Tamale Holiday Makeover

 

                                    Here’s the Southeast Texas holiday food items checklist: Gumbo, tamales. That hits just about everybody. Add ons welcome. If you just have a few left after breaking open a dozen, here’s an idea for a stray tamale. Cut it up and layer it into your holiday omelet. It’s a spicy bite of joy to make breakfast, lunch or dinner more festive.

                                    I wish all you Culinary Thrill Seekers the happiest of New Year’s activities. Get some joy and share it. Here are some more finds to keep you learning, loving and experimenting:

 

 

Advent book

 

“An Encounter” –  These daily reflections take readers a few days past The Epiphany with readings and even alternative readings that may be a bit more challenging than some giveaway books. We need to be encouraged, and sometimes we need to be shaken. Maurice Nkem Emelu, is a priest asking us to get moving. The author asks, are we ready to follow God’s lead? This is written so you can read it every year at this season. Learn more at www.revemelu.com

                      

 

 

 

Al Basha Mediterranean Market - Out and about for the holidays? Garbanzo beans, stuffed grape leaves, meats and sweets are tempting at the new Al Basha Mediterranean Market. They boast baked goods as well. It’s next to the restaurant of the same name at 2576 Interstate 10 East Frontage Road in Beaumont. It’s fun to explore the cans and packages of different flavors. I’m can’t resist stuffed grape leaves.

 

 

 

Twrl - Jasmine will always be my top pick because that’s my daughter’s name. Supreme Jasmine sounds like a super hero character of sorts, but it’s a flavor from Twirl Milk Tea. Hijicha Roasted Green Tea and Original Black are also premium nitro-infused teas with milk in slim 7.5 ounce cans ranging in the 45-50 calorie range. On-the-go organic fair-trade brewed tea with way less sugar, nut- and soy-free milk and no additional flavorings or GMOs are in here. I don’t know many who have their tea with milk here. We are Southern iced sweet tea people. So, these strong flavors taste adventurous and exotic to me, like I’m on travels and could pack this on my hike to the mountains or the Great Wall. Makes couldn’t find what they wanted so they created it. My Supreme Jasmine is made with tea leaves from centuries-old trees and infused with the finest jasmine they could find for a supremely floral and complex aged experience. Enjoy cold and twirl the Twrl for optimal froth. Learn more at twrlmilktea.com

 

 

Monk Fruit Blend

I’m 100 percent sold on Better Body Foods Monk Fruit Blend Zero Calorie Sweetener with no aftertaste. I rarely use raw sugar… but when I do, I’m going to grab this bag. Antioxidants called mogrosides give monk fruit its sweet taste, so this is a good deal for those wanting a low-glycemic sweetener for baking and drinks. Mmmm. I’m thinking of a rim garnish for cocktails or a cinnamon toast topper. Go crazy.

 

Karviva – “Inspired by Malbec” sounds like something on a home décor sign or a T-shirt. It’s on a bottle of Karviva Unwined, an 80-calorie berry drink you can put in a stemmed glass, if you like. It’s alcohol free, but aronia, mulberry and schisandra berries will do their best to convince you they are “wined.” Karviva also offers Ace Sport drinks in the same style of bottle in flavors such as sunny orange. This line offers antioxidans, collagen and electrolytes. It’s not pretending to be wine but it sure tastes better than many sports drinks.

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie awaiting the joyful abundance of 2022. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud,com

Amuny's sandwich: It's that big a deal.

 

While we here in Port Arthur can pick up a lunch or party tray any time we get an Amuny’s Liquor deli craving, what’s a former resident to do? Ask their mom, in my case.

My daughter called because she and a friend were discussing the original relish-adorned sandwich on soft bread and asked if I could pick one up so we could share it Thanksgiving morning. What? With all that other food? She convinced me.

While the owner favors the smoked turkey with jalapeno cheese (another turkey option for the holidays?) my family doesn’t mess around with anything but the original with ham, salami, Provolone and relish.

In the same phone call, my daughter then proceeds to mention she assisted with a Heimlich maneuver, helping a co-worker in need. Wow, amazing, I said. “That’s some story. And you lead with the sandwich?”

Just saying, that is how important Amuny’s is in our family.

 

Cork Genius – I didn’t think I needed any help opening a bottle of wine. I when I trained at Bennigan’s, I intimidated by the corkscrew and secretly wished no one would order any. But the anti-wine snobs at Cork Genius (wait, they are anti snobbery, certainly not anti wine) have put together an array of impressive tools.  There’s an efficient foil cutter to an instant aerator you pop into your open bottle. Just pour and it introduces oxygen and evaporates excess sulfates as the wine runs through and into your glass. Let me mention the vacuum wine sealer that pumps oxygen from the bottle to keep “leftover” wine fresh for days past what a stopper or cork could do. But here is the thing. The Cork Genius Wine Opener is the star of the show. Clamp it on top, push the “needle” through the cork, pump and “pop,” the cork comes out. The air pressure is a “science thing” and maybe a bit of a show at your next gathering. Cork Genius is designed for a standard bottle and it worked as promised. I’m extremely impressed with all of these tools.

 

Yum Punch – Hibiscus red beverages are festive to see and imbibe. Erin’s Elderberries makes sachets of Yum Punch, “a tasty fruit punch style dry herb mix” that hit the spot for parties. The fruit bits swell in  the bag and it’s strongest if made overnight. If you don’t do wassail, this can be your holiday simmer. I recently praised Erin’s Linzer cookie kit and jelly. Erin, just one bit of advice. You’ve got an adorable little gardener logo. Just make your name a little bigger on the label. Your line is naturally wholesome and good. You need to be showing off that name!

Old Trapper - What’s up in Forest Grove, Oregon? Old Trapper has gotten all gussied up with a new gusseted bag. Why? Those Teriyaki Deli Style Beef Sticks are the same natural smoked flavor that puts you in the mind of hikes with beautiful vistas. It’s for the retailers, www.oldtrapper.com reports. Better display and all. It may not matter to many loyal snackers, but there is some competition in getting the “last bag” of what you’re used to before making a path toward the future of Old Trapper. I like their web presences as much as their product.

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who is always bragging about Amuny’s. And her daughter, Jasmine. Share your brags with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Culinary Thrill Seekers: You’ve got Linzer skills

I’d planned to attempt the Erin’s Elderberries Linzer Cookies kit but had no butter. I didn’t anticipate mine would look anything like the beautiful photo of sugar-dusted cookies with jelly peeking from the flower “window.” The box went back in my pantry. That night our religious group leader served his homemade Linzer torte with latticed topping. There’s your sign. I acquired butter and impressed myself by creating beautiful and delicious cookies in the tradition of Linz, Austria treats. Seriously good with the naturally tasty jelly that came in the box. Erin’s Elderberries out of Virginia has one of those awesome mom stories and a line of berry greatness. You’ve got to be impressed by her note: “My apologies for the delay. When my cookie cutters were indefinitely delayed I decided to buy a 3D printer & learn how to do it myself!” Berry impressive.

 

Wild Bison – The Dale’s Pale Ale folks from Colorado are now brewing in Austin. Wild Basin Hard Seltzer is a fizzy, light refresher in tall cans of flavors such as Mango Black Tea and Peach Green Tea. Of the many I’ve tried, I’m liking this Oskar Blues Brewery by a couple of jumps ahead. It’s flavorful and light, coming in at 100 calories, so it’s a good counterbalance to rich holiday food and could help you fizz in the new year. The Strawberry Coconut is now a stand-alone pack but makers say they aren’t breaking up the band. Variety packs feature “contemporary” flavor parings such as blueberry mango. Y’all know I’d try a Habanero Pina Colada.

 

Jalapenoholic - I am “a person having an abnormal desire or dependence of jalapenos.” That’s why I eat them sliced raw with eggs for breakfast. Thanks to Holic Foods, people who understand me, I can now sauce up everything from breakfast tacos to pasta with Jalapeno Holic, a creamy green splash of heaven. Makers recreated this sauce after their favorite restaurant got new owners and it fell off the menu. It’s on my menu now with Honey Aleppo Marinade and Tahini sauces right behind. www.holicfoods.com will hook you up with more ideas than I can think of. It is, as warned, addictive. I’m going to make breakfast now…

For all my pescatarian friends - “Veggies & Fish” Inspired New Recipes for Plant-Forward Pescatarian Cooking” is from Bart Van Olphen, author of “The Tinned Fish Cookbook.” Photographs and graphic art will inspire readers to crave even single radishes. Wait until single ingredients come together in Pasta Al Forno with Kale & Mushrooms. If the phrase “plant-forward” intimidated you, gather ingredients for Gin & Tonic Salmon, which goes with Cucumber & Fennel Salad. Navy beans, lentils and potatoes are some bases for all things that come from the waters. A reason I’d never have thought to pair raw beets with boquerones and Manchego is that I’d never heard of the second ingredient. Marinated raw anchovy filets are the NO. 1 tapas dish in Spain, it says. I have experienced the salty cheese. Maybe those rhyming about green eggs and ham would try this book’s Spinach Pancakes with Cream Cheese, Avocado & Smoked Salmon. I would. A textured cover makes the book a pleasure to hold and read.

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie taking extra steps to prep for holiday treat season. Share your experiences with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Season for seasonings: consolidate those spices

 

                

                                    Got a little bit of nutmeg and a few cloves? Mix ‘em up and create your own pumpkin spice mix, chai tea flavoring or something to make that chili warm you up. I have “Frankenstein” blends in the pantry that are forever undergoing changes. Fall’s a good time to make a clean sweep. That leads right into your Culinary Thrill Seeking Pumpkin Update of the week:

 

Everyone Loves Pumpkin

                             This week’s Pumpkin Update is chapter 9 of “The Complete Autumn & Winter Cookbook.” Even the Mayans experimented with a seed dip, according to this 400-plus page book covering everything from soup (intensely flavored Moroccan lentil harira) to nuts (spiced pecans with rum glaze as a hostess gift).  The Everyone Loves Pumpkin chapter includes Slow-Cooker Creamy Pumpkin-Chai Soup, Roasted Sugar Pumpkin Wedges, Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce and Pumpkin Pecan Cookies. I love the “Why This Recipe Works” boxes with each recipe. Maybe you were concerned that the Ancho Chile Liqueur you are steeping for a week wouldn’t work, but they’ll tell you why it will.  Go now and assemble your winter squashes, hearty greens, fruits and ginger. It’s time to make gourmet comfort food for your autumn and winter kitchen.

 

My deal with popcorn

Salty-n- Sandy is for people who have made the choice to enjoy popcorn,  but can’t decide between addictive savory or seductive sweet. A tub of  this Johnson’s Popcorn arrived as a product sample and the rep contacted me to make sure I got it. I told her I was about to travel, thus indulge, then I’d have to wait a while and plan on a popcorn dinner. She gave me an ‘lol’ then realized I was serious. This tub of “World Famous Quality Caramel Corn since 1940” trademarked concoction contained 27 servings. Through careful rationing I was able to enjoy this for dinner, two lunch snacks and one breakfast. Then there was the Cheddar Corn variety with artisan cheese. Same story. It was a popcorn week and I was happy. I also had orange fingers. Worth it. These Ocean City, N.J. folks obviously know what they’re doing. The paired tub with mixed flavors kept integrity of crunchy and soft and when the cheese stood alone it was another joy. I know there are others like me who plan ahead for popcorn. Do this with 26 of your closest friends. Or, my way. More amazing flavors await at  www.johnsonspopcorn.com

The Racoon is into Tahini

Creamy Tahini (Only Sesame Seeds) could be your thing, and now  Creamy Tahini with Lemon is mine. The attentive folk and mascot racoon of Once Again nut butters sent out these creations for fall cooking, including a suggestion to drizzle over baked squash or bake into breads. How organic does that sound? I need to mention this cooking thing now, so you’ll be planning the pumpkin spice season. But much of my jars are being diminished now with just the benefit of a slice of green apple to get it to my mouth. I love that they have a space on the label for you record the date the jar was opened. Keepin’ it fresh. Onceagainnutbutter.com has ideas and info on goodies such as packets of sesame seed butter to toss in your lunch.

 

                       Jim Stevenson on Birds

Sabine Woods could be the “crown jewel” of the Texas coast, noted birder Jim Stevenson writes in his latest book “Birds of the Gulf Coast.” A photographer and guide, Stevenson is always in the field for birds, and sometimes snakes. Want to know when to listen for that nasal “quok” or quark” from a Black-crowned night heron? Learn tricks of the parking lot killdeer to lure you from his eggs? Stevenson shares his hot tips. He’s  involved with the Galveston Ornithological Society and his photos help guide readers to best birding locations, safety, seasons and nature study. For your autographed copy, send your requested message and $30 to GOS, Rt. 1, Box 185C, Galveston, Texas, 77554.

 

Darragh Castillo is a Port Arthur area foodie who is also, apparently, a birder. Visit with her about both topics at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

No fruitcake; just the tin, please

 

  I grew up stopping at Collin Street Bakery in old Corsicana on the way to Dallas. Their new mega stop on the highway is even more handy. I’m always amused by the vintage tin design featuring a carriage in a snow scene and a cowboy at the Alamo. It’s iconic, but it doesn’t look like my part of Texas. My daughter asked for one of my tins but I couldn’t let them go.  They’re always at estate sales, so I picked up extra for pocket change. I confess, I like the tins more than the fruitcakes they once contained. They just look like the holidays. Read on for more fruity finds:

 

Speak to your Landlord -  If you’ll take an Eviction Notice in a Condo size, you must be at Landlord’s Signature Daiquiri Den, a new business at 1645 Jefferson Drive. Beginning with a heartfelt prayer, this place had a ribbon cutting and distributed menu cards. The Golden Triangle features Hypnotic, Strawberry and Peach and there’s another offering called Sex on the Seawall. Now that’s customized. Sizes range from Apartment to Estate. By the Way, the Eviction Notice is a Hurricane.

 

FigBrew - It’s complicated. It may be a thing to describe Figbrew as coffee’s mellow mate when it is fragrant ground figs you brew into your morning drink. An inviting can, labeled that it was roasted about 4 days before arriving at my door, gave way to a nostalgic aroma. Figs are Biblical. They are also like the big tree kids may recall picking from on visits to “older” relatives in the country. Now figs are new as you scoop out just a tad and drop into your French press to make Figgee or Mellow Mix. It’s not coffee at all, but you’ll probably think it is. Roasted figs have the texture and color in your mug. It’s fragrant and brews a powerhouse serving of fiber, calcium and magnesium. Curious? I hope so. Learn about the pumpkin spice latte version at www.figbrew.com

 

Burst of Lemon - I know you. You’re going for the Cake Jar. Who wouldn’t, with a view of goodness peeking from the cute little canning jar? F abrizia Lemon Baking Company’s Whoopie Pies are fun to say and their Blondies are rich to eat. Fabrizia Spirits Limoncello indulgence is part of their sunny lemon collection. Enjoy some chilled in a glass on “coffee break” with giant lemon cookies. My personal favorite a soft biscotti to flavorful to dunk. There you have it. www.fabrizialemonbakery.com is ready to ship Italy’s lemony sunshine to you, complete with yellow ribbons. You didn’t know you needed to have this, but you do. I shared, and I was thanked.

 

 

Almonds = Pumpkin - Nutpods is still at it with plant-based, dairy-free creamers ready to flavor your holiday coffee, etc. Almond + Coconut unsweetened creamer comes in pumpkin spice, peppermint mocha and holiday nog. Who doesn’t love a good nog. I’ve read you can cook an egg in cream, so I took my tiny skillet, added the pumpkin variety and made myself an egg for breakfast. Guilt-free luxury. Makers would love to hear from you at nutpods.com/hello

 

Austin East Ciders - Picture a canning jar stuffed with golden peaches soaking in a golden spiced soak. Now pop open a can of Austin Eastciders Spiced Peaches Cider, and you might envision yourself on grandma’s front porch. This can of hard apple cider is just right. “How do you like them apples?” the can asks? Very much, I tell it.

 

Superiore grapes – La Gioiosa offers several Prosecco labels, but why not go straight to the one called Superiore D.O.G.C (denomination of controlled and guaranteed origin) It’s a bubbly with a flavor and is sure to get attention at holiday gatherings. A pop and fizz satisfies the senses as well. We toasted the memory of a loved one in her special stemmed glasses with this line. Valdobbiandene Prosecco and all the others sparkle with more info at: lagioiosa.it/en/   It will have to do in lieu of a trip to Italy.

 

0ats got alternative – When did you last get excited about oatmeal? When peaches & cream, banana bread and acai bowl came to breakfast? Alternative Oats looks much more “whole” when you open the packet when compared to more well-known brands. Artisan oatmeal with components including pecans, flax seed, guava and cacao boost the flavor, nutrition and interest in your quickie breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch break. I actually lined my packets up in anticipation of the next morning’s flavor options.www.alternativeoats.com

Fruity chews – I truly had no idea Jelly Belly had so many offerings. They’re known for flavors and as they’ve branched into sugar-free gum you can taste your childhood by chomping Verry Cherry, Berry Blue, Watermelon and Island Punch. Stuff stockings with little boxes of fun.

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area fruity foodie. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

 The Okra Santas are out. Okra pods painted to look like jolly old Saint Nick have been part of my holidays since the ‘90s. The late, crafty Betty Guillory must have painted hundreds of these slender, textured guys and she gifted several to me. This year I decided to go through all my boxes and found the Santa gourds as well. I contacted her daughter with intent to share back and it sounds her daughter and sister would appreciate having some of those memories. I’m so happy to give them some gourds back. I’m keeping all the Okra Santas, though.

 

The Unofficial Hogwarts Cookbook for Kids - Young readers will love this culinary adventure offering “50 Magically Simple, Spellbinding Recipes for Young Witches & Wizards.” From Cauldron Cakes to Bubble and Squeak, these recipes are fun and tempting and will surely get children into the kitchen to keep learning. Can you imagine making your own crumpet for breakfast? Or Groundskeeper’s Mystery Casserole for the whole family? Confession: I haven’t read a Potter book, but I’m well aware of the enormous popularity. Baker/writer Alana Al-Hatlani stresses that the book is not associated with or authorized or approved by J.K. Rowling, her publishers or Warner Bros. It says so right on the cover. But I’m sure they all approve of the within the pages.

Pumpkin Juice

One half cup pumpkin puree

2 cups apple juice

2 tablespoons brown sugar

One half teaspoon ground cinnamon

1.     Start by whisking all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan.

2.     Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

3.     Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the brown sugar is dissolved.

4.     Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

5.     Place the mixture into a pitcher to chill until cold, 1 hour.

6.     Pour over ice, if desired, and enjoy!

 

 

 

Eat Like a Viet - This award-winning picture/recipe book from Jenny Lam has me craving dishes I didn’t know existed. “Eat Like A Viet” may appeal to Port Arthur’s Vietnamese population. It certainly appeals to foodies into Lemongrass Chili Chicken, Lotus Root Salad and Beef Salad.

               Pumpkin Update here: Japanese pumpkin and fish sauce makes a Pumpkin Soup that is more brothy than you’d expect. The next page shows Wintermelon Soup and every page before and after is another adventure. Pumpkin Pudding has coconut milk and tapioca starch. Ready for new traditions?

 

 

One-Hour Comfort - Rough day? Have a Prosperity Sandwich. Panang Curry with Shrimp could spice you up quickly. There’s even time for pillowy scrambled eggs in Xihongshi Chao Jidan. America’s Test Kitchen books thoroughly explain how you create photo-worthy meals and include “Why This Recipe Works” that tell us why we’re about to be rewarded for our efforts. Words like “crunchewy,” nostalgic and hearty and offerings such as cheeseburger mac and green gumbo make up worlds of flavor in “One-Hour Comfort: Quick, Cozy, Modern Dishes for All Your Cravings.” We are alike the world over – judging from the chapter called Carbs – and comfort is a global crave. I didn’t note pumpkin in this book but sweet potato stew with peanuts makes me feel orange and warm all over. There are comfort desserts, too. 

 

 

 

Bean-to-Bar - Les Chocolateries Askanya is Haiti’s first and ony premie bean-to-bar chocolate company created after meeting with more tan 500 farmers. That’s detail. Beautiful packaging for very dark chocolates and bars named Perle Rare and Bouquet Vert will make beautiful stocking stuffers. Corinne Joachim Sanon Symietz grew up in Port-au-Prince and studied in New Orleans, then Ann-Arbor before conquering other locales and missions. She founded her business to create jobs in Haiti and you can. Follow on social media.

 

Darragh Castillo is a Port Arthur area foodie hoping everyone’s holidays are full of comfort and joy. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

An Agua Fresca candle? It's Anona.

 It's Advent, so we’re supposed to take it slow and reflect. Soon, we’ll focus on the joy of giving. Consider these options to ease into a calming holiday season:

 

                     Stash your holiday - Love the idea of a joyful touch of aromatic Jasmine in your Christmas Morning tea? Then best to go caffeine-free the night before with a merry blend of spearmint and sweet holiday spices. Stash Tea designed Christmas Eve for a cozy fire and warming cinnamon and orange peel. Holiday Chai with gingerbread and sweet rum flavor could be my fave of this holiday collection. White Christmas brings peppermint and gingerroot; Licorice has to be tried to be believed. I’m hoping the exciting and satisfying flavor will help curb extra holiday grazing. www.stashtea.com is from tea people in Portland, Oregon. Santa would approve.

Southern Culture Artisan Foods - I might have fallen in love with Erica and Mama watching their Southern Culture TV episode about a blindfolded chicken tasting. Fun family. But I was already drawn to beautiful Garlic & Herb Stone Ground Grits packaged in pretty hinged clear jars. Display those grits! I used their Bourbon Pecan Praline Bacon Rub on my Thanksgiving and that 12-pound bird moved in a day.

               Bourbon Salted Pecan and Banana Pudding are Shortstacks flavors from Southern Culture. If even I could make a tempting batch of pancakes (or waffles) from these blends, you can for sure.  They do their work from Decatur, Georgia, and Mama is moaning because it’s so good. www.southernculturefoods.com

 

GYV – It sounds like “give,” hence the www.justgive.com site for GYV Mesoamerican Beauty. Anona is a new fruit to me and the scent is in a clever “floating” candle that looks like a jug of agua fresca. Another high-end candle comes in mango, as does a cream you can slather on without having to pop a top. Much care is put into this line featuring other fruits, history and luxury.

 

Grooming Hut – Maybe your silver fox is already into oils, shampoos and potions to maintain fine facial hair. Maybe your son-in-law’s beard is a bit… amiss. The kit that features a natural wood brush and come for training and exfoliating beards will be welcome to both men and women across the country. It’s fine and I’m sure Santa would enjoy it himself. That brush is extremely calming. www.groominghut.com

 

                 Restore Naturals holiday prep - There are no pets are babies in my home, but I want to be as natural as possible when it comes to cleaning. I’ve left restaurants when the cleanser smell is stronger than any food coming from the kitchen. Restore Naturals guarantees the performance of their very long line of products. I’m enjoying the all-surface cleaner and reading up on their goods from laundry concentrate to concentrates. Soy, orange and corn are some ingredients that somehow transform your home. It’s a confidence thing. And a cleaning thing. I’m glad I found www.restorenaturals.com

 

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie ready to spread and receive joy at darraghcastillo@icloud.com