Bastrop Town & Country Holiday Journal 23

BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY

Vintage Holiday Recipes Revisted Advent Calendars to Craft this Season

GIVING BACK THIS CHRISTMAS THE HANDY GIFT GUIDE YOU NEED NOW

Holiday Journal I S S U E

N O .

1 4

N O V E M B E R

-

D E C E M B E R

2 0 2 3

05

Editor's Note

08

Plant this Now

09

Handy Little Gift Guide

12

Plant Fruit Trees Now

14

Giving to Local Chariites

16

Holiday Calendar

17

Live Music Schedule

19

Entertain with Vintage Recipes

25

Enjoy Advent!

27

Holiday Road: Lights and Trees

28

The Churches of Bastrop County

29

Cruising: Classic Cars

512.619.5322

1015 MAIN ST. BASTROP

By Appointment

Design Services

Desiree Laux – Founder/Designer

Home Furnishings

Desiree@BlackandWhiteInteriors.com

Window Treatments

FROM THE EDITORS

Hello,

Again

Welcome to our Holiday Issue!

Happiest of Holidays Bastrop County! We hope to see you out and about this season, shopping, strolling downtown, and celebrating. In other words, just enjoying our small towns and country roads with a spirit of thanksgiving and hope.

Our events calendar is packed with music, art, and celebrations to get you in the spirit including the Bastrop Wassail Fest and Lost Pines Holiday Home Tour. We’ve also presented a handy little gift guide of locally offered items. You know you’re going to need it about a week (maybe the day) before the big day.

BT&C took a lighthearted look at vintage holiday recipes which led us to a deep dive into gelatin salads. Jon disagrees but I really think they’re making a comeback. Give Vernadine’s Apricot Jello Salad a try and tell me I’m wrong.

Sticking with the nostalgia theme, we put together a feature about Advent Calendars, a list of light trails and Christmas tree farms and a list of historic Bastrop County churches too.

This season of cheer and good tidings is the perfect time to thank all of you who have encouraged Bastrop Town and Country magazine with your kind words and advertising dollars, story ideas, and gentle critiques. We love and appreciate you all.

Cheers!

Karen Derr and Jon Ryan Publishers and Editors

On the Cover: Photo from 2020 Holiday Bastrop Downtown courtesy of Store House Market + Eatery at 813 Main St., StoreHouseBastrop.com

Email us at BastropMagazine@gmail.com or look for us on Facebook & Instagram

T H A N K

Y O U

T O

O U R

A D V E R T I S E R S

A Unique Style Bastrop has a style all its own and those who make their home here take advantage of being a small town, near the big city, in the middle of Texas's big country. Bastropians are dark skywatchers, golfers, ranchers, a little horsey, artsy, outdoorsy, Main Street dreamers, who love local. If you'd like to reach Bastrop County residents, try an ad in Bastrop Town & Country magazine. It's mailed to owner-occupied homes and ranches across Bastrop County. Call Advertising Sales at 512-720-8290 or email BastropMagazine@gmail.com.

E M A I L U S T O A D V E R T I S E O R S U B M I T P H O T O / S T O R Y I D E A I N O U R N E X T J O U R N A L .

A

Plant This Now...

Early-Mid November: Carrots, Chard, Mustards, Turnips.

All November: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Rosemary, Dill, Chives, Cumin, Lemon Balm, Mint, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Parsley, Fennel, Fenugreek, Catnip, Strawberries.

All December: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Bare root or container-grown Pecans, Fruit Trees, Grapes, and Berry Bushes.

Source: Master Gardner Dolores Leeper, editor of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bastrop 1832 Farmers' Market. Used with permission.

FRESH AT A FARMERS' MARKET NEAR YOU The Bastrop 1832 Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Bastrop1832FarmersMarket.org Elgin's Farmers Market open Thursday - from 4 pm to 7 pm Veterans' Memorial Park. ElginFarmersMarket.com The East Eden Farm Stand at 1910 Main Street Bastrop is open 4-7 PM Wednesdays, 9 am-1 pm Fridays & Saturdays. edeneastaustin.com/farm/

Page 8

GIFTY & NEAR Locally curated offerings to delight everyone on your list.

1. Journals - The Painted Porch Bookshop, 912 Main Bastrop - $14 | 2. Vintage Poster, The Owl Wine & Home Goods, ElginOwl.com - $75 | 3. Reindeer Pillows - Black & White Interiors, 1015 Main, Bastrop - $28 | 4. Texas State Parks Mug, Buescher State Park, Smithville - $15 | 5. Block print on book page $15 -Bean & Noodle, BeanandNoodle.square.site | 6. Rose Ann Hall Barware, Richard Schmidt Jewelry, LaGrange - RichardSchmidtJewelry.com - $34-$72 | 7. Best Buckin’ Jerky, Tracy’s Grocery, Bastrop - $10 | 8. 1832 Custom Scented Candle- $24 - TonicMercantile.com | 9. XtraSketchy.printify.me - $18

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Prime Show Properties

JUST SOLD 115 Rockrose Cv. Bastrop List Price $712,500 Westin New construction in The Colony.

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Thinking of Selling?

LIST WITH THE KAREN DERR REALTY GROUP AND HAVE YOU HOME FEATURED HERE FOR FREE!

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Brought to you by your local Bastrop REALTORS® For Prime Show Properties Advertising Call 512-701-3642.

BastropMagazine@gmail.com

Time to Plant

FRUIT AND NUT TREES

Pecan orchard out FM 153, Smithville.

When it comes to fruit trees, Larry Stein, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension fruit specialist, says plant in late December through February. The key is for the trees to be totally dormant at planting. Planting trees in early winter will help them establish some root growth before they break dormancy in the spring, “When people plant their fruit trees in the early spring, they may struggle because they haven’t initiated good root growth to help them absorb moisture and nutrients during a stressful summer.”

Picking the right tree and tree variety are important decisions when transplanting fruit trees. “I suggest using the Aggie horticulture fruit site when choosing varieties.” The site offers comprehensive fact sheets on different crops and gives variety recommendations based on locations.” Location, location, location, “You don’t want a spot where water ponds,” he said. “That can drown the tree.” Stein said soil berms can be built up about 18 to 24 inches on which to plant the trees to keep water at bay. Bare root trees establish better, but they can be

“Peaches are the most universally planted fruit tree in Texas. Apples are hard to grow in Texas, and pears are the easiest.”

difficult to find because most tree nurseries stock container trees. Low spots, even if they drain well are not recommended. Stein recommends placing the tree on the north side of the property, so it stays cold during dormancy and stays dormant longer.

Here are some varieties Bastrop area master Dolores Leeper recommends: Peaches: Springgold, Bicentennial, Sentinel, Ranger, Red Globe, Surecrop, Belle of Georgia, Redskin, Milam, Denman, Loring.

Pecans: Desirable, Choctaw, Cheyenne, Shawnee, Cape Fear, Caddo, Sioux & Kiowa. Pears: Orient, Moonglow, Keiffer, LeConte, Ayers.

Larry Stein, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist, Uvalde

Plant fruit trees in an area where it will avoid late-day sun which can contribute to earlier bud breaks. “We want the tree to stay dormant as long as possible to avoid tree or fruit damage from any potential late-spring freezes.”

Proper soil and transplant prep is key to giving your fruit tree the best chance to survive a stressful Texas summer. Stein recommends the following steps for success. Before planting, knock off the soil around the tree’s roots. Bare root trees will not have any soil around the roots. Inspect the roots and cut them back if they are wrapped around the root ball to prevent the tree from becoming rootbound. Dig a hole the size of the root system, typically 12-18 inches. Dig it deep enough to plant the tree so that its root collar – the distinct line where the stem meets the root ball – is level with the ground. There is a distinct color change at the root collar; you don’t want it to be any deeper than that. Fill in the hole with the original soil and water the tree well to settle the soil around the roots. Then Stein says to cut the tree back hard. Cut pecan trees back to 42 inches with all side branches removed to the stem. Fruit trees should be cut back to 18-24 inches and all limbs cut back to the stem. “It goes against some recommendations, but the reduced root system and the cut back will force the tree to go into growth mode.” Remove weeds and grass within a 2-3-foot diameter circle around the tree. After the first year, mulch can be added within the circle to help weed control.

“It’s important to just let the tree do its thing. Most people kill trees with kindness at this point.” Stein says,“Watering is probably the number one cause of death. They can go 4-6 weeks without water when dormant.” Here is the protocol for watering and fertilizing for the first three years: In May, after the tree shows 8-10 inches of growth, fertilize it with a cup of ammonium sulphate with 21% nitrogen. Organic 3% fertilizer can be used but apply 7 cups to reach the 21% nitrogen requirement. Water the fertilizer in. The soil berm and weed-free zone can be useful to let you know where to spread the fertilizer. You might want to put the fertilizer outside the berm to make sure it’s not too close to the trunk. Continue to water and weed around the tree and ramp up the fertilization regimen in year two with a cup of fertilizer in March, April, May and June.

In year three, double the fertilizer regimen with 2 cups of ammonium sulphate in those months to push the tree’s growth.

Provide a half pound of 21% fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter at bud break in subsequent years for the life of the tree. Give the tree another half-pound of fertilizer in May if it is showing a fruit crop. Do not apply the second round of fertilizer if the tree is not showing fruit. Stein says,“You will be amazed at the tree you can grow in three years.” For more on varieties and variety specific recommendations check out the Aggie Horticulture website at https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/

BASTROP FRIENDS

GIVING LOCAL

Jon Ryan

The Holidays are all about giving and choosing a local charity to support with your volunteer hours or your money is an important decision. We asked these Bastrop County friends and business owners to tell us about local charities they’re passionate about supporting. Here are a few words from faces you may recognize and links you can use to get involved this Holiday season.

Karen Derr Realty Group/Compass and Jon Ryan support Austin Habitat for Humanity with both time and funds. The organization, which serves Bastrop County, has programs to make an affordable home a reality for applicants who don’t just qualify but also put in sweat equity. Did you know they also facilitate home repairs for the elderly, disabled, and veterans? Jon says, “Habitat's mission to promote dignity and hope resonates with me. I believe home ownership is the only path to building wealth for many families.

Habitat is putting that within reach.” You can get involved at AustinHabitat.org.

Kimmie Burns

“Thriving, spunky and wild, with the funniest personalities and sweetest hearts, they were brought into our family by the grace of God and CASA (Court Assigned Special Advocates.)” Smithville fashion boutique owner Kimmie Burns shares how CASA improves the lives of children who experience child abuse and neglect in Bastrop, Fayette, and Lee Counties by providing CASAtrained advocates to support children and families involved in the child welfare system. Casa’s motto says it all, “Every child has a chance - it’s you!” Volunteer or donate at CasaBFL.org.

Loan officer Jolene Jaehne and her daughter share a love for animals and enjoy volunteering at the Bastrop County Animal Shelter’s “Cattery”, petting and playing with the cats and kittens.

Jolene says, “Being passionate about helping our local shelter means dedicating time and energy to improve the lives of abandoned and abused animals and fostering a sense of compassion towards our furry friends. Honestly, it’s a very real problem - more animals in need than funds coming in the door.” You can volunteer or give at www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/as.animal_services

Jolene Jaehne

"We believe we should help one another in times of need.”

Liana and Matt Walker

That is why local Realtors Matt and Liana Walker support Feed The Need and their mission to provide nourishment to those in need in Bastrop & Central, Texas. “They have touched the lives of many families, and this time of year is a great time to get involved! We have seen how they have impacted families in Bastrop and we are happy to support their mission."

Liana says she chooses to support this organization because the couple has several local friends who are involved with Feed the Need.

The Gobble Kit program is a favorite and simple way the Walkers help during the Holidays. The Walkers make giving back an ongoing focus for their business outreach into the community.

Feed The Need provides weekly free meals and everyone is welcome - no strings attached. Last year their Gobble Kit program provided almost 800 Thanksgiving meals. Learn more or give at FeedtheNeed.org

...Continued Page 26.

NOURISHING HOPE & HEALING Jana Lynch is the Lost Pines Art Center’s featured artist at their virtual gallery through November 2023. She works in several mediums, but this show is exclusively done in egg tempera, an ancient medium of eggs and pigment. The exhibition is titled “Eye to Eye”, with images of various creatures, close up. If you look closely, you’ll see Jana’s portrait in each piece. Her show runs until the end of November. To view go to LostPinesArtCenter.org/exhibits

Besides art, Jana has a passion for feeding the hungry through the support of local food banks in the communities she works in. Jana will be hosting Christmas Butterfly Ornament painting classes on Thursday, Nov. 30, and Thursday, Dec 7 from 6-8 p.m. at 602 Brewing Co., 919 Main St., Bastrop. Your lovely creations can either go home with you for your Christmas Tree or other special places of honor, or Jana will install them with all the others at a community art installation at Eden East Farm located at 1910 Main St, Bastrop.

This is a donation-based activity, $15 to $30 recommended but any amount is greatly appreciated. A majority of the proceeds, after instruction and supply costs, will go to the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry.

Jana says, “There is something very healing when we honor a loved one in this special way.” Join Jana for this super enjoyable activity or you can donate directly at BastropFoodPantry.org.

Please reserve your seats at the table by contacting Jana Lynch at 702-524-4527 janalynchart@gmail.com or on Facebook @Jana.Lynch. A few seats will be left available for walk-ins.

Happening this Nov. 4th Movie in the Park at Fisherman's Park In partnership with Bastrop Cares. Starts at sundown.

Showing: Valiant Nov. 4th | Market Days presented by Events on Main St. Bastrop. Crafty Saturday on the sidewalks. 10 AM - 5 PM. Nov. 5th Day Light Savings Time Nov. 11th | Veterans Day Nov. 10th - 11th | Annual Veterans Heros & Hotrods Car Show. Festivities for the 17th annual cruise and car show over Veterans Day weekend begin Friday afternoon with the Cruise-In on historic Main Street in downtown Bastrop.

Come hang out and watch classic cars roll into town. Snag photos of your favorite car and talk to the car owners displaying vehicles. The car show takes place on Saturday, 10am to 4pm. www.bastropareacruisers.com Nov. 11th | Bastrop Art Festival at the Lost Pines Art Center 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Join us for our Fall Festival 2023, Bastrop Art Fest! This is our annual fundraiser & is a great event for the whole family. Regional arts and crafts vendors under the big tent, watch artist demonstrations, and enjoy great food!

Nov. 11 | Smithville’s Annual Airing of the Quilts & Historic Home Tour - Come take a walk along our historic Main St, and view the beautiful quilts that are hung on Main St and all around town. The Smithville Stitcher’s Quilt Guild Quilt Show from 10am to 4pm - Smithville Church of Christ, 1416 E. Whitehead

HOLIDAY SEASON Nov. 25th | Bastrop Main St. Presents Lost Pines Wassail Fest and Small Business Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Downtown Bastrop. Homemade hot mulled cider will be served throughout downtown & visitors vote for their favorite in the coveted annual People’s Choice Awards! A Polka Band provide festive music and in front of the Museum.

Nov. 25th | Lost Pines Christmas Tree Lighting. Feel the Christmas spirit come alive at the City of Bastrop’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Fisherman’s Park along our River of Lights. The lighting & a special visit from Santa Claus begins at 6:00 pm. This event is free.

Nov. 30th & Thur Dec. 7th | Christmas butterfly ornament painting class by Jana Lych hosted by 602 Brewing Co. from 6:00-8:00 PM. benefiting the Bastrop Food Pantry. 919 Main St. Bastrop.

Dec. 1st-17th | Bastrop Opera House Presents It's A Wonderful Life- Live Radio Play, Friday-Sunday, Tickets $25 BastropOperaHouse.org for showtimes & more information.

Dec. 1st | Winter Luna Market, 6:00-9:00 PM, Luna Alley, 20 N. Main Street, Elgin, Showcasing local women artists & and makers, local food, and entertainment, with a little bit of theater and whimsy. Follow the event on Facebook.

Dec. 2nd | The Run This Town 5K/1K Event is a fundraiser for Mina Elementary School. Register Online at: https://runsignup.com/race/tx/bastrop/runthistown5k Dec. 8th |

Nov 11 | Smithville Garden Club Presents the Historic Tour of Homes -five historic homes and a beautiful church. 11am to 3pm. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Chamber office

Dec. 9th | Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Parade - presented by the City of Bastrop. More than 130 entries from fanciful floats to fire trucks, unicycles to vintage cars & the big man himself lighting up Main Street starting at 6:00 PM

Nov. 12th |

Dec. 9th | Lost Pines 61st Holiday Home Tour. For more than 60 years, the Lost Pines Holiday Homes Tour has showcased Bastrop's historic past. 12 to 5PM, Price: $20. 512-303-0057

Nov. 18th | Autumn Market Fest at Rising Sun Vinyard McDade 10am-6pm. Music, yard games, wine and local artisans. RisingSunVinyard.com.

Nov. 18th | Merry Market at the Lumberyard Music Hall 1109 Main Street Bastrop 11:00 AM-5:00 PM - A holiday market featuring original, handmade, artisan jewelry, ceramics, wood and metal work, prints, textiles, and more!

Dec. 17th | Kana Wine - Kids Holiday Charcuterie Class at 11am with Luxe Grazing. Kids ages 8 and up will learn how to create their own holiday-themed charcuterie cups. Mimosas will be available for the parents. Purchase tickets at kanawineandmore.com/collections/events Dec. 25th | Christmas Day

Nov. 23rd | Nov. 25th | Christmas Market at Harmony Ridge. Shop our first-ever pop-up Christmas Market In the courtyard in front of Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard! 11 AM- 3 PM

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Dec. 26th | Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve

Live Music 11/3 Susan Gibson Live at The Bugle Boy 7:00-10:00 tickets at

12/8 The Genders Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

https://thebugleboy.org/events/

12/8 Walt & Tina Wilkins Live at The Bugle Boy 7:00-10:00 tickets

11/3 Everett Wren Live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00-10:00

at https://thebugleboy.org/events/

11/3 The Last Tango Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

12/9 Alastair Greene Live at the Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00

11/3 Julie Bouchard Live at CC Wine & Co. 6:30-8:00

12/9 Tish Hinojosa Live at The Bugle Boy 7:00-10:00 tickets at

11/4 Sarah Peacock & Jennifer Knapp Live at The Bugle Boy

https://thebugleboy.org/events/

7:00-10:00 tickets at TheBugleBoy.org 11/4 Rochelle & the Sidewinders at Neighbors Kitchen 7-10pm 11/4 Jamie Krueger Group Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7-10pm 11/4 Greer Sullivan Live at the Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00pm 11/10 Ducan Hill "The Singing Wino" at CC Wine & Co. 6:30-8pm 11/10 Phil Hurley & Friends Live at Neighbors Kitchen 7:00-10pm 11/10 Gary Cain Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10pm 11/10 Larry Wilson Live at the Fat Cat Lounge 7:00-9:00 11/10 Jana Pochop Live at The Bugle Boy 7:00-10:pm tickets at

12/15 Marcus Morales Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7-10:00 12/15 Carrie Rodriguez & Luke Jacobs Live at The Bugle Boy 7 to 10pm tickets at https://thebugleboy.org/events/ 12/16 Whitestone Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00 12/22 Ben Zuniga Live at CC WIne & Co. 6:30-8:00 12/22 Shop Dawgs Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00 12/23 Lochness Rockers Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00 12/29 DJ Champ Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

https://thebugleboy.org/events/ 11/11 Jake Waylon & Band Live at Neighbors Kitchen 7:00-10pm

Every Month

11/11 Chasing Gypsy Live at Copper Shot Distillery 8-10:00pm 11/11 Marin Zellar Live at The Bugle Boy 7:00-10:00pm tickets at https://thebugleboy.org/events/ 11/12 Jeremy Parsons Live at Neighbors Kitchen 5:00- 8:00pm

Live music at Storehouse Market & Eatery - Wednesdays 7-9

11/16 Brennen Leigh- Harmony Ridge Concert Series Live at

Bingo at Bastrop Beer Co. - Wednesdays 7-9 PM

Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 8:00-10:00

Cornhole Tournaments Community Gardens Wednesdays 7 PM

11/17 Mike Kiddoo Live at CC Wine & Co 6:30-8:00

Elgin Sip, Shop & Stroll - 2nd Thursday Downtown, 5 -8 PM

11/17 Bluez in the Night Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center - First Saturday, 6:00 PM -

11/17 Ryan DeSiato Live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00-10:00 11/17 Patrice Pike Live at The Bugle Boy 7:00-10:00 tickets at https://thebugleboy.org/events/ 11/18 JJ & the Mystics Live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7-10:pm 11/18 Ben Zuniga Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

8:00 PM - art, live music & refreshments.

Trivia Tuesday at Heroes Sports Bar, Wednesdays 7-10 PM Karaoke Night at Heroes Sports Bar Thursdays 6-10 PM Trivia Nights Bastrop Beer Co. Thursdays 7-9 PM

11/18 Terry Klien Live at the Bugle Boy 7:00-10:00 tickets at

Comedy Standup at Film Alley Saturdays - See times

https://thebugleboy.org/events/

https://bastrop.filmalley.net/

11/19 Brian Wolff Live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

Open Mic Night at Fat Cat Lounge, Smithville - Every Thursday

11/24 David Spain Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

7-9 pm. Signup starts at 6:00. 301 Main St.

11/24 Natalie Metcalf Live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7-10pm

Cornhole Tournament at Bastrop Beer Co. Tuesdays 6:30-10 PM

11/25 The Mighty Orq Live at Neighbors Kitchen 7:00-10:pm

Open Ride Day at Mayfest Park, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

12/1 Glenn Collins & the Alibis Live at Copper Shot 7:00-10pm 12/1 Jordan Karam Live at CC Wine & Co 6:30-8:00pm 12/1 Lilli Lewis Live at The Bugle Boy 7:00-10:00 tickets at https://thebugleboy.org/events/

8 AM-10 PM www.cityofbastrop.org/page/parks.home Farm Street Opry, 1st Thursday 5:30 PM Singles Mingle at Film Alley - 2nd Thursday 7-9 PM

12/2 Tish & the Mizzbehavins Live at Copper Shot 7:00-10pm

Gayme Night - Every 3rd Thursday with Bastrop Pride at Bastrop

12/2 Slaid Cleaves Live at The Bugle Boy 7:00-10:00 tickets at

Games & Hobbies 5:00-9:00 PM, 711 Chestnut Bastrop.

https://thebugleboy.org/events/

Family Feud Game Night Tuesday 7:00 PM Bastrop Beer

12/7 Chris Daurte Group Live at the Fat Cat Lounge 8:00-10:00

Company

12/8 Phil Hurley Live at CC Wine & Co. 6:30-8:00

Hero’s Sports Bar Karaoke 7:00-10:00 PM Thursday Nights

Information was accurate at the time of printing but subject to change. Call ahead to confirm, please.

B T & C

R e n e

I b a r r a ,

R E C O M M E N D S

D i r e c t o r

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2023

Recipe Redux It was my co-publisher Jon’s idea to write about vintage holiday recipes.

He’s 27. Coincidentally I had the opportunity to help a dear friend prepare her home of 40 years to sell so she can move closer to her son in Tucson. At one point in the project, we decided to open a bottle of wine and read through her long departed mother’s recipe box.

Have

Yourself

Reading through the handwritten cards, my friend didn’t remember her mother ever cooking a single one of the dishes. Some she recognized from old family friends and when she saw familiar names, she’d comment “Oh that one is probably good, she was an excellent cook.” She speculated that for her mother, asking for a recipe was a high compliment. I chose a couple of recipes from the box to test for this article. One made the cut (see Apricot Gelatin Salad below.) Most of them involved assembling ready made ingredients in novel ways for special occasion dishes. Our family had our own favorites - think Pink Fluff, Green Bean Casserole and canned sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows. But Jon learned to cook in the era of farm-to-table. Most modern housewives of the 1950s and ’60s were glad to be as far away from the farm as possible. I know my mother, whose family ranched just outside of Lockhart certainly was. Reading through Vernadine’s recipe box was a lovely way to spend an evening with my friend. Even if the dishes were not the healthiest, each had an element of whimsey. They are probably as entertaining to eat as they are to read. And you heard it here; gelatin salads and molds are making a comeback with everyone being all about collagen these days.

A Vintage Holiday Season

We love it when Bastrop County neighbors send photos or story ideas. Dr. Sandra Wells Dunkin recently sent us a photo of beautiful marzipan fruit. She shared that her grandmother had started a family tradition of making marzipan to give as Christmas gifts. Talk about vintage, marzipan has reportedly been around since the 14th century, maybe even longer. The photo below is of the beautiful traditional vegetable and fruit-shaped candies she’s made. Her rustic chic kitchen (shown right) in historic Bastrop is the perfect setting for making Holiday cooking memories. She shares, “I look forward to making marzipan with my daughters this year.”

Marzipan Candy

3/4 cup blanched almond flour 9 tbsp powdered sugar 1 -1/2 tbsp water

Process the almond flour and powdered sugar in a food processor until powdery. Add water a little at a time and pulse until the dough forms a ball. If sticky, add more almond flour.

Knead the ball on a clean surface until smooth. Shape it into a log, wrap it up in cling wrap and refrigerate until firm. To make traditional miniature marzipan fruit and vegetables, knead gel food coloring into portions of the dough until evenly colored. Model into desired shapes.

Add broken clove pieces for stems and bud ends. Add texture to citrus with a toothpick.

Fruit Cake Cookies

1 cup raisins 1 cup candied cherries (red and green are pretty), coarsely chopped 1 cup dried pineapple, coarsely chopped 1 cup walnuts, chopped but not too small 1/2 cup unsalted butter 3/4 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. almond extract (optional) 1 1/4 cups flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp Grand Marnier (optional) Instructions: 1. Combine fruit and nuts and 1/2 the flour, and mix well.

2. Cream the butter and sugar, and add the egg, vanilla and almond extract (optional.)

3. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until light and creamy.

4. Stir in fruit mixture and remaining flour, baking soda, and salt and mix well.

5. Drop onto parchment lined or greased baking sheet using a 1" scoop and bake at 350F for 10-12 min. Let cool on cooling racks. brush lightly with Grand Marnier.

Vernadine’s Apricot Jello Salad 2 Small boxes of orange Jello with sugar or sugar-free 1 Small can of crushed pineapple 2 Tbsps lemon juice 1/4 Cup of chopped walnuts 1 Can apricots 15 oz 1. Drain apricots and pineapple, reserving the juice 2. Cut apricots into small pieces 3. In a large bowl, dissolve the jello 2 cups boiling water 4. Add 1 cup of reserved juice, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until jello is the consistency of egg whites 5. Fold in fruit and nuts 6. Pour into a 13×9 glass pan or oiled mold 7. Return to fridge until set, several hours, or overnight.

8. Sit the mold bottom briefly in hot water then unmold.

Holiday Rum Punch

drink this now

Ingredients : 2 cups 100% cranberry juice 8 cups apple cider

2-1/2 cups ginger beer (non-alcoholic) 1 bottle brut sparkling wine (750 ml bottles) 1 -1/2 cups dark rum (6 oz) 2 oranges thinly sliced into rounds 1 cup fresh cranberries

Procedure : 1. Add all ingredients to a large punch bowl and stir with ice.

2. Slice oranges for garnish and add whole cranberries

Note: Add simple syrup or agave if sweeter punch is desired.

The first 3 ingredients make a lovely mocktail.

Holiday Home "To Do"

It's time to check insulation on exposed plumbing pipes and hose bibs and repair/replace any that have been damaged.

Check batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Towards the end of December or after the first good freeze, re-plant fruit and ornamental trees that were lost in the past year.

Reverse ceiling fans to run the blades clockwise. This will push warm air down so you're more comfortable in cold weather.

Now that it's not 1000-degrees in your attic, take a peek up there at your insulation. Make sure it is still lofty and in good condition, free of damage from animals or leaks.

Check possible points of entry in your attic and crawl spaces for activity. Colder weather may drive animals to seek warmth.

Check weather stripping and caulking around windows and door, looking for air leaks that can make your heating system less efficient.

Keep your home company ready by doing one task each week.

This home maintenance reminder is brought to you by The Lori Tuggle Agency. www.lorituggleagency.com Your home is your largest investment.

Make sure it's protected year round.

Give all landscaping beds a thick layer of mulch to hold in moisture and protect against light freezes.

Page 23

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established...” -Proverbs 24:3-4

BASTROP, TX | 737-242-0062 | HELLO@WISDOMHOUSETX.COM WWW.WISDOMHOUSETX.COM | @WISDOMHOUSE_TX @WISDOMHOUSETX

The Tradition of

Advent

Over Thanksgiving break is a great time to craft an Advent “Calendar.” You’ll need 24 small containers numbered 1-24.

Gift ideas: candy, chocolates, verses, promises of fun activities/movies, stickers, cookies, small toys, playing cards, love notes, office/school supplies, teas, coffee, perfume, candles, socks, tea towels,

Sometimes the Holiday season can seem like a mad dash to the big finish. Excited children and even we adults can focus so intently on the arrival of Christmas Day, that the days leading up to it can become a blur. It’s believed a German mother with eager children invented the first Advent Calendar in the 19th century, with little doors to open each day from December 1st through 24th.

Today, small gifts, scriptures, or chocolates are just a few of the items that the doors... bags...or boxes can hide; one for each day until Christmas. Good Housekeeping has published a list of 50 Best Advent Calendars for children and adults for 2023. It includes “calendars” complete with 24 gifts from retailers like Harry & David, Williams Sonoma, and Disney. Of course, Neiman Marcus offers luxe editions.

ANTICIPATING

the Gift

This all sounds fun (24 gifts!) but the last thing we need in our Holiday is more commercialism...right?

Okay, let’s not throw the Advent baby out with the consumerism bath.

An Advent basket or tree or numbered boxes on the mantle (see page 25) make lovely decorations. And the focus is taken away from that one big haul of gifts that takes only a few minutes to open. Instead, you enjoy sharing small gifts and time together each day for twenty-four days. There can be a gift on Christmas but it doesn’t have to dominate the celebration.

Celebrating the season with an Advent Calendar might be a fun addition or it might really change how you celebrate. Small delightful gifts to share could be less stressful than big impressive ones. You may find that more time to contemplate giving and gifts is a more meaningful tradition for your family.

As Neiman Marcus has proven, Advent Calendars are for adults too. Twentyfour indulgences for you, from you, might be an excellent tradition to start.

Continued from page 15.

BASTROP FRIENDS

GIVING LOCAL If you follow local State Farm agent Lori Tuggle on social media, you know she’s active in many organizations in Bastrop County. She can be seen delivering Welcome Back to School gifts for teachers and working on committees at the Chamber of Commerce, to name just a couple of ways Lori and her staff serve in our community.

When asked about charitable giving during the Holiday season she shared, “We always adopt a family or two for Christmas and buy and wrap gifts for them.” Lori says she looks to Bluebonnet Trails Community Services to help connect her with families who could use a little help at Christmas time.

Her contact there is Aubrey.Bennett@bbtrails.org.

Lori Tuggle and Kai

Holiday 2023

LOAD UP THE CAR AND HIT THE HOLIDAY ROAD

Central texas holiday light shows SANTA’S WONDERLAND – COLLEGE STATION November 10 – December 30, 2023 “Over the course of more than 25 years, Santa's Wonderland has transformed into a massive Texas Christmas attraction, becoming a Christmas tradition!” https://www.santas-wonderland.com/ SANTA’S RANCH DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS LIGHTS - New Braunfels “travel through a mile-long magical wonderland with over 2.5 million lights.”

November 03 – December 31, 2023 SantasRanch.net Austin Trail of Lights & Zilker tree lighting - Zilker Park The 59th Tree Lighting will be held at Zilker Park on November 26, from 6-7 p.m.

Free parking. trail of Lights https://austintrailoflights.org Bastrop River of Lights- Fisherman’s Park November 25Th lighting of the City’s Christmas tree and a special visit from Santa Claus begin at 6:00 pm.

Weihnachtszeit (Christmas time) events IN FREDERICKSBURG Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Skating nov 18 Holiday home Tour Nov 18 light the night Christmas parade dec 1 Holiday Market at St. Joseph's Halle Dec 9 https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com And you may want to stay for the New Year's Eve Dance with Kin Faux + Thomas Michael Riley in Luckenbach. www.luckenbachtexas.com

cut your own tree Elgin Christmas Tree Farm 120 Natures Way, Elgin www.elginchristmastreefarm.com Lee county chrstmas trees 4067 County Road 114 lincoln, Texas 78948 https://www.leecountychristmastrees.com evergreen farms 242 monkey road, elgin www.evergreen-farms.com

1. Cedar Creek United Methodist, 2. Bastrop Christian Church, 3. Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Smithville, 4. Calvary Episcopal Bastrop, 5. Sacred Heart Catholic - Rockne, 6. Hopewell Primitive Baptist Cedar Creek, 7. St. Mary’s Catholic, Pin Oak, 8. First United Methodist Elgin, 9. First Christian Church Smithville, 10. St. Paul Catholic Smithville, 11. First United Methodist Smithville

The Churches of Bastrop County

CRUISING

Classic Cars in Bastrop County BastropAreaCruisers.com 17th Annual Heroes & HotRods Car Show

Veterans' Day Weekend Nov 10 & 11 Page 29

Old But Gold

Does one of these fine rides seen around Bastrop County belong to you?

Claim your cruiser and we'll give you a $10 gift card to Tracy's Drive-In or Smithville General Store & Coffee.

Just text to 512-720-8290 or email BastropMagazine@gmail.com and tell us you saw it in Bastrop Town & Country Magazine!

1 per car, please.

Dr. Sandra Dunkin, MD serves Austin and the Central Texas area at her Bastrop psychiatry practice.

Access psychiatric wellness.

BrainWell Psychiatry and Mental Health

BrainWellPsychiatry.com 909 Pecan Street Bastrop, TX 512-360-8488

Now Offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Treatment Resistant Depression and OCD ADHD testing & treatment for individuals 12 years & older. Effective non-medication treatment options for insomnia.

KarenDerrRealtyGroup.com