Bastrop Town & Country Spring Journal 24

T O W N & C O U N T R Y

Dining

Live

Made From the Heart

Drink this Now

Spring Room Refresh

Rustic Galettes

Take a

Hello Again,

Happy Spring!

Our Spring issue is always one of our favorites Remember that photo shoot with goats having a picnic? I lost some fine china doing that one

By the end of winter, we all can use a little sun. BT&C usually explores an outdoor activity like hiking or canoeing but this year we opted for outdoor eating We first covered local food truck cuisine in 2021 with the queen, Yoli (RIP ) Bastrop County’s burgeoning food truck scene is booming with great food and a community of interesting proprietors.

Besides eating outdoors, we dive into gardening with heirlooms and also some suggested wildflower drives all great ways to catch a little sun (tag us @bastroptownandcountry on IG )

New this issue, we accomplished a goal we’ve long had to write about cool DIY projects It was harder than we anticipated so tell us what you think of our first attempt: a Breakfast in Bed Tray, just in time for Mother’s Day giving

We’re keeping it fresh but leaning on our old favorites too - great recipes (Rustic Galettes) and Drink this Now (Peach Ginger Bourbon Frozen )

Living, working, and playing just East of Weird is especially a pleasure in the springtime, so grab yourself a hammock or a picnic bench and enjoy!

Cheers!

Karen Derr and Jon Ryan Publishers and Editors

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.

Joe Masabni, Ph D , with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist, Dallas, encourages home gardeners to learn how to save their own seeds, which will ensure they have the seed they need next growing season. Seeds from heirloom varieties will grow “true to type,” which is not always the case with hybrid varieties

“Teaching people how to save seeds is part of our AgriLife Extension education,” he said “We always encourage saving seeds, especially varieties you like, as part of a well-rounded gardening experience ”

As a general rule, it’s best to save seeds from the best tasting and biggest harvested fruit.

“Seed saving is great because plants will perform better season after season once acclimated to local growing conditions,” Masabni said “It’s like you’re creating your own heirloom variety when you save seeds ”

WHYGO HEIRLOOM?

For many, the most compelling reason to plant heirloom varieties is taste.

Most of us know something about heirloom tomatoes In the grocery store, where most tomatoes are similar in shape, color, and size, those labeled heirloom are beautifully bumpy, in hues from yellow to purple, and all reds in between Besides standout looks, you’ve probably noticed heirloom tomatoes also are pricey both at the market and in restaurants

Here are a few reasons why you might want to pay more for heirloom vegetables or even grow your own

Taste Prior to about 1950, many home gardeners and farmers saved seeds from year to year. They chose seeds from their most flavorful and hardy plants, gradually developing their own unique varieties Back then, you certainly didn’t care to save seeds to grow more consistently round fruit to fit neatly in a bin or cellophane packages Taste was the end goal Bastrop farmer David Barrow says, “About 75% of our vegetables are heirloom varietals The big ones would be tomatoes or some of our lettuces and specialty greens ” His farm, Eden East is at 1910 Main in Bastrop

Self-sufficiency

All heirloom plants are openpollinated, naturally by insects or breeze Seeds from these varieties can be saved and will grow fruit, vegetables, or flowers that are like their “parents ” Once you grow them, you can grow them again and again. No need to worry about supply chain at the local big box

Tradition Now, hear us out You may not know the names of your ancestors who were farmers, but many of us do have agricultural roots

HEIRLOOM:ATRADITION OFGOODTASTE

Seed Savers is a non-profit committed to heirloom seeds and biodiversity. Its founder, Diane Ott Wheatley’s grandfather entrusted to her the seeds of two heirloom varieties, ‘Grandpa Ott’s’ morning glory and the ‘German Pink’ tomato These seeds were brought by Grandpa Ott’s parents from Bavaria (Germany) when they immigrated to Iowa in 1884 The point is, you too can start with open-pollinated seeds from your own garden, picking the tastiest and hardiest each year to save You can hand down seeds that you’ve saved for the best flavor and that grow best in the soil, water, and climate in your little gardening corner of the world Like heirloom furniture or jewelry, your seeds might be treasured for years to come

The Downside Bonnie Plants is a large supplier that sells both heirloom and hybrid plants to stores like Walmart and Home Depot They concur that gardeners report their heirloom vegetables do deliver a superior taste Despite better flavor, there are some drawbacks to planting heirlooms Hybrid plants typically yield a crop that is uniform in both appearance and timing Heirloom vegetables may produce a "mixed bag" harvest The harvest may come in less predictably, and fruit size can vary greatly even on the same plant. In other words, they might be a little more work for a less consistent crop. However, if you save the seeds that did best in your garden each year, you’re results could get better and better

A Movement According to SeedSavers org, in the last century we lost 75 percent of our edible plant varieties A food system that depends so heavily on so few crops is extremely fragile. When seed diversity is strong, our food system is protected. This diversity increases the probability of having crop varieties that adapt to different climate conditions and to certain diseases

Particularly in the U S , genetically engineered plant varieties have had a devastating impact on biodiversity According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, in 2013, 170 million acres of GMO crops were planted in the United States roughly half of all American cropland These patented seeds cannot be saved and planted again in the years that follow Find out more at SeedSavers org

Chef Sonya Cote

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.

-Margaret Atwood

Plant This Now...

Early March: Plant Asparagus Crowns, Collards, and Turnips

Mid to Late March: Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Peppers, Pumpkin, Squash, Watermelon

All March: Beans, Lettuce, Mustards, Radish Seeds, Tomato Plants

Early to Mid-April: Peppers, Squash, Tomato Plants, Radish Seeds

All April: Beans, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant Plants, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato Slips, Tomatillos, Watermelons

All May: Sunchoke, Jicama, Malabar Spinach, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Sweet Potato Slips, Tomatillos, Watermelons

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 at Veterans' Memorial Park.

ElginFarmersMarket com

Eden East Farm Stand at 1910 Main Street Bastrop is open 4-7 PM Wednesdays, 9 am-1 pm Fridays & Saturdays edeneastaustin com/farm/

.

Master Gardner Dolores Leeper is the editor of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bastrop 1832 Farmers' Market

Busy Mind - The Birds’ Houses

by Charlie Amos from his book Recovery

I've noticed the littlest things about myself throughout recovery that need to change Among them is the seemingly endless crowd control going on in my head My mind sees things and thinks "I can change this or that" about them, like improving a birdhouse or fixing what isn't broken

Honestly, most things don't need my intervention

The thing about these flawed, tiny little mental processes is that they are always harmful to me They are symptoms of my bigger problem I've wanted things to be “just so,” in order that they be familiar to me so that I can deal with them in the ways that “I know how.”

I've wanted to change things to cause them to become more known to me and thereby cause them to require my care and come under my control

What I need to do is let things be the way they are and learn new ways to understand them

It's more difficult to change the way I understand things and learn new ways to do things

But if I persevere, I find that by accepting things as they are and learning “their ways,” I begin to appreciate that there are other valid ways to live Then I become more respectful of others and more accepting of myself

This is an interesting lesson to learn while sitting on my back porch and looking at “my birdhouses ” More appropriately, I should say, “the birds’ houses ”

KarenDerrRealtyGroup

Food Trucks: the Ultimate al Fresco

If you think you’re not “food truck people,” you might want

to reconsider.

AhhhungryReaders,it’stimetogetoutdoorstoenjoythe sunandsoftSpringair Andhowbettertodothatthanwith afreshlymadebananaandNutellacrepeinhand,or maybeanaward-winningpieandacupofroasted-on-thespotcoffeeismoreyourspeed Orsitdownwithour favorite avibrantEthiopianfeastofgrilledlamb,lentils peas,beets,greens,andthedelectableEthiopian sourdoughflatbread,emjera Allofthisandmoreisoffered indowntownBastropatChestnutGroveFoodTruckCourt Nottobeoutdone,Elginalsohastemptingofferingsfor take-homeordiningalfresco Ethiopian,Honduran,French, Southerncomfort theBastropCountyfoodtruckscene

hastakenoff,sodon’tbeafraidtogetoutthereand exploreforyourself.

Havingownedafoodtrailerinapastlife,theBT&C publishersknowhowhardtheseoperatorsworkandalso howfunitcanbe Whenyou’reservingfoodinatraileror truck,andthere’soneoneverycorner,yourfoodhastobe superboryouwon’tsurvive Andqualitycostssodon’t expectfoodtruckfaretobeinexpensive

Letusintroduceyoutoourfavoritesandsomeweplanto trysoon Thatway,whenyoubellyuptothatwindow, you’llbeabletogreettheproprietorlikeanoldfriend.

Did we miss one of your favorites? Email us at BastropMagazine@gmail com

511

101

In Ethiopia, I learned to cook my mother’s recipes. I also worked at the Sheraton Luxury Collection hotel so I have a background in hospitality.

Despite the fact that both his maternal & fraternal great grandfatherswereFrench,the recipe Rafael Morales has been using to make crepes for over 25 years is not a familyone

He was given the recipe, made with sourdough starter, by a friend while he was an aircraft technician for United Airlines and also owned a coffeeshop

Now retired from United, he and Maria opened at 710 ChestnutinBastropin2023

Of course the Morales’ don’t live on crepes alone. “We enjoy eating from our fellow trailers&atPaigeFarmHouse -their fish tacos and salmon aredelicious”

Owner of Abyssinia Cafe located at 710 Chestnut Street, Bastrop, Frehiwot Merene (left) Besides fresh made Ethiopian specialties, she serves pasta dishes and Caesar salads

Grilled lamb, lentils. vegetarian stew, beets, greens, and emjera flat bread

Rafael and Maria Morales, owners of Abelitos Crépe Cafe

Banana & Nutella Crepe with Whipped Cream Also available GF

Page 16

NOT styrofoam take-out boxes

710 Chestnut, Bastrop

512-552-8319

A two-time National Pie Champion and a MasterChef, Mary Jayne Buckingham, took first place in the National Pie Championships competing against 300+ bakers from all across America in 2013 & 2015 She owns Cutie Pies at 710 Chestnut in Bastrop

“In 2020 I appeared on the television show MasterChef and won my white apron with my Peach Key Lime Habanero pie, thereby naming me one of the top 15 Home Cooks in America Southern Living Magazine named my Buttermilk pie the fourth best pie in the Southern United States ”

THEBRUNCHBOX

Everything that I make is a family recipe or it is a recipe that my mother collected in her travels being an Air Force wife. I don't make a lot of the fancy stuff. Most of my recipes are tried and true Southern old family recipes that my family started making back in the 20's and the 30s and on up to today.

Mary Jayne Buckingham, Cutie Pies

www.ChestnutGroveFTC.com

AlsoatChestnutGroveFoodTruckCourt, 710ChestnutSt.inBastrop

BayBay’sSeafood-ShrimpandCrabLegs SunshineSisterCoffeeandRoaster SmokedLoveBBQ

Page 16

Whenever we’re looking for the inside story on anything in Elgin, we have a couple of go-to sources; one is artist Stacey Van Landingham of BeanandNoodlecom That’s how we heard about the ribeye sandwich at The Brunch Box

Brother and sister team, Sam and Pam Vanden opened their business in 2022 and moved it from Bastrop to Elgin in 2024, to Millie’s on Main’s beautiful covered patio

They have the entrepreneur bug but also they’re serious about serving up the food they grew up with Pam explains, “We handpick all our ribeyes and add the best seasoning so you enjoy the best sandwich you’ve ever had”

Pretty lofty goals, but we’re hearing good things and Pam says she loves when customers brag about their food

The Brunch Box Double Meat Cheeseburger

212 N. Main, Elgin

Ha p p e n i n g t h i s

March 1 & 2 - Figurative Showcase at Found Fine Art Gallery This event will showcase the art of Angela Mia, figurative sculptor & jeweler; Loren Miller, oil and charcoal portraitist; and Andrew Thorne, portrait sculptor Friday 4-7 pm & Saturday 10 am-6 pm Free event 912 Water St Bastrop

Mar 1 - 17 Varying Dates- Grumpy Old Men the Musical

Presented by the Bastrop Opera House The story of two aging men, Max and John, neighbors who have been feuding for most of their lives. Invigorated by their shared affection for their new neighbor across the street, the beautiful and charming Ariel https://bastropoperahouse.org for show times and more information

March 2 - Opening Weekend of Sherwood Forest Faire Robin Hood's Spring Faire - a medieval-themed festival running for eight weeks in rebuilt spaces in the woods near McDade, Texas. Over 150 shows daily and 170 artisans on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to dusk

https://www.sherwoodforestfaire.com

March 5 - Election Day

March 6 - Local Author Ryan Holiday Live Q & A for his podcast at the Bastrop Public Library at 6:30 PM Free Event with donations accepted RSVP at friendsofbastroplibrary org

March 8 & 9 - Enjoy 16 hours of Free Live Music at the Smithville Folk Music Festival. It's all taking place in downtown Smithville at the Gazebo Fri the 8th 5-10 PM & Sat the 9th 11 AM - 10 PM

March 9 - Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale 9:00am1:00pm at Bastrops Mayfest Park at 25 American Legion Dr in Bastrop, TX Vegetables, herbs, pollinators, perennials, succulents, natives and more! https://txmg.org/bastropcounty/

March 10 - Daylight Savings Time

March 14 - Catch & Release Fishing Spring Break with Elgin Parks & Recreation Thursday, March 14th 10AM - 12PM FREE Morris Memorial Pond, 802 N Ave C Join Parks & Recreation for catch and release fishing at Morris Memorial pond A limited number of fishing poles and bait provided Knot tying station and pictures taken of your catch!

March 17 - St Patrick's Day

SPRING SEASON

March 29 - Good Friday

March 31 - Easter Sunday

April 1 - April Fools' Day

April 5-14 Varying Dates - Prelude to a Kiss - Presented by the Bastrop Opera House. Tony Award nomination as Best Play, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama At Peter and Rita’s wedding, a mysterious old man insists on kissing the bride While honeymooning, Peter gradually realizes that the woman by his side is not his wife The wedding kiss caused Rita’s soul and the old man’s to change places Peter must track down the old man and free his young love’s spirit https://bastropoperahouse.org for showtimes

April 6 - Total Solar Eclipse starting around 12:30 PM

April 15 - Tax Day

April 22 - Earth Day

April 22 - Passover Begins

May 4 - Relay for Life of Southern Bastrop County

Presented By: American Cancer Society

Erhard Stadium,1624 Hill St , Bastrop Phone: (512) 565-2986

7:00 PM to 11:00 PM More than just a fundraising walk, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society's vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone

May 4 - 5 - Wildflower Trail Run 5k 10k 25k & 50k runs at Bastrop State Park Wildflower takes place over two days with a range of standard and unique race distances. Visit https://www trailracingovertexas com/wildflower for more information and ticket pricing

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

May 12 - Mother's Day (see our DIY gift on page 21)

May 27 - Memorial Day

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar 15-

Mar

Live Music

Apr 12- The Phantom Shakers Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 7-10pm

Apr 12 The Merls Live at The Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

Apr 13- Kathy Murray & the Kilowatts Live at Neighbor's 7-10pm

Apr 14- Monte Good Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

Apr 19- Hannah Wrights & Midnight Revelry at Neighbor's 7-10pm

Apr 19 -The Wyldewood Road Band Live at Copper Shot 7-10pm

Apr 20- Bottlecap Mountain Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 7:00-10:00

Apr 21- Mandy Rowden Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 5:00-8:00

Apr 26- Shambha La's Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 7-10pm

Apr 26- Tish & the Mizzbehavin Live at The Copper Shot 7-10pm

Apr 27- The Ben Zuniga Band Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 7-10pm

Apr 28- Buddy Vargas Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 5-8:00

May 3- Max Rios and the Waysiders Live at Neighbor's 7:30-10:30

May 3- Sean Orr Band Live at the Copper Shot Distillery 7-10pm

May 4- Rochelle & the Sidewinders Live at The Copper Shot 7-10

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar

Mar 31- Ella Reid Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

Apr 5- Everett Wren Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 7:00-10:00

Apr 5- Ben Zuniga Band Live at The Copper Shot 7:00-10:00

Apr 6- Rochelle & The Sidewinders Live at Neighbor's 7:00-10:00

Apr 6- The Pertners Live at The Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

Apr 7- Brian Wolff Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

May 5- Fallon Franklin Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 5-8:00

May 10- Natalie Metcalf Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 7-10:30

May 10- Pierre & The Night Cats Live at The Copper Shot 7-10:00

May 11- Mr Bullavard Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 7:30-10:30

May 12- Wook Wizard Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 5:00-8:00

May 17- Oscar Ornelas Trio Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 7:30-10:30

May 17- Maverick Drive Live at The Copper Shot Distillery 7-10:00

May 18- Monte Good Band Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 7:30-10:30

May 19- Ella Reid Live at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

May 24- Phil Hurley & Friends Live at Neighbor's 7:30-10:30

May 25- Anamé Rose Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 7:30-10:30

May 26- Ryan Desiato Live at Neighbor's Kitchen 5:00-8:00

May 31- Beth Lee and the Breakups Live at Neighbor's 7:30-10:30

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

Happening Every Month

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

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

Cornhole Tournaments Community Gardens Wednesdays 7 PM

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

Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center - First Saturday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMart, 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

Comedy Standup at Film Alley Saturdays - See times https://bastrop.filmalley.net/

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

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

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

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

Gayme Night - Every 3rd Thursday with Bastrop Pride at Bastrop Games & Hobbies 5:00-9:00 PM, 711 Chestnut Bastrop.

Family Feud Game Night Tuesday 7:00 PM Bastrop Beer Company

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

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE ABOUT OUR UPCOMING TOURS AND TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE 2024 TOUR UPDATES

CUBA ~ Nov 7 – 18, 2023

Oaxaca City plus Monte Alban ruins February 16-22nd

Oaxaca Folk Art -Feb 22nd – Feb 29th, 2024

ARGENTINA - Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza

March 1st – 12th, 2024

CUBA ~ Havana - March 29th – April 5th, 2024

CAMIBAculturaltoursembodiesthe essenceofworldtravelasit influencestheartculture.Our excursionsgivetour-goersan intimateglimpseattheprocess behindthemasterpieceaswellasthe artiststhemselves.Weoffertoursto agrowingnumberofdestinations includingCuba,OaxacaMexico,San MigueldeAllendeMexico,Mexico City,Argentina,Guatemala&Peru. 512-937-5921

CAMIBAculturaltours.com

Made from the Heart for her. because

sometimes you just feel crafty.

Nothing makes Mom feel more appreciated than a homemade gift... Especially if it’s a good one.

MaterialsListfor12"x24"Tray

one1/4"x2"x24" one1/4"x3"x24" one1/4"x4"x24" one1/4"x6"x24" one1/2"x3"x24"cutintotwo12"pieces

Paintorstainforwoodifdesired

Sandpaper

410"hairpinlegsorotherstylelegs 2handles

5/8"smallwoodscrews

Instructions:

Arrange the thick 1/2" boards 24" apart Lay the 3", 4", and 6" boards down across the 1/2"boards,leavinga1/2"gapbetweenthe 3"andthe4"toformthebackofthetray.

Use a square to even up the ends with the outeredgesofthe1/2"boards

Still working on the back of the tray, screw through the 1/4" boards into the 1/2" boards.

Attach the legs ONLY SCREW INTO THE 1/2" BOARDS. You don’t want your screws togothroughtothetopofthetray

Attachthe2"striptocoverthegapwithscrewsateachend All screwsareappliedtothebackofthetrayexceptthehandles Turnthetrayoverandattachthehandleswith5/8"screws. TouchupscrewstomatchhardwarewithpaintorSharpie

Notes:Lumberwidthsare1/2"lessthanquoted Forease,we usedapriceyprecutpoplarfromSoutherlands It’seasyto changethesizeofthistrayandusewhatwoodyouhave Ifyou gowiththickerboards,you’llneedlongerscrews Thehairpin legsandhandlesareavailableatHobbyLobbyandoftenonhalf priced saleYoucanalsofindthemonlinefrommanysources

This tray is easy enough for beginners and can be greatly refined by someone with more experience building with wood Don’tfussoverimperfections;greatdesigncoversthemwell Usethetraytopresentherwithhomemadejellyandsconesor teasachetsandavintageteacuporevenaspecialbook.

All Natural Bath Salts

3cupsplainEpsomsalt(soothes)

2cupscoarsepinkHimalayanseasalt(beautiful&softens) 1/4cupbakingsoda(cleanses)

18dropsessentialoils(enhancesmood)

Lavender(calming)oreucalyptus(invigorating)essentialoils deliveralovelyscent Mixallingredientswellinabowlwithyour handsoralargespoon

Anexcellentbathsaltcanalsobemadewith100%Epsomsalt andnoHimalayan.Ifyouprefershowers,useastoppersowater collectswhileyoushowerandenjoyasoothingfootsoakand aromatherapy

Thisthoughtfulgiftisagreatadditiontoabeautifuljar,bagor bowlyou’vecuratedordecoratedfortheluckyrecipient.Adda scooporlargespoonifyoulike

THEGINGER PEACH FROZEN COCKTAIL

3 CUPS SLICED PEELED PEACHES, FROZEN

2 TABLESPOONS FINELY GRATED PEELED GINGER

6 OZ. BOURBON

3 OZ. SIMPLE SYRUP

2 OZ. FRESH LEMON JUICE

2 CUPS ICE

ROSEMARY SPRIGS FOR GARNISH

Purée peaches, ginger, bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, and 2 cups ice in a blender until smooth and thick Adjust sweetness with more simple syrup if needed.

Divide among glasses and garnish with Rosemary sprigs, if desired.

Makes 2-3 Tall Drinks.

This cocktail can deliver quite a zing depending on how hot the fresh ginger is and how sweet the peaches are, thus the recommendation to adjust the simple syrup before serving

If you’ve never acquired a taste for bourbon, this cocktail is equally delicious with dark rum. Go virgin by substituting strong green tea, thoroughly cooled

SSpringtime pringtime Home Home

"To Do" "To Do"

Clean gutters now to avoid rotting facia boards Make sure your gutter blocks carry water at least five feet away from your foundation

Clean your dryer vent A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard

Have your fireplace chimney inspected & make sure your cap is in place to keep out nesting birds

Have your A/C system serviced before the hot weather rush begins

Mulch flower beds early to stave off weeds

Put away hose bib insulating covers and while you're at it, check for leaks and drips

Check & repair caulking around windows & exterior trim boards to keep moisture penetration at bay

Check your attic while it's still below 125-degrees up there Look for signs of rodents and make sure your ductwork is undamaged and firmly attached to vent boxes.

Hit the sales on pipe insulation, etc Grab items you wish you'd had during the winter freeze and stock up during the off season

Be on the lookout for problems during Spring cleaning. Catching home maintenance issues early minimizes damage and can save you money.

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

Room REFRESH

Spring

With spring cleaning usually comes a yearning for a decor refresh Here are a few ways you can freshenup a room with small changes.

Bring the beauty of nature indoors with fresh flowers, green plants and herbs Add a bowl of citrus for some added color and deliciously fresh scents

Achangeintexturescanbekeytoafreshdecor Putawayfuzzythrowsandsweatercoveredpillows Ok Ok keep outonethrowbutmakeitapastelcolororalinenfabric Danish-stylehyggeisstillgoodbutsavefireplace-cozyfor wintermonthswhenyou’retryingtowarmuparoom’sdecor Makesureanyfallorholidayinspireddecoratorpieces arealsostoredawayinyourseasonalcloset You’llappreciatethemsomuchmorelaterintheyear Anddon’tforget topushbackwindowcoveringsforextralight.Inthecoolofspring,youcanopenshadeswithoutputtingstresson yourairconditioner.Choosecandlesandroomscentsinfreshfloralandlightherbalscentsinkeepingwithbringing theoutdoorsin

Texture, Color, Light

Sherwin-Williamscoloroftheyear2024iscalledUpward. They call it blue with a silver lining. You may be tired of greys but Upward leans more blue SW suggests you accent this hue with Honeydew SW6428 or Palm Leaf SW7735 Pastels like Upward and Honeydew definitely singSpring

Doacoffeetableorfireplacerefresh Replacelogsinyour wood burning fireplace with candles or a stack of decorativesilverybirchlogsthatstayoutallsummer

Make sure your design scheme includes some unifying colors,materials,orpatternsfromroomtoroom

Bastrop designer

Desiree Laux with Black and White Interiors offers design services for a simple refresh or a total redo She says, “Throw pillows are always a fun way to get a new look ” Her store at 1015 Main, Bastrop is a great resource.

www.BlackandWhiteInteriors.com

SAY BONJOUR TO SPRING

INDULGE IN GALETTES: THE EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE OF RUSTIC PASTRIES

Spring pie making should be as free and easy as a mimosa on the patio None of the pie-induced panic of Winter holidays, thanks to the foolproof galette Even if your crust isn't perfectly crimped or your filling spills over, with its forgiving nature and rustic simplicity, imperfections only add to its charm

Start with our tried and true pie crust recipe and then assemble these classic combinations in either full size or individual galettes. First lay down a layer of grated parmesan for savory, or cinnamon sugar for sweet galettes to ensure no soggy bottoms

Make ahead and serve at room temperature or reheat briefly in a very hot oven for a warm and gloriously flakey appetizer, dessert or main course

Start with the dough:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 stick plus 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

1/3 cup very cold water

Inafoodprocessorcombineflour,sugar,salt,and coldbutterandprocess(about5seconds.).

Slowlyaddcoldwaterandprocessjustuntil doughcomestogether(about10seconds)

Shapeintoadisk,wrapinplasticandrefrigerate foratleast30minutesbeforerollingouttoabout 1/8"andabouta12-inchpieround,orcutdiskinto quartersforindividualsmallergalettes.

WHY BOTHER WITH THE PIE PAN? THIS RUSTIC FRENCH PASTRY IS SO EASY AND CAN BE AS SOPHISTICATED OR AS SIMPLE AS YOU PLEASE. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES

Savory Perfectforappetizers,apicnic, orlunchservedwithasalad

SpinachArtichokeGalette

Sautéspinach,garlic,dicedshallotor onion,androughchoppedcanned artichokeuntilshallotistranslucent Seasontotaste Rolloutdoughto1/4 inchthickround

Generouslysprinkledoughwithfreshly gratedparmesancheeseandfresh crackedpepper Coverwiththespinach mixture,leavinga25-3-inchedge uncovered Topwithmoreparmesan

Foldovertheedgesofthegaletteand brushwitheggwhitethinnedwitha spoonofwater Sprinklewithflakeysea saltbeforebakingonaparchment-lined bakingsheetat400ºfor18-20minutes

TomatoParmesanBasil - assemble as spinach artichoke galette but substitute thick sliced tomatoes for spinach mixture Add dried Italian seasoning on top of parmesan on the crust and fresh basil and parmesan on top of the tomatoes

For Dessert delicious with ice cream or whipped cream:

GrannySmithHoneyApple

Generously sprinkle rolled-out dough with cinnamon sugar Cover with the peeled, cored, and sliced apples, leaving 25-3 inches around the edge uncovered. Top with more cinnamon sugar, dot with butter, and drizzle with honey Fold up the edges of the galette and brush with egg white, sprinkle the edge with turbinado or coarse sugar before baking on a parch-

ment-linedbakingsheetat400ºfor1820minutes

PearWalnutGorgonzola-Substitute slicedfirmpearsforapples,andsprinkle withtoastedwalnutsandgorgonzola

FigWalnutBalsamic-assembleas applegalettewithalayerofsugarfirst thenhalvedfigs,drizzledwithbalsamic reductionratherthanhoney

CinnamonPeachBerry-assembleas applegalettebutaddatouchofnutmeg tothesugarmixtureandsubstitute slicedfirmpeachesandassortedfresh berriesforapples

Unevenedges,oddshapes,and caramelizedfillingspillsonlymake galettesmorecharminganddelicious

Take a Wildflower Drive Take a Wildflower Drive Take a Wildflower Drive

290 W to Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Fredericksburg

The Willow City Loop a famous route for wildflowers includes stretches of US 281, US 290, and Ranch Roads

1323, 1631, 2721, and 1320 State Highway 16 north from Fredericksburg, and on RR 965 to Enchanted Rock

Burnet/Llano/ Marble Falls

Highway 29 from Burnet to Llano, Ranch Road 2341 to Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park, and Park Road 4, which passes Longhorn Cavern and Inks Lake State Park

Highway 16 between Llano and Cherokee, and Baby Head

Cemetery about 9 miles north of Llano

Washington County State Highway 105, Farm-to-Market 50 to Independence, FM 390 to Old Baylor Park, and FM 1155’s dog-legs between Chappell Hill Historic District and Washington-onthe-Brazos State Historic Site

Find more routes at TexashHghways.com /wildflowers/