Page 2: Did You Notice That The Holiday Season Is Almost Upon Us?
Page 7: Counting Blessings
Page 13: Women’s Council Of REALTORS®
Page 15: Ta pping Into The Future Of Proper ty Management (NARPM)
Page 17: The Liber ty Bar (on the cover)
Page 18: Thanksgiving Recipes For A Memorable Feast
Whether it was known as the ninth month, the original reason for its name on the early Roman calendar (Novum meaning nine), or the eleventh month on the later calendar, one thing is certain – November is one significant and busy month! It follows on the heels of Halloween, an event that records indicate has been celebrated from around the first century when the focus was to honor the dead but has changed over time to become a night for costumes (both children and adults), trick or treating and conducting spooky mischief. However, I somehow doubt that the early Celts expended very much for their celebration, especially anything that would be comparable to the current estimate that now exceeds the $10.5 billion required for everyone to dress up, eat and have a good reveling time.
November continues the holiday time of year feeling as it focuses on family, the military, elections every four years and the end of daylight savings time for the year, though that may vary. As we all know the major holiday for the month is Thanksgiving Day, usually a time for a special meal with family and friends to recognize all that we have for which to be thankful. This tradition attempts to mirror the gathering that originated in 1621 when the Pilgrims who had previously arrived from England on the Mayflower successfully established the Massachusetts Plymouth Colony and sat down over three days to celebrate their harvest with their neighbors, the Wampanoag Indians, from whom they had learned much. The local vegetables available at the time included beans, cabbage, carrots, corn, lettuce, onions and spinach while other foods might have been wild turkey and/or lobster as those were available at the time. Surviving documents referenced by Smithsonian Magazine indicate that actually deer, wildfowl, cornbread and porridge were eaten.
What one considers to be their traditional meal on Thanksgiving Day may vary
depending on their culture and the part of the United States from which they originated. Regardless of where one was raised it seems common that the meal may include a turkey (or goose) with stuffing and some type of a potato dish followed by the ubiquitous pumpkin pie. Somewhere along the way some families add their own dishes to the menu and while the dish or its preparation may differ slightly the food in some cases has been available for centuries. For example, pumpkins and squash would have been available at the first Thanksgiving but hardly any of the other ingredients to make pie. The first historical writing about the fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes to which we have become so accustomed was not mentioned until the mid-18th century when it appeared in The Art of Cookery by Hannah Glasse. Corn for the cornbread dates back 9.000 years when discovered in Mexico and fortunately over the years the original recipe (ground cornmeal and water heated over an open flame) has been improved upon. Stuffing, per se, has been around since the days of ancient Rome when it consisted of flour. herbs and vegetables, but has evolved to the variations of bread cubes mixed with a variety of other things like mushrooms, sausage or apples. The variety of casseroles, like green bean, now present at the meals are definitely recent additions.
Establishing the date on which Thanksgiving should be celebrated has been a controversial issue over the years. In 1863 then President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of the month, regardless of whether there were four or five Thursdays in the month to be the Thanksgiving holiday. President Franklin Roosevelt, however, in 1939 designated the fourth Thursday as the holiday. Then two years later, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to hold the holiday on the last Thursday but, having the last word, the Senate changed the resolution to read the fourth Thursday and that is where we
are today.
November is also an important month for the military since another national holiday specifically honors veterans of the United States services who paid the ultimate price. Originally established as Armistice Day on November 11 the date marked the armistice signed between Allies of World War I and Germany to cease all hostilities effective the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918. It is important to note that the purpose of the original Armistice Day was to honor and remember those military who died during that war. Later many of the associated western countries appropriately changed the name of the day to “Remembrance Day.” The United States recognized that during other conflicts in which the country was involved, more military had died so in 1954, during the Presidency of Dwight Eisenhower, Congress opted to establish November 11 as “Veterans Day,” to include all the others.
The United States has six separate military services that have been established over the years to provide the necessary force to deter war and ensure our nation’s security. Though each branch has its specific purpose they all work at preserving peace and security and at providing defense for the United States and its interests. During 2024 the United States Army celebrated its 249th birthday 0n June 14th, the United States Coast Guard its 234th on August 4th, the United States Air Force its 77th on September 18th and the United States Navy its 249th on October 13th. This year, on November 2nd in San Antonio the United States Marine Corp will have a City Wide Birthday Ball at the Hyatt Regency to celebrate its 249th birthday. The most recently established branch, The United States Space Force, will celebrate its 5th birthday on December 20th.
And let us not forget that this is also an election year and that process for 2024 has been
scheduled for its usual time in November. Though many may think that elections are always held on the first Tuesday of November, they could be wrong as it is actually slated for the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November. By the time you read this, the elections will presumably be over but I doubt that the official results will have been determined for certain yet as this is, without a doubt, one of the most contentious elections in our lifetime. But wait – there is more!
In 2024 we have been living under daylight savings time since March 10th but that will soon change because on November 3rd standard time returns. As there is evidence that the ritual of changing the time twice a year takes its toll on public health in general, as the human body can be sensitive to changes in its circadian rhythm, most Americans do not like the practice. A growing number of politicians, scientists and business leaders have been urging the country to pick one of the times and stick with it – but which one? In 2022 a Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, starting in the spring of 2023 was passed by the senate and sent to the House where a subcommittee agreed it would save lives, reduce crime, conserve energy and improve health, however at the time there were more pressing issues to consider first. Please note though that this is primarily business and political reasoning as they know people tend to shop more when daylight lasts longer. According to doctors and scientists, however, it is standard time that aligns better with our internal clocks as getting more light in the morning sets us up for better sleep cycles. Hopefully, some agreement among the powers that be is possible and can be amicably reached – soon!
While there are a number of other observances occurring daily during November these are some major annual happenings for the month. They help to wrap up the business of the past year and get us ready for the next celebrations and for a new year!
James and Cher Miculka have made San Antonio and now Bulverde their home.
Cher is the Broker Owner of EXIT Premier Realty, while James recently retired from the Northside School District, where he served as the Director of Fine Arts for 49 years. Now, he has joined the team as one of their newest agents. Cher, who was the President of the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR) in 2021, is also a certified real estate instructor, specializing in the GRI (Graduate of Real Estate Institute) designation for Texas Realtors.
Cher and James have a
deep appreciation for EXIT Realty. After three years of researching various franchises, they chose EXIT for its innovative approach to real estate.
EXIT Realty stands out as a leader in the industry, with offices and agents throughout the U.S. and Canada. The organization is committed to fostering a family of welltrained, empathetic real estate professionals dedicated to helping clients achieve their real estate goals.
When you work with an EXIT real estate professional, you gain a trusted advisor
and ally in the home selling, buying, and investing process.
Their commitment is to deliver an excellent experience at every stage of your transaction. With exceptional resources, in-depth market knowledge, and cutting-edge technology, EXIT professionals are equipped to sell your property quickly for the best price while guiding you through your next investment.
Every EXIT Associate is backed by a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to putting clients first. This commitment ensures that your real estate journey is as smooth and successful as possible.
What makes us different is the dynamics within our company…the way agents help other agents to be better than themselves and the way in which members eagerly share successful habits, skills, techniques and strategies. The enthusi -
asm that our agents bring to training and to our company events is outstanding. At EXIT Premier Realty we have fun and love helping folks fulfill their dreams!
Responsive..Responsible. .Reliable…Yep that’s us!
Text CherEXIT to 85377 to view properties near you now!
1-Dec Kelly Lucas Keller Williams Legacy
Rosalinda Hoback Lifetime Real Estate Srv.
Luis Galindo San Antonio Elite Realty
3-Dec Tim Brown RE/MAX Corridor
Sarahi Alonzo Century 21 The Hills Realty
4-Dec Ron Mersinger RE/MAX North-San Antonio
Maria Christina Rodriguez S.A. Wellness Institute
Shyler Leon Phyllis Browning Company
Gabriel Garcia JMAT Company Realtors
Lisa Morales Century 21 The Hills Realty
Alice Boubel San Antonio Elite Realty
5-Dec Judy Dunlap Phyllis Browning Company
Dawn Ainslie Home Team of America
6-Dec Debbie McNeal Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Anne Krause Texas 2036
7-Dec Gilbert Moses A&G Property Services
Dwight Hobart Liberty Bar
Laura Gordon Sterling Group Real Estate
Lauren Cornwell Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
8-Dec Scotti Evans Old Republic Title
Robin Wysong Old Republic Title
Victor Yong Home Team of America
Terry West Coldwell Banker Stagecoach RE
Corleen Schneider Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
9-Dec Michelle Fink Texas Premier Realty
Judy Dalrymple Phyllis Browning Company
10-Dec Rick Clifton RE/MAX Corridor
Orquidea Blain Belmares Properties
Yvonne Elizondo Keller Williams Heritage
Karen Critchlow Realty Executives of S.A.
12-Dec Terry Reitz Rock House Real Estate
Caesar Flores Realty Executives of S.A.
Holly Weems eXp Realty
Alisa Cox Wholehearted Real Estate
13-Dec James Harrison StepStone Realty
Rick Gauna New Heights Real Estate
Priscilla Allen Home Team of America
Molly Harvey ERA Colonial Real Estate
14-Dec David Geramita RE/MAX Preferred
B.K. Buske Buske Properties
Lydia Lozada Texas Premier Realty
Carlos Fernandez Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
15-Dec Joe Reyes Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
George Cisneros URBAN 15 Group
Russell Deiley Laughy Hilger Group
Pam Slocum Beth Harmier Properties
Rogello Jimenez JB Goodwin Realtors
16-Dec Jennifer Hard Keller Williams Legacy
Richard Guerrero Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Brent Knapp Keller Williams Legacy
17-Dec Carlos Perez 1st Brokerage
Penny Anders BHHS Don Johnson Realtors
Norma Jean Denman Old Republic Title
18-Dec Russell Hild LPT Realty
Bill Graves San Antonio Portfolio KW RE
Paul Davalos Davalos & Associates
Robert Wood RE Consultants
Tammy Greenbauer Full Spectrum Realty
Tiffany Wright eXp Realty
19-Dec Kathy Vogel Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Monica Vasquez eXp Realty
Joraine Miller JB Goodwin Realtors
Debra Maltz Kuper Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Tyler Herman Home Team of America
Frank Ruffo The Real Estate Group
Pete Peters Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
20-Dec Gilbert Rodriguez Contigo Realty
Herlinda Hernandez Rigel Realty
21-Dec Charlene Gubernator Keller Williams City View
Ara Fesperman M. Stagers Realty Partners Lee Jones Keller
Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer
While ‘tis the season’ is a month away, you would never guess by all the early holiday decorations flooding retails since September. Summer ends and Christmas begins, but the inbetween is a bit spooky followed by a lesson in overeating. This is the time of year we tend to reflect, react, redact and repeat. Family drives us crazy and crazy drives the holidays. During all the chaos, life goes on with the everyday elements that sometimes beg the question, “Why did I even get out of bed?”
Decades ago, Bill Gates or Paul Allen or Steve Jobs or a random dude in mom’s basement, created a universe that would simplify our lives and give us more options to enjoy leisure time, holidays and family. Really? Devices and software were developed to lift and separate the daily minutia so we can better organize our time. Then came the Amazon, first designed to get books and movies to our door faster, but in reality, created a delivery monster that sent Jeff Bezos laughing all the way to the billionaire’s bank. So how can we have everything at the touch of our fin-
gertips and still be frantic about planning family gatherings, organizing calendars and creating convenient travel plans? Because, my friends, you can perfect a machine, but you cannot perfect a human.
Against my will, I have become over dependent on my mobile phone. She is the very device that now controls most everything I own, reference and plan. Recently, I was attempting to be efficient in purchasing my trick or treat candy, (Yes, five bags to give away to the little goblins, three bags to eat on the sly.) when I was distracted by the colorful Thanksgiving décor. I needed to make a quick reference as to how many holiday guests would grace our table before overspending. Reaching into my purse to retrieve my phone, I quickly realized there was no phone in my bag. This is the WORST feeling ever. Time stands still when you have to immediately calculate every step of your last phone touch. Was I texting, talking or Googling? Who can I call to help me find my phone? Oh no, I cannot call anyone—I do not have my
phone AND I do not know anyone’s phone number by memory. Was my phone on silent from my meeting? Even if someone called, would there be a sound if the tree fell in the forest? What are the chances the battery ran down and the poor little phone was out of charge? Does my phone even know she is lost? That was 30 seconds of panic.
Now, with a grocery cart half full and a heart in full panic, I had to figure out what to do next. These next 30 seconds of panic had my mind scrolling through everything in my phone that the bad guys could access and make my life a nightmare. While I do have some security features activated, any moderately middle school educated thug could easily crack my codes. Suddenly I realized that slowly over time, my phone is really my actual wallet. It has photos of my driver’s license, social security card and my last meal. All my passwords are in there under the secret file of ‘words to pass.’ Who knows what is in the Google wallet, but I can confirm several sporting event tickets, a concert or two and a Muppet show free pass.
A full minute into my panic, which actually seemed like an hour, I realized I needed to call somebody at phone help support to stop my phone from floating into ‘the cloud’ and into the hands of non-angels ready to do devilish things to my life. No one around me seemed concerned I lost my phone, and I was frozen in panic because, well, just because. Holiday
planning be damned, if my phone was gone, so was my credit rating, my identity, all my photos, texts I meant to read, and the rare voicemail I failed to listen to. How could I plan anything with my lack of ‘it’s in the cloud’ knowledge and no way to contact anyone that I was in a phoneless panic.
I finally gathered my wits and prayed a quick Hail Mary and asked for some grace as I frantically searched for my car keys. (Yes, it is really a fob, but no time for semantics here.) Mary must have listened as I found the fob in my purse, left my half full cart in the aisle and raced to the car. I half expected the car to be gone—no good logic for that but was preparing for the worst. The car was right where I left it, so I counted that blessing. I looked around it, under it, on top of it in search of a dropped phone, but no luck. My heart sank. I got in the car to rush to the phone shoppe, prepared for the long battle of phone recovery. Just as I attempted to buckle the seatbelt, I hit something hard—there she sat—wedged in the seatbelt clicker. I was never so relieved! Yes, she was on mute, battery was low, but she was there with my every need at a swipe.
Another Hail Mary left my lips as I hugged the most important person in my life. She may be devilish in her operating systems, but she keeps me in touch at a touch and organized. Back to holiday planning and counting my blessings.
Scan to see and download more pictures from this event and others.
The Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) in San Antonio has long been a cornerstone for empowering women in the real estate industry. As a vital network that promotes leadership, education, and collaboration among real estate professionals, the council continues to adapt and thrive amidst the ever-changing landscape of the market.
The council has organized successful fundraising events that brings together real estate professionals and SABOR affinity groups. One such event took place in August. It not only raised critical funds for The American Legion, Alamo Post 2, but also strengthened
the bonds within the professional community, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the WCR.
Professional development remains a key focus for the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. The chapter has hosted a series of industry events aimed at enhancing members’ skills in areas such as professional development, digital marketing, and personal branding. These educational opportunities have proven invaluable, equipping members with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the real estate market.
Networking events have also been a significant draw,
allowing members to connect with industry leaders and share best practices. Such interactions not only foster professional growth but also help to build a strong support network among women in the field
In recent months, the WCR San Antonio Network has experienced a rejuvenation with new leadership at the helm for 2024. In November, the 2025 board will officially take its place in leadership, with an installation ceremony scheduled for December. Tickets for this event will be available in November. The incoming president has outlined ambitious goals aimed at increasing member engagement and expanding the council's influence within the community. As we look back on the year, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in our events and to our strategic partners who have joined us in making this year a success. With a renewed focus on inclusivity and diversity, the council is set to implement programs that cater to the needs of a broader audience within the real estate sector.
One of the hallmark initiatives of the WCR is its commitment to community service. On October 23rd, we held our Second Annual Realtor Olympics, with proceeds going to BoysVille. A representative from BoysVille was present to share their mission and how they support children in need. We were excited to be a part of helping our community and having raised significant funds for such an important cause. These outreach efforts not only enhance the council’s visibility in San Antonio but also demonstrate its dedication to fostering a supportive environment for all community members.
The Women’s Council of REALTORS® in San Antonio plays a crucial role in shaping the future of women in the real estate industry. Through its focus on community engagement, professional development, and support for its members, the council continues to empower women to excel in their careers. As the council moves forward, it invites all women in real estate to join in its mission of fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and successful professional community..
Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Past President
On my morning stroll through the Museum Reach section of the Riverwalk, I was enjoying its beauty, nature and the tranquility. I made it to the Emma hotel and looked around to take in the backdrop and what was indisputable was the tremendous growth and development of the area. What used to be an undesirable, neglected and industrial section of town, has become a robust, eccentric and for many a daily attraction and view overlooking the beautiful landscape of what our riverwalk has to offer. The trail was full of hotels, restaurants, apartments and hotspots to enjoy food, drinks and friends. The tranquility I mentioned earlier, well that is temporary until night quietly falls and the area becomes a daily adult, family and pet friendly playground. Born and raised in San Antonio, I am in awe of how my town has attracted people
from all over the world who want to call this place home. We are obviously doing something right.
According to the San Antonio 2024 market trends and statistics report from RealWealth, population growth is expected to double by 2040. What does this mean for the property management industry? This means more demand for our services, new owners to onboard and the ability to increase rents and explore possible area expansion. Ways to deal with the demand is embracing technology, learn and focus on networking, optimize internal operations and look outside of your area to name a few. There is enough work for everyone and you just have to be prepared. Start looking into a local or national organization that specializes in property management, policy and procedures. Get involved in your local city meet -
ings that discuss development, zoning and the future of San Antonio. Be strategic, purposeful and make every step count towards honing your leadership, knowledge and experience.
Although change can be difficult, uncomfortable and undesirable at times; it is inevitable and we must make the best of our situation. Growth is a good thing and we should be proud of living in a beautiful diverse city with economic stability, job opportunities and home to large corporations, military bases, the Spurs and to the members of the NARPM San Antonio Chapter.
In closing, don’t forget that November is National Gratitude Month, where we show our gratitude and appreciation for the good times in our lives. Acknowledge your friends and family, your owners and tenants and most importantly, give grace to yourself. I’m sure you’re doing the best you can. NARPM will be “passing it forward” and showing our appreciation when we volunteer at the San Antonio Food Bank on November 20th and when we participate in our first 5K for NARPM PAC.
To get involved, register and learn more about our chap -
ter, visit our Facebook page, San Antonio Metropolitan Chapter of NARPM or visit our website: https://sanarpm.org/
Our upcoming calendar of events:
November 2 – 5K for NARPM PAC
November 4 – CCAR.NET Zoom
Classes: Cover your assets
November 6 – NARPM Strategic Planning
November 8 – NAR Conference (Boston, MA)
November 11 –Property Management –Texas Property Code
November 13 - Chapter Meeting: Speaker Tiffany Rosenbaum: Owner Onboarding and Asset Management as a Property Manager
November 15- CCAR.NET Zoom
Getting down to property management business
November 20- San Antonio Food BankWarehouse sorting and packing
November 21- SABOR Leasing & Property Management \
November 26- Grassroots Advocacy Classes for NARPM
FYI: Don’t forget we changed our meeting hours from 10am-1pm to 11am-1pm. Same place and better time slot, so you can get some work done before coming in and leave early enough to complete your workday and feel accomplished.
Karen Evans / Contributing Writer
Liberty Bar is a one-of-a-kind place. It stands out not only for its eclectic menu but also for its vibrant atmosphere. Nestled in a historic, pink-painted former convent in the King William district, it offers a culinary journey that spans the continent. Where else can you find comforting Matzah Ball Soup, the rich, complex flavors of Chile Relleno en Nogada, and the creamy satisfaction of Fettuccine Alfredo all in one place?
Everything is made in-house from scratch, from our bread to our sauces. Founded in 1985 by Dwight Hobart and Drew Allen as their Bohemian fantasy, the restaurant hosts legendary parties and receptions for many San Antonio luminaries.
Dwight reminisced, "Back in the day, The Liberty Bar was known as Boehler's Beer Garden. That name survived until after I opened Liberty Bar. We didn't have a sign, and there was no sign on the building that read 'Liberty Bar' for about ten years. It still had 'Boehler's Beer Garden' written across the top, the architrave. Anyhow, I thought about the Liberty Schooner's Saloon, and I thought Liberty. I like that name; it's easy to say, and Liberty Bar is even easier. It has what you call internal rhyme; it scans. So, that's what I called it."
That's a great insight into how the name "Liberty Bar" came to be. Choosing a name that's appealing and memorable and embodies the essence of the place is crucial. "Liberty Bar" has a nice ring, and the internal rhyme makes it catchy and easy to remember. It's interesting how names can be inspired and how they contribute to the identity and charm of a place.
Buttery, soft, and made entirely from scratch, this easy homemade biscuit recipe deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection! Thank you, Dwight Hobart, for generously sharing your biscuit recipe with us!
1 3/4 cups Unbleached all-purpose white flour
1 teaspoon White cane sugar
1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
1/2 teaspoon Bicarbonate of soda
2 1/2 teaspoons Baking powder
2 to 3 tablespoons Chilled unsalted butter
2 to 3 tablespoons Chilled Crisco 3/4 cup Buttermilk
PROCEDURE:
First, this is a sour milk recipe. Buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, or sweet milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar all work.
Secondly, you can use butter, Crisco (vegetable shortening), lard, or any combination thereof, but you need fat to give structure to the dough. Different ingredients will alter texture and flavor, so you must adapt. Life is like that. Get over it.
IMPORTANT:
Prepare a baking pan to receive the dough. Coat the pan evenly with a solid vegetable shortening; sprinkle flour over the greasy surface, then shake the pan edgewise to create a fine layer of flour dust. Discard the excess. Set your oven between 425-450 degrees Fahrenheit. You will have to experiment to see how the oven works for you on your stove, but no less than 425 and no more than 450. Temperature itself is a matter of taste. The biscuits will bake between ten and twelve minutes.
FIRST STEP:
Measure & Combine dry ingredients.
Measure ingredients by weight if possible. If this is not possible, make certain to sift or whisk the flour before measuring by volume. In either case, be sure to sift or whisk the flour. Sifting does not mix the ingredients but does aerate the flour, which enables a more consistent measurement of weight or volume and helps to ensure that the fat coats the flour particles evenly; this, in turn, allows the liquid to moisten
the mixture more quickly and efficiently, especially important with pastry dough, cake batters, and biscuit dough, all which benefit from minimal handling. Whisking, on the other hand, both mixes and aerates. Whisk or stir the measured dry ingredients into a bowl.
FOOD PROCESSOR:
The above-Mentioned quick breads will do well in a food processor but require finesse. Place the measured dry ingredients in the processor bowl with the metal blade and pulse a few times to combine if you have not already whisked them together.
SECOND STEP:
Combine the dry ingredients with the fat. Cut the chilled butter, lard, and Crisco into medium chunks with a knife, then add half of the fat to the dry ingredients and pulse until the mixture has the grain of cornmeal. Add the rest of the fat and pulse a few times until the flour clots are approximately pea-sized. "Uncle" Clinton Henry (bookkeeper at the JA Ranch from 1915 to 1925) taught my sister "Tiny" to cut lard into the flour with two dinner knives using a scissor-like motion until the mixture would almost cohere in her closed hand before it shaled away into large fragments between her fingers.
Add the sour milk and pulse a few times, three or four, until the dough comes together and begins to move as one piece. It should be wet enough to tend toward one smooth lump yet dry enough to tumble with the turn of the blade. Avoid working the dough too much, but do incorporate all the liquid into the flour and fat. This is known as hydration and is critical.
UNPLUG THE MACHINE, twist the bowl to release the locking lugs, remove the lid, and carefully remove the sharp blade, peeling and scraping the wet dough away from the blade assembly with a spatula. Remove the bowl from the processor base and gently nudge all the dough into a single glob with the spatula, then turn the glob out onto your already prepared, lightly floured surface. If working by hand, stir smartly with a large spoon. A silver serving spoon will buck up your spirits. The dough should be tacky, even sticky. The trick now is to handle the dough as little as possible. Use a spoon or spatula to bring the dough together in one coherent mass in the mixing bowl, then ease the wet dough from the bowl to the baking pan.
Dust your hands lightly with flour so they won't adhere to the sticky wet dough, but avoid adding more flour to the biscuit mixture. Press the blob gently with your floured knuckles or fingertips to flatten the dough—an inch high for thicker biscuits and half an inch for thinner biscuits. I would use a circular cutter of some kind, and a tin can with both ends removed works for me. Dip the cutter in flour as needed, then stamp out the biscuits and lift them away from the remaining dough using a metal spatula. Gather the irregular interstices and gently briefly knead them together, then cut the rest. There will be one last dough parcel to be shaped by hand. Bake the biscuits slightly separated or cheek by jowl—dealers' choice. If you want to go whole hog with tenderness, cut the flattened dough into squares or diamonds with a knife, thereby avoiding all kneading. At this point, if you wish, you may set the dough aside for a while. You can even leave the dough in the refrigerator overnight. It's possible.
Bake for ten to twelve minutes between 425 and 450 until speckled on top and light brown on the bottom. Remove immediately to a cloth in a basket. Allow the hot biscuits to rest for a minute or two before opening them. And I say open! Don't slice them. Insert the tines of a dinner fork repeatedly into the edge of a biscuit, working your way around until the top separates from the bottom. This works. Try it; you'll like it.
By: Dwight Hobart
Karen Evans / Contributing Writer
Welcome to The Happy Critic column, a space I've created for those who share my passion for extraordinary food. Thanksgiving is a time for cherished traditions and delicious feasts, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing exceptional recipes that elevate the dining experience to a whole new level? My Stuffed Pumpkin with Cheese and Pecan Pie Cake are standout dishes that bring abundant flavor and excitement to the table. These extraordinary recipes are not just about the food, but about the joy of sharing them with your loved ones, creating unforgettable moments with family and friends.
Pecan Pie Cake is an
absolute must-have for Thanksgiving, promising to bring a delightful and irresistible indulgence to your table. You will never have to choose between a slice of cake and a piece of pie again! Combining toasted pecans, butter, and dark corn syrup creates a symphony of flavors that will captivate the tastebuds of all your guests. Pecan Pie Cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience that promises to leave a lasting impression!
Ingredients:
3 cups finely chopped pecans, toasted in butter, salt & honey
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup shortening, like Crisco
2 cups sugar
Five large eggs, separated 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
Sprinkle 2 cups roasted pecans evenly into three generously buttered 9-inch round cake pans, shaking to coat the bottoms and sides of the pans.
Beat 1/2 cup butter and shortening with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Add flour and baking soda to the butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Beat at low speed until blended. Stir in 1 cup finely chopped pecans. Beat egg whites at medium speed until stiff peaks form; fold 1/3 of egg whites into batter. Fold in the remaining egg whites. Do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until done. Cool pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Invert layers onto wax paper-lined wire racks. Brush tops and sides of layers with corn syrup, and cool completely.
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup cornstarch
Four egg yolks
1 1/2 cups half-n-half
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla
Make the Filling. Whisk together the first six ingredients in a heavy 3-quart saucepan until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly; boil for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from heat, whisk in butter, coconut, and vanilla extract. Place a sheet of wax paper directly on the surface of the mixture to prevent a film from forming, and chill for 4 hours.
Spread half of Pecan Pie Filling on one layer, pecan side up. Place the second layer, pecan side up, on the filling. Spread with remaining filling. Top with the remaining layer, pecan side up. Garnishing the Pecan Pie Cake with a sprinkle of toasted pecans and pastry maple leaves adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor!
Life is short! Eat Dessert First!
Roast Pumpkin with Cheese is a fantastic dish that will bring a whole lot of FUN to
your Thanksgiving menu! The pumpkin, a symbol of the season, is at the heart of this dish, and as it roasts, its skin turns beautifully burnished, and inside, slices of baguette, gruyere, and Emmental cheese meld into a luxurious, velvety mixture that is delightful when served with a scoop of tender pumpkin flesh. This dish is not just a side, it's a centerpiece that will make your Thanksgiving meal truly memorable.
ROAST PUMPKIN WITH CHEESE
Ingredients:
1 baguette cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 7-pound orange pumpkin
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
4-5 garlic cloves coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 1/2 cups grated Gruyere
2 1/2 cups grated Emmental 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preheat oven to 450 with the rack in the lower third.
Spread the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until the tops are crisp about 7 minutes. Then, transfer the toasted slices to a rack to cool. Using a small sharp knife, cut a circle (3 inches in diameter) around the stem of the pumpkin to remove the top. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and any loose fibers inside the pumpkin, including the top. Season the inside of the pumpkin with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a bowl, combine the cream, broth, nutmeg, one teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and whisk them together. In another bowl, mix the cheeses, garlic, and green onions. Place a layer of toasted bread at the bottom of the pumpkin, then cover it with approximately 1 cup of the cheese mixture and about 1/2 cup of the cream mixture. Continue layering the bread, cheese, and cream mixture until the pumpkin is filled to about 1/2 inch from the top, using all of the cream mixture. You may have some bread and cheese left over. Place the pumpkin in an oiled roasting pan and cover it with the top. Brush the outside of the pumpkin all over with oil. Bake until the pumpkin is tender and the filling is puffed, which should take about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. Pick the cutest pumpkin in the patch and enjoy!
Please savor your Thanksgiving dinner and have a wonderful time with family and friends!
Carolina Lopez was born and raised on the vibrant West Side of San Antonio, her journey has been deeply influenced by faith, family, and rich cultural heritage. As an independent woman with a strong background in Business Administration and Management, she was shaped by inspiring Chicana entrepreneurs in her family who taught the values of hard work and perseverance.
Growing up surrounded by trailblazing businesswomen, she learned the importance of building strong relationships and trust in every endeavor. This perspective has become the cornerstone of her approach to real estate, where each engagement - be it residential,
investment, or commercial - is more than just a deal. It's an opportunity to guide clients through one of the most significant decisions of their lives.
With a keen eye for detail and deep understanding of the market, Carolina is dedicated to making the process of buying or selling property as smooth and stress-free as possible. Her expertise and commitment to her clients' needs ensure that every journey is met with the highest level of care and professionalism. Whether you're searching for your dream home, a lucrative investment, or the perfect commercial space, she is here to make your real estate experience an exciting and rewarding adventure.
She can be reached at 210.718.7732 or email: Carolinasophialopez30@gmail.com
Here's a word from Vanessa...."My passion for helping my clients has only increased in experience and knowledge from when I initially became a Realtor back in 2005. I listen carefully to understand your needs, wants, and concerns. This allows me to help make your dreams of having a place to call home and create lifelong memories a reality. This process can be very exciting and
overwhelming all at the same time. I will be your trusted advisor to help you navigate our way to the finish line.
Whether buying, selling, or looking for a lease, I will provide you withthe special attention one expects from a dedicated consultant.
Thank you for allowing me to guide you home, and remember..."There's always hope when guided by Schwope!"
For more info text CherEXIT to 85377 or call Cher at 210-394-1376. EXITpremierrealtyTX@gmail.com
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