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RODEO ROUNDUP

EVENTS, LIVESTOCK, CONCERTS, FASHION & MORE!

ROMANCE TIPS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY & BEYOND

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January/February 2026

TEXAN

TEXAN Volume 13 // Issue 01

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LISA DANTE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

KEITH CHESTER

PHOTOGRAPHERS

JOSH HUSKIN LISA DANTE

CONTRIBUTORS

ILLUSTRATOR

MARC HESS DR. JUSTIN PHILLIPS, L.Ac LISA DANTE DR. RICHARD BRUCE WINDERS ALBERT FLORES NANCY FOSTER SHERIFF JAVIER SALAZAR JIM PETERSON BILL DANTE DENISE PAYNE ABBY KURTH, MPH, MS MATTHEW HARVEY JEREMIAH TEUTSCH

CONTRIBUTING PRODUCTION STAFF

JOSH LOPEZ, SAMANTHA MUSCAT-SCHERR, GABRIELA ALTAMIRANO

PUBLISHER STERLING TEMPLAR PUBLISHING LLC EXECUTIVE PRODUCER KEITH M CHESTER

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TEXAN

TABLE OF WINTER 2026 CONTENTS FEATURING 13

EVENTS

RODEO 101

Texas Rodeos are a captivating blend of tradition, sport, and entertainment, embodying the spirit of the American West. Chip Schweiger

FASHION

THE WILD WILD WEST From classic to modern, western wear is embracing bold choices, comfort and individuality. Lisa Dante

WINE

STEEP SLOPES, GRANITE TERRACES

Discovering the soulful nature of Northern Rhône wines. Jim Peterson 43

INSPIRATION

LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT Small ways to be more romantic just in time for Valentine’s Day and everyday. Bill Dante

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Texan

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TEXAN

HEALTH

WINTER WELLNESS

Are you ready for flu and cold season? These tips can help you stay well. Abby Kurth MPH, MS

TRAVEL

TURKEY

The cradle of civilization whose history spans centuries, offers stunning landscapes, rich culture and friendly people. Denise Payne 74

CULINARY

SOUP FOR THE SOUL Thick, rich and spoon-licking good, these soups are everything you want on a chilly day.

GARDENING

ANTIQUE ROSES

Discover unique antique roses in Texas. These hardy blooms thrive with minimal care. Calvin Finch, Ph.D. Horticulturist 89

COCKTAIL

TEXAN FIRE AND ICE

This flaming show is a fun spectacle, but only attempt with caution, knowledge, and respect for the fire.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to 2026! I hope the new year brings you a fresh start and the courage to chase your dreams and the strength to believe in yourself. You’ve got this. The mission statement of Texan Magazine has always been to inspire and inform readers by enhancing their lives through engaging content featuring culture, travel, fashion, home, wellness, history and personal growth. We’re going full steam ahead in 2026! This issue jumps right into the new year with rodeo season! (The devastating equine virus of 2025 seems to have been contained, but check the websites of any rodeo you may want to attend for important event updates.) Are you planing on traveling this year? The ancient and stunning country of Turkey is featured in this issue. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that my preconceived notions of Turkey were completely wrong! We haven’t forgotten that February brings the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day. Need inspiration? You’ll find lots of ideas that don’t cost a dime. The little things really do mean a lot. You’ve heard the expression that your health is everything. Read all about how to stay healthy this cold and flu season. Looking ahead….. Are you ready for this? The United States will celebrate the Semiquincentennial, also called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, America250, or the Quarter Millennium, or as we like to call it here at Texan Magazine, the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Follow us in the months to come to read about all of the upcoming exciting festivities and celebrations taking place this year in Texas and the nation. Thank you for being an extremely important part of Texan Magazine. I wish you a year full of clarity, peace and moments of pure effortless joy!

Lisa Dante Editor-In-Chief

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EVENTS

RODEO

101

by CHIP SCHWEIGER

ead to any small county in Texas, South Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico, or basically anywhere in the West and Northwest, and you will likely have an opportunity to see the local rodeo in town. If fact, the Fort Worth Stockyards hosts a rodeo every weekend evening, while the major rodeos of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Calgary Stampede, the Pendleton RoundUp, and the Cheyenne Frontier Days draw tens of thousands of fans for each performance. And, of course, there’s the “national championship” for every rodeo cowboy and cowgirl, The National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas each December.

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While rodeo stresses its western folk hero image as a genuinely American creation, in fact, it grew out of the practices of Spanish ranchers and their Mexican ranch hands known as vaqueros, as a mixture of cattle wrangling and bullfighting that dates to the sixteenth-century conquistadors of Spain. The term “rodeo” (from the Spanish word rodear) means “to surround” or “go around,” and was first used in American English about 1834 to denote a “round up” of cattle. Early rodeo-like affairs of the 1820s and 1830s were informal events in the western United States and northern Mexico with cowboys and vaqueros testing their working skills against one another. Bull riding, for example, originated with Mexican equestrian contests known as charreadas, where competitors wrestled the steer to the ground by riding up behind it, grabbing its tail, and twisting it to the ground. Bull wrestling had been part of an ancient tradition throughout the ancient Mediterranean world including Spain. The events spread throughout the Viceroyalty of New Spain and were found at fairgrounds, racetracks, fiestas, and festivals in nineteenth century southwestern areas that now comprise the United States. However, unlike the roping, riding, and racing of the early festivals of the American west, rodeos never attracted a following among Anglo cowboys or audiences until after the Texas Revolution and the US-Mexican War, after which Anglo cowboys started to realize the value of learning the skills, attire, vocabulary, and sports of the vaqueros. Ranch-versus-ranch contests gradually sprang up, as bronc riding, bull riding, and roping contests appeared at racetracks, fairgrounds, and festivals of all kinds.

While rodeo stresses its western folk hero image as a genuinely American creation, in fact, it grew out of the practices of Spanish ranchers and their Mexican ranch hands. 14 January/February 2026

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The first rodeo While there is not universal agreement as to the first official rodeo, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody is credited with creating a major rodeo and the first Wild West show in North Platte, Nebraska in 1882. Following this successful endeavor, Cody organized his touring Wild West show, leaving other entrepreneurs to create what became known as professional rodeo. While most recognized rodeo organizations weren’t established until the early 20th century, much of what we know about rodeo today evolved from the Prescott Rodeo held on July 4, 1888. Rodeos and Wild West shows enjoyed a parallel existence, employing many of the same stars, while capitalizing on the continuing allure of the mythic West. Women joined the Wild West and contest rodeo circuits in the 1890s and their participation grew as the activities spread geographically, and eventually evolved into what we know as rodeo.

Modern day rodeo is a competitive sport practiced in the United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It’s a sporting event that involves horses and other livestock, designed to test the skill and speed of cowboys and cowgirls, as well as that of horses bred to compete in rodeo events. American style professional rodeos generally comprise events divided into two basic categories: the timed events of tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing where winners are determined by the fastest time, and the rough stock events of saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, and bull riding where winners are determined by the highest score. Depending on sanctioning organization and region, other events such as breakaway roping, goat tying, and pole bending may also be a part of some rodeos. Other rodeos can have any nature of events, limited only by the imagination of the organizers.

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Trevor Brazile, who has won 24 “gold buckle” world championships, is known as the “King of the Cowboys.” Photo courtesy of Dan Hubbell and The Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Your rodeo guide

Here’s a little bit about the most popular events in any rodeo: TIE-DOWN ROPING Like many rodeo events, tie-down roping is practiced on the working ranches of the American West. The roper begins his run from a “roping box,” with a barrier rope across the open front. The box is adjacent to a chute, containing the calf. One end of the breakaway barrier is looped around the calf and released as soon as the calf reaches its advantage point. If the roper beats the calf out of the chute, a 10-second penalty is added to his final time for the “broken barrier.” Once the calf is caught by the cowboy’s loop, the horse is trained to stop and pull back to remove

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any “slack” or extra rope to keep the calf still. The cowboy quickly dismounts and sprints down his rope to the calf and “flanks” the calf by hand flat on the ground. Once flanked, the roper ties any three of the animal’s legs together with a short looped rope called a “pigging string.” To signal his run is complete, the cowboy throws his hands in the air and remounts his horse. He and his horse must wait six seconds to ensure that the calf does not kick free, which would result in a “no time.” The practice of tie down roping is used on the working ranch to catch a runaway calf for purposes of doctoring, branding, or otherwise capturing, and because the animal is younger, the capture of a calf can be handled by one cowboy.

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TEAM ROPING Like tie-down roping, team roping is used on the working cattle ranch to capture a steer for purposes of doctoring or branding, but unlike tiedown roping, it takes two cowboys to rope the larger steer and so this is the only true team event in rodeo — one “header” who ropes the head of the steer and one “heeler” who ropes the heels, or feet, of the steer. Each contestant begins in their respective roping box with a chute containing the steer in the middle. Like the other timed events of tie-down roping and steer wrestling, a breakaway rope or “barrier” is attached to the steer and released once the steer reaches its advantage point. The “broken barrier” rule also applies here too, with a 10-second penalty added to a team’s time. Once the steer is out, the header leaves the roping box in pursuit of the steer, roping it around the horns, neck, or a hornneck combination. He then turns the steer quickly to the left, so the heeler has a shot at both of its hind legs. The clock stops when their horses are facing each other, and their ropes are pulled tightly. If the heeler catches only one leg, a five-second penalty is added.

STEER WRESTLING Sometimes referred to as “bulldogging,” steer wrestling is an all-out battle of strength. The cowboy starts out horseback in a box with the barrier rope attached to the steer. Once the cowboy nods to indicate his readiness, the gate is opened, and the steer exits the chute. When the steer reaches the end of the rope, the barrier is released, and the cowboy takes off in pursuit. If the cowboy leaves before the steer, a 10-second penalty is added to his final time for the broken barrier. If the cowboy reaches the steer, he dismounts using strength and leverage, slows the animal by digging his heels into the dirt and maneuvers the steer to the ground. To catch the sprinting steer, the bulldogger relies on a “hazer,” which is another mounted cowboy running beside the steer. Time stops when the steer is on its side with all four feet pointing in the same direction. If you are on a working ranch and need to get a steer on the ground quickly, this is how you’d do it. January/February 2026

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BARREL RACING Arranged in a triangle, barrel racers must run around all three barrels in a pattern known as a “cloverleaf” being careful not to turn one over. Riders may begin on the left or the right barrel first, but the pattern cannot be broken. Horses must be not only swift, but accurate in their ability to maneuver around the barrels with ease and agility. If the rider or the horse makes contact with a barrel, it can be touched in order to keep it from falling. Each fallen barrel, though, adds a five-second penalty to the rider’s final time. This sport, unlike other timed events, is timed to the hundredth of a second using an “electric eye” or an automatic stopwatch.

SADDLE BRONC RIDING Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event since it derived from the practice of “breaking” or training saddle horses in the early days of the American West. A contestant sits in a standard saddle attached to the back of the horse – but with no saddle horn. For leverage, he holds a thick “rein” or rope that is attached to the horse’s halter, which can only be held with one hand. When the gate swings open, the cowboy must adhere to the “mark-out” rule in which he must have his heels touching the animal above the point of the horse’s shoulders when it makes its first jump. Otherwise, the cowboy will be disqualified and given zero points. Synchronization with the horse’s movements earns higher scores. When the horse’s front feet are on the ground, the rider’s heels must be in front of the horse’s shoulders, toes turned out. As the horse resets for its next move, the cowboy brings his heels to the back of the saddle, all the while anticipating the animal’s next jump. If the contestant touches any part of the horse or himself with his free hand during the eight-second ride, he will be disqualified. 18 January/February 2026

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BAREBACK RIDING With nothing to hold but a “rigging” or suitcase-like handle on a strap secured comfortably behind the horse’s front legs, the cowboy must maintain balance and control while the horse bucks and pitches. A “flank strap” is secured around the horse’s hind end which tells the animal it’s go-time! The ride is judged on the cowboy’s spurring motion in coordination with the horse’s movement, as well as the bucking action of the animal. A rider is disqualified if he fails to mark out properly as in the saddle bronc event. And, as before, the rider cannot touch any part of the horse or himself during the eight-second ride.

BULL RIDING One 2,000-pound animal paired against one 150-pound man ensures an adrenaline rush for those brave enough to climb in the chutes. To stay on, a rider grasps a flat braided rope or “bull rope” which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind its front legs. One end of the bull rope, called the “tail,” is threaded through the loop on the other end and fastened around the animal. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand holding the rope, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. When the chute gate opens, the rider must stay on for eight seconds, while a twisting, bucking mass of muscle tries anything and everything to buck them off. If the contestant makes contact with the animal or themselves with their free hand, they receive no score. Points are based on rider’s ability to stay on, as well as the bull’s bucking action. Extra points are awarded to those who are controlled enough to spur their bull with one or both of their dulled spurs. 20 January/February 2026

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While not every working cowboy participates in rodeos, and while not every rodeo cowboy works on a ranch on a regular basis, every cowboy is a cowboy plain and simple. Each draws their heritage from the traditions of the working ranch of the American West. And each celebrates the spirit of western heritage every time they enter an arena, be it for a rodeo competition or to get a day’s work done.

Rodeo is a popular sport to watch, and its competitors are among the most talented athletes you’ll find. Rodeo is a popular sport to watch, and its competitors are among the most

talented athletes you’ll find. The working cowboy has a special affinity for the sport of rodeo, and rodeo fans love their cowboys and cowgirls. While rodeo is particularly popular today throughout the western United States and within the Canadian province of Alberta, it’s also the official state sport of Texas, South Dakota, and Wyoming. And rodeo is so important to Wyoming that the iconic silhouette image of a bucking horse and rider is the federal and state-registered trademark of the State of Wyoming! So, the next time a rodeo comes to your town, or you are visiting a rural county most anywhere in the American West, you might buy a ticket, grab some food, and take a few hours to settle in for a fun time marveling at the skill of the competitors, both human and animal. Until next time, happy trails! January/February 2026

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EVENTS Sunday, Jan. 25

1:15 PM • Whites of Texas 3:30 PM • FWSSR Fiddle Showdown

Monday, Jan. 26

12:00 PM • Cowboy Campfire Western Music & Cowboy Poetry 6:15 PM • Macy Dot 10:00 PM • Dusty Moats

Tuesday, Jan. 27 Friday, Jan. 16

6:15 PM • Riley Gilbreath & Lone Star Blue 10:00 PM • The Damn Quails

Saturday, Jan. 17

9:00 AM • Mariachi Competition 6:15 PM • Ginny Mac Trio 10:00 PM • Ronnie & The Redwoods

Sunday, Jan. 18

6:15 PM • Mollie Danel 10:00 PM • Sol De La Kumbia

Monday, Jan. 19

12:00 PM • Don Diego 4:00 PM • The Bedzin Project Ft. Micki Sweet

Tuesday, Jan. 20

6:15 PM • Max Vontaine 10:00 PM • Bri Bagwell

Wednesday, Jan. 21

6:15 PM • Terry Rasor 10:00 PM • American Soldier

Thursday, Jan. 22

6:15 PM • Rich O’Toole 10:00 PM • Colby Lee Swift

Friday, Jan. 23 6:15 PM • Jerry Don Branch 7:30 PM • Colter Wall and Hayden Redwine - Auditorium Entertainment Series 9:30 PM • Barefoot Nation Band Saturday, Jan. 24

6:15 PM • Dalton Torres 7:30 PM • Colter Wall and Hayden Redwine - Auditorium Entertainment Series 10:00 PM • Cory Cross 22 January/February 2026

12:00 PM • Cowboy Campfire Western Music & Cowboy Poetry 6:15 PM • Zak Webb Duo 10:00 PM • Summer Dean

Wednesday, Jan. 28

12:00 PM • Cowboy Campfire Western Music & Cowboy Poetry 6:15 PM • Joseph Neville 10:00 PM • Sterling Elza

Thursday, Jan. 29

6:15 PM • Aaron Copeland, Ryan Payne 10:00 PM • Gage Gardiner

Friday, Jan. 30

6:15 PM • Jason Manning 10:00 PM • David Adam Byrnes

Saturday, Jan. 31

2:00 PM • Weston Jazz 6:15 PM • Aurora Bleu 10:00 PM • Poo Live Crew

Sunday, Feb. 1

1:15 PM • Courtney Prater

Monday, Feb. 2

6:15 PM • Texanadian 10:00 PM • Kirk House

Tuesday, Feb. 3

6:15 PM • Scott Dean Duo 10:00 PM • Gunnar Latham

Wednesday, Feb. 4

6:15 PM • Sonny and Jolie Burgess 10:00 PM • Presley Haile

Thursday, Feb. 5

6:15 PM • Randy Brown, Steve Helms 10:00 PM • Teague Brothers

Friday, Feb. 6

6:15 PM • Brad Thompson 10:00 PM • Desperado

Saturday, Feb. 7

6:15 PM • Will Banister 10:00 PM • Blue Water Highway

TEXAN

EVENTS Thursday, Feb. 19

Thursday, Feb. 26

Friday, Feb. 20

Friday, Feb. 27

Saturday, Feb. 21

Saturday, Feb. 28

7:00 PM • Robert Earl Keen 7:00 PM • Gary Allan 12:00 PM • Dos Borrachos feat. Kevin Fowler & Roger Creager

Saturday, Feb. 14 7:30 PM • Midland

Sunday, Feb. 15

12:00 PM • Pat Green

Sunday, Feb. 15

7:30 PM • Brad Paisley

Monday, Feb. 16

7:00 PM • Shenandoah

Tuesday, Feb. 17

7:00 PM • Hudson Westbrook

Wednesday, Feb. 18

7:00 PM • Miranda Lambert

Saturday, Feb. 21

7:30 PM • Cody Jinks

7:00 PM • Sheryl Crow 7:00 PM • Ludacris 12:00 PM • The Droptines

Saturday, Feb. 28

7:30 PM • Shane Smith & The Saints

Sunday, Feb. 22

12:00 PM • Braxton Keith

Sunday, Feb. 22

7:30 PM • Banda Los Recoditos

Monday, Feb. 23

7:00 PM • Terri Clark

Tuesday, Feb. 24

7:00 PM • 49 Winchester

Wednesday, Feb. 25

7:00 PM • Dierks Bentley

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FASHION

THE WILD, WILD

WEST by LISA DANTE

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FASHION

t goes without saying that Western wear is not just for cowboys and cowgirls anymore. Ranchers and cowhands originated this style, but it has now become a staple in everyday fashion. Whether it’s throwing on a fringe jacket, showing off a pearl snap shirt, or sporting a pair of cowboy boots, the trend has taken over, and it’s here to stay. Experts agree that Western wear is no longer a niche style tied to America’s cattle ranching communities. It has become a timeless style because of its versatility across all price points and occasions, as well as its reliance on denim. January/February 2026

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FASHION

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FASHION

Designers are bringing their unique perspective on modern cowboy-inspired items such as cow print pants, wideleg denim, boldly designed boots, and sleek cowboy hats to attract both long-time fans and newcomers. “Cowboy core” has emerged as a major global trend, with 2026 set to be a defining year for its influence on fashion.

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FASHION

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FASHION

Ralph Lauren and other fashion brands have kept a constant Western influence over the years, turning the style into one of luxury and elegance. The broad pricing availability of Western wear has also contributed to its popularity. Western wear holds its value across price ranges. Whether it is an affordable pair of cowboy boots, or a high-end, cowboy hat there are options for everyone. Regardless of cost, these pieces are valued for their quality, longevity, and versatility, which makes them feel like luxury items that can stand the test of time, no matter the events they are worn to. No longer limited to rodeos or country music concerts, Western wear has made its way into streetwear, formal events, and high-fashion runways. 30 January/February 2026

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FASHION What about accessories? Silver jewelry has always been associated with cowboy core, and turquoise jewelry goes without saying. Did you know that genuine turquoise appreciates in value? This gemstone is synonymous with Western wear. It’s rich in history and is considered an investment. Each beautiful bauble is truly unique, never to be recreated, making it practically priceless. In short, more is more and less is a bore when it comes to this glorious gemstone. There is no doubt that turquoise’s colorful spirit will live on for years to come. After all, this special stone has been revered for millennia by ancient and Indigenous cultures who recognized its special connection to nature. Even if you don’t want to invest in genuine turquoise, you can find some beautiful faux pieces. Just be sure and do your research and know what you’re buying. The sky is the limit for this sky stone! Don’t be afraid to add a little giddy-up to your getups!

January/February 2026

Host a Private Wine Tasting! From Casual Mingles to Elegant Dinners

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WINE

STEEP SLOPES, GRANITE TERRACES: DISCOVERING THE SOUL OF NORTHERN RHÔNE WINES by JIM PETERSON, WINE ENTHUSIAST & INSTAGRAM WINE INFLUENCER

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WINE

rance’s Rhône Valley, stretching from Lyon down to Avignon, is often assumed to be a homogeneous area. The truth is there are two rather distinct regions within the valley, simply referred to as “Northern Rhône” and “Southern Rhône.” For red wines in the northern region, the Syrah grape reigns supreme. In the south, however, Grenache takes the lead, often with Syrah and Mourvèdre as supporting

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actors in the blend. This is where the “GSM” shorthand originated. It’s the classic blend of the Rhône (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvédre), but it’s more commonly found in the south. My recent trip to France was focused on the Northern Rhône. Staying in Lyon made for an easy drive to visit a few of the most iconic vineyards and producers in the north. I could not help but be awed when walking among the vine-covered terraces carefully carved from the steep granite and schist slopes of the Rhône Valley. This started in the 1st century AD. How did the Romans know it was a perfect place to grow grapes for wine? It’s pretty wild when you think about it. Later, the monks of the Catholic Church also played a historic role in expanding the production. Seeing all this firsthand and tasting these elegant wines forged from granite and grit, certainly gave me a greater appreciation for everything Northern Rhône wines can be.

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THE RED WINES OF NORTHERN RHÔNE

When you see bottles from the appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, or SaintJoseph, you can be sure they are Syrah based. The Syrah wines of the Northern Rhône are bold, structured, and savory, with complex flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, along with some floral notes like violet. They can also have savory notes of bacon fat, black olive, and smoke. They typically age very well, and I have found great value in Saint-Joseph, Cornas, and Crozes-Hermitage wines. The most prized wines of Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie are legendary, and they have earned that reputation.

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WINE

THE WHITE WINES OF NORTHERN RHÔNE

The most unique white wine in the north is Condrieu. It is a tiny appellation, centered around the small village of Condrieu, and the wines are 100% Viognier. Condrieu wines are full-bodied and aromatic, with notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle, and a rich, slightly oily texture. The unique character comes from the steep, granite slopes and a cooling climate that allows the grapes to achieve ripeness without losing acidity. The other key white grapes are Marsanne and Roussanne. You can find white wines from various appellations, and they range from 100% Marsanne or Roussanne, to a blend of those two, or sometimes a little Viognier will be added. It is not a stretch to say that I walked away with a greater appreciation for the quality of Northern Rhône whites during my tastings. The winery visits were memorable, covering two of the largest producers, then a mid-sized winery, and finally a very small family producer. If you haven’t tried the wines of Northern Rhône, let me help with that. 38 January/February 2026

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DOMAINE E. GUIGAL

Étienne Guigal moved to Ampuis at the age of 14 and began working for the well-established producer, Vidal-Fleury. In 1946 he started E. Guigal as a small winery. His son Marcel took over in 1961, and E. Guigal was transformed into a major force for the revitalization of the Northern Rhône in the 1980s - especially with the iconic “La-La” trio of single vineyard reds from Côte-Rôtie. These exclusive wines from La Landonne, La Turque, and La Mouline sell for $300-$500. Guigal now produces about 8 million bottles per year. It’s worth noting that 5 million of those are the entry level Guigal Côtes du Rhône, and it’s easy to find in supermarkets at about $15. Guigal is a tremendous success story, now led by Marcel’s son, Philippe Guigal. My tour guide was assistant winemaker, Jacques Desvernois. It was a fascinating tour, traversing the underground tunnels stacked with barrels, and seeing the bottling and packaging of the Côtes du Rhône in full operation. We ended up in the tasting area of the cellar where over 30 different bottles (almost none of them labeled yet) from the E. Guigal portfolio were lined up. Jacques started looking and pouring, carefully selecting which wines he wanted to share. It was incredible to taste so many great Guigal wines at once. The standout wines were not surprisingly the “La-La” reds, with the La Turque being my favorite of the three we tasted that day. The La Dorianne single vineyard Condrieu was equally impressive, along with the Ex Voto Hermitage red and the southern Châteauneuf-du-Pape white and red from Château de Nalys. The range of wines from E. Guigal is just astonishing, in terms of both price and selection. It’s hard to go wrong with a Guigal wine.

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MAISON M. CHAPOUTIER

Back in 2021, I joined an online “Masters of Rhône” tasting with Michel Chapoutier and Philippe Guigal. I knew my trip would seem incomplete unless I visited these iconic wineries. Starting at the epic Chapoutier cellar door in Tain-l’Hermitage, I was surprised and grateful when our guide led us out to the legendary Hermitage hill. The story of the Hermitage vineyard is rooted in a legend about a 13th-century Crusader knight, Gaspard de Stérimberg, who became a hermit on the hill, giving the area its name. The vines, however, have been there since the Greek and Roman times. Looking at the steep, ancient granite slopes of planted Syrah, you can’t help but become awed by the history and the majesty it represents. The tasting lineup at Chapoutier was just as amazing. It was a mix of whites and reds that highlighted the uniqueness of each terroir. The whites sang of stone fruit and flowers, while those classic reds were powerful, with dark fruits, black pepper, and endless depth. Michel Chapoutier’s biodynamic magic is real, where every bottle tells a story of the unique terroir. Not surprisingly I enjoyed them all, but it was a bottle of the Saint-Joseph 100% Marsanne “Les Granits” Blanc that came home with me (about $110 in the US). I loved it.

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WINE

CAVES YVES CUILLERON

I was excited to visit Cave Yves Cuilleron. I have tasted many of his wines over the years, so having Yves lead me around the winery and through an expansive tasting was an unforgettable experience. His family has lived and farmed in the village of Chavanay since the 16th century. His grandfather, Claude, first began to bottle their own wine in 1920. Yves took over in 1987, beginning with small plots. He considers himself part of the generation who “made the renaissance in the Northern Rhône.” As we walked through the new winery he built, Yves noted, “It’s a modern winery, but I want to use traditional methods.” Only 10% of his production is exported to the US, while 70% stays in France. His lineup of wines is rather large now and he has non-appellation wines along with exceptional single vineyard (or “lieu dit”) whites and reds from Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, and Côte-Rôtie. His Condrieu wines are well respected. He also has other white wines made from Marsanne & Roussanne. His reds are dominated by Syrah (as you’d expect) and are ageworthy. While the lieu dit wines can cost $80-$120, he has excellent entry level wines labeled “Les Vignes d’a Cote” (which means the vineyards are beside the appellations), in the $25-$30 range. I can attest to their quality. This was a fun visit! If you happen to be driving through Chavanay, his tasting room is open to the public. His wines can be found in America, but in my experience the small amount he imports sells out rather quickly. I urge you to grab them if you see them!

DOMAINE ANDRÉ PERRET

Domaine André Perret hosted us for an intimate tour and tasting of their small, family-run winery that’s also in Chavanay. André Perret was another key figure in the revitalization of Condrieu. He started with only one hectare in 1985. Tucked along the Rhône’s steep granite terraces, the now 13-hectare estate is a hidden gem imported by Kermit Lynch. André recently retired, and his daughter Marie is now guiding every step with a quiet passion and respect for the tradition created by her father.

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WINE

From the sun-soaked Viognier vines of Condrieu to the elegant Syrah of Saint-Joseph, the wines reflect purity and place. The Condrieu wines offer peach, apricot, and spring blossoms, while the Syrah are replete with dark fruit and pepper. They use minimal intervention, sustainable practices, and there is an undeniable passion that goes into every bottle. I found the whites to be most intriguing. Only about 4,000 bottles might reach the US each year. I did see a “Chery” Condrieu for $119 at Art of Cellaring in San Antonio, so they can be found!

WHY NORTHERN RHÔNE?

The Northern Rhône is revered by many but still seems under-appreciated to me. That feels like an opportunity. I encourage you to get a bottle of Saint-Joseph or Cornas, or open a Condrieu, or splurge on a Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie. Sip it slowly while thinking of those impossible Roman terraces and the monks who followed. I’m convinced you’ll taste something rare. This is a place that has spent two millennia learning exactly what it wants to say. Now, more clearly than ever, the wines are saying it beautifully. Follow Jim on Instagram, @tx_wine_pilot, for more wine tips and reviews.

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Jim Peterson is a retired U.S. Air Force officer who mainly flew the A-10 fighter jet. He has ties to the wine business going back over 25 years, has visited many wine regions, tasted the world’s top wines, and is an avid wine collector. His business, The Texas Wine Pilot, offers customized in-home wine tastings, corporate wine tastings, executive wine training, a wine concierge service, and wine collecting consultations. Visit txwinepilot.com or email him at jim@txwinepilot.com for more information.

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INSPIRATION

LITTLE THINGS

MEAN A LOT by BILL DANTE

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INSPIRATION

n Valentine’s Day we all know that a grand gesture of love is a bold, intentional act, demonstrating deep affection and commitment, going beyond the everyday to create a memorable, heartfelt experience. While grand gestures are special, consistent small acts of love, thoughtfulness, and empathy build lasting relationships. It’s understandable that we all get caught up in the day to day pressures of life. Of course you can come up with that big, special trip to Europe or a road trip to another state but that’s not what this article is about. It’s about reminding you that little, everyday things mean a lot. Whether you’re longtime or newly married, or have a very special someone in your life, I just wanted to remind you of a few small, everyday actions that don’t require a lot of money or effort, but have a big impact on your relationship in the long run.

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The little things can create joy, connection, and overall wellbeing, far more than grand displays, and they are truly the essence of a rich life. Here are some suggestions: Leave surprise notes: Hide a “thinking of you” note on the mirror or in the car for your loved one to see. Bring them a treat: Pick up their favorite coffee, a small snack they like, or something they mentioned they liked. Do a thoughtful chore: Fill their car with gas, maybe get it washed too, do the dishes, or take care of a task they usually handle to lighten their load. Run a warm bath: Prepare a relaxing bath with candles and bath products. Give a spontaneous compliment: Tell them something you admire about them, or compliment something they are doing. Write a handwritten letter: A heartfelt letter is a classic gesture that can be cherished forever. Show public affection: Hold their hand, put your arm around them, or give a hug for no reason. Say “I love you,”: Say it often, and tell them why you are lucky to have them.

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Breakfast In Bed: Surprise them on a weekend morning. If you don’t cook, run out and bring back some breakfast tacos. Flowers: Bring home flowers “just because,” not just for special occasions. (Check out the flowers at places like Walmart, Costco, or Trader Joe’s.) They’re beautiful AND affordable. Thoughtful gifts: Buy them something small that you know they need or have been wanting, like their favorite tea, a new book, or a bath bomb. Quality Time: Schedule regular, uninterrupted quality time together, like a walk, a picnic, or a conversation without phones or devices. Yes, Valentine’s Day is a special day but it can be a nightmare getting a table. Maybe dine out the night before and not get stuck with the fixed menu prices. But as you leave the house, hand your significant other a glass of champagne, or sparkling wine. Then toast to their beauty or handsomeness, and mention how lucky you are to be with them. I once read that being considerate and taking care of the little gestures is called “relationship maintenance.” I try to do those things, often. No one is perfect, and we all mess up once in a while, but a little thoughtfulness, kindness and consideration goes a long way, because the little things in life really do mean a lot! Someone once said, “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

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HEALTH

WINTER WELLNESS:

HOW TO PREVENT AND SURVIVE A COLD OR FLU by ABBY KURTH, MPH, MS CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST & WELLNESS COACH 48 January/February 2026

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hey say, “A cold will last seven days or one week.” Personally, I’d rather not be sick for even one day. Fortunately, I’ve managed to keep that dreaded “I’m coming down with something” feeling to just a day or two—and sometimes avoid it altogether. As we head into cold and flu season, here are some tried-and-true ways to help your body stay strong and recover faster when those pesky viruses come knocking.

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The “I’m Coming Down with Something” Phase

That tickle in your throat, that hint of fatigue—it’s the perfect moment to act fast. The earlier you intervene, the better your chances of avoiding a full-blown cold or flu.

Protective Herbs

At the first sign of symptoms, I reach for Airborne. It contains two time-honored Chinese herbs: • Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) • Forsythia suspensa (fruit) Chinese herbalists say these herbs prevent the “Evil Wind”—their poetic way of describing invading illness—from settling in. The key is timing: take Airborne as soon as you feel that first inkling of malaise.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C isn’t just a classic immune booster—it’s a multitasker. Found in immune cells, it acts as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory all in one. It helps regulate cytokines (the immune system’s messengers) and even slows viral replication. One family I know went from having constant winter sick days to none at all after adding Vitamin C to their daily routine. Science backs this up: studies show vitamin C can shorten both the duration and severity of respiratory infections.

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Zinc

Zinc often appears alongside Vitamin C for good reason. It’s essential for producing immune cells and stopping viruses from multiplying. Think of it as your immune system’s quality control manager. That said, too much zinc can throw off your copper balance, so it’s best used short-term. And skip the nasal sprays—some people have reported losing their sense of smell with those. Oral zinc is a safer bet..

Black Elderberry

If you want something that feels like a treat, try Sambucol, a black elderberry formula that kids love (and adults secretly enjoy). Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has long been used to ease colds and flu. A 2004 study found that people with the flu who took 15 mL of elderberry syrup four times daily felt better in two to four days, compared to seven to eight days for the placebo group. Not bad for something that tastes like dessert. January/February 2026

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The “Coughing, Sneezing, I Can’t Sleep” Phase

Once the virus has taken hold, your immune system goes into high gear. Those symptoms— fever, aches, congestion—are signs that your body’s defenses are at work. Unfortunately, they’re also what makes you miserable. Here’s how to ease the discomfort while letting your immune system do its job.

Cold Calm

Cold Calm by Boiron is a homeopathic blend I swear by. Even my mother—who lived to 108— was amazed by how well it worked. It contains Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset), a traditional herb for relieving body aches and chills. The tablets dissolve under the tongue, making them easy for kids (and adults) to take.

Quercetin

When your immune system goes into overdrive, it can cause more inflammation than necessary. That’s where quercetin shines. A phytonutrient found in citrus fruits and onions, quercetin helps balance the immune response, reduces oxidative stress, and limits unnecessary inflammation. I even use a quercetin formula for my allergic cat—it’s that versatile!

Neti Pot

If congestion and a burning nose are keeping you awake, a simple saline nasal rinse can feel miraculous. Neti pots flush out mucus, calm irritation, and help you breathe (and sleep) easier.

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Beyond Remedies: Building Everyday Immunity

Even the best supplements can’t replace the fundamentals of good health: • A balanced diet rich in whole foods and colorful produce • Restorative sleep to recharge immune cells • Regular movement, even gentle stretching or walking. Skip the hardcore exercise routine and let your body give priority to exercising the immune system. • Probiotics, which keep your gut—and your immune system—happy

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Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to win. With a little knowledge and a few smart habits, you can cut those seven miserable days down to just a few—and keep your immune system humming all season long. Your body (and everyone you don’t infect) will thank you. Be well.

Abby Kurth, MPH, MS, is a Clinical Nutritionist + Wellness Coach. Examples of cold and flu support are available at https://us.fullscript.com/plans/akurthcold-and-flu-support. Start your new year right and make successful new year habits with Abby’s book: Wellness is More Than Weight: Easy Steps to Change Your Health Habits and Your Life (Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle). Nutrition and gluten-free travel blogs are found at abbykurthnutrition.coach. 54 January/February 2026

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TRAVEL

TURKEY Ancient Ruins, Unique Landscapes, Rich History and Culinary Delights by DENISE PAYNE

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lose your eyes and picture the country of Turkey. What comes to mind? Mystery? Handwoven carpets? History? There is plenty of that and much more. When planning our month long trip, I was astonished at how much Turkey offered. I had no idea it was so beautiful and the landscape was so diverse. Istanbul has a European side and an Asian side with the Bosphorus strait separating them. There is also the Golden Horn which separates “Old Istanbul” on the southern side from the modern city in the north. The area is very walkable. We had a driver pick us up from the airport and take us to the Ayramin Deluxe Hotel for our two day stay. Planning only light sightseeing the next day, we strolled the famous Istiklal Street. It was also our third wedding anniversary, and we looked forward to dinner at the famous Pera Palace hotel. It was built in 1895 specifically for passengers arriving on the Orient Express train. It’s where Hemingway, Hitchcock, and dignitaries stayed, and where Agatha Christie

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wrote, Murder On The Orient Express. Arriving too early for dinner, their Kubbeli Lounge was having high tea and having never experienced a formal high tea; we decided to try it. Crystal chandeliers, red velvet drapes and golden domed ceilings greeted us as we stepped back in time to an era of grace and elegance. Lavishly displayed finger foods, desserts, fruit of all kinds and elegant sandwiches overflowed from platters. Piano music drifted through the air, as we were escorted to our plush red velvet chairs. After indulging in some wonderful delicacies, we decided to explore the lobby and have drinks in the Orient Bar. Entering The Orient bar is something right out of the movies. Old dark wood and plush seating greet you as does the thrill of sitting where Hemingway had his cocktails. Earlier I mentioned to a hostess about it being our anniversary. After finding just the perfect spot to relish this experience, the hostess thoughtfully brought a pastry with Happy Anniversary written on it. Finally, jet lag caught up with us, and we walked back to the hotel.

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The next morning, we walked to Istanbuls first European style palace, the Dolmabahce Palace. Six Sultans lived here between 18561924. It is home to the worlds largest Bohemian crystal chandelier. The palace sits right on the Bosporus Strait which is where we had pizza in Saat Kule Kafe after our visit. We walked back to our hotel on cobbled stone streets bordered by Ottoman style shops, tea houses and stopped for pictures at Galata Tower. Along the way we saw a Simit cart. Simits are like skinny bagels with sesame seeds. Everyone eats them, so we tried one and it was really good. The next morning, we took a cab to the airport to rent our car for the month. Our first region we planned

on visiting was Cappadocia, which was eight hours away. Breaking up the drive, we stayed overnight in the country’s capital which is Ankara. Ankara is a city that springs up out of the middle of nowhere and seems almost like a college town, at least where we stayed. I was excited for the next day because we were supposed to stop at Tuz Golu, which is a large shallow salt lake. It’s definitely one of those Instagrammable places. It’s only a few inches deep so you can walk on the water and take gorgeous reflective pictures. Hence its popularity. Unfortunately, GPS sent us to potato fields and some sort of yellow vegetable field, which was interesting to see. We saw tents set up in fields where adults and children

lived temporarily while they all worked pulling up potatoes. But I did not get to see Tuz Golu which being a picture freak, I really wanted to see. Continuing our drive, we finally arrived in Goreme, Cappadocia where we stayed at the Termessos Hotel. Opening the door to our room we immediately felt the Ottoman vibe. Beneath a beautiful wooden carved ceiling were colorful pillows strewn about in our “sitting” area on the floor, and a view of town. After unpacking, we walked around and found Gurme Kebab restaurant. Steve had his first Testi kebab, which is usually cooked with various meats, his was beef, slow cooked in a sealed clay pot over coals. It is presented to you on a flaming table where the server cracks open the clay pot pouring the meat onto your plate. My choice was a “pide,” which is a Turkish version of pizza.

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4:00a.m came early the next day. We dressed in warm clothes we brought with us, just for this upcoming experience. A van picked us up and dropped us near a multitude of colorful hot air balloons inflating in the darkness. I am afraid of heights and had to put on my “big girl” pants, because I really wanted this hot air balloon experience. Standing in our assigned basket spots, I felt us starting to lift off. I could feel the heat coming from the flames that created hot air to keep us aloft. Darkness faded as the sun started to rise over “fairy chimneys” and valleys. Glowing vibrant balloons encircled us and danced around the sky. It was breathtaking. A tourist who shared our basket brought a backpack with beer and offered one to my husband, Steve. Of course Steve met someone at 5000 ft up in the air to share a beer with. Mesmerized by the view, reality hit me as we eventually landed. After a champagne toast to a safe landing, we arrived back to the hotel in time for breakfast. Then off to Goreme Open Air Museum, which has rock cut churches and monasteries with beautiful frescoes. Stone pathways, winding tunnels and climbing rocks were ahead of us to see churches such as the Dark Church. It receives very little light through the ages, so the fresco colors are as vibrant as if they were painted yesterday. Hunger started hitting us so we left and

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found The Garden Lounge back in town. We finished dinner in time for our Whirling Dervish reservation in Sarahan Caravanserai. Whirling Dervish is a spiritual and cultural ceremony, known as a “Sema,” it is part of a Sufi ritual. I specifically wanted a historical Caravanserai and this was located on the “Silk Road” built in 1249. This stone fortified building was part of a network of roads, called the “Silk Road” that gave protection to traders and their camels. The Dervish dance very slowly, twirling around in a mediative mind set in which every movement has a meaning. The 800-year-old ceremony was mesmerizing. Jumping into our car the next morning, we headed for Ihlara Valley about an hour away from Goerme. We drove along dusty roads and flat crop fields and finally arrived at the starting point of our hike. After descending many steps, we entered the lush, forested valley, which seemed so opposite of the flat treeless plains above. It’s about an 8–10-mile hike. We never made it the whole way, stopped just before halfway and returned back. We did see the ancient rock-hewn churches and explored caves along the stream that runs through the valley. Climbing those 400 steps back up, I was thinking about how good those extra snacks I had in the car would be.

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Photo by Denise Payne

TRAVEL

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Our next stop was the multistoried structure carved in rock, the Selime Cathedrale, 15 minutes away. It is an elaborate cave complex with a basilica church, sculpted rooms and kitchen all set up high on a cliff. Though it was a hard climb up, it was worth it. Bone tired, I think it was one of our 7-mile hike days, we headed home to Goerme. I was so tired I could barely eat my delicious stroganoff at the Nomad Roof restaurant.

The next morning my wonderful, amazing husband surprised me. Knowing I really wanted to see Tuz Golu but GPS took us to potato fields, he said he would drive the 2 hours there and 2 hours back so we could see it. Our hotel owner gave us directions, though we were not there during the peak times of sunset or sunrise. Our time there was just as impressive, and I was very grateful. The water is about an inch or more in different areas of the salt flats creating a surreal panorama. At different times 60 January/February 2026

of the day it looks like you are walking on water or mirrors. We took a few pictures to satisfy the photographer in me. And we did see instagrammers. Stepping into our car we drove to Uchisar which is 15 mins from our town and had an early dinner. You would think the Bar B Q place would have bar bq, but it did not. I ended up with spaghetti and Steve had chicken kabob. Walking back to our room we stopped at a candy store and bought some Turkish Delight, which seems to be a big thing. The Turkish people seem to really like treats and we did too! We decided to visit Avanos, a pottery town about 10 mins away. Known for using red clay from the area, this tradition dates back to Hittite times, around 2000 BC. Everything was so beautiful, it was hard not to buy so we purchased a bowl. Still early in the day, driving back, I told Steve, just turn up any road and let’s see where it goes. He turned up this road that turned out to be a serendipitous turn. We found the undiscovered by tourists yet, town of Ortahisar. Cobbled stone streets, local winery, little shopping area, and an empty restaurant just waiting for us. Faki Wood Café and Restaurant was just going to be a place to stop for a drink. But of course, they bring you food, even if you are just ordering drinks in Turkey. As a gift they brought us fruit along with our drinks. Feeling a bit hungry now, I ordered what looked like noodles and thin

fried beef and it was delicious along with crusty fresh bread. Wandering around town we found a junk-antique store. It was like walking into history. Combing through dusty drawers and boxes, I came across a piece of a broken lapis necklace wrapped in silver with engraved designs on it. I looked into the weather worn eyes of a little old Turkish man and tried to sign my hand signals that I wanted to buy it. Finally figuring out the money, I left exhilarated after another man told me it was between 150-200 years old. I am planning to make it into a necklace. Across the street was the Casia Cave hotel with roof top area, a place I thought would make an excellent location to watch the sunset and celebrate my amazing find. A few glasses of flavorful wine on the roof top and of course some fruit offered by the waiter accompanied us as we watched our last sunset in Cappodocia. Arriving in our hotel room, we saw the cake that we eat at breakfast every morning, and one I absolutely love. There was a little note saying, “I made this cake to gift you…Ayla”. Such a sweet gift in many ways. Turkish people are so nice.

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It would be a long driving day. Six hours from Goerme to our next stop Antalya. The drive there went through mountains filled with evergreen forests, looking a bit like the Alps. Antalya is a big tourist town but we were staying in the historic area and planned on visiting ruins outside of town. Cars are not allowed in the historic area so we passed a checkpoint and gave our hotel info. We found the hotel and our car was taken to their parking area. Mediterra Art Hotel is a beautiful old hotel, and our room was right above the pool area, which we thought was nice at first. Though that night we learned, right below our room by the pool there are disco parties and loud music until 1 am. So, we didn’t get much sleep at this hotel. In the morning a traditional Turkish breakfast was served poolside by the amazing staff. An hour away was Aspendos, a 3000-year-old ancient city famous for its Roman theatre, Basilica, fountains and aqueducts. Sitting in this perfectly preserved theatre I imagined watching a musical show or

gladiator fight. Eager to explore more of this incredible sight we found dirt paths that led to an ongoing archaeological site. They allowed you to walk on one part of the uncovered stone street. Wandering along this ancient road was unreal as we passed crumbled remains of stores, houses and gutters in the street. Some of the ruins had cloth over the floors, we peeked underneath and discovered mosaic floors. Gorgeous and bright colored tiles clothed to protect from tourists feet. We spent a few hours discovering the ancient city and looked forward to our next historical city, which would be Perge, a half hour away. Alexander the Great and the Apostle Paul strolled through the colonnaded streets of this city. The best-preserved Roman stadium in western Turkey and still gorgeous Roman baths bless this ruin. Intact arches are constructed in various areas of the baths. Exquisite mosaic and marble floors lie beneath layers of protective cloth in this 3000-year-old settlement. Walking down the main

street you can see ruts, thousands of years old in the stone where horse drawn carts and chariots left their permanent mark. This truly was our favorite ruin so far. After a while, both of us were hungry and tired so we drove back to our Antalya hotel. Wandering around we came across the Filika café bar. I had a margarita that was not good. I think many places do not know how to make drinks since Muslims do not drink alcohol. Just my opinion. Though other times we did come across many good drinks. The food was not good either, we didn’t even finish it and decided to stroll a bit. Almost right around the corner from our hotel we found the Old House pub and hotel. The drinks were amazing and the setting was so cute. They set up furniture like you were in a room inside, but you were outside. We decided we would come back. After breakfast this seemed like a good day to explore the old town. We came across the marina and a nice place to just chill and have our tea.

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People drink tea in Turkey all the time, I mean literally all the time. Men, women, old, young doesn’t matter, they drink tea all the time. And they all drink it out of the same style glasses. No matter what town we were in, it was the same style glass. It was a lazy chill last day, and we wound up back in that pub we found the night before. The meal was delicious and the margaritas pretty good as we toasted our goodbyes to Antalya. Tomorrow would be an exciting day. D400 was a road we spent a lot of time on. We were going to be taking it from Antalya to Kas. A town we’ve been looking forward to seeing. It seemed like it would be a chill town to spend a few days. On the way there we stopped at Mt. Chimaera, famous for the eternal flames that ignite on contact with air. GPS again took us off the beaten path of where we wanted to go but my “conversation” with a man who spoke no English and just my hand signals got us to the area. It was a 40 minute hike over large rocks though a pine forest to the flames. I couldn’t believe I saw flames coming out of the rocks. It is said that if you try to stop them from coming out of one spot it pops out of another. It was very bizarre. There is of course a Greek myth about a fire breathing monster and the winged horse Pegasus. I can see why there would be myths about these fires, which have been burning continuously or at least for 2,500 years. We had a long hike back down and a half hour drive

to Olympos Archaeological site. Switchbacks up and back down the mountain, driving very slowly led us through an old town. Olympus archaeological site is on the Turkish coast and once was a pirate stronghold, that is until Julius Ceasar chased them out. We paid the small fee and wandered around ancient ruins of churches, a bishop’s residence, bath complex, a huge temple and necropolises. The main cobbled road led us to a beautiful beach with turquoise blue water; it was the Mediterranean Sea. Since Kas was a town, we thought we would like to chill in for a week, we splurged on our hotel room. Though in Turkey your dollar goes a long way. Our roof top room that had sliding glass doors opening onto a balcony with a hot tub overlooking the Mediterranean This cost about $120 a night, though it was October, off season too. The hotel was at the top of a steep hill but after a few days, we got used to walking it, and it helped walk off big dinners! All checked in, we ambled around town and found Sardunya restaurant right on the water. The food was pretty good, drinks were good and view was amazing. Our first sunset in Kas was perfect.

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Antalya, Turkey

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Today was one of those get up early days, heading to Kaputas beach. Due to its popularity if you want a sunbed or parking spot you have to be there early. Parking is along D400, this part is a cliff side road with unbelievable sharp curves. I really came to dislike this road, which we had to drive on many times. We rounded the last curve before the beach, and I was stunned by the beauty of the water color. No wonder it Pergamon was so popular. Paying a small fee, we descended 187 wooden steps to the beach and shared a sunbed knowing we weren’t staying all day. It wasn’t warm enough for me to swim though there were plenty of Russian, Polish and English tourists who loved the water. Splashing about going in only up to my knees, it became warmer and my toes sank into the honey colored sand. After gazing at the incredible clear turquoise water and relaxing in the sun for a bit we decided to go and explore our new little town of Kas. Kas is on the Mediterranean coast, a popular tourist town for many Russians, Polish, English and Australians. Pros for us were its central location to many of

the sights we wanted to visit, it was walkable, right on the water and quaint. Colorful shops and open-air restaurants are numerous. We loved strolling around, stopped for some tea and cake, then came across, of course, a carpet shop, family owned. Again, we drove on D400, that crazy curvy road, this time heading to Patara beach and ruin. Patara beach is a protected nesting area for Caretta caretta endangered turtles. Hoping to see one was big on my list. Patara beach with its golden sand is 11 miles long making it the longest beach in Turkey. Scouring the sand dunes, sadly I did not see any turtles, though we were on the tail end of their season, so the odds were low. Nearby were the ruins, which included the restoration of the Lycian assembly hall, bathhouse, main street aligned with stone columns and a beautiful theatre. Exploring ruins always makes my imagination go wild. I love looking for clues into the past. What were the people like who lived here? I should have been an archaeologist. Thrilled, on the way out I was able to take pictures of an ongoing dig. Next was Tlos, an hour

from Kas. You will find Lycian tombs and ruins from the Hellenistic and Roman period in the foothills of the Akdaglar mountains which are truly breathtaking. Tlos is part of the mythological hero Bellerophon and his winged horse, Pegasus. Bellerophon has a tomb set in a vertical cliff face next to the acropolis. The myth also states he killed the fire breathing monster, Chimera, which is where we saw the fires at Mt. Chimaera. Paths are lined with free-standing tombs as you explore the Lycian tombs carved into the rocks. These tombs were the best we’ve seen so far. Just a few miles away is Turkeys largest canyon, Saklikent. Hiking, ziplining, rafting are some adventures in Saklikent Canyon. Hard hats are required for a part of the canyon due to falling rocks. The air was cool and the water cold, without water shoes we could not go further up the canyon but enjoyed the green trees and waterfalls as we walked on wooden paths. I heard about eating areas that were in a part of the river, where you sat on wooden pillowed platforms above the water. Good thing I love exploring because we finally found that dining area. While there were others close by, Kayip Cennet was where we ate. We took our shoes off and sat on pillows on wooden platforms. A cane chair strung up over the water was available to swing on while ducks swam under you. It was a good experience, but the food was not good. January/February 2026

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The next day was designated a rest day. No schedule, just wandering around town and I planned to show Steve the marina I saw the other day. We walked to the marina lighthouse past animated paintings on stone walls and wooden fishing boats. Climbing onto the base of the lighthouse we watched fishermen trying their luck. Minutes passed and all the sudden I saw a big green turtle swimming by. I was so happy I couldn’t believe it was a Carretta carretta. That night we had our last dinner at our now favorite restaurant Sardunya. Great for food, drinks and sunsets. After being there a few times, they now greeted us as we entered like old friends. It felt good. We were surprised on how much we liked Dalyan, which was 2 ½ hours from Kas. Very walkable and tons of restaurants with our hotel right in town. Next was Pamukkale, a World Heritage Site which has white travertine terraces formed by minerals in the thermal waters near an ancient Roman city named Hierapolis. The pooled terraces are one of those Instagramable spots where many people dress up to take pictures in the aqua blue pools of water that are surrounded by white travertine hill formations. Since I wanted to take pictures without crowds of people around, we arrived the day before to get there early the next morning. Our hotel balcony gave us a stunning view of the terraced pools. Though 66 January/February 2026

I did a great deal of research for this trip, I somehow missed something. We arrived early at the ticket booth and were first in line. Yeah for us and I did know that you couldn’t wear shoes in the thermal pools. But somehow, I thought you could wear shoes if you weren’t actually in the pools. Turns out not so. Tying our shoes to my pocketbook, it was a long bare foot walk along the pools to the ruins. Steve wasn’t crazy about this new turn of events but there was no turning back. Under our bare feet you could feel sharp and bumpy edges of the travertine which looked like blobs of snow mixed with streams of water between your toes. Searching for smooth areas to walk on, the streaming water started feeling warmer as we made it higher to the beautiful turquoise colored pools. Luckily most pools had water in them as I had read that sometimes they are dry so I was able to

take some nice shots. A few pictures later we made it to the top. Shoes back on, I scrambled around a side area and found a spot to take the iconic aqua terraced pool picture against the white calcium rock. Then it was on to the Hierapolisi ruins. Tombs from the 1st century, wide colonnaded stone streets, Roman baths, massive theater and a beautiful museum awaited us. It is said Cleopatra swam in a pool here, hence the name Cleopatra’s Pool, and you could do the same for a price. Much to my dismay this area was under construction. So, we climbed to the 2nd century theater to enjoy the amazing view of almost the entire ruin. By now our feet were dog-tired and the thought of the walk back to town daunting. Luckily in the tour bus area, there were taxis to town, which is what we took, as we looked forward to dinner and sleep.

TEXAN

TRAVEL Beyoglu Region and Galata tower, one of the ancient symbols of Istanbul.

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TRAVEL

It was only a two-hour drive to our next stop but I found some info about a supposedly quaint town along the way, and knew we had to stop. Back driving up pine filled mountain ranges along switchback roads led us to the very charming town of Sirince. I felt like we were in a Disney movie as it was a walkable town enhanced by adorable shops hugging cobbled stone streets. We found out it was a wine region which explained why the many shop owners tried to persuade us to taste their wines as we strolled around. My destination was the Panorama restaurant. Walking, GPS took us through what seemed like backyards of homes, small pathways along vine covered stone walls which ultimately led us to the best bowl of noodles I ever had in my life! Of course, the restaurant was lovely. We walked into a room filled with old time Turkish decorations and walls of peppers drying. Steve stepped up the wooden two

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steps through a window onto a porch where our lunch would be served. Panaroma Restaurant lived up to its name since it was a lovely view. Both our waitresses spoke only Turkish but part of the menu was luckily in English. I’m a noodle lover and homemade pasta noodles really piqued my curiosity. You could tell they were handmade and hand cut with fresh red ripe tomatoes diced and delicately placed on top. Relishing my lunch, I noticed a group behind us, I wondered what the unusual drink in the unusual glass the lady behind me was drinking. She noticed I was looking at her and in Turkish and hand signals offered for me to taste it. I took a sip and loved it. Thanking her, I wanted to pay for her drink since she offered me hers and hand signaled that intention to the waitress, but the lady would not have it. Again, Turkish people are so kind. Realizing time was ticking, we started back to our destination, the Cella Boutique hotel in Ephesus. I find it fun

entering into your next hotel room to see what its like. This one was amazing. We had an entire Turkish bath in our room all to ourselves. All the walls, sink and benches were marble with antique metal bowls that you fill up with water and pour on yourself after the room was warmed up. Still full from a big lunch we munched on our snack stash, stayed in our room the rest of the night and tried out the Turkish bath. Tomorrow we will be visiting Ephesus.

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Ephesus is home to some of the most well preserved Roman ruins in the world. Famous for St. Paul preaching there and said to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. It is also recognized for the Terrace Houses, Library of Celsus, which is a big Instagram spot and marble paved Curetes Street. Arriving early was a priority for me to avoid the many tour groups that visit. We were the first to get to the Library and it was so worth it. So well preserved…it was gorgeous. Savoring the time here with only about 5 other people wandering around was unimaginable. We spent hours roaming, climbing, exploring the city and kept the Terraced Houses for last. The Houses are a separate ticket. They are set into the hillside near the Library of Celsus and were home to Ephesus’s wealthy citizens. Glass pathways are built above the inside of the homes in order to view them. It’s like you are back 2000 years ago. The inside rooms are all intact painted with colorful frescoes along side intricate mosaics floors. It’s easy to

Gate of Augustus and the Library of Celsus in Ephesus

imagine elegant woman with long gowns strolling through their home. This site was truly remarkable. No stunning. It was stunning. Walking away was hard but we had more to see. We drove six hours to Istanbul airport. Returning the car went smoothly and car service pick up worked out perfect to Hotel Spectra in Istanbul’s historic area. Our hotel had a restaurant on site which was wonderful for our dinner time. The next day the Grand Bazaar was a half hour walk but probably took longer because of all my stopping in and out of stores. It is one of the oldest covered markets in the world first founded in 1461 by Sultan Mehmed II. Entering you are hit with scents of spices, perfume, cologne, exotic fruits and leather. Visually you are treated to colorful carpets, glistening golden jewelry, hand crafted ceramics and much more. The center of the maze-like bazaar is the oldest part with boys or young men running past you with glasses of tea on platters for customers of various shops. Crystal covered tea pots, antique jewelry encrusted with gems, vibrant silk scarves dazzle you. It was truly a wonderful experience though we didn’t buy anything here. Nearby was the Suleymaniye Ottoman style mosque built around 1550. Women must wear scarves on their head, their shoulders and legs covered. Men also must cover their legs, and everyone must leave their shoes outside on the steps. Inside were marble columns, domed ceilings and colorful stained glass windows. The stone walled courtyard outside had a row of wooden seats next to small faucets where Muslims who prayed could wash their feet. The sixth century Hagia Sofia is a significant architectural building that served as a Byzantine cathedral, Catholic church, Sunni Muslim mosque, museum and then back to a mosque in 2020. Lace like details encase the marble columns and golden mosaics reflect the religious changes it has undergone. Minarets reaching to the sky and Islam inscriptions dot the building. One marble railing has the name Halvdan carved in it, supposedly a Viking soldier part of the Roman guard. Intricate gold mosaics made from real gold, were used to create the panel of Jesus, John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary. The gaze of Jesus embraces you and leaves you feeling serene. January/February 2026

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TRAVEL

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TRAVEL

The next morning the Blue mosque built in 1609 was a 5 minute walk from our hotel so this would be an easy day. Wrapping my scarf around my head, shoes off we entered the mosque. I pictured in my mind the inside being vivid blue, it was not but it was unbelievably beautiful. Truly it was. Painted domes with lapis colored blue tiles looked very delicate from the floor looking up. Fluted marble columns topped with intricate mosaics; floral and geometric patterns decorated the tiles. It was an overcast day so the outside domes did not look very blue like I’ve seen in pictures but more gray. Strolling back to our hotel, I mentioned I wanted to check out the store that sold pocketbooks and carryons made from carpets. It was only two blocks away. Steve, not wanting to go chilled at the hotel. I was like a kid in a candy shop. So many colors and designs of purses, pocketbooks and wallets. The salesman was very patient with me and brought me colors I wanted and specific patterns. Three purses later I walked out of the shop. I gave him a Texas pen as my gift to him. We bring souvenirs from Texas on vacation to give to people along the way who are kind or go out of their way for us. He was one of those people. I spent the night packing and trying to squeeze those pocketbooks into our luggage. Our hotel clerk said our driver would pick us up at 3:00 am to take us to the airport and he

would leave us sandwiches for our journey back. As I have said, we found the Turkish people so thoughtful even as we were leaving this magical, ancient country….they thought of us.

Denise Payne was born and raised in New York, but as the saying goes, she got to Texas as fast as she could. In 2022, she married the love of her life, Steve who was born and raised in Texas. She enjoys traveling the world, writing, photography, hiking and working on their property in the Texas Hill Country. Currently, she is working with Garrett Sullivan, owner of The Longhorn at Way Back Texas Dancehall and Amphitheater in Bandera, Texas. The Longhorn is a piece of Bandera’s history as a lively place for dancing and socializing. Her role as Event/Band Coordinator enriches her love of Texas. January/February 2026

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CULINARY

SOUP FOR THE SOUL

n the chilly, winter months, we’re more susceptible to colds, flus and immunesystem overload. As we all know, soup really is the best remedy. Soup has the ability to nourish us and heal our body in ways that it’s hard to put your finger on. Filling your

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bowl with vibrant vegetables, dark leafy greens and full-bodied broth can create a delicious one-pot meal you can eat for days! It’s comfort food for the mind, body and soul. Plus, there are countless ways to prepare it to make it unique and personal each time.

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CULINARY

Who Says Pumpkin Season Is Over? This creamy pumpkin soup recipe is perfect for a cold winter night

8 slices bacon cooked and chopped 4 tablespoons bacon grease or butter as needed 2 medium onion diced 1 cup shredded carrot about 1 medium carrot 2 cloves garlic minced 5 cups chicken broth 2 teaspoons brown sugar 2 bay leaf 4 sprigs fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 1 cup heavy whipping cream plus extra for garnish 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley divided 1 cup croutons optional garnish Salt and Pepper mill to taste

In a soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the skillet. If the bacon grease is less than 2 tablespoons, add butter to make up the difference. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the carrot and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add the chicken broth, brown sugar, bay leaf, thyme sprigs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add the pumpkin and cream and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and thyme stems, and using an immersion blender or hand blender, puree until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of parsley and pour into soup bowls. Garnish with cream, croutons, crumbled bacon, and a little parsley if desired.

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CULINARY

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage, casings removed, to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spatula so it’s in small crumbles.

Sausage, Potato, Veggie, and White Bean Soup

Talk about the perfect cozy meal! Loaded with hearty ingredients, this one is sure to become a favorite! 2 tsp olive oil 3 turkey Italian sausages, casings removed ½ cup sweet yellow onion, diced Dash of crushed red pepper flakes 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 celery stalks, diced 3 yellow potatoes, peeled and diced 3 cloves of garlic, minced 8 cups of chicken broth Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste 2 cans of white kidney beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups of kale, chopped 76 January/February 2026

Add the onion and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes, then cook for 3-4 minutes or until the meat is cooked and the onion is tender. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and minced garlic; stir constantly for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth then season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Cover with a lid and simmer over low heat for one hour or until the potatoes and veggies are tender. Add the kale and the drained white beans to the soup and simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and re-season if needed. Serve immediately. Enjoy.

TEXAN

CULINARY Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 2 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook, skin side down, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to plate.

White Wine Coq Au Vin

This French country stew is a rustic delight! What’s the meaning of coq au vin? It translates literally to “cock (or rooster) in wine.” 2 tsp. olive oil 4 oz. pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 (3 1/2- to 4-pound) whole chicken, cut into 10 pieces Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 lb. cremini mushrooms, quartered 2 medium onions, chopped 2 leeks (white and light green parts only), halved and sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 (750-milliliter) bottle dry white wine 1/2 cup chicken stock 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 6 sprigs thyme 2 bay leaves 1/4 cup fresh tarragon, chopped

Increase heat to mediumhigh. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add onions, leeks, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown and tender, 8 to 9 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Gradually add wine, stirring constantly. Add stock, mustard, thyme, and bay leaves; bring to a simmer. Return pancetta and chicken (skin sides up) to pot; cover and transfer to oven. Cook until chicken is fork-tender and cooked through, 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Discard thyme and bay leaves. Serve topped with tarragon.

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CULINARY

Homemade Vietnamese Pho

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is savory and incredibly aromatic, thanks to the perfect balance of spices. 16 oz dried rice vermicelli noodles Desired meat: chicken, pork, steak or raw shrimp 2 large yellow onions, quartered 4 (2-inch pieces) fresh ginger, unpeeled and halved, length-wise 12 cups broth (chicken, beef or vegetable, depending on protein choice) 4 cups water 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 2 whole clove (optional) 3 Tablespoons fish sauce (or less, to taste preference) 1/2 teaspoon hoisin sauce • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce • 1/2 teaspoon red chili paste 2 sticks of cinnamon salt and freshly ground black pepper For garnish (this is where pho soup shines!): 8 green onions, chopped 4 fresh jalapeño peppers or red thai chili peppers, thinly sliced and seeds removed 2 bunches of fresh cilantro, chopped 2 bunches of Thai basil leaves • 2 cups of fresh bean sprouts • 4 limes, cut into wedges Sriracha hot sauce, or additional red chili paste for heat, optional Place a large dry pot over medium heat, add the onion halves and ginger pieces. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the broth, water, coriander, clove, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, cinnamon stick and a pinch of fresh cracked salt and pepper to the pot. Bring to a slow boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to package instructions. Once soft, drain, rinse and set aside. Ready the garnishes in individual small bowls for serving: cilantro, basil, green onions, bean sprouts, lime wedges 1-5 minutes before the broth is done cooking, add desired meat to the broth to cook, just until done (2-3 minutes for raw, thinly sliced chicken or pork, 1-2 minutes for shrimp or thinly sliced steak) Discard the ginger, clove, cinnamon stick and onion pieces from the pot. Divide the noodles among bowls; ladle broth on top (and meat). Add desired toppings 78 January/February 2026

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CULINARY

What is Bouillabaisse?

Bouillabaisse is a French seafood stew from France’s port city of Marseille. It’s a traditional dish made with various Mediterranean fish, shrimps, and mussels cooked in a flavorful tomato-based broth seasoned with saffron. The dish has a hint of fennel and orange, and it’s usually served with a garlic mayonnaise called rouille (see the recipe) and toasted bread. Fish 1 lb fresh white fish, such as cod, seabass or monkfish (see more information on top) 2 cups shrimps 1 lb mussels

Bouillabaisse soup 1 yellow onion 1 small fennel bulb 1 leek 5 saffron threads 2 cloves garlic, minced 4-5 tomatoes 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 lb potatoes 1 tbsp fennel seeds 3 bay leaves 1 orange 1 liter fish broth 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 tbsp pastis Pernod Ricard Salt Fresh parsley Rouille sauce 2 egg yolks 3 garlic cloves 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 slices of bread , baguette 6 saffron threads 1 tsp paprika powder 1 tsp Piment d’espelette or cayenne pepper 1 pinch of salt A few drops of lemon juice 2/3 cup of olive oil 80 January/February 2026

Thinly slice onion, fennel and leek. Cut tomatoes and potatoes into cubes. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, fennel and leek. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the fennel seeds, saffron threads, garlic, tomatoes and orange zest. Stir and cook for a few minutes to release the flavors. Deglaze with pastis and white wine. Remove the orange zest, then pour in the fish stock. Optional: blend the soup and pass through a sieve to remove any lumps. Set aside in the saucepan. Add the potatoes, bay leaf and orange zest and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Rinse the mussels well and remove any open or broken ones. Cut the fish into cubes. Pour over the fish, shrimps and mussels. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, the shrimps are pink and the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that have not opened during cooking. Remove the pot from the heat and pour the bouillabaisse into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. For the rouille sauce (prepare it before or while the soup is simmering) Infuse saffron with lemon juice. Using a food processor or a hand blender, blend egg yolks, garlic, Dijon mustard, soaked bread, saffron mix, salt, paprika, and piment d’espelette. Gradually drizzle in olive oil while blending until creamy. Adjust seasoning, chill for 30 minutes, and serve with fish stew or as a dip for bread and veggies.

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CULINARY

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TEXAN

GARDENING

ANTIQUE ROSES

by CALVIN FINCH, Ph.D. HORTICULTURIST

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GARDENING

veryone likes roses. There are hundreds of selections and many categories. One of the main divisions are the roses identified as old-fashioned and those identified as modern. Modern roses are of recent origin and have been developed as blooming machines to produce numerous large blooms of every color imaginable. In the South Texas area they require raised beds, weekly pesticide sprays, twice-yearly pruning, mulch, fertilizer and generous irrigation to perform to their full potential.

Old-fashioned roses will respond to good care but have survived and bloomed admirably on some sites without any attention. Old-fashioned roses are also called “old garden roses” (OGR) and antique roses. In South Texas there are many selections that will prosper without pesticides, special irrigation, or regular pruning in our native soils. If you select the right variety there are OGR’s that fit well into a xeriscape as groundcovers, borders, specimens, vines, large shrubs, and wildlife habitat.

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GARDENING

Red Cascade

This premiere groundcover loves full sun. Place one plant on a hillside and it will cover 12 feet of ground with thorny, thick foliage 18 inches tall to limit erosion and traffic. The mass of stems are covered with red compound blooms from mid-spring through

Martha Gonzalez

Another old-fashioned rose that performs well as a groundcover is Martha Gonzales. It is taller than Red Cascade and not nearly as aggressive in growth or thorns. Use Martha Gonzales to keep foot traffic on the sidewalk. It has enough thorns to discourage trespass but not enough to cause bodily harm to rau-

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early winter. I am not sure if it is the thorns or the fast growth, but Red Cascade survives in deer country. At least one of the Bexar County Master Gardeners is using it successfully as a climbing rose.

cous youngsters who fall into the beds. Martha Gonzales blooms are red, simple and silver dollar-size. The new foliage is also an attractive red hue. It is widely used throughout the city of San Antonio. Many nurseries, including Milbergers and Rainbow Gardens, offer Martha Gonzalez roses for sale.

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GARDENING

Belinda’s Dream and Mrs. Dudley Cross These are two OGR’s to consider if you want a rose that approximates the modern roses in bloom beauty but are easier to care for. Belinda’s Dream reaches at least 5 ft. tall. The blooms are pink and 2 to 3 inches across. The selection blooms nearly yearround if the winter is mild. Use them for specimen plants or a tall border. Belinda’s Dream has a very pleasant fragrance. It is

nearly thornless so should not be used in deer country. Mrs. Dudley Cross has almost no thorns. It does not have a fragrance but the blooms are large and showy over a long season. Mrs. Dudley Cross blooms start as a light yellow and change to a pink blush. Mrs. Dudley Cross makes a good OGR for cut flowers. The plants reach 5 or 6 feet tall and 4 or 5 feet wide.

Belinda’s Dream

Mrs. Dudley Cross

Mutabilis

Also known as Butterfly Rose, blooms 12 months some years. It is not a disciplined grower so give it lots of room as a specimen for maximum effect. Mutabilis blooms start out as yellow, become pink, and end as reddish. The blooms are simple (one layer of petals) and cover the large shrub (6 feet tall by 6 feet).

January/February 2026

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GARDENING

Swamp Rose

Do you have a wet area in your yard where drainage is not great? Swamp rose is the old-fashioned rose for such a location. It produces red-pink blooms over a long season. Swamp rose actually has some shade

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tolerance as well. Use it as a graceful weeping rose on the water or as an edge plant. Swamp rose is nearly thornless. It’s very attractive in the winter with its graceful stems.

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GARDENING

Bayse Blueberry

Another showy winter plant is the Bayse blueberry. It produces a bountiful crop of orange hips and has good fall and spring leaf

color. The flowers are semi-double pink and make an attractive display on the thornless upright canes. The roses are also fragrant.

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GARDENING

Old Blush

If you like climbing roses consider the Old Blush climber for pink flowers and the cramoisi superieur for red flowers. Old Blush is the plant that blooms over a long season at the Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg. Both selections are also available as shrub roses, 8 feet tall by 6 feet wide Cramoisi Superieur

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Old Blush

TEXAN

COCKTAILS

TEXAN FIRE & ICE This recipe offers a dramatic visual with a real flame, requiring extreme caution due to high-proof alcohol and fire. Use a heatproof glass and keep a damp towel or fire extinguisher nearby.

INGREDIENTS (Makes 2): • 1 oz blue curaçao • 1 oz vodka • ½ oz lime juice • ½ oz Overproof rum (151 proof or higher) • Ice cubes • Sugar cube (optional) INSTRUCTIONS: Combine blue curaçao, vodka, and lime juice with ice in a shaker and strain into a heatproof glass. Gently float the Overproof rum on top. Carefully ignite the rum with a long lighter or match, or use a rum-soaked sugar cube for ignition. Serve immediately, and ensure the flame is completely extinguished before drinking.

Safety Warning:

Exercise caution when handling fire and alcohol. Ensure hair, clothing and flammable materials are kept clear of the flame. Never leave a flaming drink unattended. Consume responsibly. January/February 2026

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