Texas farm & home dec 2015 a by Texas Farm & Home

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DECEMBER 2015

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VOLUME 6

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NUMBER 3

DECEMBER 2015 68 Santa’s Wonderland

8 Rural Ramblings 66 History & Heritage 68 Texas Travels 74 Gardening Basics

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Special trees making a comeback in East Texas

IN EVERY ISSUE

SECTIONS

Southern Hospitality, couple puts passion for antiques into antebellum mansion

Shop, Dine and Discover Taylor

39 Dining guide 59 Cafés Across Texas 61 Gift Guide 79 Texas Events 82 Country As Cornbread

DECEMBER 2015

Celebrate Christmas with special recipes

ON THE COVER

Dipped Sandies and Hot Chocolate

Photo by Christina Stewart

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TEXAS FARM & HOME

editor’s welcome

Christina Cutler Stewart

Getting through the Christmas holidays How many Texans out there are dreaming of a white Christmas? Probably most, but the chances of it happening are not much better than zero. Around our neck of the woods we are as likely to have a wet Christmas as a dry one, with the only chance for a white Christmas being if we dropped a bag of flour outside, but the chickens likely would have it eaten before the kids could play in it. A few years ago Claire got a trampoline for Christmas, yet could not hop on it for a few days due to the rainy weather. I guess we could have set it up in the house, but we really didn’t want her head going through our roof — as I noted before it was raining at the time. With Claire at 7, and Sam at 2 years of age, they are oblivious to their parent’s concerns. “So what if there is a tornado outside, I think this would be the best time to fly a kite!” Kids’ brains just don’t quite grasp the gravity of a given situation. Of course I guess adults do not always understand what is happening around them. My folks have told us stories for years about some of the dumb things people have done and survived. My Dad will say, “Remember that time (So and So) stuck their hand in (some type of contraption?)” My first response is, “Did it kill him.” They always answer no, “but he passed out.” It always seems God has a way of taking care of the people

who just can’t seem to look after themselves — for whatever reason. We are included in that as I can’t recall how many times we have done something silly and walked away from it, only knowing it was by God’s grace we were not consumed or maimed in some horrifying way. So with children it is more of a “Do as I say, not do as I do,” type of thing. All of this really hits home at Christmas because they are enjoying their presents and possibly all the ways a toy should not be played with. Still, seeing their joy on Christmas morning brings us the most pleasure, watching their face light up at something shiny and new, it really doesn’t matter if they use it in the proper way or not. Some toys are forgotten over the years, but a few stick around as Wayne hand made a saddle rack in the shape of a horse for the saddle Santa brought Claire a few years ago. It’s in the living room providing a horse from which to watch John Wayne westerns for Claire and Sam both. The train set we put together last year occupies much of Sam’s attention — just like we hoped it would. At Christmas there always are a lot of things fighting for attention, so much so we fortget the reason we celebrate Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ. Be sure and take time to celebrate the moment the veil between heaven and earth was split and God came to us as a baby born in a barn. In that vein, from the Texas Farm & Home family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. TFH

TEXAS

FARM & HOME MANAGING EDITORS

936-687-2424

www.texasfarmandhome.com

Christina Cutler Stewart, cstewart@texasfarmandhome.com Wayne Stewart, wstewart@texasfarmandhome.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Barbara Cook, Jolene Renfro, Lois Marie Guymer, Marilyn Jones, Randy Rollo

PROMOTIONS MANAGER/ ADVERTISING SALES

Linda Moffett, lmoffett@texasfarmandhome.com 512-966-9426

ADVERTISING SALES

DISTRIBUTION SUBSCRIPTIONS

Ansel Bradshaw, ab@texasfarmandhome.com 936-546-6707 Randy Rollo, rrollo@texasfarmandhome.com Lesia Rounsavall, lrounsavall@texasfarmandhome.com 936-687-2424 or Texas Farm & Home, P.O. Box 130, Grapeland TX, 75844

EDITORIAL/SALES OFFICES: 202 South Main St., Grapeland, TX 75844. TEXAS FARM & HOME is published monthly by Nicol Publishing Company L.L.C., Copyright 2014. Subscription price: $24.95 a year (12 issues). Reproduction without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

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rural ramblings

Wayne Stewart

The reality of Christmas The beautiful days of Christmas are nearing as children all across the country eagerly await its arrival. Usually around Labor Day Claire can sense Christmas getting nearer and the gears in her head begin spinning. When November hits she begins picking out the things she wants this year, ever the sweet little girl, saying, “Santa doesn’t have to get it for me if he doesn’t want to.” Christmas is a tough thing to balance for parents, and for kids too. It is especially difficult when you realize how many people are in need and how many children do not understand what it means to have a gift given to them. That is the dichotomy of modern Christmas devoid of the loving presence of Christ; but for those who know the true meaning of Christmas, it is a gift we can give to anyone longing for it. The truth is, Christmas was never to be about parents going into debt just to buy presents for their children. It is not about decorating trees and putting up extravagant lighting displays (I like these as much as the next guy.) Christmas always has been about God coming to earth to bring reconciliation to mankind — peace with God. The prophet Isaiah predicted the coming of Jesus more than 700 years before His birth. Many have called this wonderful and powerful book of prophecy the fifth gospel due to its dealing so much with the coming birth of Christ, His life of sorrows and His sacrifice for the sins of mankind, and eventually His triumphant return. For much of the next 700 years after Isaiah was written schol-

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ars saw two different Messiahs and could not imagine Isaiah could have only been talking about one Savior — one who suffers and dies, and one who is a conqueror coming to rescue Israel from its enemies and re-establish the throne of David forever. So, the baby in the manger did not fit the narrative Hebrew scholars had at the time, but God’s workings are so much better than our own, and His purposes and plans never fail.. In his letter to the Galatians the Apostle Paul said so eloquently, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Why was this time special, only God knows, but just a cursory look at the world during the first century presents a few things; Rome ruled most of the known world, uniting it in a single language. While Latin was the language of Rome, most of the empire spoke Greek, one of the most precise and descriptive languages known. It was through this unification of language that the Word, and the teachings of Christ and the New Testament spread. The purpose of Christmas and the reason for Christ coming here to earth is summed up beautifully by Isaiah when he wrote in Isaiah 53:4-6 “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening of our well being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” This is the reality of Christmas, a journey from a manger to the cross. And in that, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and urge everyone to search for and find the true meaning of Christmas. TFH

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Southern Hospitality Couple infuses passion for antiques into history of Roseland Plantation

Story by WAYNE STEWART, Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

ack when cotton was king plantations dotted the river bottoms of the South from Virginia through Louisiana. Texas had a few, perhaps none better preserved than Roseland Plantation. Located near Edom in eastern Van Zandt County, the Hambrick Mansion has now been owned by Tim and Carolyn West for the past 8 years. The couple infused their passion for antiques into the history of this beautiful mansion they turned into a home. The Hambrick House of the Roseland Plantation was the first property ever awarded a Texas historical marker for

amassed over 3,000 acres and were the second largest slave holders in the East Texas area. “It was a working cotton plantation,” Mr. West noted of the homes history. “But after the war (Civil War) was over they could not keep all of the land because they could not afford to pay for it to get worked, so they deeded 3,100 of the plantation’s 3,300 acres to the Hambrick’s former slaves.’’ The Hambrick family began a successful textile business in Tyler and the family moved there but kept the Roseland

The Roseland Plantation, built in 1854 stands proudly along Texas Highway 64 with an interior as lovely as the outside. ADJACENT: Tim West describes some of the restoration work done to the home. preservation work — more on all of that later. The house dates back to 1854 when Berle Hambrick and his family, originally from Virginia and Georgia, came to Texas in 1852. They bought 500 acres and by 1854 they had

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Roseland Plantation before the restoration work.

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Roseland Plantation home. Mr. Hambrick died in 1868. The wife moved back to the plantation and died there in 1881, the family eventually sold off the home to a man named Gates. From that time until 1952 the house sat mostly empty until a family traveling from Canton to Tyler noticed it. “Mrs. Windsor (Gertrude) saw it

and said she had to have it,” Mr. West shared. “She was the national director of the Garden Club that year, and the theme of the year was restoration. And it needed it, it was 1952 and the house hadn’t been lived in since 1906. “The chimneys had fallen off and the house was really deteriorating.” The restoration of the Roseland

The entire house features period furnishings from the beds, to the lamps and other items a home built in the mid1800s would feature.

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Plantation was not going to be a project for the faint of heart, and Mrs. Windsor steeled herself to see the project through. “She restored the house like it was in 1854,” Mr. West explained. “She never lived in it and never intended to live in it — it was her 200-acre dollhouse.” After more than 10 years of restora-

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Roseland Plantation A Victorian-era pickle caster is sure to have visitors to the home boggled, just as the life-size version of the Last Supper is sure to amaze. The official document recognizing the home as a state historic site proudly hangs on the wall of the home. It was given to Gertrude Windsor by Nellie Connally, wife of Texas Gov. John Connally.

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basket), pickle casters and many other items common to a proper home. “They had everything back then that we have today, other than technology,” Mr. West explained. “Most of it was just a lot prettier.” It is the beauty of the mansion and its furnishings that attracts people to it, as sometimes a car passing along Texas

Highway 64 stops in front of the historic home and takes a few pictures. With some advance planning, people can arrange a tour of the West family’s magnificent home, along with special teas. “I will arrange high teas for the ladies,” Mrs. West said. “They are fourcourse teas, something the ladies can enjoy.”

tion work, the state took notice and awarded Roseland Plantation with the first ever historic marker for restoration work, given to Mrs. Windsor by Nellie Connally, the wife of Texas Gov. John Connally. For the next few decades the now historic home remained in the Windsor family trust, then one day, about 23 years ago the West family came to the same conclusion as Mrs. Windsor — they had to have it. Finally the family trust said they could purchase the mansion and the Wests, from the Metroplex area, finally had the home of their dreams. As noted previously, the Windsor family restored the home to how it was in 1854, and that means no plumbing and no electricity. “I pulled the back wall off and added 7 feet for an elevator, electricity and plumbing,” Mr. West said. “Somehow we managed to do it seamlessly.” A downstairs bedroom became a kitchen, as an outdoor kitchen served as the original. With the house finally in the West’s family possession, they had to go about filling it. “All the furnishings in it were not exactly period,” Mr. West said. “My wife is a purist, and we had collected pieces from that era before we ever bought the house.” So the Wests turned Mrs. Windsor’s dollhouse into their home, filling it with items from the Victorian age with things like an epergne (glass flower DECEMBER 2015

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Roseland Plantation

A French fly catcher is just one of the many items at which guests to Roseland Plantation can wander .

Tours allow visitors to experience what life was like in the antebellum South, and get a basic idea of how people lived on a fine plantation home. Back when the home was built, a plantation had to be self sufficient, even in the building process as the Wests believe the plantation had a brick mill on the land. There also is a cabin on the grounds, a single-room cabin, the Cherokee Rose Cabin, serves as a bed and breakfast for guests to the plantation. The cabin was original to the plantation, but was moved to its present location by the Wests. In 1857 the Hambrick family built a chapel on the grounds of the plantation. “Everybody on the plantation worshipped at the chapel together,” Mrs. West said. “The slaves and the owners both worshipped in the chapel… together.” A tour of the plantation grounds is not complete without a stop at the metal shed located behind the house, originally built by Mrs. Windsor. Walk through the door and a room full of antiques reveals itself, but the

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Roseland Plantation wall in the back of the shed is dark. Mr. West makes his way to a switch and flips it, and suddenly a 15-foot by 28foot replica of Leonardo Davinci’s Last Supper springs forth in full detail. “In 1958 Mrs. Windsor took a trip to Europe and saw the real Last Supper painting in Milan, Italy and immediately fell in love with it,” Mr. West explained. “She hired two Greek artists to reproduce it in the original’s exact size. “It’s not something you find in a normal barn,” Mr. West added. The painting took 2 years for the artists to finish, and when it was done it was shipped to a museum in Tyler, and was brought to the plantation after Mrs. Windsor had the building constructed. “We like to keep it as a surprise at the end of the tour,” Mr. West said. The area around the Roseland Plantation is also historic. In 1839, just across the highway from the mansion, the last Indian massacre in East Texas happened when Texas President Lamar sent a cavalry contingent to dispatch a band of Cherokee just to rile his political rival Sam Houston — so the land around Roseland is steeped in history. ——— To learn more about Roseland Plantation visit the website at www. roselandplantation.com, or to arrange a tour call (903)849-0205. TFH

The Cherokee Rose Cabin on the grounds of the Roseland Plantation is a stark contrast from the elegant mansion, but is still a wonderfully constructed cabin offering a chance for guests to get away from it all.

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Spend Your Holiday Season in Jefferson

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Towering Longleaf Special trees making a comeback in East Texas forests Story by WAYNE STEWART, Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

hen men like Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin crossed through Texas they rode through forests of towering pines many of which were already hundreds of years old — longleaf pines. When the East Texas timber industry took off in the years following the Civil War these giant pines became money trees for the region’s burgeoning timber industry, sadly though, nearly all of the trees were cut down. Fortunately, some forward thinking individuals, such as the Arthur Temple family saved swaths of land the trees called home, and today Rufus Duncan is carrying on the tradition the Temple family began. Helping are groups like the Longleaf Alliance, a group dedicated to helping landowners incorporate the long leaf pine into their pine plantations. For Mr. Duncan, preserving the long leaf pine on his land near Scrappin’ Valley, in Newton County is a labor of love, and is a responsibility he takes seriously. “The Temple family bought this land in 1943 for the reason of preserving the land and the long leaf pine,” Mr. Duncan said. “I am just carrying on what they started, because of what they (Temple family) did in the past, we are benefitting from it now.” What they did was to preserve not just another pine tree, but one that provided lumber for the building of much of early Texas; it’s towering height and resistance to fire helped it to create the great forests of East Texas and abundant habitat for turkey, quail and other wildlife. It’s needles, reaching lengths of 16 inches or more, served indigenous Native Americans as Rufus Duncan, owner the prime ingredient of a stand of longin their basket weavleaf pines in Newton ing — the longleaf County discusses the provided so much more trees with Kent Evans, than just lumber, but coordinator with all of a sudden they the Texas Longleaf were nearly gone. Implementation Team. “When they first The tree is destined to started logging these become a utility pole. trees in the 1860s and 1870s, they would have

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Towering Longleaf

seen 200 or 300 year-old trees,” noted Kent Evans coordinator of the Texas Longleaf Implementation Team. “Within a couple of generations logging had reduced longleaf to less than three percent of what it was.” Now, though, 100 years after they were nearly wiped out landowners, through the work of people like Mr. Evans and Mr. Duncan, the benefits of replanting with longleaf are being discovered. “We are looking for landowners wanting to start over with long leaf pines,” Mr. Evans said. “The trees are resistant to fire and also are more resistant to the pine beetle and many of the other problems trees like loblolly face.” The abundant, and long needles protect the tree’s terminal bud during fire, so even a juvenile tree in the grass stage is able to survive forest fires other trees could not. During 2011 Mr. Evans noted

Kent Evans inspects a terminal bud on a juvenile longleaf pine. A young longleaf looks similar to grass growing on the forest floor while the mature trees tower above the surroundings area creating an ideal home for wildlife.

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Towering Longleaf

how a fire went through a long leaf plantation. “Everything looked dead as a hammer after the fire,” Mr. Evans observed. “The next year, 98 percent of the trees had survived the fire.” All of these things are just a few of the reasons Mr. Duncan loves the long leaf pine. “These trees are survivors,” Mr. Duncan mused. “They could survive drought, wildfire and pestilence and out compete the loblolly. “I don’t like to hunt and I don’t like to fish,” Mr. Duncan said. “These trees, this is what I like to do.” All of these things make the longleaf a viable option for a pine plantation, that and mature trees are able to bring in more money. “The loblolly are able to reach maturity in 25 to 30 years,” Mr. Evans

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T s t 1 t S t w w l p

said. “In just a few years more the longleaf reaches maturity, around 40 to 45 years.” While it may seem improbably, Mr. Duncan said the extra 10 to 15 years can double the value of the trees. “For timber (cut into lumber) you get $26 to $30 per ton,” Mr. Duncan explained. “In about 40 years the long leaf gets to pole size and can bring $52 to $53 per ton.” When Mr. Duncan mentioned poles,

he was meaning utility poles, as the long leaf pines are prized for the ability to make poles from 30 to more than 45 feet long. The long leaf is a much stronger tree with its tighter grain and heart. It’s ability to make quality lumber is a big reason many of the houses built 100 or more years ago are still in solid shape, as the lumber they were made from had no equal. Mr. Evans and Mr. Duncan agreed the lumber industry does not take advantage of the product much

The longleaf pine thrives in a variety of soils and conditions and is a native tree to East Texas, yet logging in the late 1800s and early 1900s nearly banished the tree from the state. The terrain of Scrappin’ Valley features sandy soil on top of the Catahoula Formation, giving way to the natural spring forming this waterfall. Mr. Duncan and Mr. Evans believes the longleaf pine should be a vital part of any forest management plan.

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Towering Longleaf as it should and when the longleaf pines were cut down it marked the last quality lumber the industry produced. “All of that good pine flooring you used to see, and all those beautiful old homes in those old coastal towns — all of that was from the long leaf pine,” Mr. Evans explained. While lumber, utility poles and its fire

and bug resistance is an advantage of the long leaf pine; it’s benefit for wildlife habitat is getting to be better understood and is becoming the focus for many landowners. “When you allow these trees to reach maturity, with prescribed burning, they create a grassy understory that becomes a natural habitat for a lot of different

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kinds of wildlife,” Mr. Evans explained. “ “That is what Rufus has done so well here is preserving a diverse understory with these naturally occurring long leaf, many of them dating back to the 1800s,” Mr. Evans added. It was this habitat, occurring over much of East Texas, providing a home for wild turkey and quail. With the disappearance of these tracts of land, replaced with monocultural fields full of bahia and Bermuda grass, the quail and turkey left. But, in places like Scrappin’ Valley, the quail are starting to return. East Texas is the western-most boundary of the longleaf pine as its natural home is across the Deep South up into Virginia. Those wanting to take part in bringing back the longleaf pine, they are urged to contact Mr. Evans with the Texas Longleaf Implementation Team or the Long Leaf Alliance. Through the efforts of such organizations there is now nearly 5 million acres of long leaf pine planted across the South, up 25 percent since the 1990s. The future looks brighter for the long leaf and more landowners understand the value of incorporating it into conservation planning and also setting up an estate plan for future generations. ——— For landowners wanting to learn more about the advantages of the long leaf pine, visit The Longleaf Alliance’s Longleaf Academy: Longleaf 101 from Jan. 19-21 at Rayburn Country in Jasper. Topics of the meeting include: The history of long leaf pine, the use of fire in the long leaf ecosystem, artificial regeneration, site selection and preparation, natural regeneration systems, stand management, longleaf growth, yield and stand dynamics, wildlife management, cost-share opportunities, understory restoration, diseases and insect identification, economics, products and available resources. The cost of the school is $300 per participant, which includes registration fee, materials, lodging and meals. For more information on the special meeting, or to register call Casey White at (334)427-1029 or e-mail Office@longleafalliance.org. The event is sponsored by The Dobbs Foundation and The Texas Longleaf Implementation Team. ——— To contact Kent Evans, call (979)3081600. TFH

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r e v o c s i D & e n i D , p o h S

r o l Tay

Story by WAYNE STEWART, Photography courtesy of THE CITY OF TAYLOR

utside of the hustle and bustle of the big city, small towns like Williamson County’s Taylor, offers a bevy of opportunities to find something special — something “Taylor” made.

“We have a lot of reasons for people to come to Taylor,” explained Holli Nelson, Taylor’s public information officer. “We have so many unique people and places that really do make Taylor tailor made for visitors — that’s why we like to call it ‘Taylor Made Texas.’” From local shops and restaurants, to inviting city parks all packed into a beautiful setting makes the city something special with its blend of German-Czech culture and Southern charm just 30 minutes from Austin, but endless miles away from the big-city headaches.

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Taylor features an eclectic downtown full of vintage shops, art dealer, restaurants and antiques all packaged in a friendly and inviting small-town atmosphere. Christmas is a great time to visit Taylor as the town has many activities scheduled and local businesses get into the holiday spirit, like Cherry Tree Creative, pictured above. DECEMBER 2015

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Shop, Dine & Discover Taylor

Geese welcome visitors to Taylorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Murphy Park, a local tradition.

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“Taylor really is a unique experience that just can’t be found everywhere,” Ms. Nelson said. “It is that special, small town feeling you just aren’t going to find in the big city.” The city is replete with vintage shops specializing in furniture, handcrafted items, vintage books and plenty of antiques, with fresh-vintage inventory arriving all the time. One of those businesses began its life selling used books, Paperbacks, Etc. Today the store sells a variety of

antiques and other collectibles, but it still has an extensive collection of used books. It is owned by Don and Cherri Wolbrueck and located at 2nd Street in the old Diamond Inn and features two buildings full of goodies along with Mr. Wolbrueck sitting in a chair outside the building beckoning people into the store. Taylor has a distinctive arts culture driving the atmosphere of the town featuring architectural elements, crafts and furnishings, wear-

able art, vintage clothing along with fine art pieces. “We have a really great artist niche market here,” Ms. Nelson explained. “We have several art studios, a pottery maker, jewelry, art work and other mediums, it is an extremely eclectic and vibrant arts community. “These are things you just can’t find in a metropolitan retail facility,” Ms. Nelson added. Downtown Taylor boasts nine city blocks of unique businesses. It’s not

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Shop, Dine & Discover Taylor just the businesses that are special, though, as the architecture of the downtown buildings add to their distinctive Old World charm. All that shopping, though is sure to work up a lively appetite, and if it does, Taylor has a vast array of restaurants bound to satisfy a raving hunger, and also those with a discerning palate. Many Texans, and those wishing they were Texans, make an annual pilgrimage to the Texas BBQ Trail. The Texas BBQ Trail has its heart in Central Texas with Taylor boasting three quality restaurants as part of the famous trail. Davis Grocery & BBQ is a proud member of the Texas BBQ Trail and serves up qualitysmoked meats sure to make the mouth of any barbecue lover water. Louis Mueller (pronounced Miller) Barbecue also is a famous stop on the Texas Barbecue Trail and is considered a Taylor institution as it has become a family tradition for many. Another stop on the Texas BBQ Trail is the Taylor Café, whose owner is 92-year-old Vencil Mares, a World War II veteran. “He’s sat in the same chair and worn the same uniform every day for years and years,” Ms. Nelson said. The Taylor Café is housed in the oldest building in downtown Taylor and has been owned by Mr. Mares for more than 65 years. There are several other restaurants in Taylor, sure to pique the interest of curious foodies. Some of the notable restaurants are Ricoco’s Latin Grill, specializing in Latin food, and La Ñusta Latin Peruvia Bistro; there also are steak houses, Mexican food restaurants and more traditional favorites. “Taylor has a lot of people of German and Czech heritage and there are many places where you see that heritage play itself out in the cuisine,” Ms. Nelson said. Taylor also has an extensive city park system with six different parks throughout the city. Hiking and biking trails connect the parks and run through much of Taylor’s beautiful landscape. A large family of ducks and geese has been calling a pond home in Murphy Park for years and have

Staying in Taylor

trip to Taylor is not complete without at stay at the town’s premier lodging provider — Pecan Manor Bed & Breakfast. A stay in this beautiful home beneath 100-year-old pecan trees is sure to be the highlight of any visit to the region. Daniel Murphy built the home in the 1880s, but it was moved in 1905 to its current location to make room for the new high school being built at the time. Mr. Murphy, originally from Palestine, managed to bring the railroad to Taylor and played an integral role in the founding of Taylor. The Murphy’s daughter, Grace inherited the house in 1900, she married Jim Dellinger and raised three children in the house. Mr. Dellinger lived in the house until 1969. Janetta McCoy purchased the house in 2011 and continued the preservation of the house done by its previous owners and keeping the grand manor a beautiful and important part of the history of Taylor. Restoration work managed to preserve the original craftsmanship of the house and features 11-foot ceilings, original pine flooring and bay windows. It also features a greenhouse conservatory and many crystal chandeliers. As a bed and breakfast Pecan Manor features five spacious and private rooms. Guests receive a traditional breakfast served in the large dining room, on the balcony or by the manor’s pool. To learn more about Pecan Manor Bed & Breakfast, visit the website at www.pecanmanorbb.com, or to make reservations call (512)365-0893.

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Shop, Dine & Discover Taylor

Cherry Tree Creative

become the city’s mascots, even as Taylor High School is known as the Ducks. “Visitors to the park can go out and feed the ducks,” Ms. Nelson said. “It is a Taylor tradition.” For those looking to break away

and head someplace different for Christmas, Taylor may be that destination as the city has many things planned to make the holiday just a bit more special. On Saturday, Dec. 5, there are many things happening throughout

the city including the annual Christmas Bazaar in the historic downtown shopping district where downtown businesses do some special Christmas shopping. A Christmas parade also is scheduled for that night. On Dec. 17 the city will show a

Taylor Antiques & Collectibles

Frills on Fourth

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Dining in Taylor

Barbecue is a staple of Taylor cuisine. Davis Grocery & Bar-B-Q (top), owned by James Davis Jr., is a part of that tradition and is featured on the Texas Bar-B-Q Trail, as is Louis Mueller (center photos) along with Taylor Café, above right, owned by Vencil Mares and his pit master in the red apron. Taylor also is home to a Czech bakery, the Kolache Shoppe, owned by Irene Bucanek (pictured) along with other restaurants featuring Latin food, steaks, and other down home favorites. If not in the mood for barbecue try Ricoco’s and their signature dish the “Molcajete”, picture above.

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Shop, Dine & Discover Taylor

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Shop, Dine & Discover Taylor

Paperbacks, etc.

Vintage Affaire

Christmas movie in the park, so those wishing to attend should bring a blanket and a lawn chair. For those wanting to experience the true meaning of Christmas, then visit the Pilgrimage to Bethlehem — A Live Nativity. The pilgrimage features 125 people from several Taylor churches working together to portray the birth of Jesus Christ. Visitors can sing Christmas carols or listen to a choir sing them. This special event is held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, located at 411 Williamson County Road 401 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 12-13. Go to www. ilctaylor.org for more information on the program. ——— A visit to Taylor should never be boring as there always is plenty to see and do. To learn more about everything happening in Taylor, visit the Taylor Chamber of Commerce at www.taylorchamber.org. TFH

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TEXAS DINING FROM THE STATE’S MOST TRUSTED CHEFS

here is no denying Texas has some unique and fantastic places to eat. Over the past couple of years Texas Farm & Home’s Randy Rollo has uncovered some of these wonderful eateries. The food is as varied as the owners and chefs putting their heart and soul into what they prepare for their customers on a daily basis. Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays are nearly upon us so the staff here at Texas Farm & Home thought it would be a great idea for some of

these restaurants to share a recipe that helps make them special or a family recipe they love and are willing to share that may not be featured in their restaurant. On the backside of each recipe is information about the restaurant providing it, this also allows the reader to cut the recipe out of the magazine and not worry about clipping out a favorite story or photograph, or just pull this whole section out of your magazine. We hope all of our readers have a happy Thanksgiving.

Chicken Loco by TaTa’s Tex-Mex Restaurant and Bar of Crockett. DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

Texas legends Steakhouse

Texas Legends offers home cooked favorites, beer, wine and bar service. They cut their own steaks and grind their own hamburger fresh on site, which gives them a distinctive signature. Almost everything is made from scratch and in small batches, such as the onion rings cut fresh daily and battered right before they are fried. Try the signature marinated sirloin, a gigantic chicken fried steak, or a Texas favorite, the tender juicy ribeye. Mon - Thurs 11 am - 9 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am - 10 pm, Closed Sunday

115 South Madison St. H Madisonville, TX 936-348-3927

TATA’S TEX-MEX restaurant & Bar

The first thing you notice when you walk into Tata’s is the unique decorations. The food offered at Tata’s is made fresh everyday. Tata’s uses all natural fed chicken, only real gulf shrimp, and only USDA prime beef. They cook on mesquite hardwood, and you can taste the difference. Their menu has over 70 items from which you can choose, including tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, quail, ribs, and also has several salads and soups. They have one of the best kids menu around. 11 am-10 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am-11 pm Fri and Sat, 11 am-9 pm Sun Bar open until midnight Sun-Wed and 2 am Thurs-Sat

1155 E. Loop 304 H Crockett, TX H 936-545-8282

Smitty’s Market, Inc. Authentic Texas barbecue is what you will find at Smitty’s Market, Inc. in Lockhart. Order barbecue, hot sausage or fresh choice meats at Smitty’s. Nina Schmidt Sells established Smitty’s Market in 1999 in the building that housed her father’s Kreuz Market for more than 50 years. The market sits in the same location where barbecue has been sold in Lockhart since the turn of the last century. Smitty’s was voted “Best” Ribs, Brisket, Sausage and Meat Market of Caldwell County. Mon-Fri 7-6 pm, Sat 7-6:30 pm, Sun 9-6:30 pm

208 S. Commerce St. H Lockhart, TX H 512-398-9344

Riverport Bar-B-Que Riverport Bar-B-Que has been serving East Texas Since 1993 and has been named a Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joint. On the menu are brisket, turkey, sausage, ribs and burgers. Riverport is home of the famous swamp fries. Owners are Stephen and Vanda Joseph. Tues-Thurs 11 am-6 pm, Sat 11 am-7 pm, Sun 11 am-3 pm

201 N. Polk St. H Jefferson, TX 903-665-2341 H vljoseph73@gmail.com DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE DRESSING 2 cups frozen strawberries 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 2 cups olive oil Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY TEXAS LEGENDS STEAKHOUSE (MADISONVILLE) - 936-348-3927

GULF SHRIMP QUESADILLAS

4 jumbo gulf shrimp, peeled, deveined and sliced in half 8 ounces Monterrey jack shredded cheese 2 - 10 inch flour tortillas 1/4 cup of chopped onions In a large bowl, place the 8 jumbo shrimp halves and add the blackening seasoning. Coat each shrimp evenly. Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium to high heated skillet. Place seasoned shrimp into the skillet and grill each side for approximately 2-3 minutes. Add the onions to the skillet and cook until cara-

1/2 tbsp of butter 1 teaspoon blackening seasoning 1 tablespoons olive oil

melized. Lay out tortillas and spread 4 ounces of the cheese evenly onto one of the tortillas. Place the shrimp and onion mixture on top of shredded cheese evenly. Spread the remaining 4 ounces of cheese on top of the shrimp mixture. Place the other tortilla on top.

In a separate heated skillet, put 1/2 tbsp of butter and then place your quesadilla in the skillet and cook until the tortilla becomes stiff and slightly browned, turn quesadilla over and repeat. Remove the quesadilla from heat and place on a large plate. Serve with Sour Cream, Guacamole and fresh Pico de gallo.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY TATA’S TEX-MEX RESTAURANT & BAR (CROCKETT) - 936-545-8282

BLUEBERRY SALAD Bottom part: 1 large raspberry jello - dry (unmixed) 2 cups boiling water 1 small can crushed pineapple with juice 1 can blueberry pie filling

Top part: 8 ounce cream cheese (softened to room temperature) 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup nuts 1 medium container Cool Whip®

Bottom part directions: Mix in large glass dish. Stir to desired consistency with small amount of water (cold). Refrigerate until set. Top part directions: Mix and spread on refrigerated salad.

This easy salad is best made thin in atleast a 13x9x2 inch glass dish. It also is very attractive in a shallow dish with a top border theme.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY SMITTY’S MARKET, INC. (LOCKHART) - 512-398-9344

BONELESS PORK LOIN 1 6-8 pound boneless pork loin 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup kosher salt 1-mix all of the above ingredients and rub on all sides of the pork loin and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours 2-prepare smoker or grill by bringing temp up to 225-250

1/2 cup chili powder 1/2 cup black pepper 1/4 cup granulated garlic 3-place pork loin on smoker and smoke for about 3-4 hours or until internal temp reaches 155-160 4-wrap in foil and allow the loin to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing and serving.

5-slice in pencil width slices and serve on buns or as a center of the plate entree; serve with Riverport BBQ sauce

RECIPE PROVIDED BY RIVERPORT BAR-B-QUE (JEFFERSON) - 903-665-2341

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

RiverBend

restaurant On Caddo Lake RiverBend serves up some the best food in Texas. RiverBend’s specialty is golden fried catfish served with jalapeño hushpuppies, however other menu options include steaks, frog legs, crab cakes, shrimp and alligator. In addition, they feature southern favorites, fried green tomatoes, blackened catfish with Creole crawfish sauce, and baked sweet potatoes. Wed/Thurs 5 pm-9 pm, Friday 5 pm -10 pm, Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun noon-7 pm

211 PR 2422 H Karnack, TX H 903-679-9000

Pazzeria By Pietro’s Pizza • Pasta • Passion

The aroma of oven fresh baked pizza, breads, pastries and pasta specialties greets you when you enter. The warm and inviting atmosphere ushers you inside…. Welcome to Pazzeria. Over 35 years ago, the Filippazzo family began a tradition of serving delicious pizza and Italian specialties, prepared only with the finest ingredients from time-honored recipes. Today, Pazzeria serves unmatched taste and quality for lunch and dinner. 11 am - 9 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am - 10 pm Fri & Sat

101 W. Austin Street H Marshall, TX 903-472-4555 H pietros.net

McKenzie’s Barbecue & Burgers

The McKenzie family has been in business since 1992 and they know their barbecue. Their smoking style is slow and easy, which brings out the flavor in the meat and makes for an exceptional Texas barbecue. Things to look for on the upcoming holiday menu include: turkey, cornbread dressing, turkey breast, ham, brisket, slab of ribs, pork shoulder, pork loin, vegetables and desserts. Let them do the cooking while you enjoy friends and family. A new Mckenzie’s location will be coming soon to Madisonville. 10:30 am- 8 pm Mon-Thurs, 10:30 am - 9 pm Fri & Sat, Closed Sunday

1548 11th St. H Huntsville, TX H 936-291-7347

Lighthouse Café

At Fisherman’s Point Marina & Resort The Lighthouse Café is a full-service restaurant with a beautiful view overlooking Richland Chambers Reservoir. We offer breakfast all day as well as hamburgers, seafood, steak and scrumptious salads. People come far and wide for our delicious food. It is a popular destination for people after church as well as hunters, fishermen and others coming off the lake. The Lighthouse Cafe also is available for all your catering needs. Tues - Thurs 11 am- 8 pm, Fri 11 am - 9 pm, Sat 8 am-9 pm, Sun 8 am- 8 pm, Closed Monday

230 FM 416 H Streetman, TX on the South side of Richland Chamber Lake H 903-389-2423

DECEMBER 2015

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BIG MAMA’S COCONUT CAKE 2 cups flour 1-1/3 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon soda

1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup Crisco 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla

Cream together sugar, Crisco and eggs. Sift dry ingredients in another bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients and alternate with buttermilk, mixing between each addition. Line two 9 inch cake pans with wax paper. Pour batter into each and bake 25-30 minutes in 350 degree oven.

Icing: 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons water 1/4 cup Karo Syrup

Remove from cake pans after cooling. Icing directions: Mix sugar, water, Karo (white) syrup, and 3 egg whites in double boiler and beat with hand mixer for 7 minutes. The water in double boiler should be at a good boil the whole time. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Stack layers onto cake plate and frost

3 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla

between each layer adding coconut. Frost sides and top and sprinkle with coconut. *Note from Riverbend owner Debbi Wisdom: This recipe was passed down from my grandmother, Pauline Gunter Loyd, known as “Big Mama.” My mom, Janet Gibson Loyd, made this cake for my birthday every year. Always my favorite!

RECIPE PROVIDED BY RIVERBEND RESTAURANT ON CADDO LAKE - 903-679-9000

PENNE POMODORO 1 (16 ounce) package of penne pasta 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups roma (plum) tomatoes, diced 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar crushed red pepper to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente; drain. Pour olive oil in a large deep skillet over high-heat. Saute onions and

garlic until lightly browned. Reduce heat to medium-high and add tomatoes, and vinegar; simmer for about 8 minutes. Stir in red pepper, black pepper,

basil and cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly with sauce. Simmer for about 5 more minutes and serve topped with grated cheese.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY PAZZERIA BY PIETRO’S (MARSHALL) - 903-472-4555

HONEY-ROASTED PORK 1 (2-3 pound) boneless pork loin roast 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons mixed or black peppercorns, crushed

1/4 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon salt

Place roast on a lightly greased rack in a shallow, aluminum foil-lined roasting pan. Combine honey and next 4 ingredients; brush half of mixture over roast. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour; brush with remaining honey mixture. Bake 30 more minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of roast registers 155 degrees. Cover lightly with foil; let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serves 8. Katherine Smith McKenzie

RECIPE PROVIDED BY MCKENZIE’S BARBECUE (HUNTSVILLE) - 936-291-7347

CRAB LOUIE 2 cups finely chopped celery 3/4 cups chopped green onion 3/4 cups chopped bell pepper 1 cup real mayonnaise 2 1/2 cups cool whip

salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cumin 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 4 pounds crab meat or imitation crab meat

In a large bowl, combine mayo and all dry ingredients. Blend until smooth. Add crab and vegetables. Fold in cool whip. Chill and serve. Presents well on lettuce leaf.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ - 903-389-2423

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

Lakeside restaurant

The best Chicken Fried Steak in Texas can be found at Lakeside Restaurant in Madisonville. Lakeside offers daily plate lunches including dessert and a wide variety of menu items from quail to shrimp to steak. Lakeside is a great place to go for any meal and is a true classic Texas café. Visit Lakeside Restaurant for the best home cooking and friendliest service in Texas. Warm family atmosphere included Open 7 am-8:30 pm 7 days a week

2709 East Main H Madisonville, TX H 936-348-9131

Kreuz Market Taste real Texas barbecue at Kreuz Market born in Lockhart. The meat is cooked low and slow in signature brick pits. Kreuz Market has been serving customers the best Texas barbecue since 1900. You don’t have to live near the “Barbecue Belt” of Lockhart to enjoy Kreuz Market’s smoked meats. They ship barbecue beef, sausage, pork, and turkey by FedEx in specially designed thermal boxes. Also located at 768 N. Earl Rudder Fwy in Bryan - 979-704-6147 10:30 am - 8 pm Mon-Sun

619 N. Colorado St. H Lockhart, TX H 512-398-2361 www.kreuzmarket.com

JW’S Steakhouse JW’s Steakhouse features Certified Angus Beef available in several cuts including porterhouse, top sirloin and filet. The menu offers over 50 items including fresh top quality, homecooked wholesome food such as sandwiches, seafood and salads for the non-meat eaters. JW’s has lunch specials that change daily, available Tuesday through Friday. Try the Ribeye cooked on an open mesquite grill, its great flavor embodies the spirit and the taste of Texas. Tues-Thurs 11 am- 9 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am-10 pm

122 S. Haupstrasse St. H Carmine, TX 979-278-4240 H www.jw-steakhouse.com

Ino’z

Brew & Chew Nestled in the beautiful Hill Country village of Wimberley and overlooking Cypress Creek, Ino’z is an eatery loaded with character and full of stories. With more than 50 items on the menu, they have something for the entire family. Ino’z offers many different types of sandwiches, including Ba-chic-ado featuring bacon, chicken and avocado. Also, not to be missed is the deliciously sloppy White Queso Burger. Open 7 days a week, 11 am-9 pm and 10 pm Thurs, Fri & Sat

14004 Ranch Road 12 H Wimberley, TX 512-847-6060 H www.inozwimberley.com DECEMBER 2015

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PINK FRUIT SALAD 1 can Eagle Brand milk 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained 1 small carton Cool Whip

1 can cherry or strawberry pie filling 1 cup chopped pecans 2 cups marshmallows

Mix all the ingredients and chill.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY LAKESIDE RESTAURANT (MADISONVILLE) - 936-348-9131

STUFFING 1 cup butter or margarine, divided 3 cups white cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon baking soda 7 large eggs, divided 3 cups buttermilk 3 cups soft breadcrumbs 2 medium onions, diced (2 cups) 1 large bunch celery, diced (3 cups)

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh sage* 6 (10 1/2-ounce) cans condensed chicken broth, undiluted 1 tablespoon pepper

Place 1/2 cup butter in a 13- x 9-inch pan; heat in oven at 425 degrees for 4 minutes. Combine cornmeal and next 5 ingredients; whisk in 3 eggs and buttermilk. Pour hot butter into batter, stirring until blended. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until

golden brown. Cool. Crumble cornbread into a large bowl; stir in breadcrumbs, and set aside. Melt remaining 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onions and celery, and saute until tender. Stir in sage, and saute 1 more minute.

Stir vegetables, remaining 4 eggs, chicken broth, and pepper into cornbread mixture; pour evenly into 1 lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish and 1 lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish. Cover and chill 8 hours. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY KREUZ MARKET (LOCKHART) - 512-398-2361

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH BALSAMIC BROWNED BUTTER 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed Cooking spray 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange asparagus in a single layer on baking sheet; coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bat at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until tender. Melt butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3 minutes or until lightly browned, shaking pan occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in soy sauce and vinegar. Be careful, this will cause the butter to splatter. Drizzle over asparagus, tossing well to coat. Makes 4 servings.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY JW’S STEAKHOUSE (CARMINE) - 979-278-4240

CHARRO BEANS 6 ounces sliced uncooked bacon, chopped 8 ounces smoked sausage, chopped with casing removed 1/2 cup white onion, chopped

1 jalapeño pepper (seeded if desired), finely chopped, more or less to taste 1/2 pound roma tomatoes, about 2 to 3 tomatoes, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, plus

more as needed 5 cups cooked pinto beans and their cooking liquid (or substitute with black or Peruvian beans)

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is lightly browned and starting to crisp. Add the chopped sausage; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until it starts to brown and crisp. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break

it into smaller pieces. Add the chopped onion and jalapeño; mix well and cook for 1 or 2 more minutes, until soft. Add the tomatoes and mix well; cook for 3 or 4 minutes more. Add the cooked beans liquid; mix well

and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the beans are moist but not soupy. Add a bit more water if needed.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY INO’Z BREW & CHEW (WIMBERLEY) - 512-847-6060

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

Frank’s restaurant

Frank’s menu features over 60 dishes to choose from that are sure to please anyone including country-style luncheon specials and homemade pies and breads. Franks’ has the home cooking and combination of good food, great service, and good atmosphere that has proven to be a winner for almost 85 years. Tours and large groups are welcome, plus a gift shop is available. Open 7 days a week, 7 am- 8:30 pm

I-10 and Hwy 77 H Schulenburg, TX H 979-743-3555

Farm House

One Bite and You’re Hooked Farm House is the premier family steak and seafood restaurant in Mexia. They specialize in food prepared from scratch! The menu features catfish, steaks, salads, quail, gumbo and more with something for everyone at a competitive price. Banquet and Party Rooms and Catering available. Dine in or call in your orders. 11 am- 9 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am- 3 pm Sunday

1401 E. Milam H Mexia, TX H 254-472-0512 farm-house-restaurant.com H Like us on facebook

Ernie’s Pharm

Barbecue, Steaks and Fried Fish Ernie’s offers “Good Ol’ Home Cooking with a friendly atmosphere.” Located in the old Ernie’s Pharmacy building, the restaurant has been remodeled and is now home to one of the area’s best diners. The café features steaks, barbecue, fish, burgers and more. Visit Ernie’s as a stranger and leave as a friend. Thurs 11am - 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm

520 W. Commerce St. H Buffalo, TX H 903-322-2229 Find us on facebook and instagram

Black’s Barbecue

The Black family has been actively serving the barbecue community for over four generations, making a name for themselves since 1932 at the Black’s BBQ family-owned restaurant in Lockhart, “The barbecue capital of Texas.” Black’s offers beef brisket, pork spare ribs, smoked turkey breast, chopped beef brisket, giant beef ribs, pork bay back ribs, barbecue chicken, pork chops and homemade sausage. Black’s ships barbecue nationwide, order through the website. 10 am - 8 pm Sun-Thurs, 10 am-8:30 pm Fri-Sat

215 N. Main St. H Lockhart, TX H 512-398-2712 blacksbbq.com H facebook: Black’s BBQ

DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

MR. FRANK’S FAVORITE ITALIAN CHILI 2 bell peppers 2 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasonings later) 2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef 2 teaspoons basil 1 pound fresh mushrooms, halved or 2 cups celery 2 teaspoons salt quartered (optional) 2 onions 1 teaspoon pepper 2 pounds zucchini squash 2 large cans stewed tomatoes and 1 teaspoon garlic salt 2 large cans black olives sliced juice (Italian style) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) 1 can tomatoes (diced) 2 teaspoons sugar 2 cans Rotel tomatoes 1 cup water (may need to add more Brown meat in a large skillet. Add onions, celery, zucchini, Simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours on stovetop. Add more water if peppers, mushrooms and olives. Place mixture in large stock needed and more seasonings to your taste. Stir occasionally. Makes a bunch. pot then add all tomatoes, water and seasonings.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY FRANK’S RESTAURANT (SCHULENBURG) - 979-743-3555

BACON-FRIED RICE 1 cup uncooked rice 6 slices bacon, cut up 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup sliced green onions

1 egg, slightly beaten 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts 1 tablespoons soy sauce

Cook rice according to directions; set aside. Saute bacon in large skillet until almost crisp. Set aside; leave 1/2 cup drippings in skillet. Stir mushrooms and onion into hot fat 2 to 3 minutes or until mushrooms are limp. Add rice; continue stirring 3 to 5 minutes, until rice is hot. Push rice to the side of skillet. Pour egg onto clear side; scramble. Add remaining ingredients, including bacon. Stir well.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY FARM HOUSE (MEXIA) - 254-472-0512

BANANA FOSTER CAKE 1 1/2 cups mashed Banana Light rum 2 cups brown sugar divided 1 1/2 cup butter softened divided

2 teaspoons vanilla divided 8 ounces cream cheese 2 large eggs 31/4 cups flour plus 3 tbsp all- purpose divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook bananas, 3 tablespoons rum, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter in skillet until bubbly. Remove from heat then add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter with electric mixer until creamy. Add 1 cup brown sugar, beat until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir together 3 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and next two ingre-

5/8 teaspoon table salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

dients. Add to cream cheese mixture. Beat at low speed to blend. Stir in banana mixture. Spoon into a greased bundt pan. Combine pecans, cinnamon, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup flour. Melt 1/4 cup butter, stir into pecan mixture. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10

1 cup granulated sugar 2 cups heavy cream

minutes. Combine granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cream and 1/2 cup butter, bring to a boil, whisking constantly, 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup rum and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour over cake. Enjoy

RECIPE PROVIDED BY ERNIE’S PHARM (BUFFALO) - 903-322-2229

WATERGATE SALAD Prep: 5 min

Serves: 8

1 can (20 ounce) crushed pineapple, do not drain 1 package (3.4 ounce) JELL-O Pistachio Flavor Instant Pudding

1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 cup thawed Cool Whipped topping 1 cup chopped pecans

Mix well the can of crushed pineapple (do not drain) and the pistachio instant pudding. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

RECIPE PROVIDED BY BLACK’S BARBECUE (LOCKHART) - 512-398-2712

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

Sam’s Original Restaurant & BBQ

Sam’s has an extensive buffet that is always fresh and delicious. Some signature items include, country fried chicken, smoked sausage, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy. They serve fresh baked homemade bread with butter at every table. Stop by and try one of their homemade pies or reserve one today by visiting their website. Available flavors are apple, coconut cream, apple crumb, pecan, peach, pineapple, peach crumb, pineapple cream, chocolate cream, pumpkin, chocolate pecan cream, butter milk and lemon. Open 7 days a week

390 East I-45 H Fairfield, TX 903-389-SAMS H www.samsoriginal.com

BREAD PUDDING 10 Biscuits (Not canned) 1/2 gallon milk 3 cups sugar 4 eggs 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 ounce vanilla Egg food color to suit Combine all ingredients and place in a pan prepared with food release spray. Bake in 350 degree oven approximately 45 minutes or until lightly browned and toothpick comes out clean.

SAUCE 1 Quart Milk 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Raisins to suit Egg food color to suit

Combine all ingredients in sauce pan. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Cook until desired thickness is reached. Cool slightly and pour over top of bread pudding.

SAM’S ORIGINAL BREAD 1 cup shortening 1 cup Kellogg’s all-bran 1 cup boiling water 2 packages dry yeast

1 cup warm water 2 eggs beaten 3/4 cup sugar 6 cups flour

Combine shortening, all-bran, and boiling water. Mix and set aside. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add eggs, sugar, and salt to dissolved yeast. Add All-Bran mixture.

Mix and knead into flour. Let rise 1 hour. Knead. Put into 1 small and 2 large loaf pans. Let rise again 1 hour. Bake approximately 45 minutes at 300 degrees or until done.

RECIPES PROVIDED BY SAM’S ORIGINAL RESTAURANT & BBQ (FAIRFIELD) - 903-389-SAMS DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

FARM & HOME

Thanksgiving Recipes

Christmas Charm Recipes by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Fill your home with the distinct flavor of Christmas cooking sure to please any hungry family.

he most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Twinkling lights line downtown streets. Christmas trees shine through picture windows and there is an air of peace all around as people come together to celebrate the birth of Christ. This truly is a season like no other. It is a time to wrap presents, do some window-shopping and write letters to Santa while readying everything for friends and family to come over. One of the other great aspects of the season has to be the smell of sugar mixed with cinnamon on top of something baking in the oven. It is the taste of homemade goodies; it is the anticipation of the season.

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

To help you plan your holiday meal the Texas Farm & Home kitchen offers a few recipes we think your family will love, such as a Chipotle-Honey Glazed Ham, a basic bread stuffing and scalloped sweet potatoes to round out the main meal, but Christmas is about the goodies, the sweet things kids, and adults too, love to eat. Some of those items include dipped sandies, caramelapple bread pudding, pecan pie cookies and a delicious hot chocolate recipe with a hint of graham cracker giving it a s’mores feel — just the ticket for a cold winter’s night as you read your children, or grandchildren, the Christmas story from Luke 2.

On The Menu Chipotle-Honey Glazed Ham Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Bread Stuffing S’mores Hot Chocolate Dipped Sandies Pecan Pie Cookies

From on high, atop his throne Our Lord look’d upon us all With bitterness he would moan Seeing how far man did fall. The time has come to depart, The Father told His dear Son But you always have my heart. There is a vict’ry to be won! From on high he descended As He told the world he would He would do as he intended Only to leave where He stood. To the lowest He would go Born in a simple manger Bethlehem, a place so low To the world a small stranger. To shepherds the angels came To herald His coming for us The world never to be the same When he came that first Christmas. Wayne Stewart

Chipotle-Honey Glazed Ham 1 cured ham 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder 1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon all-spice 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 small can chopped pineapple Glaze 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup apple juice 3/4 cup pineapple juice

Allow ham to sit at room temperature a couple of hours before cooking. Heat oven to 325 degrees and place in a roasting pan. If it is a cut ham, place the cut end down. Combine all the dry ingredients and rub over the ham, wrap ham tightly with foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours. While the ham is cooking combine the brown sugar, honey, apple and pineapple juice in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to keep the sugar from scorching, then simmer about 20 minutes until mixture is reduced by half. After the ham has cooked, raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees, brush the glaze over the ham and return to the oven uncovered and cook for about 30 more minutes, reapplying the glaze half-way through. Allow the ham to rest about 30 minutes before serving. DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

FARM & HOME

Thanksgiving Recipes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes 1 1/2 pounds small sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 1 cup shredded mozzarella 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Lightly grease 12-cup muffin pan and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Layer half the sweet potato slices in the bottom of the muffin cups. Sprinkle with half the thyme and a half-cup of

cheese. Top with the remaining sweet potato slices. Combine the whipping cream, minced garlic, salt and pepper and heat in microwave about 45 seconds. Pour cream mixture over potatoes, cover with foil then bake about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese and thyme and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has just started to brown. Remove from oven, allow to cook for a few minutes then remove from muffin tin and place on a serving platter.

Bread Stuffing

1 cup (2 sticks) butter 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 loaf French bread or 9 cups soft bread cubes Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped celery and onion and cook until soft, remove from heat. Add the butter, celery and onions to the bread cubes, add in the thyme and sage, salt and pepper. Place in a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish, cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees for about 30 minutes, uncover and bake another 15 minutes.

Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores Hot Chocolate 2 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup cocoa powder 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup 1/4 cup sugar pinch salt Graham crackers, crushed Marshmallows Heat milk and whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until warm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; do not boil. Add cocoa powder, chocolate syrup and sugar, mix with whisk

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

until thoroughly mixed. Rub the rim of the hot chocolate mugs with butter and dip in graham cracker crumbs. Place a few graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of the mugs. Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows. Place in oven and broil until marshmallows are browned. Drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired and serve â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it will be an immediate hit.

Dipped Sandies 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans Beat butter, vanilla and cream together until creamy. Combine the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch and finely chopped pecans, then add to the butter mixture. Thoroughly mix, then wrap with plastic and chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or over night. Before baking, heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out cookie dough on lightly floured board and cut into 2-inch square. Place squares onto parchment lined baking sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool on wire racks after cooking. When cookies have cooled dip half the cookie in melted chocolate chips then sprinkle with pecans. Allow to set for about an hour before serving. DECEMBER 2015

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FARM & HOME

Thanksgiving Recipes

Pecan Pie Cookies Sugar Cookies 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 egg 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Filling 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup corn syrup 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla Dash salt Mix powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract and egg in large

bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Heat oven to 375-degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheet. Divide dough in half. Roll each half 1/4 inch thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into 3-inch circles and slightly raise the edges into a small bowl shape. Combine the butter, vanilla, pecans, brown sugar, eggs and corn syrup, salt and eggs in a saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened. Place the cookies onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of pecan filling on top of each cookie. Bake about 12 minutes, or just until cookie begins to brown.

Marbled Fudge Bars 1 cup butter 4 squares unsweetened chocolate 4 eggs Sugar 1 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) Vanilla 1 package cream cheese, softened Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan or dish. In a saucepan melt butter and chocolate squares over low heat. Beat in 2 cups of sugar and three eggs until well blended. Stir in flour, salt, nuts and a teaspoon of vanilla. Spread into a pan. In a small bowl beat cream cheese with a 1/2 cup of sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla and an egg until mixed well. Drop spoonfuls of the cream mixture on top of the fudge mixture. Use a knife tip to crisscross the cream cheese mixture into the fudge mixture creating a marble-like appearance. Bake 40 to 45 minutes in a 350-degree oven until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool, then cut into bars and refrigerate.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding 1 1 2 8 4

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loaf French bread stick butter, melted cups apple, chopped eggs, beaten cups milk

1 1/2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons vanilla Caramel sauce 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup butter Tear bread into small pieces and place in baking dish. Pour melted butter over the bread and stir in apple pieces. Combine eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in a separate bowl, then pour over bread pieces, pressing bread to help it soak

up mixture. Bake in 350-degree oven for 45 minutes, or until top springs back after being touched. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce and cook just until it begins to thicken. Drizzle over bread pudding servings before. TFH

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TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

TFH

Cafés Across Texas

Story By Randy Rollo

Riverport Bar-B-Que making history serving Southern favorite in Jefferson

oday I am visiting historical Jefferson, Texas located in the northeastern part of the state. The city was named for Thomas Jefferson when Allen Urquhart and Daniel Alley founded it in the early 1840s. Jefferson was the “River port to the Southwest” in its early years. Big Cypress Bayou can indeed own up to its reputation as a natural wonder because it is the only “natural” lake in Texas. The area is a series of wetlands around Jefferson, which make up part of the largest Cypress forest in the world. From 1840 to 1860 the Big Cypress Bayou was the site of commercial river port travel from Jefferson to St. Louis and New Orleans via the Mississippi and Red Rivers. Today Jefferson is a tourist center where most buildings on Main Street have a historical marker. This historical city is home to some great shopping and beautiful places to

stay for a weekend, but I am here for something every hungry Texan craves, real Southern barbecue. In the middle of downtown is one of the best smokehouses in the state; Joseph’s Riverport Bar-B-Que. Serving up great food in Jefferson for over twenty years, Joseph’s is listed on the prestigious Texas Monthly’s Top Fifty Barbecue joints in the world. Owned and operated by Stephen and Vanda Joseph, Riverport is serving up a smorgasbord of Texas favorites by the plate or by the pound. During my visit, I sampled the four-meat plate that included turkey, sausage, ribs, and brisket. The sausage was very good with a nice mix of spice but not over-powering. Then, I tasted the turkey, and it was great, very light not over spiced. However, it was very moist and tender. Next on my plate were the ribs, with

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TFH

Cafés Across Texas

Swamp Fries are a favorite at Riverport Bar-B-Q. Above, Stephen Joseph welcomes guests to his Jefferson restaurant featuring quality barbecue.

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a light tasty rub and the perfect pull from the bone. The ribs were very meaty, tender, and had great flavor. Saving the best for last, I tried the brisket and it was fantastic. I love moist brisket and Joseph’s was some of the best. Anyone can over cook brisket and cover it with sauce. However it takes an expert pit master to serve moist, flavorful brisket that you can cut with a fork. It was sliced thick (about one-third of an inch), had a beautiful dark crust, with a nice melding of fat on top to give it a deliciously tender flavor that can only come from slow smoking meat. I do not know how Stephen does it, but this is top-shelf Texas barbecue brisket. I sampled the potato salad, beans, hot water corn bread, and the swap fries. The sides were very good. I liked the beans (which had been super-charged with spices and some chopped beef) the best. I sampled the hot water corn bread that is similar to a hush puppy and very tasty. Riverport is home to the Swamp Fries (which are hand cut fries with creole seasoning, topped with cheese, jalapeños, onions, bacon bits and brisket). The Swamp Fries were delicious and there is plenty to share. I should mention the flavorful barbecue sauce that was sweet but also has a spicy kick. Riverport Bar-B-Q is also a great place to get a smoked ham or turkey for the holidays. Riverport caters holiday or super bowl parties for groups of twenty-five or more. They have catering pick-up available where you can order for your group and pick it up yourself. Riverport has a children’s menu for the little ones. They do not serve beer or wine, however you are welcome to bring your own. Joseph’s Riverport is located at 201 N Polk St; Jefferson, Texas 75657. Their phone number is (903) 665-2341. Riverport’s is open 11 a.m.6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, and closed on Monday. Jefferson is known for its rich history. However, Joseph’s Riverport Bar-B-Que is making history as one of the all-star eateries. This restaurant has a fun atmosphere to enjoy some of the best barbecue that Texas has to offer. TFH

TEXAS GIFT GUIDE FROM THE STATEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MANY SMALL BUSINESSES

ruthfully, some of the best gifts, the best deals and the best service and shortest lines come from all the small business retailers out there. Over the course of this countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history it has been the small businesses out there that have proven to be the economic backbone of America. To celebrate these entrepreneurs out there head

out for Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. By shopping small, the money spent in the community stays in the community. It creates jobs, saves jobs and works to improve the lives of everybody involved. Visit and shop with the businesses on the next few pages and help small town Texas in the process.

Shop local this Christmas Season by visiting Texas businesses, such as, NETTLES COUNTRY, located 3 miles west of Madisonville on Hwy 21 W. Photo courtesy of Nettles Country. DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS GIFT GUIDE

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DECEMBER 2015

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TEXAS GIFT GUIDE

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DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS HISTORY + HERITAGE

SCRATCHING THE SURFACE Silver a little known West Texas commodity Story by WAYNE STEWART

exas is well known for its natural resources. For most, oil immediately comes to mind; of course there is ample timber, natural gas, lignite coal and other things, but Texas also has a mineral for which it is much less famous — silver. That’s right, people have been pulling silver out of the ground in Texas since the Spanish first started looking for it in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Even today there are mining companies pulling it out of the ground and a few adventurous prospectors working to add some of the shiny metal to their pocket. According to the Handbook of Texas, Franciscan friars first discovered silver near El Paso in 1680, and even operated a few mines. Rival sects held the mines in secret and operated them until Mexican independence was won in 1821. Interestingly, the mine became lost, the history book noted, until 1872 when examination of church records brought its location to light. Then, a few years later in 1880 a mine in Presidio County, known as the Shafter Mine was discovered. Over the ensuing years several mines popped up in the mountain ranges of far-West Texas. Over the years the Shafter Mine was reported to have produced $300,000 in silver annu-

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

ally for many years. The Hill Country portion of Texas purportedly produced silver over the years, mostly in Mason and Llano counties, even some in Gillespie County, the home of Fredericksburg. Silver became somewhat of a going concern in Texas, as in 1905 the state produced 387,576 ounces of silver, according to Thomas J. Evans’, Gold and Silver in Texas, that equates to just over 24,000 pounds of silver. Mining for silver still goes on today, yet at a much-scaled back rate than it once was, the Aurcana Corporation still operates one mine in Presidio County on an on-again, off-again basis. Any time there are mines and precious minerals legends are sure to follow — and Texas has its share of legends. Tales of Texas hero and Alamo defender Jim Bowie and his lost mines, sometimes called the lost San Saba Mines or the Los Almagres mines, tales of Spanish silver being hidden inside Hill Country caves all lend an air of romance to the search for Texas silver. There are tales of a Texas Ranger’s lost silver mine in Caldwell County. Many stories spring up about the Old San Saba mines and buried treasure from those mines with sto-

ries of hidden caches stashed here and there. Tales of adventure are exciting, but sadly the truth is probably somewhat different as assayers claim nearly all of the silver produced in Texas has come from the Trans-Pecos region in far-West Texas, where it is considered the most widely produced commercial metal in the area. Commercially, Texas produced more than $23 million in silver from 1885 to 1952. Still, the story around the Los Almagres mine is one of interest and is

centered on the western reaches of the Hill Country near the town of Menard. The Spanish did a little mining in the area and reported to have found some silver in the mid-1700s, but attack from Indians, namely Apache and Comanche, forced the Spanish to leave the area. While the truth is hard to come by, the legend grew over the following decades as people sought to seek their fortune in Texas. Some historians believe Stephen F. Austin perpetuated the myth of silver in Texas to help bring Anglo settlers to

Spanish Texas. Of course the search for silver, and other precious metals, always coincides with the market price of metals, which for silver was at an all time high a few years ago, sparking interest from companies and prospectors alike to search for what Texas was hiding beneath its surface. Over the past year or two the price of silver has fallen, and so has the search for this precious metal, but as the price of silver goes, so will the interest in Texas ore â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and legend. TFH

DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS TRAVELS

Santa’s Wonderland in College Station ushers in the CHRISTMAS SEASON

Story and Photography by MARILYN JONES

dults and children stand around a stage waiting for the big event; well, one of the big events because at Santa’s Wonderland there are plenty of things to see and do. A young man dressed in his Texas finest walks over to a freezer door, pulls it open and to the applause of adults and squeals of excited children, Marshall Frostbite runs out onto the platform. The roly-poly snowman, dressed as a Texas lawman, is in charge of defending the Spirit of Christmas. The cuddly mascot dances around the stage to several holiday songs before posing for pictures with children and families. I’d say Marshall Frostbite is doing a mighty fine job too. Santa’s Wonderland is the biggest Christmas attraction in the state of Texas and although it is Santa’s Wononly early evening, the place is hopderland in ping. Since 1998 when it first opened, Bryan has bewonderland has entertained guests come a Central while preserving the true meaning of Texas holiday Christmas, and bringing family and destination. friends together for an old fashioned

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Celebrating the birch of Jesus Christ.

The Trading Post offers several Christmastime merchandise options, including hundreds of Christmas ornaments and other holiday decor (above). DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS TRAVELS

When night falls, the Texas sky comes alive with festive holiday lights. Santa’s Town is a life-size Christmas Village offering thousands of holidaythemed gifts and other unique offerings. Built like a Texas frontier town, the Trading Post and other shops are a fun way to get something special for someone on your gift-giving list. Next, visit Frost-Bites Food Village for dinner. Here you find everything from Mexican food, BBQ and pizza to fudge, pies and peach cobbler with ice cream. Of course Santa Claus, dressed in his cowboy hat and boots, is on hand with his wife Mrs. Claus to greet children and find out what they want for Christmas. And there’s a petting zoo with barnyard animals and pony rides.

Santa’s Hayride Tours

Frost-bites Food Village has many mealtime and snack options. festive time. Although the biggest attraction is the mile-long winding trail of lights, there’s plenty to do before the sun sets. Because of the attraction’s popularity, arrive early,

park near the main entrance and enjoy everything before taking Santa’s Hayride Tour or a horse-drawn carriage tour through the labyrinth of the colorful lightenhanced displays later in the evening.

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

Line up a little before sunset for Santa’s Hayride through the trail of lights. Soon you’ll get on a wagon and be pulled through a gloriously beautiful light show featuring light tunnels, scenes painted in light and the beautiful scenes of the birth of Christ and His ascension. Horse and Carriage Tours are also

DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS TRAVELS

When Santa Claus visits Texas he wears his cowboy hat and boots!

available. Featured are beautiful pearl white limo carriages pulled by Clydesdale and Percheron draft horses. Walk-ups are welcome but reservations are highly recommended After dark is the perfect time to enjoy Santa’s Wonderland Express. The children’s train is covered in beautiful LED Christmas lights. This colorful glowing night train travels throughout Santa’s Town. Live music is presented certain evenings, holiday movies are shown on a big screen and there are even snow flurries. More than three million lights are used throughout Santa’s Town and the trail of lights. There’s a lot to do, a lot to enjoy; it’s a great way to welcome the holiday season!

If you go:

Marshall Frostbite

What’s Online GLOBETROTTING

TEXAN The Beauty of Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord By Marilyn Jones

A fjord is a long, narrow inlet created by glacial erosion. Fjords can be found all over the world, but in Alaska they are especially beautiful. Tracy Arm Fjord — named for Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Franklin Tracy (in office 1889 to 1893) — is a spectacular cruise destination with hundreds of waterfalls flowing down

If possible, arrive early to avoid heavy traffic and to be able to take one of the earliest hayrides. Santa’s Wonderland is located at 8898 Highway 6 South, College Station. For more information call (979) 690-7212 or check the website at http://santas-wonderland.com.

Is a travel buff on your Christmas gift list? Check out these ideas By Marilyn Jones What to buy your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers for Christmas isn’t always easy; unless they love to travel. There are dozens of gifts to give the active and armchair traveler. TRAVEL SIZE Avon offers many of its beauty products in travel size containers including Anew Power Serum. Other Anew products include sunscreen. Several different bugrepellents contain sunscreen as well making it easy to take along both in one container. www.avon.com DIGITAL LUGGAGE SCALE Prevent overweight luggage going to a destination or on the return when the suitcase also contains souvenirs. Small, lightweight scales are easy to take along on any trip and make great stocking stuffers. www. lewisnclark.com PACKING CUBES Packing cubes keep any suitcase or backpack organized by using one cube for undergarments, another for slacks and so forth. When living out of a suitcase— whether camping or flying abroad—it is easy to keep everything in order with packing cubes. This is a gift I have given several times. Everyone loves packing cubes. www.lewisnclark.com, www. eaglecreek.com, www.ebags.com LUGGAGE While looking for a new carry-on, I came across Eagle Creek’s new ultralight carry-on sized wheeled backpack that collapses and dissembles

its cliffs, a huge variety of wildlife including humpback whales and the fact you can see it all while standing on the deck of a cruise ship. In August, on a chilly, misting day, I stood on my Carnival Legend stateroom balcony and took these photos. It was a privilege to see the dramatic landscape framed in low hanging clouds, to listen to the naturalist as she described the scene over the PA system and simply take in the beauty of our 49th state. For more Alaska cruise information check the website www.carnival.com.

To view full story and more photographs visit WWW.TEXASFARMANDHOME.COM

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

for easy storage in a small stuff sac. EC Lync System 22 offers the versatility of a backpack and carry-on; wheel it, roll it, wear it, stuff it—love it!! www.eaglecreek.com PERFECT TRAVELING SHOES CMUK are lightweight, machine washable/dry-fast, fold nearly flat, vegan shoes that are as perfect for the city as they are for the beach or long walks. I wore them all over Chile from Santiago city streets to hiking on Easter Island. They are truly comfortable shoes! www. cmukshoes.com Lewis N. Clark Ultimate Comfort Set Unless flying internationally, passengers in economy class don’t get a blanket or pillow on long flights. The comfort set includes a rectangular fleece blanket and full size inflatable pillow as well as an eye mask and ear plugs. The pillow doubles as a carrying case for the other items when not inflated. www.lewisnclark.com RFID BLOCKER PURSE OR WALLET My daughter introduced me to the security of radio-frequency identification (RFID) blocking when she gave me a purse last Christmas. RFID is the wireless use of electromagnetic fields to

transfer data, for the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to objects. The tags contain electronically stored information. RFID blocking technology helps protect your personal information, including credit cards and passports data, from being stolen by an RFID reader. Eagle Creek has a large selection of RFID blocker purses and wallets. www.eaglecreek.com ORNAMENTS Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland offers dozens of travel-related ornaments. From a passport or cruise ship to a palm tree or the Eiffel Tower, ornaments help us remember our travels as we hang the ornaments on the tree every year and make excellent gifts. www.bronners.com TEA FROM AROUND THE WORLD SET Armchair travelers and tea lovers will appreciate this gift featuring loose leaf

teas from around the world. From Long Jing green tea to a mix of bancha tea and roasted rice found in Genmaicha, the set comes with 10 tubes of tea, each with enough leaves to brew a six- to eight-cup pot, as well has an informative book full of background information and brewing tips. www.uncommongoods.com FOR THE YOUNG TRAVELER The “this land is your land” kids’ map is perfect for teaching children about America. Laminated on both sides for extra strength, the children’s map includes 50 stickers to label where loved ones live. Capitals, landmarks and wildlife of each state are also marked. The map measures 23.5” high by 35” wide. www.uncommongoods.com Traveling is a gift we give ourselves, but travel-related gifts we can give to others. TFH

DECEMBER 2015

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GARDENING BASICS

letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get growing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; tips for December

Favorite Gardening Things To Give (Or Receive) At Christmas Story By Barbara Cook & Jolene Renfro

Crockett Garden Club & Davy Crockett Master Gardeners

artha Stewart, the Queen of Perfection, has her list of Favorite Things. David Letterman, the King of Humor, has his Top 10 List. This column puts them together to create the top 10 ideas of our favorite things for you to give to your favorite gardener at Christmas. (Or to hint to Santa to bring you!) 10. Flowers that will never die. Buy a set of small, colorful plates from the thrift store and glue them onto garden stakes using construction glue. When put into the ground, they look like flowers on steroids, and are a great addition to the hardscape of the garden.

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9. Dried gourds that you have grown and painted. Let the gourds dry thoroughly so you can hear the seeds rattling inside, then sand off the outside debris before painting with an acrylic paint. Pictured are three gourds that have been painted to look like the Holy Family. 8. A gardening book or a subscription to a gardening magazine. Books and magazines are used as references for the novice gardener who is learning the basics of gardening, or as sources of information about the latest in plants and new techniques for the experienced gardener. 7. Rose pruning gloves. Longer and thicker than regular gardening gloves, pruning gloves are a must in the

fall and spring when trimming back rose bushes and will keep the wearer from looking battle scarred. 6. Hand tools. A garden knife looks like a vicious thing, and it is! Vicious on weeds that is. For less than $10, you can attack and remove all kinds of weeds â&#x20AC;&#x201C;those that need to come up

by their roots, and those that have a woody stem and need to be sawed off. Another handy tool is a hand hoe/cultivator. The handle can be lengthened or shortened to fit the job. 5. Battery powered garden tools. If you have more money to spend, buy a weed eater or hedge trimmer

DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER 2015

TEXAS TEXAS FARM FARM & & HOME HOME

GARDENING BASICS

operated by a high voltage lithium battery. They are not cheap, but they do not have a long extension cord or a gasoline engine to deal with. Get two batteries, one to be charging while the other is in use. 4. Signs, statues, bird feeders, bird baths, or trellis supports. Available in a range of prices and sizes, any of these will add interest to a garden landscape when placed among the flowers. 3. Compost bin, rain barrel, or supplies for creating a raised bed garden. Again, available for purchase in a variety of sizes, styles, and price points, these “Green” gifts can also be created by the giver out of less expensive, but just as substantial materials. 2. Gift certificate to a Cooking with Herbs Class, or a tour of a local Arboretum with lunch included, or a trip to a Favorite Plant Nursery. Time spent with the Giftee is a gift to the Giver also. And the Number 1, all-time favorite, never fails to please, cannot go wrong, Christmas gift for a gardener is… 1. Potted plant. Always appreciated. A living plant can be enjoyed during the Christmas Season, and many can be planted in the garden when Christmas is past. It doesn’t matter if it is large or small, a living plant tells the recipient, “I Wish You a Very Merry Christmas”. We wish all of you the same. TFH

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o t

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TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS EVENTS DECEMBER

1-21 — SPRING: Home for the Holidays This 35th annual festival features a spectacular display of thousands of twinkling holiday lights, entertainment, family-friendly activities and photos with Santa each Saturday and Sunday through the season. Old Town Spring. www. oldtownspring.com 281/3539310 GULF COAST 1-31 — BASTROP: Bastrop River of Lights This half-mile walking trail features 120 lighted displays and holiday music from Fisherman’s Park down the Colorado River to Ferry Park. www.bastropchamber.com 512/303-0558 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 1-31 — MARSHALL: Wonderland of Lights Thousands of white lights illuminate the historic Harrison County Courthouse and downtown Marshall. Also enjoy an outdoor ice-skating rink, Santa’s Workshop and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, carriage rides, entertainment and other family fun. The lighted Christmas parade rolls into town Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., and light displays run from 5–10 p.m. nightly. Downtown, 301 N. Washington. www.marshalltexas.net 903/702-7777 FOREST COUNTRY 1-29 — WIMBERLEY: Trail of Lights Stroll a walking path with more than 100 lighted exhibits, roast marshmallows and enjoy live entertainment. Open daily, 6–9 p.m. SundayThursday and 6–10 p.m. FridaySaturday. EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, 1101 F.M. 2325. www.emilyann.org 512/8476969 HILL COUNTRY 1-31 — SAN ANGELO: Concho Christmas Celebration See more than 3 million Christmas lights in Santa Fe Park, downtown and in Paseo

de Santa Angela Park. www.visitsanangelo.org 325/655-4136 PANHANDLE PLAINS 1-Jan. 18 — THE WOODLANDS: Winter Wonderland and the Woodlands Ice Rink The largest seasonal outdoor ice rink in the Southwest is open for the season. Visitors also can wander through illuminated holiday scenes and storybook displays around the rink each evening from dusk until 11 p.m. Lake Robbins Drive at Six Pines Drive. www.holidayin thewoodlands.com 877/9632447 FOREST COUNTRY 3 — LA GRANGE: Schmeckenfest Wassail Tasting and Christmas Extravaganza Sample more than 30 varieties of wassail, and enjoy delicious treats and a visit from Santa. Fayette County Courthouse Square. www.visitlagrangetx. com 979/968-3017 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 3-5, 10-12 — JEFFERSON: Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes Christmas memories linger in lavishly decorated Victorian homes that are lit with the soft glow of candlelight and filled with the fragrance of fresh Christmas trees and pine wreaths. Event headquarters is at the Murphy Building, 116 W. Austin St. www.JeffersonCandlelight.com 903/665-7064 FOREST COUNTRY 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, 31 — JEFFERSON: Rail of Lights Christmas Train Enjoy a ride aboard an old-fashioned antique train and enjoy lighted vignettes along the Big Cypress Bayou while listening to the Christmas Story. Historical Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin. www.jeffersonrailway. com 866/398-2038 FOREST COUNTRY 4 — BANDERA: Shoppers’ Jubilee Features a live Nativity,

caroling, Christmas program and shopping. Downtown. www. banderatexasbusiness.com 830/796-3616 HILL COUNTRY 4 — CORSICANA: City of Corsicana Downtown Lighting Ceremony Thousands of holiday lights will illuminate historic Downtown Corsicana as the annual Lighting Ceremony takes place from 5 – 6:30 p.m. The public is invited for snacks, beverages, entertainment, live music, fireworks, and more, as they light up the town as well as the beautiful 40 foot Christmas tree. Downtown shops will remain open for some late shopping. Santa will also be there passing out treats. Contact the Main Street Program at (903) 654-4850 or visit www.corscianamainstreet.org PRAIRIES AND LAKES 4 — HUNTSVILLE: Huntsville for the Holidays Find arts, crafts and food in the market, plus a children’s area with snow. Downtown square.www.huntsvilletexas.com 800/289-0389 FOREST COUNTRY 4-6 — PALESTINE: Frost Fest Visitors enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, historical home tours, a fruitcake-toss competition, wassail tasting, the Freeze Your Buns 5k Run, yummy hot chocolate and other activities. Downtown. www.palestinefrostfest.com 903/729-6066 FOREST COUNTRY 4-6, 11-13 — BURNET: Main Street Bethlehem Wind your way through a village alive with peasants, royal guards, shepherds and, of course, wise men all on the trek to see the baby Jesus. First Baptist Church, 108 S. Vanderveer St. www. fbcburnet.org/mainstreetbethlehem.htm 512/756-4481 HILL COUNTRY 4, 5, 11, 12 — SALADO: 23rd Annual Performance of A DECEMBER 2015

Christmas Carol Adapted for the stage by Harry Sweet, this Dickens Yuletide play is sure to get anybody in the spirit for the Lord’s birthday. Show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and $3 for children 12 and under. Tickets are sold at the gate the night of the performance. Tickets also can be purchased in advance at www.tablerock.org or 254/9479205. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 4 — GEORGETOWN: 5th Annual Open House Christmas Event Dinner, drinks and live entertainment at Reunion Ranch; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; 512515-6200 for reservations. HILL COUNTRY 5 — CORSICANA: Winter Wonderland Historic Downtown Corsicana is transformed into a holiday wonderland, complete with ice skating. There will also be slides, sing-a-longs, snacks, and more. Admission is free and skates will be provided. Located near Pocket Park, 118 N. Beaton. For more information, please contact the Main Street Program at (903) 654-4850 or visit www.corsicanamainstreet.org PRAIRIES AND LAKES 5 — GRUENE: Pony Express

TEXAS EVENTS

is a list of festivals and happenings occurring around the state. We recommend that you call before traveling to an event to verify the time and date as sometimes dates change. If you would like to submit an event to the calendar, please send to P.O. Box 130, Grapeland, TX 75844 or e-mail to cstewart@texasfarmandhome.com. Please submit information at least two to three full months before the first of the month in which the event will take place.

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS EVENTS Ride A Pony Express rider from the Heritage Trail Ride Association of New Braunfels arrives with Christmas greetings from the governor of Texas at 10 a.m., and a temporary post office is set up to cancel stamps for mailing—bring your Christmas cards. Gruene Historic District. www.gruenetexas.com 830/8321721 HILL COUNTRY 5 — PORT ARANSAS: Carolers Afloat/Lighted Boat Parade Enjoy a lighted boat parade and caroling on vessels while cruising the city harbor. Robert’s Point Park. www.portaransas.org 361/749-5919 GULF COAST 5 — ROUND TOP: Hansel and Gretel by Carranza Puppets Festival Hill Institute presents the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale followed by the annual open house. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Visit festivalhill.org or call 979/249-3129 for more information. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 11 — LUBBOCK: Candlelight at the Ranch This free holiday event offers visitors a glimpse into the past through yuletide celebrations as they took place on the open prairie more than 100 years ago. Thousands of luminaries line the paths to historic structures from 6–9 p.m. as volunteer ranch hosts in period

clothing re-create holiday scenes of trimming trees with homemade decorations, playing traditional music and gathering around the campfire on a cold winter night. National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth St. www.nrhc.ttu.edu 806/742-0498 PANHANDLE PLAINS 12 — BURNET: Christmas at Old Fort Croghan Families gather to celebrate the Christmas season as it was done in the 1800s, including hot cider, cookies and live music. Fort Croghan, 703 Buchanan Drive. www.fortcroghan.org 512/7568281 HILL COUNTRY 12 — CROCKETT: Vocal Majority Chorus in Concert This Dallas-based men’s chorus includes more than 100 volunteer musicians who have performed throughout the U.S., Canada and the UK. Crockett Civic Center, 1100 Edmiston Drive. www.pwfaa.org 936/544-4276 FOREST COUNTRY 12 — FAYETTEVILLE: Country Christmas & Homes Tour Head to Fayetteville for the 19th Annual Country Christmas & Homes Tour. Featuring kids’ activities, tours of area homes and B&B’s, entertainment, arts and crafts, exhibits, residential lighting contest, open houses, food, horse and carriage rides,

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

Monthly Events JEWETT: Jewett Flea Market Open every month on the second Saturday weekend; Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Over 300 vendor spaces 903-536-7689 FOREST COUNTRY CROCKETT: Crockett Trade Days & Flea Market Open the first and third full weekend monthly, year round; free parking, free admission, vendors welcome, fun for the whole family; 764 Hwy 21 West. Call Mike 702-2040731 FOREST COUNTRY MADISONVILLE: Small Town Friday Night Shop & Stroll Downtown retail shops will keep their doors open until 9 p.m. on the final Friday of each month. live music, explore the unique boutique shops for clothing, jewelry, home items, gifts, plants, yard decor and more; These various shops will have special treats, sales or featured products. FOREST COUNTRY

beer, wine, hot and cold drinks, music, visit with Santa, a Night at the Museum, and a Pet Parade. Sponsored by Fayetteville’s Chamber of Commerce. 979/877-5290 or www.fayettevilletxchamber.org. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 12 — FORT DAVIS: Frontier Christmas This holiday celebration includes a shopping spree event, day hike to the Nature Conservancy, caroling, cookies and cocoa, hayrides through town, a lighted parade and visits with Santa. Memorial Square, 100 State St. www.fortdavis. com 432/426-3015 BIG BEND COUNTRY 12 — ROUND TOP: Festival Hill Institute presents The Nutcracker Ballet This annual

event is danced by children for children of any age. Call 979/249-3129 or visit festivalhill. org for ticket information. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. PRAIRIES AND LAKES TFH 12 — WIMBERLEY: Winter’s Eve a Christmas Festival Enjoy live entertainment in the big tent and throughout the shopping district, plus food, refreshments, live music and shopping. Santa arrives at the Wimberley Cafe at 6 p.m. Wimberley Square. www.wimberleymerchants.com 512/847-1818 HILL COUNTRY 18-21 — LUFKIN: Yule Love Lufkin Christmas Festival Features an ice-skating rink, human snow globe, daily performances, breakfast with Santa, vendors and more. Pitser Garrison Convention Center, 601 N. Second St. www.visitlufkin.com 936/6330359 FOREST COUNTRY 26 — JONES CREEK: Stephen F. Austin Funeral Procession Re-enactment Trace the steps of Stephen F. Austin’s Funeral Procession. Colonel Austin’s body will leave the first Capitol of the Republic in West Columbia by wagon and will go to Gulf Prairie Cemetery in Jones Creek. There will be singing and a burial re-enactment at the gravesite. Gulf Prairie Cemetery, 231 Gulf Prairie Road. www.brazoriacountyparks.org 979/864-1541 GULF COAST

marketplace

DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD H By LOIS MARIE GUYMER

The Raspberry-Cream Christmas

bout a billion years ago, when I was a kid we didn’t get a lot of candy the way children do now. Our sweets came mainly in the form of homemade cakes, pies, and cookies. Oh, they were good so don’t get me wrong, but back then we considered that just plain old everyday stuff. Delectable stuff my mouth waters for now, I’ll admit, but then those baked goods couldn’t hold a candle to store-bought candy! When the Christmas season began to approach and we had dog-eared most of the toy pages in the Wish Book, my brother and I began to wonder what kind of treats Santa would leave in our shoeboxes that year. You see, the tradition in our home was to leave out shoe boxes under the tree next to a snack for the Jolly Old Elf, to be filled with goodies galore come morning. Having propane heaters instead of a fireplace, it just made more sense than hanging up stockings. Of course Santa never let us down, for on Christmas morning when we rushed in to fall on the gifts with glee, there were our boxes, full of oranges, apples, mixed nuts, and all sorts of candy! From the pink, yellow, white, and brown coconut bon-bons to chocolate-cream drops and old fashioned ribbon candy, the box was brim-full of sugary goodness! One year in particular always comes to mind when I get to remembering the smells and tastes of the Season. It must have been a better year than usual, money wise. Either that or Papa hit up on an exceptional bargain while out Christmas shopping, for he brought home a HUGE box of assorted candies to surprise us with. Mama kept it hid away until all the presents were opened, then proudly brought it out to pass around.

I’m sure my brother and I gazed on it with pop-eyed delight, for we had never before seen so much chocolate, clustered in golden foil. I remember there were two layers of soft, hard, and crunchy pieces and it even came with a map to aid in our explorations. Talk about paradise! For days we delved into that treasure trove at regular intervals, indiscriminately eating whatever fell to our fingertips. Eventually though, by the second layer, we began to slow down and get choosey - just about the time the map disappeared, of course. Not fond of eating candy full of teeth marks, Mama had a rule of “you touch, you take.” So, as clever children do, we discovered how to turn a piece over and poke a small hole in the bottom to ascertain if it were lemon, coconut, or orange. Caramels and nut clusters could easily be recognized by the shape, so there was no problem there. But for some reason, nobody wanted the raspberry-creams. I don’t know if it had to do with their taste so much as with their slightly grayish purple color. At any rate, most of them ended up mashed in and relegated to the side, rejected by we who had finally reached sugar saturation. By the time New Years rocked around, the box was empty except for those raspberry creams rattling about in the bottom, so Mama just stuck it up in the hall closet and forgot it. As amazing as it may sound, we were actually a little tired of candy by then, though still saddened to know it was gone. School began, and winter progressed well past Valentines Day. One ho-hum night after supper, when we were starving for a bite of something sweet, Mama went to the closet and hauled out the old box of candy . . . only it wasn’t. It was a second huge box, identical to the first! Excited, we were

more than ready to dig in again, only this time with more finesse. Experience had taught us which candies were which, and which were to be avoided – and you can guess what they were. Eventually all good things do come to an end, and the last box was a cavernous wasteland filled with nothing but rejected raspberry-creams. There were quite a few of them too, I might add, for none had been eaten from that box! Not a wasteful woman, Mama just headed back to the closet, dumped the contents of the first box into the second and shoved it up under some quilts, where it lay forgotten until way down in the summer. Along about late July, when she had a spare day Mama got around to cleaning out that very closet. It was a catchall place where winter coats and covers tended to get piled up in a jumble and forgotten once warm weather came on. To clean it, everything had to be pulled out, sorted, and folded properly. In the midst of the process that old candy box was unearthed. Crowding close, my brother and I laughed at the sight, remembering how we had gobbled down its contents. With a smile Mama lifted the lid, and there were all those raspberry creams staring up at us. Now by then we had been store-bought-candy deprived for quite a spell, so those pieces didn’t look nearly as disgusting as they once had. In fact the smell was quite inviting. “Do you suppose they’re still fit to eat?” we asked through drooling lips. With a twinkle in her eye Mama reached in, popped one in her mouth, then sighed blissfully. Seeing her reaction, it only took a second for us to grin and dive into the box ourselves. And to this day I can still honestly say that those raspberry-cream Christmas rejects were about the best candies I have ever eaten! TFH

You may purchase a copy of Mrs. Guymer’s book, Country As Cornbread, for $12. Please send payment to Lois Guymer, 362 CR 4401, Jacksonville, TX 75766 and specify for whom you’d like the book autographed.

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME DECEMBER 2015