Try dessert from the dashboard

  

   W            

Whiskey Cake  "I’ll need a minute,” I told my husband and the signature dish in the Katy restaurant arrived at the table. The server had asked if we wanted cream on top or on the side and ended up just leaving the container. We were at “Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar” at just the right slow time on a Monday afternoon. Short ribs over spaghetti squash tasted lovely and everyone said the Brussels sprouts were famous. I never, ever thought I would like them but I would’ve tried them if I weren’t already decided on the other. Then came the whiskey cake. I will call you out and say you should feel guilty if you eat a whole one by yourself. You          could take it home and eat it for a couple days if you were really good. But I wasn’t necessarily that good. The cake here was made with layers and thoughtfulness of deliciousness. This is a chain restaurant, but the best kind.


 

                            Some more easy stuff

                      

                             Stuffed Puffs are marshmallows stuffed with real chocolate. So, did    your mind just go to s’mores? Bingo. That was easy. A Culinary          Institute of America grad designed this scientific wonder that you can pick up at WalMart stores. Now, here’s my trick. I put one in a dish on the dashboard in Southeast Texas heat. That afternoon I had a super-sweet reward. The marshmallow and chocolate were melted to perfection, but the little plastic dish was flat! Next time, I’m going with a deeper vessel, like on old-school coffee cup. Stuffed Puffs are easy to use around a camp fire. This melty trick doesn’t even need a flame. 

Garden District Kitchen

            What’s cooking behind the doors of those iron-gated, columned Garden District homes you view from your New Orleans street car? It could be Zatarain’s boxed dinners. Hey, sometimes you want easy prep so you can head out to hear the jazz. The beloved brand has released Garden District Kitchen boxed dinners with a flavor of the city’s Italian heritage. Parmesan Garlic features brown rice with white beans and Roasted Garlic Adobo is brown rice with black beans. It’s a little bit “different” and a lot of easy. Ten minutes of cook time? Who could argue with that from a trusted brand? While I did eat these hot off the stove, I’m imagining them served from a covered to-go bowl and mixed with sliced green onions and other vegetables. What a lovely dish for a summer’s evening picnic.

                 

                  Veggies Made Great

                             My husband called and said some “discs” had arrived for me to try. Huh? His description emerged to Garden Lites’ Veggies Made Great muffin-shaped pleasures. Little frittatas include new flavors Broccoli Cheddar Frittata and Mushroom & 3 Cheese Egg White Frittatas. They’re so easy to have for breakfast or a meal on the go, with less than 90 calories. New choices in their veggie cake line are Butternut Squash (my personal fave of the whole lot) and Broccoli Cheddar. I’ve excited some of my veggie-loving friends with samples of these, which can be found at Kroger and Costco. If you think you don’t have the time to eat better, stock up on these.

                  Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie ready to try anything new. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Getting gourmet and getting better

                             Rivky Kleiman’s cookbook is so beautiful and literally feels so good in your hands that you want to just start flipping pages. Roasted olives, honey mustard salmon with pretzel crumb topping and cranberry chicken sheet pan dinner all look so good and, hey, look pretty doable. Then I notice the title “Simply Gourmet” is a play on words. These dishes are simple to create. Then I noticed this is a “complete culinary collection for your kosher kitchen.” All good, all good Southeast Texas cooks. You got this. Just look below at how the book’s lamb chops, which photograph beautifully, come together:

                             Simply Savory Lamb Chops

                             Editor’s note* Perfect for that special occasion, these tender and succulent lamb chops are sure to impress.

                             8 lamb chops, 2 per serving

                             Marinade:

                             4 cloves garlic, crushed

                             1 shallot, finely sliced

                             1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (leaves ony)

                             3 tablespoons olive oil

                             one fourth cup red wine vinegar

                             1 Tablespoon kosher salt

                             one half to 1 teaspoon black pepper

1.     Prepare the marinade: combine all marinade ingredients in a large resealable bag. Shake well to combine.

2.     Rinse and dry lamb chops. Add to marinade; seal bag. Marinate for 20-30minutes at room temperature.

                  Pan sear, broil or grill lamb chops for 2-3 minuts per side or until desired doneness. Serve warm.

                             Readers, here are some other new books dealing with getting your self better all the time:

                  “woulda. coulda. shoulda” is a little book with the secret sauce she developed too late. Maintaining a better marriage could be easy as pie. Well, pie is kind of hard, so maybe PB&J, is what Jennifer Hurvitz writes. If you’re in a trap of complaining because you don’t see what good is being done, and you finally get some help around the house but the dish towels are folded the “wrong” way, then it’s time to sit at the Peace Table and discuss.

                             See all the food references I’ve already worked in to her book, subtitled “A divorce coach’s guide to staying married.” She says she had an amicable divorce, but asks people to really think of the specific hurts and ordeals that could follow (your kids spending holidays away from you) and try to work on solutions for better communication. Does it all come down to silly arguments on housework? Maybe sometimes, when that blow up represents deeper issues. This author has a bit of a potty mouth, but she’s funny and genuine and has truly good advice. Talk less, listen more.

                             Take yourself to dinner. Heal. Use voicemail ministry, where toxic people go straight to voicemail, so you can answer calmly. You may have a family you want to throw mashed potatoes at, but you can give yourself a “new name,” take responsibility, let go of what has hurt in the past and tell others you are not angry any more. Note I picked up on food references in “The Death of the Angry Black Woman,” by Jameliah Young-Mitchell. Her self-help book is in “digestible” short chapters, so read a few when you’re treating yourself to dinner. This 2019 is half over. Start her journey toward a better you, so next time you’re ringing in a new year with black-eyed peas, you’ll be making more of your resolutions.

                             Got goals? Write them down, refine them and get to them with help from Craig C. Stroda in “The Ultimate Manual.”  This work book is for note taking and evaluation and can help steer you toward better relationships, better work goals and even your diet and health.

                             A chapter called “Time, or Empowering Yourself” reminds us that time is a non-renewable resource. The reader records how much time is typically spent on grooming, breakfast, relationships, etc. and helps us put it all into perspective. The morning routine is important, because it can help prepare us to feel ready for what’s to come. Investing in yourself can reap benefits for our family, too.

                             “Cultural Insurrection: A Manifesto for the Arts Agriculture and Natural Wine” may require that you have two things nearby as you ingest Jonathan Nossiter’s writing: a glass of wine and a dictionary. I haven’t heard some of those terms since Dr. Roth’s film genre class at Lamar University. Nossiter is in the cinema business and this book relates film to wine and “cultural wine” of our society. He discusses the threat of an ecological apocalypse, both environmental and cultural and he has rekindled and interest in my viewing some classic films I’ve not yet studied. He has also made me aware that my $7 supermarket wine isn’t cutting it. Here’s an FYI. He mentions the movie “Paris, Texas.” I’ hear they filmed a segment at the Keyhole Club in Port Arthur. Anyone here have a story about that?

                 

                             Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who enjoys a good meal and a good read. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Style up your barbecue

 If you think cruets are for fine wine, give your summer barbecue a new look. I attended an art opening and a sweet and sticky sauce flowed from a cruet. It paired well with plastic forks and red checkered napkins.

                             I’ve encountered another sauce spectacular. You know those chocolate fountains? The sauce pouring out of a three-layered fountain in low-lighting situation did befuddle some people who thought it was chocolate. It was actually barbecue sauce. This party was on the greater Graceland grounds, in the car museum.

                             The sauce cruet setting was this area’s own Beaumont Art League opening. It was a great chance to enjoy good company and pick up some local art.

                             Tea Time: Just because everyone at the table is obsessed with the boxes – how curtains or pajama pants or a desk set would look so exotic and like the owner was well traveled – doesn’t mean their focus should not be on the actual tea. The people at Wissotzky’s are focused on their flavorful teas with those something extras right down to the gauzy bags themselves. So who are these people?

                                  Wissotzky Tea is an international, family-owned tea company based in Israel with offices in London and the United States. It is the leading tea distributor in Israel. Founded in 1849 in Moscow, Russia, it became the largest tea firm in the Russian Empire. That came from the press release, and since I’ve never had tea in Isreal, I believe it. International foods are a bit hit and they think Americans are ready for these new flavors:                  

                   Salted Caramel Chai: a sweet and savory beverage redolent of warm cinnamon, ginger root, cloves, sea salt, and cardamom.

                  Ginger and Turmeric: the earthy flavor of turmeric (known for its health benefits) blended with ginger root, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

                  Spiced Nana Mint: robust, flat-leaf Mediterranean mint complemented by cinnamon, ginger root, cloves, cardamom, and pepper.

                  Pumpkin Spiced Chai: a toasty balance of cinnamon and ginger with pumpkin pieces, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and chili.

            My guest was a man who induges in tea daily and he couldn’t wait to get into these samplings. Merchants describe their chia  as “a blend of aromatic herbs, spices and black tea that can be enjoyed, as Indian custom dictates, sweetened with milk or iced for a uniquely refreshing experience.”

            I go for straight up without milk to enjoy a treat without those added calories. I’m doing iced in the summer but that pumpkin may be saved for the occasional Texas cool front. Come on and up that tea game. Here’s how Wissotzky Tea says to do it.

            Like all Wissotzky products, the Artisan Spiced Tea collection is kosher and non-GMO. It is available in packs of 6 per case (MSRP $4.99 per 16-serving box).

                             Lavish Leathers – It’s just because, you’ve got to look good shopping for, assembling and serving all these goodies, that Lavish Leathers designs quality and stylish baubles. They’re tagline is “Uniquely Beautiful, Uniquely You, Uniquely Lavish. The company found me when they were promoting little strips and shapes of leather incorporated into earrings and necklaces as stocking stuffers. Half a year later, I telling you I’m telling you my royal blue leather tassel necklace is getting noticed. This leather is lavish in look and feel and even fragrance. It’s rich. There’s a squared off purplish prism attached that I can’t help peeking through to see multiple everything in a bug-eyed way. That’s all natural charm for the lavish life.

                             Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who would try barbecue sauce from just about any serving vessel. She would love to hear from readers at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Walkabout for great new finds

                            My sister was on a whirlwind visit from Alabama and requested barbecue. We wanted flavor , not work, so I grabbed packaged pulled pork calling for your own sauce. Bam, a delivery of Hickey Bottom Barbecue Company products arrived on cue. Get it? Cue. So I texted her a photo of three bottles. She chose (wisely) the hot over honey and sweet. It was authentic and the kind of like around here in Southeast Texas. Awesome, as it is inspired by Pennsylvania ways. We’ll for sure get to those other bottles.

            On cue again, enter the Walking BBQ Lady. Not literally. Her story: “Rebecca McCrea, owner and founder of Hickey Bottom Barbecue Company, is currently walking a whopping 2,473 miles from Pennsylvania to Best Friends Animal Society’s Lifesaving Center in Los Angeles with her faithful, furry companion Arnie.  Why you may ask? Rebecca’s long, cross country journey is devoted to helping furry friends in need and raising money for the Ellen DeGeneres supported charity Best Friends Animal Society, a national, non-profit animal welfare organization…” McCrea  just had knee surgery and began walking in May. She named Hickey Bottom Barbecue Company after a quiet country road in western Pennsylvania, where she says hard-working folks do their best for their families and neighbors. That philosophy, and the great flavor this will add to your meats, is a winning goal  worth “walking” toward. For recipes  - there’s grillin’ rub and hot sauce, too - visit www.hickeybottombbq.com You can follow the walkin’ journey on Facebook.

            Happy Day for keto fans. First of all, I just love that it’s called Happy Day Brands. I con’t even consider myself a good pancake maker and this low-carb, grain-free and dairy free pancake mix produced a beautiful and delicious presentation. These people are  crafting all natural, Non-GMO and organic products that Americans are craving. They’re about responsible sourcing and inspiration and you ought to just smell the fair trade/organic coffee through the bag.  

            Every Happy Day product sold provides meals to those in need through their “Buy One. Give One” campaign in partnership with local food banks, and job training for women in transition. 

            The Keto pancake and waffle mix is the tops with, get this, almond, coconut and cassava flours, with a hint of natural sweetness from Monk Fruit, allows you to choose waffles, pancakes or crepes, sweet or savory. Superfood Oatmeal? They’ve got that. When you were a kid subject to commercials for sugary cereal, you wouldn’t have thought quinoa flakes, chia, golden flax, hemp and amaranth would get mixed into your breakfast. I feel better. That’s why this company’s motto is: EAT HEALTHY. LIVE HAPPY. DO GOOD™

            Koobah time – I can’t stop opening the Koobah jar to inhale its aroma. But it’s time to rub it into some meats and serve it with pita and Greek yogurt. The passed the “sprinkle-on-eggs” test and is ready for its intended purpose. Pereg Natural Foods (www.pereg-gourmet.com) suggests a Moroccan lamb grill.

            This New Jersey company says Baharat is simply the Arabic word for “spice,” but cooks in every Middle Eastern household know it as a basic seasoning blend. Their earthy Koobah variation starts with baharat and adds warm layers of cinnamon, allspice, rose, nutmeg, and coriander ideal for dry rubs on grilled chicken as well. The fragrance is like an adventure. The company’s garam masala goes Indian for curries, paneers, and tikka masala. It’s a now-through-fall blend of cardamom, cloves, cumin, fenugreek, coriander and brown sugar. Consider it health food to flavor legumes and vegetables. Or, as makers suggest, elevate your hamburger, ribs and steak. Pereg has been at it since 1906 in Clifton, N.J. www.pereg-gourmet.com.

                             Tea Time: Just because everyone at the table is obsessed with the boxes – how curtains or pajama pants or a desk set would look so exotic and like the owner was well traveled – doesn’t mean their focus should not be on the actual tea. The people at Wissotzky’s are focused on their flavorful teas with those something extras right down to the gauzy bags themselves. So who are these people?

                                  Wissotzky Tea is an international, family-owned tea company based in Israel with offices in London and the United States. It is the leading tea distributor in Israel. Founded in 1849 in Moscow, Russia, it became the largest tea firm in the Russian Empire. That came from the press release, and since I’ve never had tea in Isreal, I believe it. International foods are a bit hit and they think Americans are ready for these new flavors:                  

                   Salted Caramel Chai: a sweet and savory beverage redolent of warm cinnamon, ginger root, cloves, sea salt, and cardamom.

                  Ginger and Turmeric: the earthy flavor of turmeric (known for its health benefits) blended with ginger root, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

                  Spiced Nana Mint: robust, flat-leaf Mediterranean mint complemented by cinnamon, ginger root, cloves, cardamom, and pepper.

                  Pumpkin Spiced Chai: a toasty balance of cinnamon and ginger with pumpkin pieces, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and chili.

            My guest was a man who induges in tea daily and he couldn’t wait to get into these samplings. Merchants describe their chia  as “a blend of aromatic herbs, spices and black tea that can be enjoyed, as Indian custom dictates, sweetened with milk or iced for a uniquely refreshing experience.”

            I go for straight up without milk to enjoy a treat without those added calories. I’m doing iced in the summer but that pumpkin may be saved for the occasional Texas cool front. Come on and up that tea game. Here’s how Wissotzky Tea says to do it.

            Like all Wissotzky products, the Artisan Spiced Tea collection is kosher and non-GMO. It is available in packs of 6 per case (MSRP $4.99 per 16-serving box).

                             Lavish Leathers – It’s just because, you’ve got to look good shopping for, assembling and serving all these goodies, that Lavish Leathers designs quality and stylish baubles. They’re tagline is “Uniquely Beautiful, Uniquely You, Uniquely Lavish. The company found me when they were promoting little strips and shapes of leather incorporated into earrings and necklaces as stocking stuffers. Half a year later, I telling you I’m telling you my royal blue leather tassel necklace is getting noticed. This leather is lavish in look and feel and even fragrance. It’s rich. There’s a squared off purplish prism attached that I can’t help peeking through to see multiple everything in a bug-eyed way. That’s all natural charm for the lavish life.

                             Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who would love to hear from readers at darraghcastillo@icloud.com