Texas Trends Magazine March 2025 by TexasTrendsMagazine

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Cooking Up Success

At just 17 years old, Addison “Addie” Collard is already making a name for herself in the culinary world. A senior at Liberty Hill High School, Addie has spent years honing her cooking skills, drawing inspiration from her family’s deeprooted love for food. Now, with the support of her culinary program and her employer, she’s turning her passion into something even bigger—bringing her signature birria tacos to the public.

Addie’s love for cooking started early, influenced by her family’s background in the food industry.

“My Tias and Tios had food trucks and small momand-pop shops, and I’ve always been surrounded by cooking and baking,” she shares. Her father played a key role in shaping her skills, teaching her the importance of seasoning and how small adjustments can elevate a dish. “When I’d eat out, I’d always think, ‘I could make this 10 times better.’ That’s when I realized I had a real passion for cooking.”

In her freshman year of high school, Addie developed her birria taco recipe, perfecting it over

time through trial and error. By senior year, she was selling homemade plates at school and delivering them around town, driven by her love for seeing people enjoy her food. “I love getting feedback and sharing my food with everyone. Hearing someone say, ‘Oh my gosh, this is amazing!’ makes it all worth it.”

Liberty Hill High School’s culinary program gave Addie the chance to take her passion a step further.

As part of a hands-on project, students were challenged to create their restaurant concepts, whether a brick-and-mortar shop or a food truck.

Inspired by her family’s history, Addie chose to focus on a food truck specializing in her birria tacos.

Her boss, Jordan Melchor, the owner of Texas Taco Kitchen, saw her dedication and talent firsthand.

“When I told Jordan about my culinary project, he offered to lend me their food truck to sell my birria,” she explains. After tasting her tacos, Jordan knew there was potential. “He told me, ‘Maybe one day we could sell it here and see where it goes.’”

A month ago, those talks became a reality. Now, Addie is bringing her birria tacos to Texas Taco Kitchen’s menu, possibly as a permanent item or a weekly special.

Despite her young age, Addie has learned valuable lessons about the business side of cooking. One experience, in particular, taught her the importance of preparation and humility. “I got too cocky once,” she admits. “I spent almost $100 on groceries for a recipe I had only made once, and I completely ruined it. That moment taught me to be precise and not take anything for granted.”

She also values constructive criticism. “I used to take negative feedback personally, but now I see it as a way to improve.” Her advice to other young chefs? “Don’t let criticism bring you down. Use it to push yourself forward. If you have a passion, don’t ignore it—pursue it.”

Looking ahead, Addie hopes to continue growing her business, starting with a food truck and potentially expanding to a small restaurant. “I love the idea of traveling with a food truck, but if it’s successful, I’d like to open a mom-and-pop shop while keeping the truck running.”

Food trucks have become an important part of the culinary scene, offering chefs an affordable way to start their businesses. Jordan Melchor recognizes this, saying, “So many people get their feet wet by starting a food truck first. It’s much more cost-effective than opening a restaurant.” Addie agrees, noting how the local community has embraced food trucks. “Places like Austin, Houston, and Dallas have such diverse food scenes, and Liberty Hill is growing in the same way. I think food trucks will continue to thrive.”

As she prepares to turn 18 in June, Addie is focused on building her future in the culinary world. With strong mentors, a supportive community, and an undeniable passion for cooking, she’s on the path to success—one birria taco at a time.

Enjoy a bite of a lemony treat

Adjusting diet is a necessity for someone with food allergies, intolerances or a condition like irritable bowel syndrome. Although an individual may understand the need to avoid certain foods, it can be difficult to pass up on foods when so many people around you are enjoying them, especially when they are tasty desserts.

Fortunately for lemon bar lovers, this recipe for “Lemon Bars” from “The Complete IBS Diet Plan” (Rockridge Press) by Amanda Foote, RD, offers a sweet and sour offering with delicious shortbread crust that should not cause any digestive distress for IBS sufferers.

Lemon Bars

Makes 12 bars

For the crust

1/2 cup (1 stick) very cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing the pan

13/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

4 tablespoons very cold coconut oil, cut into pieces

For the filling

4 large eggs

11/4 cups sugar

3 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour

Grated zest of 2 lemons

2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/3 cup unsweetened plain rice milk

Pinch sea salt

To make the crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter.

2. In a blender, combine the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt and pulse 10 times in 1-second bursts.

3. Add the butter and coconut oil. Pulse 4 to 5 times more, in 1-second bursts, until the mixture resembles sand.

4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press the crust into the bottom and slightly up on the sides.

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until just brown.

To make the filling:

6. While the crust bakes, in a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and flour. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, rice milk, and salt. Pour the mixture into the warm crust.

7. Bake for about 20 minutes until the filling is set.

8. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Refrigerate before cutting into bars and serving.

How Passion and Care Created Georgetown’s Favorite Pet Spa

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Georgetown is more than just a pet salon and bakery— it’s a place built from love, experience, and a deep commitment to pet health. Owner Neeley Simmons’ journey into the pet care industry began with personal heartache and discovery. After losing her 6-year-old Maltese, she embarked on a mission to understand the role of pet nutrition, vaccines, and preventatives in overall pet health. This passion for learning and her experiences as a Woof Gang customer in Westlake Hills ultimately inspired her to open her location in Georgetown. It was there that a groomer discovered a small nodule on her dog Zeke’s neck, leading to a cancer diagnosis that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. That moment solidified her belief in the importance of professional grooming, not just for aesthetics but for a pet’s well-being.

Since opening its doors on May 26, 2023, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has become a staple in the Georgetown community. The journey has been

nothing short of an adventure, and for Neeley, it’s been an experience she wouldn’t change for anything. She has built an exceptional team of groomers who bring nearly 60 years of combined experience and hold certifications such as AKC Safety in the Salon, cat and dog First Aid & CPR, Fear Free, Senior and Obese Dogs and specific breed certifications such as Doodles, Schnauzers. Beyond the expertise, the atmosphere of Woof Gang makes it truly special. Seeing dogs burst through the doors, running to greet her with excitement, is one of Neeley’s greatest joys. The loyal customer base formed over the months has quickly become family.

What sets Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming apart is the level of care, detail, and quality put into every service and product. The salon offers a unique grooming experience by incorporating aromatherapy and sound therapy, using scientifically proven music to calm pets. The products used in grooming are of the highest grade, including a proprietary shampoo line created in

collaboration with Hydra, one of the top luxury pet grooming brands in the world. From fullservice grooming for dogs and cats to specialty spa treatments, Woof Gang provides an array of services designed to meet the needs of every pet. Whether the Hairy Beast de-shed treatment, an itch-away medicated bath followed by a mineral mud bath, or the Diamond Dog spa treatment that enhances and conditions the coat, each pet is pampered with the highest quality care. For those looking for a little extra flair, creative grooming options such as pet-safe hair dye and nail painting are also available.

Beyond grooming, Woof Gang Bakery offers a delightful selection of fresh, preservativefree treats. Their bakery is known for its freshly baked birthday cakes, iced cookies, cupcakes, and cannolis, all made with pet-safe ingredients. Among the best-selling items are the Woof Gang chicken chips, a single-ingredient, highprotein snack that pet parents love, as well as the Woof Gang bulk-baked cookies, which allow customers to mix and match flavors. Supporting local businesses is also a priority, and Woof Gang proudly carries USA and Texas-based brands such as A Pup Above, Fromm, Nulo, Primal, Orijen, and Stella & Chewy’s, ensuring pets get only the best nutrition and treats.

The experience that Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming aims to provide is one of trust, comfort, and care. Neeley and her team work tirelessly to ensure that every pet, nervous or energetic, feels safe and welcomed. The salon has earned a reputation for working with pets that may be aggressive or anxious, taking the necessary time to build trust and create a positive association with grooming. With a patient and loving approach, they give breaks as needed, offering plenty of cuddles and encouragement. Safety is also a top priority—pets are never allowed to come into contact with each other in passing, ensuring a stress-free environment for all.

As a dedicated member of the Georgetown community, Neeley and her team actively participate in local pet-friendly events. From hosting adoption events to organizing food drives for local nonprofits and attending pet fairs, they are always looking for ways to give back. They also offer a customer loyalty program,

rewarding repeat purchases with free items, as well as discounts for military personnel, first responders, and senior pet parents on designated days.

For Neeley, the best part of running Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is the relationships she has built— with both pets and their owners. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a freshly groomed pet prance around, showing off their new look to their family. The joy, trust, and sense of community that were formed around the business make every challenge worthwhile. Whether it’s hearing about a customer’s vacation plans or simply swapping puppy stories, Neeley has come to cherish the deep connections that have been made.

One thing she wishes more pet owners understood is the crucial role that grooming plays in overall pet health. It’s not just about looking good—regular, professional grooming can help detect early signs of health issues, from skin conditions to dental problems. Groomers are often the first to notice changes that could indicate an underlying issue and early detection can make all the difference. Grooming should be part of a pet’s wellness routine, just like regular veterinary checkups.

Exciting new additions are always on the horizon at Woof Gang. Recently, the store expanded its treat selection with over 40 new all-natural options, including crunchy chips, jerky, and functional chews designed for training, dental health, and overall wellness. The launch of the premium shampoo and conditioner line with Hydra has also elevated the grooming experience to new heights.

Winning the Best of Georgetown award in 2024 was a tremendous honor for Neeley and her team, affirming their commitment to excellence. It is a testament to their passion for pet care and the strong relationships they have built within the community. The continued support from Georgetown’s pet parents means everything, and Neeley remains dedicated to providing the very best for every furry friend who walks through the door.

For those looking to experience Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming firsthand, more information can be found at www.woofgangbakery.com/ georgetowntx. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @ woofganggeorgetown for the latest updates, events, and adorable pet transformations. As Neeley always says, pets know when they are loved—and at Woof Gang, they always are.