontier past with today’s world for its annual Christmas celebration, so don’t miss it. Most of all, in all the hustle and bustle, don’t miss what the season is all about, our Savior coming to earth to offer himself for us. A tiny baby in a manger, destined for a cruel cross and then an empty grave — all in the name of love.
Scavenger Hunt Find 5 Christmas Trees and enter to win one of the prizes at right: Hidden in this edition of Texas Farm & Home are 5 Christmas trees similar to the one above — do not count the one above. Find the 5 Christmas trees and email us the page number and general location of where each Christmas tree was found, plus your contact information. Email cstewart@ texasfarmandhome.com or send a note to Texas Farm & Home, P.O. Box 130, Grapeland, TX 75844. Please send your entries by December 15. The turkeys from last month were located on pages 9, 11, 21, 27 and 49. The winners from November were Brenda Huddleston of Magnolia - the $150 night stay at Redlands Historic Inn in Palestine; Betty Strawther of North Zulch - the 1 year subscription; Kristy Burrow of Marshall - the two tickets to ride the Texas State Railroad.
Reader Letters
Just got my November issue of TF&H. Great as usual. Especially Wayne’s article “A call to service”. As a former Marine, it meant a lot to me to read about some of the Texans who have so honorably served this great state and country. As a small side note of interest to any of your readers who may be former Marines or have Marines in their families: The Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA, has the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. The park is laid out with many rally points that reflect upon the sacrifices made by Marines past and present while protect our
DECEMBER 2017
great Nation. If someone has a special Marine they wish to honor, they can purchase an engraved commemorative brick ($300.00) that will be inlayed into the walkway of the park. My wife purchased a brick in my name for Christmas last year. The brick was laid in place this spring. In September, we made a trip back to VA and to visit family and friends and to see “my brick�. What an a special trip and a special place! The Memorial Park is beautiful and very well done. If you have any Marines in your fam-
Tickets to Ride
ily or know of any families who would like to honor their Marine, please tell them about this great program. I am sending you the link in case you want to pass it on. To show you what an actual up close, I am attaching a picture of my brick. Keep up the great magazine! Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and your staff! Patrick (Pat) Hudson Semper Fi & Blessings Rev. 3:20
2 Free Tickets to Ride the Texas State Railroad Donated by: Texas State Railroad 1-855-632-7729 www.TexasStateRailroad.net
Battle of Black Jack Grove
4 Tickets to the Battle of Blackjack Grove held in Groveton, Texas February 16-18
Donated by: The Trinity County Chamber of Commerce www.trinitycountychamber.org
1 Year Free Subscription
Win a 1 Year Free Subscription to Texas Farm & Home.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
7
H RURAL RAMBLINGS
Wayne Stewart
We have a source of hope when tragedy comes calling Back near the end of summer tragedy struck Texas when Hurricane Harvey battered and flooded the Texas Gulf Coast. So much water fell on Houston it sank by nearly an inch. An estimated 64 inches of rain fell on the Nederland area — it truly turned into a slow-moving catastrophe, but we saw the best in Texans come out as they lent helping hands to those in need. Then, on Nov. 5, a crazed gunman walks into the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs about 40 miles east of San Antonio. By the time the shooter walked out of the church 26 people laid dead in the sanctuary, while a brave Texan, a Texan by every meaning of the world, shot the killer, jumping into the vehicle of another Texan, running the gunman down until he took his own life. Heartbreaking does not have enough power to describe the emotions brought on by the shooting; a group of roughly 50 people, worshiping God in their church, one of the most private, intimate and joyous pieces of our lives, were invaded upon by evil. It’s hard to be in the Christmas spirit in the light of such tragedy, in this depraved world. But, and it’s a big but, the reason Jesus came was to save this depraved world by offering His life as a ransom for it We can look for words of comfort and try to find a ray of hope in all this tragedy, but outside of Christ hope and comfort can’t be found. Sure, people can quote you the statistics, that the chance of something like this happening to you are minuscule, but that degrades what those who have suffered through these tragedies have gone through. Run the numbers, but that does not change the fact people have died, there is no comfort in that. The Bible tells us things are going to get worse — where’s the comfort in that? The comfort comes from knowing Jesus. The comfort comes from knowing that no matter what the world can do to me, I have an eternity with the God of creation — that’s where the hope and the comfort comes from. We, and rightly so, put a lot of stock in the value of life,
8
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
yet we look at the ending of our physical life as the end of it all. It’s not, of course, as we head to the eternity we choose, whether it’s with our Savior; or eternity in hell; we are eternal beings, it’s just that our physical bodies don’t make the journey with our souls. So, to our brothers and sisters in Sutherland Springs, you have more than our prayers. You have our love, but more than that, you have the love of Christ. The road ahead will be harder than anything most of us could ever imagine, but for those who truly lean on Jesus, then there is no obstacle which cannot be surmounted and no grief or pain which He cannot assuage, just as there is no sin His blood cannot cover. The times are dark, but they were dark when Jesus came into the world more than 2,000 years ago. The ancient Christmas song, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” the writer in the fourth verse wrote, “O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high; And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel.” No matter the age, no matter the darkness that descends upon us, Jesus has always been able to disperse the gloomy clouds of night. He will now, we have, scratch that, we must believe that He will be that hope for so many. It’s natural for fear to want to rule when events such as these invade upon our lives, but fear separates us from God and keeps us from being what He needs us to be — willing servants. In these dark times on earth, we yearn once again for Christ to break through into this world, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and finally, setting things right once and for all — for all ages to come.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
9
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Salado
Serenely Salado
From the creek meandering through the town, to the dozens of unique shops and eateries, spend some time in paradise. Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART & LINDA MOFFETT
W
alk through the streets of Salado and see this small town sitting at the edge of the Texas Hill Country come alive with the panache it’s been known for over the years. From small shops, to fine art galleries, great restaurants, exclusive amenities and much more, Salado provides a destination stop for people wanting to get away from the busy city life while enjoying the serene surroundings. Salado is located in southern Bell County, just south of Belton, conveniently situated between Austin and Dallas on Interstate-35. Salado’s roots began as a stop on a stage route and an inn built to offer rest for weary travelers. Its stately live oaks and tree lined
10
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
Ruins of old Salado College
Unique Truss and Cable Bridge
Sage Hill Market in the old Vickrey/Berry Home. DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
11
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Salado
Salado’s beautiful and natural surroundings offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. creeks and streams make it an inviting stop, and has drawn people to its clear waters for centuries. It began in earnest in 1859 when the Salado College was founded. Salado already was a popular stop on the Old Military Road crossing across Salado Creek, and the Stagecoach Inn. The creek provided water and also industry as it powered several mills in the Salado area while the college provided for the higher educational needs of the families. The college operated until 1885; a private high school operated in the building until 1913. Today, the ruins of the college remain upon the hillside overlooking the village of Salado. Throughout the decades the Stagecoach Inn has attracted people to the village, these days it is being revitalized to once again be a centerpiece of the community. Today, though, Salado has so much to see and do with its numerous boutiques, but it also boasts an ample supply of bed and breakfasts, inviting visitors to experience life at a more leisurely pace. Salado also goes all out for Christmas. Stop by this year for Salado’s annual
12
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
Christmas Stroll, held Dec. 1-3; then 8-10. Visitors are urged to shop all day and night while visiting the more than 100 businesses that call Salado home. Food and drink at local establishments and from various vendors will provide
DECEMBER 2017
Salado Creek and the Sirena statue
varied and delicious offerings. Music can be found in the Village and in many merchants with strolling carolers and instrumentalists. The stores are open late on Friday and Saturday. It all starts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30 with
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
13
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Salado
The historic Stagecoach Inn the Salado Christmas Parade. The parade features floats, bands and much more as the town puts its best small-town foot forward as it travels down Main Street, after the parade Santa Claus will make a visit to the Salado Fire Department. On Dec. 1-3 Salado’s Historical Society holds its annual Tour of Homes. The annual event features some of Salado’s most beautiful sites. This year it includes three homes, two
Salado United Methodist Church Chapel
chapels, a Masonic Lodge, the LBJ/Baines family museum and the Salado Historical Cabins. Tickets can be purchased at the Salado Visitor Center, call (254)947-5040 for more information. No photographs are allowed inside the home. The churches on the tour include Saint Joseph’s Episcopal Chapel, located at 881 North Main St. The other church is the historic Salado Methodist Church Chapel located at 650 Royal, east of Salado. The church began in 1850, while the chapel is not that old, it’s still a beautiful, historic church edifice and is a part of the tour sure to get visitors in the Christmas spirit. The Christmas Tour of Homes runs from 5-8 p.m. on Friday,
Inn on the Creek Dec. 1; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. First Baptist Church Salado holds their Living Nativity both weekends of the Salado Stroll, so attend this special event to understand the real reason Christmas is celebrated around the world. That’s a lot to take in, but that’s not all as Tablerock Amphitheater, Salado’s famed acting troop, presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The shows will be held both weekends of the Salado Christmas Stroll. This is the 25th installment of what has become an annual event in Salado.
14
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
SHOP OLD TOWN SALADO ON THE BOARDWALK
Rose Mansion
pel
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
15
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Art is everywhere in Salado, including this old bridge with a statue by a local artist depicting the Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Michael Pritchett and Texas Artist B. Herd (below) are local artists with studios in Salado.
So, sitting in the beautiful surroundings of the theater and relive the story of Scrooge and his visit from three ghosts that set him on the path of a righteous man. Aside from all the Christmas events Salado has something noteworthy throughout the town, every block, every corner has a landmark of some sort. Take the Sage Hill Market, located on the north side of Salado Creek, is one of the oldest buildings in Salado, with one room originally built in the 1830s. The Vickrey/Berry House’ began to take on its current form with new additions in
16
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
17
TRAVEL + LEISURE
the 1870s, with other parts of the house being added over the following decades. The Berry family was the third to occupy the historic home. The Vickrey family became prominent in Salado in the years after the Civil War, and much of its success is due to the family. Current owner, and operator of Sage Hill Market, Julia Broadway, has worked to keep the old building true to its historic past, like many business
Salado
owners across this historic little town along Interstate-35. The house has received a few upgrade here and there over the years, but the floors are still original, the walls re in their rightful places, about the only major structural work that had to be done on the old building was to refurbish and restore the old home’s chimneys, which are now functional. The goal through it all was to keep the home as original as possible. Dozens and dozens of historic homes
Shops and restaurants are nestled all over Salado, offering visitors a variety of options.
18
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
T p v
Tablerock presents the 25th Annual “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. on December 1, 2, 8 and 9 in Salado. For more information visit www.tablerock.org.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
19
TRAVEL + LEISURE
20
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
line the streets and countryside around Salado, including the beautiful Rose Mansion, located off of Royal Street, just a few blocks east of Main Street. The house and its outbuildings are truly a step back into another time and place in the history of this region of Texas. Salado has so much to see and do, whether it’s surrounded by the Christmas holidays, or just a place to stop and unwind for a weekend — or more. Salado also is home to Mill Creek Country Club, a golf course designed by famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones. Salado truly does have something for everyone. ——— To learn more about all the things to see and do in and around Salado, visit www.salado.com to get an idea of this amazing town.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
21
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Kilgore Christmas
East Texas Oil Museum
Southwest Studios, Kilgore
BOOMTOWN CHRISTMAS Kilgore blends the love of the holidays with the iconic history of this famous oil town. Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography courtesy of SOUTHWEST STUDIOS, KILGORE; TEXAS MUSEUM OF BROADCASTING AND COMMUNICATIONS; EAST TEXAS OIL MUSEUM; KILGORE TOURISM AND KILGORE PUBLIC LIBRARY
rilliant lights, lots of cheer, and even more spirit — that’s Christmas and Kilgore offers plenty of each for a Christmas celebration unlike any other town in Texas. From the worlds’ richest acre, derricks decked out with their Christmas best, lit up to view from miles around, from the three museums in Kilgore to the downtown boutiques, and the special holiday events — make Kilgore a must-stop venue for the holidays. In the early 1930s Kilgore transformed from a sleepy East Texas town to a boomtown almost overnight as the East Texas oilfield was discovered just a few miles away. Soon the countryside was dotted with derricks and wildcatters feverishly pumped the oil from beneath the surface. Even to this day Kilgore is a major city in the oil industry,
22
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
Southwest Studios, Kilgore
B
Southwest Studios, Kilgore
Southwest Studios, Kilgore Southwest Studios, Kilgore
Oil Derricks and Christmas lights at World’s Richest Acre Park
Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
23
24
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
25
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Kilgore Christmas
and its impact on the community is evident Here are some of the highlights of a visit to Kilgore and some of Texas Farm & Home’s favorite things: • East Texas Ice truck display at the East Texas Oil Museum Oil Museum — Perhaps no museum captures more of what a boomtown and life in an oilfield was like better than the East Texas Oil Museum. At the museum, visitors can feel the raw power of a gusher as it comes into production inside the old theater and learn how oil was found and discovered in the Kilgore and East Texas area and the story behind the men and women who helped make East Texas oilfield famous. Walk around the streets of the museum’s Boomtown, a museum exhibit unlike any other, where it allows visitors to experience what was happening around Kilgore through the eyes of the people who lived it. Boomtown, a life-sized town, features a general store, drug store, theater, newspaper office, barbershop, bank, mill, blacksmith shop, gas station, bank, post office and more. While there take a simulated elevator ride deep beneath the earth’s surface to see where the oil lurking beneath East Texas was hiding. From those heady days that brought fortune, and a bit of chaos, to the serene East Texas countryside; the museum also outlines the evolution of the oil industry and how modern fracking techniques have brought new life to old wells bringing a modern take to the old boomtown. The thing is, there never will be a boomtown like that of the 1930s in East Texas, and nothing captures the sights and sounds of it as well as the East Texas Oil Museum, located on the campus of Kilgore College. There are a couple of new exhibits at the East Texas Oil Museum, according to museum director Merlyn Holmes. Inside the museum be sure not to miss the new apron exhibit, but outside, the new addition that cannot be missed is the 1929 Ice Truck. “It’s a beautiful addition to the museum,” Ms. Holmes noted. A new home was built for the truck, which is sure to add another notch to the museum’s
26
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
popularity. • Kilgore Rangerette Museum — See the story behind “the” drill team that changed half time for football forever. Before 1940, halftime of a football game was a boring affair, but that was before Gussie Nell Davis turned a rest period for football players into a spectacle as entertaining as the game itself. There is nothing bigger than football in Texas, but back before it became ubiquitous across the state, a young dean at Kilgore College, Dr. B.E. Masters wanted to keep people in their seats during halftime of football games; so he approached Gussie Nell Davis, a physical education teacher at Kilgore College, about coming up with something to help make this possible. She came up with something that had never been done before, a group of young ladies who could dance and perform during halftime doing their high-kick routine, so when the 1940 football season rolled around a new art form was born — the halftime show. So was born the Kilgore College Rangerettes, the first dancing drill team in the United States, an organization the famed football player Red Grange called, “The Sweethearts of the Gridiron.” This unique and special history is chronicled in the Rangerette Museum, located on the campus of Kilgore College. The Rangerettes are about much more than high kicks and splits, as they may be the most sought after drill team in the
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
27
TRAVEL + LEISURE
land and have performed for presidents and other notable potentates, while being regulars in New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Rangerettes will forever be linked to football, spawning a tradition that has taken a country by storm, so no matter what iteration football may take in the future, halftime always will be about high kicks and splits from the “Sweethearts of the Gridiron.” • Texas Museum of Broadcasting & Communications — Over the past century the airwaves have brought information to people in various forms, from the telegraph, to radio, television, and the modern iteration of the cell phone, information becomes increasingly valu-
Kilgore Christmas
able. The Texas Museum of Broadcasting & Communications tells the story of the airwaves and how it has evolved. It seeks to preserve and showcase the history of electronic communications and show visitors the innovation and inventions that have propelled the industry forward. One of the can’t-miss items in the museum is the 1949 DuMont Telecruiser. The Telecruiser once served the needs of Channel 8 in Dallas in television’s infancy. This blast from the past is fully decked out, just as it would have been in 1949. Take a tour of this rolling piece of history and see how televisions used to go on “location.” Other exhibits include the home entertainment section, where visitors can look
Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications
at vintage radios, tape recorders, phonographs, projectors, televisions, monitors and much more, including automation and broadcast equipment, historic photographs. If you still love your local television and radio stations, then be sure the visit the Texas Museum of Broadcasting & Communications. • Downtown Kilgore — Thousands upon thousands of lights bring the nights around Kilgore alive. This patch of ground in downtown Kilgore already offers visitors a peek at the city’s oil-soaked past and the derricks in the park pay homage to the oil wells that once pumped more than 2.5 million barrels of oil out of the ground beneath Kilgore. At one point there were 1,200 derricks located in
28
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
Kilgore. They were drilled on the street corners in town, looking to extract as much petroleum as they could from the ground. During Christmas the wells are decorated as part of a “Very Derrick Christmas” with the stars sitting atop the derricks in the World’s Richest Acre Park, putting a unique Texas spin on this Christmas tradition. “That really kicks things off for us,” explained Kilgore Tourism Manager Ryan Polk. “There’s no where else where they light up stars on top of oil derricks. They really are a legendary part of our town.” Kilgore’s annual Christmas celebration spans weeks from before Thanksgiving all the way up to just a couple days before Christmas. Downtown Kilgore gets all lit up, just like the derricks. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, take part in Kilgore’s Mingle & Jingle as the downtown stores welcome Christmas shoppers as they look for the special finds to put under the Christmas tree. This year’s Christmas parade will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 28 where kids can get their first look at Santa Claus for the season. Other Christmas events in Kilgore includes Deck the Halls, set for Dec. 2. Deck the Halls features guests dressed up in their Christmas pajamas running through the streets of Kilgore, filling shopping lists and making decorations, it’s a fun way to look at the downtown experience. On Dec. 9, have Christmas Cookies with Santa in downtown Kilgore. This
progressive event outfits visitors to downtown with a box, and as they travel from business to business in downtown they fill their box with Christmas cookies supplied by the merchants. “By the time they get through they have a box full of cookies,” Mr. Polk noted. On Dec. 16, Jingle All the Way, is held in downtown Kilgore in a last push before Christmas arrives. Bring the kids for this special event where they can visit the petting zoo while the parents do some last-minute shopping. Christmas characters fill downtown Kilgore, offering autographs to the kids. “Jingle All the Way really is geared toward the kids,” Mr. Polk noted. “Parents can do some shopping, but all the activities are meant to get the kids in the Christmas spirit.”
Jingle All The Way is a special Christmas event for the children in downtown Kilgore
• Forest Home Baptist Church Drive-thru Nativity — For the 25th year of the Forest Home Baptist Church Drive Through Nativity. A picture postcard sight of the church outlined with lights sets the mood for Christmas. Nestled in the piney woods on the east loop around Kilgore located on Hwy 259 is the setting of a living thirteen-scene Christmas nativity experience. The free event can be seen the three nights of December 7, 8 and 9 from 6-9 p.m. • Texas Shakespeare Festival – It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play — The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and with it comes the return of the holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play presented by the Texas Shakespeare Festival. In this unique radio play version, the actors play multiple roles and use microphones in the style of a 1940s radio drama. This lively holiday adaptation is an inventive twist on a classic story, and will surely get you in the Christmas spirit. All performances will be held in the Texas Shakespeare Festival’s UpStairs Space, located at 815 Houston Street in Kilgore. Dates for this special performance are Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20, general admission. • Kilgore Library — Kilgore’s Public Library first opened in 1933 with funding from the Public Works Administration and the work of two Kilgore women’s clubs. The Works Progress Administration provided the labor for the building, finishing it in 1939. It was designed to look like a French cottage in the province of Normandy, and cost $45,000 to complete.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
29
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Kilgore Christmas
Beautiful Kilgore Public Library Before the library was complete, the Kilgore Business and Professional Women’s Club worked hard to establish a library in the booming city. With $90 and no books, they managed to turn their dreams into reality. As the books started coming in Dr. J.B. Crane allowed the club to house the books in the local hospital. Then, they moved to the old Texan Theatre, loaned by Ligget Crim. The city of Kilgore got involved and appropriated $50 per month to support it. That support, the fund-raising and $20,000 donated by the Public Works Administration gave the Kilgore Public Library a permanent home. The Kilgore Public Library gets in on the Christmas celebration every year, and has been a tradition at the library since 1991. The library holds on open house on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Bring the kids; refreshments will be served and the kids can have a visit with Santa Claus.
30
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
y
For more on all the happenings around Kilgore during the Christmas holidays, go to visitkilgore.com, kilgoremainstreet.com, or kilgorechamber.com.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
31
TEXAS DINING FROM THE STATE’S MOST TRUSTED CHEFS
32
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
33
1401 E. Milam H Mexia, TX H 254-472-0512 farm-house-restaurant.com H Like us on facebook
11 am- 9 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am- 3 pm Sunday
Farm House is the premier family steak and seafood restaurant in Mexia. They specialize in food prepared from scratch! The menu features catfish, oysters, seafood, steaks, jalapeño pork chops, famous fried pickles and homemade double chocolate cake and more with something for everyone at a competitive price. Banquet and Party Rooms and Catering available. Dine in or call in your orders.
One Bite and You’re Hooked!
211 PR 2422 H Karnack, TX H 903-679-9000
Wed/Thurs 5 pm-9 pm, Friday 5 pm -10 pm, Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun noon-7 pm
RiverBend serves up some of the best food in Texas. RiverBend’s specialty is golden fried catfish served with jalapeño hushpuppies, however other menu options include steaks, frog legs, crab cakes, shrimp and alligator. In addition, they feature southern favorites, fried green tomatoes, blackened catfish with Creole crawfish sauce, and baked sweet potatoes.
Restaurant on Caddo Lake
RiverBend
100 US Hwy 75 S H Henderson, TX H 903-392-2257
208 S. Commerce St. H Lockhart, TX H 512-398-9344
Farm House
Open 24 Hours
Denny’s is America’s diner. For over 60 years guests have enjoyed relaxing to a hearty meal 24/7, every day of the year. Whether you are in the mood for breakfast, lunch or dinner Denny’s offers a wide variety of dishes to satisfy any craving. Try a “flavor of the season” such as the Turkey & Dressing Dinner, the Pumpkin Cream Pancake Breakfast or build your own Holiday Slam. AARP Discount : 15% off entire check
Denny’s of Henderson
Mon-Fri 7-6 pm, Sat 7-6:30 pm, Sun 9-6:30 pm
Authentic Texas barbecue is what you will find at Smitty’s Market, Inc. in Lockhart. Order barbecue, hot sausage or fresh choice meats at Smitty’s. Nina Schmidt Sells established Smitty’s Market in 1999 in the building that housed her father’s Kreuz Market for more than 50 years. The market sits in the same location where barbecue has been sold in Lockhart since the turn of the last century. Smitty’s was voted “Best” Ribs, Brisket, Sausage, Barbecue and Meat Market of Caldwell County.
Smitty’s Market, Inc.
34
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017 2 cups whole milk 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes 8 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shredded
RECIPE PROVIDED BY SMITTY’S MARKET, INC. (LOCKHART) - 512-398-9344
Crumble sausage into a medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until evenly brown; drain. In a medium bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs and milk. Add the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese, and stir to coat evenly. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cover, and bake 45 to 60 minutes. Uncover, and reduce temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until set.
1 pound ground pork sausage 1 teaspoon mustard powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 eggs, beaten
Christmas Sausage Casserole
RECIPE PROVIDED BY FARMHOUSE (MEXIA) - 254-472-0512
Crust: Combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 Cup or 1 stick butter or margarine and 1/2 cup chopped Pecans. Mix well till crumbly and press into pie pan and bake at 400 degrees till lightly browned. Cool Make the filling: In large bowl, with mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, add the powdered sugar and 4 large egg yolks. Add the lime juice and whisk until combined. Add sweetened condensed milk and green food color and mix well. Add 1 cup cool whip , mix and pour into prepared crust. Cover with additional cool whip and pecans. Refrigerate.
1 cup cool whip 4 large egg yolks 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup fresh or bottled Key lime juice green food color if desired
Pope’s Key Lime Pie
CRUST: 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup flour 1/2 cup chopped pecans Filling: 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 heaping tablespoon butter 2 - 2 1/2 cups broken pecan nuts 1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
RECIPE PROVIDED BY DENNY’S (HENDERSON) - 903-392-2257
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed. Cover dough, and chill for 2 hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are barely brown. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. You can either decorate or ice with whatever icing you choose when cool.
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup margarine or butter, softened
Easy Christmas Cookies
RECIPE PROVIDED BY RIVERBEND (KARNACK) - 903-679-9000
This recipe is from Debbie Wisdom’s Aunt Laurice Dodd.
Combine sugar, milk, karo and soda. Stir until it boils. Turn down heat and let boil until it reaches the soft ball stage. Remove from heat. Add nuts, butter and vanilla. Let cool slightly, beating until it is creamy. Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper.
2 cups sugar 1 cup milk 3 tablespoons karo pinch of soda
Pecan Pralines
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
35
Beans Quick Refried
h) work in a pinc but canned will l cumin vegetable oi 1 1/2 teaspoon 2 tablespoons d powder pe ili ch op ch on , 1 teaspo 2 garlic cloves d , choppe salt to taste 1/4 cup onions ped op ch s, oe at 1/2 lime, juiced 1/4 cup tom o beans (we nt pi ns ca e) 2 (15 ounc rant, os at our restau use dried pint medium heat. ed, 2 to 3 y skillet over av he a in l ng until soften oi ri e ir bl st ta l, ge oi ve t t Hea ns in ho oves and onio Cook garlic cl al 4 minutes. ok minutes. for an addition getables and co ok co d an s oe d salt into ve . an ly r, al de on w si Add tomat po ca Stir oc s, cumin, chili t 5 minutes. ze ou ee ab , qu S ed Stir pinto bean . at re u he xt e thoroughly r to desired te until beans ar potato mashe a h it d. w ne re bi m tu ix il co Smash bean m s and stir unt smashed bean er ov e ic ju e lim
Enchilada Chili Sauce
1 1⁄2 lbs lean ground beef 3/4 cup chopped onion 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper 8 cups beef broth 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons chili powder 1 1/2 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1⁄3 cup cornstarch 1⁄3 cup water
Brown ground beef in a large saucepan along with the onions, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Drain excess oil from ground beef. Add broth, tomatoes, chili powder, paprika and cumin to pan. Mix well, breaking up tomatoes with a spoon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for one hour. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the chili sauce, stirring constantly. Continue cooking sauce for about 5 more minutes until thickened.
Pork Cutlet Buffalo Fried
r pan ble oil to cove enough vegeta sauce Franks buffalo r Clarified butte
2 cups flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper wder powder. 1 tsp garlic po pper and garlic pe , lt sa h it w ets sides of cutl Season both r ou Dredge with fl ium high skillet on med ck ti ns no t Hea skillet it acing meat in pl n he w l or oi er Add imm it starts to sh Heat oil until crowd the brown. Don’t en ld l. go il nt u really sizzles. s e vegetable oi for 3-4 minute needed add mor if s he tc Cook cutlets ba meat in 2 or 3 s. skillet. Cook other 3 minute d cook for an an s et tl cu Turn m heat) in tio for mediu towels. r ra 1 pe (1: pa ce on u sa in Dra ffalo butter with bu Mix clarified . at he medium saucepan over uce mixture. essing. sa in et Dip cutl blue cheese dr h it w n bu er burg Serve on Ham
36
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
Recipes provided by Ponte’s Diner, 901 W US Hwy 84 Fairfield. Enjoy American favorites, Tex-Mex and Dessert at Ponte’s. Also, visit Sam’s Original Restaurant and BBQ, 390 East I-45 Fairfield, TX. 903-389-SAMS or www.samsoriginal.com
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
37
Gift Guide S A X TE 3
HOLIDAY FASHIONS
Merle Norman Btq We are a Brighton Heart Store! Join us on Dec.1, 2017. Brighton Happy Hour 5-7 pm @The Merle. Register to win $500 Brighton spree! Gift ideas under $100, $50 $30, $15 Free Gift wrap! Get it and Go. Merle Norman Btq, 309 E Milam Mexia, Texas 76667 open: mon-sat 10am-5pm
3
6
DECORATIVE HOME DÉCOR
Nettles Find these unique decorative home décor vases and other items to decorate your home throughout the year and holidays at Nettles Country, a Texas-style store at the Nettles Ranch in Madisonville. Nettles Country Store where the American entrepreneur spirit still exists. Located 3 miles west of Madisonville on Highway 21. 936-348-6541 or 800-729-2234
FINE LINENWEAR
MimiBella Shop MimiBella for the wonderful comfort of linen fashion. Mix, match the wide selection of styles in luxurious colors. Find your holiday fineries, or gifts for the special women in your life. And enjoy our personalized attention and service. Shops in Round Top & Bellville. 979.865.2121 MimiBellas.com
5
UNIQUE STATEMENT
MimiBella The perfect boutique to find unique statement-piece jewelry – the perfect gift for a special someone, or yourself. Choose from our carefully curated collections of Richard Schmidt, Mariana, Andrea Barnett, and Ayala Bar, to name a few. And while you’re here, shop other special gift items that speak to the romance or vintage in you. Shops in Round Top & Bellville. 979.865.2121 MimiBellas.com 3
HOLIDAY FASHIONS
Merle Norman Btq Visit Merle Norman Btq in Mexia for the latest fashions from Sharon Young, Ivy Jane, KUT denim Volatile and much more. Add in the accessories by Brighton and cosmetics too. They have it all at Merle Norman Btq, 309 E Milam, Mexia, Texas 76667 (open mon-sat 10am-5pm)
38
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
m
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
39
TRAVEL + LEISURE
Lockhart
A NEW HOME Lockhart’s Southwest Museum of Clocks & Watches moves to new location
T
he Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches has a new home. It’s still in Lockhart, and it’s still in a historic building, it’s just located at 109 E. San Antonio St. The SW Museum of Clocks and Watches plays a vital role in educating and feeding the curiosity of youngsters of all ages. From school field trips to Boy Scout workshops, as well as visitors from all around the country and the world, the Museum strives to ensure that this appreciation and knowledge will live on for generations to come. The new building allows for more and bigger clock displays, which span nearly 300 years of timekeeping. It is the mission of the Museum to promote the preservation of timepieces, to share horological history, and to educate younger generations in “Time Keeping.” The clocks and watches represent over three centuries of horological
40
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
century clocks and watches made in America, England, Scotland, France, Holland, and Germany. The Museum has an extensive collection of library materials including books, magazines, tapes, and CDs which provide resources for research and teaching. Programs are presented
to the public at least once a month. Also, full repair services for clocks and watches are offered by highly qualified clockmakers and watchmakers. The library and media room is frequently used by horological organizations and local civic groups as a meeting place.
achievements and include a Longcase clock by Peter Stretch of Philadelphia, circa 1710; an English single fusee skeleton clock, circa 1675; a clock organ, circa 1850, formerly owned by P.T. Barnum; and many fine early nineteenth
ABOVE: Ben Stafford Rodgers & Band Playing at Grand Opening. LEFT: Bob Brewer and Anna Ybarra (in costume)
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
41
HISTORY + HERITAGE
Raising Cane
George Ivey and his sons make syrup in the community of Snuff Town, east of Grapeland. Standing in back is Tommy Cutler.
Raising Cane
For decades growing cane and making syrup was a tradition across East Texas and the South, today, there are just a few keeping it alive and going. Story by WAYNE STEWART
S
ugarcane has been a sweetener staple the world over for centuries. It grows in warmer climates and can even be found in the southern regions of the United States, Texas is one of those states and sugarcane once was a staple in East Texas, generally on a line running from about the center of East Texas to the south. It’s grown extensively in South Louisiana. As the growing of cane spread from Southeast Asia westward to North Africa where it met with the rising technology of Europe, sugar began to be a valuable commodity. Regents were known to trade fine jewels for equal weights of sugar. When Europeans traveled to the New World, sugar cane found a new home where it
42
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
could flourish in the warm islands of the Caribbean. The Spanish brought cane to the New World first, coming with Columbus’ initial journey. Less than 20 years later sugar produced a profit in the New World. By 1520 sugarcane was on the main continent, brought to Mexico by Cortez, who established the first sugar mill in 1535. Within 100 years sugar production made the tropics of the New World the most profitable industry in the world. While the Spanish ventured on their quest for gold, the British established their own empire through the sugar plantations. The sad part of all this, slave labor and other-worldly working conditions made life unbearable for those at the bottom of the
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
43
HISTORY + HERITAGE
social chain at that time. Slaves were mere property and it didn’t matter if they died in the process, as long as the cane kept growing and the sugar kept flowing — that represents the dark side of the sugar industry. As the sugar industry grew, so did the slave trade. Eventually cane production came to the shores of America. The shores along the Gulf of Mexico lent itself well to the crop. Sugar cane came to Louisiana in the late 1700s, then spread along the Gulf Coast to states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and of course, Texas. Not all of the cane went for the making of sugar, much of the cane grew in small, private patches, for the making of syrup. Up until the past 100 years or so, sugar proved an expensive luxury. During the hard times, like the Great Depression, and the rationing years of World War II, sugar for the home was non-existent at times. For farmers who grew cane, though, when the cold of fall came they could use mule power to squeeze the juice from the cane
44
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
Raising Cane
and boil the juice in large kettles, or in specially made evaporators. Every community generally had a “syrup mill,” and the farmers brought their cane to the mill, and helped provide the labor to make the syrup. Syrup making proved to be a true community event. Enough syrup was made to carry the family through to the next year. The cane syrup could be put on biscuits and for the ingenious cook, used to make cookies and other sweets. Today sugar cane can scarcely be found outside of the giant sugar-making operations; and the syrup makers are even fewer. Lonnie Fisher and his wife Judy grow cane and still make syrup every year on their little patch of ground near the Southeast Texas town of Mont Belvieu. “I always like doing things, so a few years ago I decided I wanted to grow some cane,” Mr. Fisher said. “I made a syrup mill and pan and make syrup every year.” Friends and folks from their church come over and get in on the syrup making.
DECEMBER 2017
This takes place over several weekends throughout the fall. Judy makes delicious buttermilk biscuits and brings them to the syrup makers. The syrup makings are reminiscent of the old gatherings around communities across East Texas and the South where families came together to have some fun while getting some important work done. Those days are long gone from the modern life in this country, but folks like the Fishers still work to keep some of the old traditions alive. Along with the cane, Mr. Fisher loves playing with old equipment including his old John Deere L tractor, in mint condition. He also has a few other machines around including an old John Deere hit and miss motor, a Cub tractor and much more doing chores around their 10-acre patch of paradise. ——— The old John Deere is for sale, for any interested $8,500 takes it home. Call Mr. Fisher at (824)414-4510.
HOME
Burnet Antiques
Beckoning Burnet
This small town in the middle of the Texas Hill Country offers visitors a taste of the frontier sprinkled with a lot of home.
Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by LINDA MOFFETT
S
ituated smack dab in the middle of the scenic Texas Hill Country, Burnet welcomes visitors to the Highland Lakes area, while inviting them to slow down and enjoy the rich history of the city and its downtown area. The natural beauty of the region draws thousands upon thousands of people to the area every year, but Burnet and its historic downtown square offers visitors a fun shopping experience where they can do some gift shopping, antique and other
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
45
HOME
Burnet Antiques
collectibles. There are 34 businesses in the Burnet Association of Merchants, 14 of those are antique and collectible stores. The merchants have made Burnet a Hill Country antique destination spot. The antiques run the gambit from fine antiques, to more primitive, but they all are a treasure for someone looking for that something special. The eras of the antiques span from the 1800s to modern. Antique shopping and Burnet just go hand in hand. Burnet began as a fort on the Texas frontier as the people of Texas began to expand westward. As the Comanche and other Native Americans were forced out of the area, a town developed around the fort and Burnet grew into the historic town it is today. Fort Croghan Museum and Grounds tells the story of this frontier fort established in 1849 and decommissioned in 1853. The town was named Burnet, the same as the county established in the area in 1858. The Burnet County Heritage Society dedicated much
46
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
of its resources to preserving Fort Croghan, and its artifacts. The original fort consisted of 1,600 acres, today the grounds are 1.7 acres, but it is enough to show how soldiers lived their daily lives in the fort. Be at the fort on Dec. 9 for Christmas at Fort Croghan. It begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. See how Christmas was celebrated in the 1850s. Dec. 9 also is the day Burnet celebrates Christmas. Christmas in Burnet is set for Dec. 9 in downtown Burnet. Christmas in Burnet features a parade, arts and crafts vendors, holiday entertainment — even a visit from Santa Claus. A Winter Wonderland area was added to the festival this year featuring a snow slide, snow play areas and other fun things for the kids to do. The parade takes place in the evening, but it’s followed by the “Bicycle Giveaway,” where bicycles are given to deserving children. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Main Street Bethlehem, produced and performed by First Baptist Church of Burnet. Stroll the
DECEMBER 2017
busy streets of Burnet to find the place where the promised one, Jesus Christ, was born. The production features a cast of hundreds and has been a labor of love for the people of First Baptist. This year’s Main Street Bethlehem runs Dec. 1, 2 and 3; and the following weekend on Dec. 8, 9 and 10. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. It is located at 300 E. Washington, St, in Burnet. ——— To learn more about all the things to do in and around Burnet, visit the Burnet Chamber of Commerce at www. burnetchamber.org.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
47
RELICS OF YESTERDAY SEARCHING FOR ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES & VINTAGE FINDS WITH LINDA
A Treasure Trove of Antiques Located on the busy County Courthouse Square, the hub of downtown businesses, are several Antique and Collectible shops. One such shop is owned by John and Carol Will, who have been a part of the antique business in Burnet since 1996 and have owned Burnet Antique Mall since 2011, which is located at 206 South Main Street, just one block south east of the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 281. John stated that their shop is the oldest antique mall in Burnet County. John and Carol agreed that they have always had an interest in old things and in antiques. Carol says, “ I have loved them ever since I was a kid.” The Will’s are originally from Pennsylvania, where they were also in the antique business since the early ‘70’s. John is currently President of the Burnet Association of Merchants (BAM), a group of about 34 businesses in town with 14 of those being collectible and antique shops. The purpose of this group is to promote businesses throughout the town and to keep everyone informed on what is upcoming and going on around Burnet. When I asked Carol what her position was in this group, her response with a giggle was, “ I guess I am the First Lady!” There are generally about 5 events during the year that John and Carol work hard to promote alongside the Chamber of Commerce and the City. “These events are specifically geared towards drawing visitors to our town,” said John. The association also works with and supports the Boys and Girls Club and the Local Food Bank. John and Carol take time from their busy schedules to make sure that their own store keeps a wide array of antiques and collectibles, with a large spectrum of merchandise dating from the 1800’s to mid century modern. John said, “We don’t specialize in one particular item but we try to maintain a good supply of unusual and hard to find items. Our treasures come from all parts of the country because our dealers come from all over the states. We have 10 Vendors in a 5000 Sq. Ft. shopping area. “ The Will’s both agreed that their favorite thing about the business is the people they get to meet and the things they learn. Their goal is to bring in tourist as well as local shoppers and John says our motto is, “ Come on in and find a treasure.” If you are traveling or looking for that special item, be sure and put Burnet on your list of places to visit and browse the many antique shops located there...and definitely stop by to say hello to John and Carol and check out their unique and one of a kind items in Burnet Antique Mall, where a treasure trove of antiques awaits you.
48
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
Burnet Antique Mall .... Open 7 days Mon. - Sat. 10 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Sun. - Noon - 5:00 Phone No. 512-756-7783 206 South Main Street Burnet, TX 78611
LINDA MOFFETT
U A rare and unusual Victorian caned adult potty chair with a lifting seat can be found at Burnet Antique Mall.
Antiques and vintage finds make for great Christmas gifts
A simpler time 5 Roadster Tricycle: Happy Home DĂŠcor and Gifts specializes in finding those unique vintage items that remind us of a simpler time - like this 1973 Schwinn Roadster Tricycle. Mixing the patina of the old with the crispness of the new creates a home of warmth, and we call that a Happy Home. These items can be found on Etsy or in The Shoppes on Main in Salado, Texas.
An original 3 Red and White Hoosier: This 1940s red and white Hoosier is an original and is two pieces. Find it and other antiques, collectibles and vintage items at Roxie’s Relics, 107 E. Jackson St., Burnet, TX 78611. 512-5533524
A Regina Music Box 5 A first of its kind: The Regina Music Box Company was founded in Rahway, New Jersey in 1892 It was the first Music Box Company in the United States which made Music Boxes with interchangeable discs. The sound coming from the Music Boxes rivals any mechanical Music Box. For more authentic antiques visit Salado Creek Antiques, 511 Stagecoach Road, Salado, TX 76571. 254-947-1800, www.saladocreekantiques.com.
Unique Churn 5 A great piece for any home: A wonderful antique wood butter churn and an old wood grate are among the unique one of a kind finds at Watermill Marketplace, located at 602 Old Town Road, Suites 2 & 3, Salado, TX. They also feature home accents, furniture and decor, architectural and garden treasures and vintage and re-purposed finds. 254-742-697, www.watermillmarketplace.com
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
49
RELICS OF YESTERDAY
Bread Warmer 3 A great conversation piece: An antique bread warmer is one of the many things that can be found at Ruby Sue’s, who specializes in vintage design and revived antiques. For home dÊcor, furniture and gifts visit them at 102 E. Polk St., Burnet, TX 78611. 325-2473094
An assortment 5 Tea Crate: You can find this cooler and stove and many other collectibles and relics at Armadillo Emporium 101 W. Commerce, Fairfield; FB or Instagram @ armadilloemporium or call 903-389-3336.
A new purpose 5 Great for the home: Find this Texas-shaped decor and re-purposed antique bed headboard and other vintage designs and collectibles at Designers Market & Antiques, 418 Buchanan, Burnet, TX 78611. 512-756-4760
50
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
51
TEXAS EVENTS
5
December Happenings
Celebrate Christmas around Texas SALADO: December 1, 2, 8, and 9th “A Christmas Carol” Tablerock Amphitheater Salado, TX 25th Annual performances of A Christmas Carol, Dickens Yuletide Play. Concessions open at 6:00pm: Hot & cold drinks, chili, funnel cakes, snacks. Show at 7:00pm. Adults $10.00, Students $5.00, Child 12 and under $3.00. tablerock1@aol.com www.tablerock. org HALLETTSVILLE: 3rd Annual Christkindlmarkt Downtown Hallettsville: Live Music 1 p.m to 5 p.m, Doors Open 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m — Sponsored by City of Hallettsville, Hallet Oak Gallery, and Dr. Betty J. Edwards. Dec 2: Das ist Lustig, Authentic German music: 1 p.m to 5 p.m “The Art Tree of Hallettsville High School” will be on display. Dec 9: Lindsay Ruppert, Original Music: 1 p.m to 5 p.m Dec 16: Hallettsville High School Carolers 1 to 2 p.m. and Ruth Rouse & Denise Drozd, German, Czech, and Polish: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m Hallet Oak Gallery Fundraiser Gala 2018 Jan. 4: Silent Auction drop-off 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. or open hours before event Jan. 6: Hallet Oak Gallery Fundraiser Gala 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. featuring Chris Rybak Live Accordion Cowboy Music, Dinner, Dance & Silent Auction. RSVP 361217-7030. $50 per ticket. BEAUMONT: Dec. 9 Christmas in Boomtown Carols, crafts, and fun. This Southeast Texas attraction is combining tradition, local history, and fun to make a unique holiday celebration. The replica gusher blows at noon. Admission is by donation. Spindletop Gladys
City/Boomtown Museum, 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd. spindletop. org 409-880-1750 GALVESTON: Dec. 1-3 Dickens on The Strand With a nod to the ghost of Dickens’ past, Galveston’s world-famous annual holiday street festival returns. Based on 19th-century Victorian London, the event features parades, non-stop entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items. The Strand Historic District, 2200 Strand. dickensonthestrand.org 409-765-7834 SPRING: Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 Home for the Holidays The 37th annual event kicks off with a tree lighting at dusk. More than 150 local shops and businesses come alive with the spirit of the season. Watch weekend entertainment, meet Santa and other characters, and take a carriage ride through the original home of Spring. Local shops and boutiques offer a variety of unique holiday gift ideas and perfect treasures for everyone on your shopping list. Various locations. oldtownspringshopping.com 281353-9310 BANDERA: Dec. 1-31 Holiday Lights on the River When the sun goes down, the lights come out. Bring the family and drive through City Park to enjoy the true Christmas experience. Bandera City Park, 1102 Maple St. 830-796-3045 BANDERA: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Cowboys on Main Cowboys, horses, wagons, and strolling entertainers are just some of the characters you
might see on Main Street from 1 to 4 p.m. Bandera County Courthouse, 500 Main St. banderacowboycapital. com 830-796-4447 BOERNE: Dec. 1-Jan. 1 Christmas Light Fest at the Don Strange Ranch What better way to add extra sparkle to your holiday season than the magical glow of two million lights—plus food, drinks, crafts, gift shopping, and family fun? This event features all of that and more, making it a must on your holiday calendar. Don Strange Ranch, 103 Waring Welfare Road. visitboerne. org 210-434-2340 BOERNE: Dec. 2 Weihnachts Parade A long-standing Boerne Christmas tradition. Now in its 31st year, up to 100 lit entries will travel Main Street. The parade will travel south beginning at Frederick Street (by the Fire House) and ending at River Road. Downtown Boerne, 100 N. Main. visitboerne.org 830-2499511 BOERNE: Dec. 5-6 A Walk in Bethlehem As you enter the city, allow the sights, sounds, and smells to carry you to a period of time that changed the world. Journey through the heart of the city after being counted for the census. Collect your denarii (provided before entrance) and enter a marketplace bustling with activity from over a dozen authentic shops; enjoy samples from the baker’s shop; marvel at the potter’s, carpenter’s, and basket weaver’s crafts; and listen for the rumor of a king’s birth from excited townspeople. The highlight of the event will be the arrival of the Christ Child and a traditional nativity scene including camels and Magi. St Helena’s Episcopal Church, 410 N. Main. visitboerne. org 830-249-3228
BOERNE: Dec. 9 Christmas at the Farm A community event to celebrate the winter holidays. Families will enjoy hay/sleigh rides, hot cocoa, singing carols, meeting Santa, family photos, traditional holiday crafts, and decorating trees for wildlife. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road. visitboerne.org 830-249-4616 BOERNE: Dec. 16 The Christmas Town This event is fun for the entire family with a walk through Bethlehem on the night Christmas began, live music, beautiful lights, hayrides, a gingerbread forest, shopping, kids’ activities, great food, and so much more. Vanguard Institute, 43360 I-10 West. visitboerne.org 830-537-6157 BURNET: Dec. 1-31 Christmas Trail of Lights Celebrate Christmas on Burnet’s historic square with seasonal activities. Follow the trail from Wallace Riddell Park, sparkling with thousands of Christmas lights. Downtown Square and Wallace Riddell Park, 220 S. Pierce. cityofburnet.com 512-756-4297 BURNET: Dec. 1-3, 8-10 Main Street Bethlehem Wind your way through a village alive with peasants, royal guards, shepherds, and, of course, wise men on the trek to see the baby Jesus. First Baptist Church, 108 S. Vanderveer St. fbcburnet.org 512-756-4481 BURNET: Dec. 9 Christmas at Old Fort Croghan Families gather together to celebrate the Christmas season as it was done in the 1800s, including hot cider, cookies, and live music. Fort Croghan, 703 Buchanan Dr. 512-756-8281 BURNET: Dec. 9 Christmas on the Square The lighting of the Burnet County Courthouse and the arrival of Santa kick off the holiday season. Downtown Historic Square, 220 S. Pierce. burnetchamber.org
M s v d h a 3 v a h
D g m W 9
E r f N G A G m s s D
F v r m c m w 4 2
C a W b
i c fi e H
b l a b c t l t T o
S H H H w S v c
C S t
52
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
512-756 - 4297 COMFORT: Dec. 1-2 Hill Country Handmade Market The traveling market begins with a VIP shopping event for more than 30 handmade vendors and all Eighth Street Market vendors, a drink ticket, dessert and snacks, live music, free hand-lettering classes, giveaways, shopping bag, and more. The following day features more than 30 handmade vendors, all Eighth Street Market vendors, live music, food trucks, a coffee shop, and more. Eighth Street Market, 523 Eighth St. hillcountryhandmademarket.com 210-663-9046 FREDERICKSBURG: Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Day Observance Recognition and memorial program with speakers, chaplain, Joint Color Guard, music, and more. National Museum of the Pacific War, 340 E. Main. pacificwarmuseum.org 830997-8600, ext. 205 GRUENE: Dec. 2 Holidays in Gruene: Pony Express Ride Gruene Historic District will receive the 16th annual Pony Express rider from the Heritage Trail Ride Association of New Braunfels. Relay riders carry a “Christmas Greetings” message from the Governor of Texas. A temporary Post Office will be set up next to Gruene Outfitters in Gruene to cancel stamps for mailing. Bring your Christmas cards to have the stamps cancelled with the 2017 commemorative stamp representing Gruene. Gruene Historic District. gruenehall.com KERRVILLE: Dec. 15-17 Wild West Victorian Fest Queen Victoria hosts a retro futuristic adventure set in the 1800s. Be amazed by cowboys, ray guns, steam-powered inventions, and time machines. Participate in gadget, invention, and costume contests. Join in for historical re-enactments, entertainment, crafts, games, and tea with the Queen. River Star Arts & Event Park, 4000 Riverside Dr. wildwestvictorianfest.com 214-632-5766 WIMBERLEY: Dec. 9 Winter’s Eve—A Christmas Festival Enjoy live music, great food, a visit with Santa, and lots of holiday offerings. Wimberley Square, 101 Wimberley Square. wimberleymerchants.com 512-847-1818 WIMBERLEY: Dec. 16 Blue Christmas This is a free annual holiday event featuring horse carriage rides, an ugly sweater contest, a roaring fire, local music groups, Santa, and blue lights everywhere. Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Lane. cityofwimberley.com 512-660-9111 HENDERSON: Dec. 1-3, 8-10 “Velveteen Rabbit” In the world of toys, life begins when humans leave the room. When one group of toys discovers a velveteen rabbit, they learn what it means to be truly loved by their owner. Adapted from the classic story by Margery Williams, “The Velveteen Rabbit” tells the story of the unconditional love between a boy and his toy bunny and how that love makes the rabbit real. Henderson Civic Theater, 122 E. Main St. hendersoncivictheatre. org 903-722-5221 HUNTSVILLE: Dec. 2 Christmas Fair Start your holiday season off right in holly jolly Huntsville. The first weekend in December hosts Huntsville for the Holidays, in which downtown Huntsville features this annual Christmas fair with dozens of vendors, real snow, pictures with Santa Claus, and train rides. Downtown Huntsville, 1203 University Ave. huntsvillemainstreet. com 936-291-5920 HUNTSVILLE: Dec. 2 Houston Family Christmas Kick off your holiday season with the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Visit the Houston homestead for historical demonstrations,
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
53
TEXAS EVENTS
refreshments, hands-on craft projects, and photos with Santa Claus. Sam Houston Memorial Museum Grounds, 1836 Sam Houston Ave. samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com 936-294-1832 PALESTINE: Dec. 2 Frost Fest It’s a 100 percent chance of snow at this small town, historic holiday celebration—bringing together everything good about the holidays. Enjoy street musicians, a freshly blown snow play area, warm treats, Santa, a historic home tour, wagon rides, and more. Historic Downtown, 401 W. Main St. palestinefrostfest.com 903-729-6066 BASTROP: Nov. 24-Dec. 17 Lost Pines Christmas From an old-fashioned Main Street Christmas to food and wine events and activities for the entire family, Texas’ most historic small town celebrates the season in style. Lost Pines Christmas culminates on Saturday, December 9, with the lighted parade, which sparkles downtown from 6 to 8 p.m. Downtown Bastrop, Main Street. lostpineschristmas.com 512-332-8996 BASTROP: Nov. 24-Dec. 31 River of Lights Stroll along the June Hill Pape Riverwalk on the Colorado River after dusk to see more than 100 holiday displays. The event extends from the Friday following Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Wilson St. lostpineschristmas.com 512-303-0558 BELLVILLE: Dec. 1-2 Small-Town Christmas On Friday night, shop around the historic square and enjoy libations in the park. On Saturday, enjoy breakfast with Santa, shopping, and Market Day vendors. Historic Downtown Bellville, 1 Main St. bellville.com 979-865-3222 BRENHAM: Dec. 1-2 Christmas Stroll and
54
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
December Happenings Lighted Parade Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities, and holiday shopping along beautifully lit downtown streets. cityofbrenham.org 979-3377250 BURTON: Dec. 9 Burton Christmas Village Spend a fun-filled day in this tiny town, population 300, located halfway between Austin and Houston. Explore the Krist Kindl Markt with homegrown, handcrafted local items, baked goods, art, and gifts. Kids of all ages can enjoy cookie decorating, ornament making, and mini-gingerbread house creations. Go on historic tours of the 1898 Train Depot and Burton’s 103-year-old cotton gin, sip wassail (apple cider) and enjoy treats, join in caroling to celebrate the Christmas season, and watch the tree lighting at sunset. Texas Cotton Gin Museum Grounds, 307 N. Main St. burtontexas.org 979-289-3378 CLIFTON: Dec. 2 Norwegian Country Christmas Tour Celebrate the heritage of The Norwegian Capital of Texas with a tour of distinctive homes, history, performances, and art. Held annually on the first Saturday of December, the tour includes sites in Clifton and the Norse Historic District. Visit museums, art galleries, exquisite homes, historic churches, and arts and crafts venues. Clifton, North Avenue D, and surrounding community. cliftontexas.org 254-675-3720 CUERO: Nov. 20-Jan. 1 Christmas in the Park Lighted drive-through display features more than 100 animated settings and archways. Participants will enjoy a self-paced drive beginning at 6 p.m. each evening and concluding at 10 p.m. Cuero Municipal Park, 201 Leonard Roy Harmon Dr. cuerochristmasinthepark.org 361-275-2112
DECEMBER 2017
LA GRANGE: Dec. 2 Christmas Open House View vintage decorated homes in the 1890s Czech Village; see museum displays; and shop the Czech gift shop for Czech crystal, ornaments, CDs, books, T-shirts, caps, garnet jewelry, dishes, and more. Chicken noodle soup and sandwich lunch available. Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center, 250 W. Fairgrounds Road. czechtexas.org 888-785-4500 LA GRANGE: Dec. 7 Schmeckenfest on the Square Entering into its 10th year, this community event attracts visitors to the Square to sample more than 25 different types of wassail (hot cider) made by various business owners and community leaders. The wassail competition brings the allure of the coveted honor of being named Schmeckenmeister, an honor which lasts until the next Schmeckenfest festival. This small-town Christmas festival also includes delicious treats sold by local nonprofit organizations and a visit from Santa. The festivities begin with a Christmas parade and lighting of the county Christmas tree on the Courthouse lawn. There are also a number of children’s activities including a bounce house, Schmecken-ball pit, and Christmas cookie decorating. Fayette County Courthouse Square, 151 N. Washington St. visitlagrangetx.com 979968-3017 GOLIAD: Dec. 2 Christmas Rendezvous and Trade Fair People will gather to trade the crafts and wares they have made and collected in a 21st-century adaptation of the ancient trade fair. Presidio La Bahia, 217 Loop 71. presidiolabahia. org 361-645-3752
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
55
GARDENING BASICS
lets get growing
a b g e g
T s s y
p p t m e a r
i a s c o U T f t
g c R a p Balsamic Blooms basil is the latest Texas Superstar promotion. (Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo by Dr. Brent Pemberton)
Texas Superstars for 2017 Story by Jolene Renfro Crockett Garden Club and Davy Crockett Master Gardeners
T
he East Texas Bedding Plant Greenhouse and Garden Performance Trial Program began in 1994 at the Overton Center by Texas A&M AgriLife Researchers. This program takes good plants and makes them better then puts them through field trials. Only the toughest, most reliable and best-looking plants make the cut after several years of extensive testing. During these trials, plants receive minimal soil preparation, reasonable levels of water and no pesticides, and then must show superior performance under Texas’ tough growing conditions. To be named a Superstar in the plant world is like winning an Academy Award (except without the long speeches of the winners and the fake smiles of the losers). This year two new Superstars came on stage—Balsamic Basil and Victoria Red Grapes. They join the ranks of about
56
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
60 other plants that have been given this designation over the years. If you are interested in learning about previous Superstars, you can obtain a full color brochure through Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center www.texassuperstar. com. The information in this article has come from the literature from the Center’s handouts written by Adam Russell, and Dr. Brent Pemberton, who is in charge of this program. Let’s take a look first at Balsamic Basil. Basil is a popular backyard herb, and the newest Texas Superstar – Balsamic Blooms basil – represents an exceptional edible plant with ornamental qualities that make it a great addition to any garden, according to horticultural experts. Balsamic Blooms is a versatile basil from new breeding lines, said Dr. Brent Pemberton, Texas A&M AgriLife Research ornamental horticulturist in Overton. The plant has
s
e m S d w s w
s 1
i w fl a
p r p I
t a
attractive green foliage and deep purple blooms that make it a good choice for gardeners who want to incorporate edible plants to their landscapes and gardens. Balsamic Blooms was named a 2017 Texas Superstar plant by AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturalists after three years of field trials around the state. To be designated a Texas Superstar, a plant must not only be beautiful but also perform well for consumers and growers throughout the state. Texas Superstars must be easy to propagate, which should ensure the plants are not only widely available throughout Texas but also reasonably priced. “Unlike most basils, the entire plant is edible so you can chop the blooms and sprinkle them on your salad to add some purple and provide a nice color contrast,” said Dr. Cynthia McKenney, ornamental horticulturist at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, a member of the Texas Superstar Executive Board. “The foliage can be used like basil in traditional cooking .” For taste, Pemberton recommends gardeners harvest young flowers because bloom stems turn woody with age. Removing young flowers also encourages branching and reblooming, which promotes more leaves and flowers. Leaves can also be rubbed to emit a spicy basil fragrance, Pemberton said. Balsamic Blooms reach 18-24 inches in height and do best in full sun to maintain the colorful flowers, he said. Space plants 18-20 inches apart in welldrained soil. Keep the soil slightly damp while establishing the plant and then slowly add irrigation without letting it wilt. Transplants are available in the spring in several pot sizes from 4-inch to 1-gallon containers, Pemberton said. They are annual plants with the ability to continue to grow soft new foliage while continuing to carry the purple flowers, he said. The blooms and foliage are long-lasting. Balsamic Blooms do not require pinching or other special care, though removing older flowers will keep the plant actively growing, Pemberton said. It is also pollinator friendly. Texas Superstar is a registered trademark owned by AgriLife Research, a state agency that is part of the Texas
A&M University System. Plants are designated Texas Superstars by the Texas Superstar Executive Board, which is made up of seven AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension horticulturalists. More information about other Texas Superstar plants and a list of wholesalers and retailers who stock them can be found at http://texassuperstar.com/. “Balsamic blooms perform very well around the state and with very little maintenance,” Pemberton said. “It’s a plant that is a beautiful ornamental and a great choice for culinary creations.” The other winner of the current trial program is Victoria Red Grapes. Texas grape growers face various
obstacles, including disease, but an established variety has been recognized for its resilience, vigor and productivity as both an ornamental and edible plant – the Victoria Red grape. Victoria Red grapes have been named a 2017 Texas Superstar plant by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturalists after years of field trials around the state. The Victoria Red grape has grown successfully in the Victoria area for more than three decades and has succeeded where other grape varieties fell short because of their susceptibility to disease, said Dr. Larry Stein, AgriLife
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
57
GARDENING BASICS
Extension horticulturist, Uvalde. Stein said the most significant characteristic of Victoria Red is its sustained health, vigor and productivity in the coastal area of Texas, which has extremely high Pierce’s disease pressure. The University of Arkansas, AgriLife Extension and Tarkington Vineyards near Victoria released the Pierce’s disease-tolerant grape variety. Evaluated as Arkansas 1475, the
Victoria Red grapes are the latest Texas Superstar promotion by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. (Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo by Dr. Brent Pemberton)
Victoria Red was bred in 1971. The variety is a seeded grape with both large berries and clusters that are attractive and long with a bright red skin color, according to the Texas Superstar promotion literature. Average cluster weights at Tarkington Vineyards exceeded 1 pound. Stein said clusters can reach 1 foot in length and berries are typically the size of 50-cent pieces. “The Victoria Red has been growing around Victoria for more than three decades and there are many more grape varieties that have been introduced in that area that have died due to Pierce’s,” he said. “It’s a great variety for Texas and has strong aesthetic characteristics as an ornamental plant and as an edible table fruit.” The Tarkington Vineyards’ location is approximately 40
58
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
miles from the Gulf of Mexico and has very intense Pierce’s disease pressure, according to the literature. Vines at this location were vigorous and productive for 20 years, while all other susceptible varieties died rapidly from Pierce’s disease. Victoria Red is recommended primarily as a fresh-fruit cultivar in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7b or warmer. The variety is typically a two-seeded berry with an occasional third seed trace. In addition to yield and quality potential, Victoria Red has loose clusters, which appear to make it resistant to bunch-rot organisms common on more tightly clustered varieties. The variety does best in well-drained soil with full sun and when spaced widely, 8-10 feet apart, said Stein. The plant
may require iron chelate in high pH soils. Victoria Red will grow luxuriantly, and it’s best not to over-fertilize the plant and prune to keep in bounds each year, he said. Bare root plant the variety in early winter or plant container-grown plants in early spring. Stein said pruning typically includes removal of 90 percent of the wood that grew the year before. “Leave some 1-year-old wood because that is what fruits, but you still want to make room for new growth and prevent over-cropping,” he said. So as you being to plan your garden for next season don’t forget to look for Texas Superstars in your local nurseries, they are proven to be winners.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
59
60
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
61
RECIPES
Christmas Brunch
Recipes by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART
62
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
How about some delicious doughnuts in this edition of our sourdough journal. They are easy to make, and present a fun treat for the entire family on Christmas morning. 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese 1 pound bacon 6 eggs 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sourdough Doughnuts 3 cups flour 1 1/2 cups sourdough starter 1/3 cup sugar 6 tablespoons butter 6 tablespoons shortening 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 to 1 cup milk 1 egg Oil for cooking
Black pepper Cook grits according to package directions. Add the better and a cup of cheese, stir until melted, over low
Glaze 4 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 tablespoons water Red and Green food coloring For the doughnuts, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Cut in the butter and the shortening until coarse crumbles form. Add in the sourdough starter. Mix the egg and 3/4 cup of milk, then mix in with the sourdough starter and rest of mixture, add a bit more milk if needed. Turn onto floured surface and knead about 6 times. Roll dough out to about 1/4inch thick. Cut into doughnuts with doughnut cutter, or a large glass and a smaller glass. Re-knead and roll as needed with trimmings. Fry the doughnuts and holes in 350-degree oil until they float and turn golden brown. Remove from hot oil, drain on paper towel then place in glaze mixture, coating both sides then move to serving plate. Best when served warm. For the glaze, divide the ingredients in half if wanting to do the colored glazes. Mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla and water, blend until smooth. Add food coloring a drop at a time until mixture reaches desired color.
Bacon-grits casserole 1 cup grits 4 cups water
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
63
RECIPES
RECIPES
heat if needed. Allow to cool and stir in two eggs. Pour mixture into 2-quart casserole dish. Fry bacon until crisp, crumble and sprinkle over grits. Beat remaining eggs, pour over bacon and grits. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour. With about 5 minutes left, sprinkle remaining cheese over grits, and return to oven for 5 minutes. Serve hot.
64
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
TFH
Cafés Across Texas
A Tale of Two Restaurants MCCAIN’S BAKERY AND CAFE LYNETTE’S CHURCH STREET BAKE SHOPPE Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by LINDA MOFFETT
W
hether it’s a mouthwatering pastry, or a delicious homemade meal, Lynette McCain-Jones has it all
covered. Lynette operates a pair of businesses in the historic village of Salado. First, there is McCain’s Bakery and Café, then she also owns the recently opened-Lynette’s Church Street Bake Shoppe, where she puts her baking talents on display bringing customers daily treats like cookies, cinnamon rolls, cakes and a long list of baked goods. (I have to admit, I’ve eaten a lot of cookies from a lot of places over my life, but Lynette’s makes the best cookies I have ever eaten. I partook of a Ranger Cookie and a Snickerdoodle, one of my all-time favorites. Both were cooked to perfection as most bakers tend to either overcook a cookie making them hard and dry, or they under-cook them making a gooey circle, but Lynette’s knows its way around a cookie. Next, the texture and flavor could not be topped. If for nothing else, stop by Lynette’s for what is perhaps the best cookie in all of Texas.) The two restaurants she owns in Salado really complement each other. The Bake Shoppe, of course, is the place to go for desserts, baked goods, muffins, cakes, pies – they also serve lunches like sandwiches and specialties like quiche for breakfast. They also do pulled pork and chicken salad sandwiches
(the chicken salad at the Bake Shoppe features a different recipe than the famous chicken salad at McCain’s Bakery & Café.) Lynette’s Church Street Bake Shoppe also offers soups, chicken & dumplin’s, and chili on different days during the week. The Bake Shoppe also does all the baking for the Café just a few blocks away. McCain’s Bakery and Café has become well-known for its
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
65
TFH
Cafés Across Texas
fare, including breakfast omelets and her amazing chicken salad. “We do everything in both restaurants from scratch,” Lynette assured us. “We break every egg we cook, nothing is ever pre-done.” The eggs are cracked when breakfast is ordered, and the care, and time they take with their food shows in the delicious omelets of course, but also in her delicious eggs Benedict, served with Hollandaise sauce made right there inside the Café. “We’ve had people come in and tell us over the years that our Hollandaise sauce is as good as any they’ve had in the world,” Lynette beamed. “It’s one of our customer’s favorites.” Along with the breakfasts McCain’s Bakery & Café offers a varied lunch menu with the noted chicken salad, other sandwiches and various soups. One soup she always has on hand, though, is her cheese-potato soup. “I have to have it,” Lynette joked, “because there are people who come in and say they have to have it every day.” Lynette jumped feet first into the restaurant business in 2003 when she bought an existing restaurant, which became McCain’s Bakery & Café. “I had some culinary training and thought this was something I could do,” Lynette recalled. “When you get started you have no idea on what’s all involved, it’s a lot more than just cooking food, but I love it, I love coming in every day and I
66
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
can’t imagine doing anything else.” The thing that makes Lynette a bit different is her comfort with both baking and preparing food. Many times folks are one or the other, but she’s equally comfortable doing both, that’s how the bakery came to be over the past year or so – to every one’s benefit who stops by either establishment. Before jumping into the business, Lynette said she taught school, sold real estate, did many things, but she has loved cooking since she was a little girl growing up in Oklahoma with her four brothers and sisters along with Mom and Dad. “I did all the cooking for the family,” Lynette said. “I still do when I go home. I guess my love of cooking really came out of that.” Her offerings are numerous. For those around Salado, she also offers pre-prepared casseroles, they just have to be taken home and cooked. The bakery offers special -order items, such as custom cakes and more. Lynette’s Church Street Bake Shoppe, located at 100 North Church Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. McCain’s Bakery and Café, located at 417 North Main Street, is open Monday, Tuesday, and then Thursday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Wednesdays. For more visit the Bake Shoppe’s website at www.lynetteschurchstreetbakeshoppe.com; and McCain’s Bakery & Café at www.mccainsbakeryandcafe.com.
TFH
Cafés Across Texas
Creating a Legend THE BACK PORCH IN KILGORE A LOCAL ICON Story by JENN FORD
J
ackie and Vicki Clayton have owned the Back Porch for over 20 years. How did a small family owned burger shack evolve into a widely-coveted stage on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights? The only explanation is hard work and persistence. “We’re a legend, Kilgore people hear about us… they want to know about us. They like to come in and look at the pictures, and see the history of this place. They like to come because they remember it when they were kids,” night manager, Tina Penuel said. The Back Porch opened originally in 1982-83 as a small burger shack. There were only five employees in the beginning, and now The Back Porch employs around 75 people, making it one of the largest locally owned and operated businesses in East Texas. Jackie and Vicki complement each other, with their success coming from innovation and dedication. Both graduated from Kilgore High School in the 1970’s and went on to Kilgore College. Vicki was a Kilgore Rangerette. Jackie graduated from University of Texas at
Austin. They moved back to East Texas after he graduated, started a family and became business owners of a couple
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
67
TFH
Cafés Across Texas
H
B F v w p d s b r r 9 2
H
N O c f g 3 H 9
gas stations. They have owned The Back Porch since 1990. “We didn’t buy it for us,” Vicki said. It wasn’t their original plan, but an investment. “I worked at the convenience store and loved it. I did the bookkeeping for two convenience stores.” Originally, The Back Porch was only open for lunch, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. From the start, Jackie and Vicki were in the restaurant, either cooking or serving, trying to get the food out. “We knew immediately we had to open for night, or we weren’t going to make it,” Vicki said. The next change was the menu. They added many choices besides hamburgers, and have worked up to a full menu of 17 appetizers, five desserts, three patty melts, soups, five salads, seven dinners, seven “sandmishes”, a kids’ menu, and more, all with complimentary beans and hushpuppies. Customers began to request catering. One of the popular menu items began, The Burger Pack. It came prepared fresh with all the ingredients for a cookout. The only difference is the customer prepared the food. The heart of The Back Porch not only comes from owners Jackie and Vicki, but also long-standing employees Pat Mc Donald, JoJo Day, Tammi McFadin and Lindsey Hammontree, according to Tina. Pat started around 1988,
68
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
originally at the front window, and then moved to the kitchen. “Jackie and Vicki have always been good to me and treat me like family…” Pat said. Tammi nodded her head and agreed. “We’re all family, one big happy family.” Lindsey serves as the general manager and started working there in the late 90’s, as a server, and knows all aspects of the restaurant. The success of the restaurant comes from the atmosphere. It is undeniably a family restaurant, although it still has the perks of a full bar and amazing musical acts every week. With the addition of musical acts a few years ago, there was a significant increase in attendance. It is normal to have 200 people on any given Friday and Saturday night. Uncle Lucius, the popular Austin band, performs there in June. Neal McCoy was invited onstage to sing his popular 1995 tune, “If I Was a Drinkin’ Man” in March. He happened to be there watching another musician play, so the crowd was in for a treat. Just 10 years ago, the covered patio that fills up with music and families every week was a volleyball court, “So the college kids had something to do,” Jackie said. Now the Claytons are doing something for the community on a much bigger scale.
THE DIRECTORY Support Texas, Shop with Texans
HOME IMPROVEMENT & SERVICES BI-STONE BUILDING SUPPLY For all your home improvement needs visit Bi-Stone Building Supply for hardware, paint, lumber, floor covering, plumbing, window treatments, storm doors, storm windows, screens and sun screens, electric, building materials, bathroom accessories and fencing materials. Plus they do new construction and remodeling and have guns and ammo. 910 E. Milam, Mexia, TX 76667 254-562-9341
HOUSEWARES & GIFTS NETTLES COUNTRY One-of-a-kind home dĂŠcor, home accessories, Christian gifts, wall art, nettles famous stirrups and other exceptional gifts can be found at Nettles. 3 miles west of Madisonville Square on Hwy 21 West 936-348-6541 or 800-729-2234
For information on how to order the cookbook go to asthespurstirs.com or pick one up at the Texas Farm & Home office in Grapeland - 936-687-2424.
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
69
FAMILY FINGERPRINTS
Cooking 101 — Mud Pies I have discovered the reason for restau-
rant success across the country. It is why we find eating establishments with full parking lots and customers that frequent them, loosening belts and wearing blouses untucked. It’s only a hunch, but I’ll go out on a limb and blame the lost art of mud pie making as being the culprit for empty kitchens in our homes and neighborhoods. I am trying to think when I last caught a kid making mud pies. It must have been my own children years ago, because it was the type of childhood they had. My father, their grandfather, kept a year around play house in good repair. Always situated between at least three sturdy trees, both for shade and bracing, he made sure the “kitchen” was well stocked with bent aluminum pans and rusty pie plates that always had a leak. Oversized spoons, at times were lifted from the real kitchen, which always caused my mother to stomp to the play house and confiscate them in time for lunch. The children would shrug and pick up a stick to use instead. Nothing stopped them from completing their pies. I would watch them ration to near perfection, a certain amount of water with measuring spoons and cups Daddy had found for them. He said it was a good way to teach fractions and he was right. After each concoction was mixed and then baked in an old wooden box turned oven, it was time for fake tasting of the pies. If we were anywhere on the property, the children would hunt us down and insist on a “tasting”. Of course, we carried on over them, pretending to cut, bite, chew and moan over its perfect texture and taste. This happened again and again until it was time to hose them down for lunch. I had that same kind of childhood except there were more safety issues to the location of my playhouse. Instead of the sturdy trees to hold up my counter tops, mine sat atop an old well, under a boiling sun, in my grandmothers back yard. Sometimes my spoons would fall into the well through a crevice that I could have easily fallen into. The well access was about the size of a drainage opening you see on city streets. Stephen King thinks he invented the scary clown for his novel IT, who lived at times in the drainage systems. Really my grandmother thought of that long before he did, except she named him Top Hat and he lived in abandoned water wells. Her lurking character kept me out of that well, but not from making mud pies on boards that lay across it. Once I thought
Top Hat might be hungry, so I slipped a whole pie into the well, making sure Grandmother didn’t see. But, oh the pies I made while Top Hat lurked in the bottom of the well. So, it got me to thinking when I realized one day, that none of the youngsters I know, make those mud pies anymore. Oh, I’m certain there are still a few around, but I do think there’s a serious shortage of mud pie connoisseurs. I thought about bringing this dilemma before the school board, maybe get the elementary principle to start an after school program. Supplies are cheap. I could volunteer and I’m sure there are more of us around that still knows how to make them. I would not be opposed to resorting to Google if the children think we are making this up. We could print off a recipe to help verify this art form. I could start a blog or a support group of former mud pie makers. We could invite well known chefs to speak to us at special meetings and they would tell us they got their start in back yard playhouses with dented pans and sticks for spoons. But currently my challenge for parents and grandparents alike, is to set up those playhouses in your backyards! Dumpster dive for those rusty pans with no handles! Sneak spoons out of kitchens everywhere! Salvage old boards for counter space and boxes for stoves! Never use the plastic store bought kitchens! Children who use them will likely end up as fry cooks in chains that sell hamburgers for under a dollar and eat TV dinners at home. In their youth, they transferred plastic veggies and brown plastic patties with new plastic spatulas that reek of pressed chemicals, from one clean plate to the next, all in air conditioned play rooms. There’s no need for measuring or mixing or learning how to perfect a mud pie just concoction. When setting up a playhouse, you must make sure it is original and authentic in order to generate baking creativity. Plenty of fresh dirt and water from an old green hose or a crooked faucet must be easy available. There needs to be acorns and sticks and leaves to press decorations into tops of pies before baking. Children need to sweat in the summer and have their fingers turn bluish in the winter from mixing frigid water into cold sand. You just can’t do that with plastic indoor kitchens. It’s not the same. Tonight I am invited to my daughters for dinner. We are being treated to chicken spaghetti casserole, tossed green salad and homemade garlic bread. For dessert she say’s we’re having Mississippi Mud Pie. It’ll be just like old times.
T.J. Foster is a native East Texan, business owner, writer and community volunteer.
70
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017
DECEMBER 2017
H
TEXAS FARM & HOME
71
Salado, Texas The traveler’s paradise
72
TEXAS FARM & HOME
H
DECEMBER 2017