Aren’t you just craving some
fresh veggies after all this seasonal indulgence? January makes me want to stir
fry onions and carrots. What a great way to use up that New Year’s cabbage. If
you’ve ever thought “If I just had that (fill in the blank)” tool or food to
kick start your healthy eating, consider these goodies:
Culinary Thrill Seekers, we did it again. Hopefully we can all cherish the best of 2022, The highs and lows and flavors and all. This week can be a bit of a quandary as we finish holiday cookie gifts and plan for New Year’s parties and resolutions. There’s party food everywhere and we’re planning to eat better “soon.” Be healthy and remember to appreciate every small indulgence as we look forward to working toward our best eating and health practices.
Crackers have their moment at this time of year. I made a quickie version of bowties, bacon wrapped around wafers. Bits of pepperoni on Ritz rounds went into the air fryer a bit and made my spirits bright. I’m always mentioning my holiday fave of a can of smoked oysters folded into cream cheese. Use all that oil, too. This has been on my New Year’s list for decades.
Here are some holiday picks, with a reminder to use all your
senses to enjoy your nibbles:
Ethereal Craft Chocolate – Speakeasy wedding parties and a chocolate café? That’s maybe not how Ethereal Craft Chocolate describes it all, but looks like Woodstock has another hit. I’m talking about Woodstock, Illinois, where you can subscribe to organic chocolate bars with cherry, fig and citrus from the Dominican Republic; fudge and malt notes from the Philippines; and some ganache from Uganda. And I’d have to be stopped if all their inclusion bars came at once. They include combos like scorpion pepper and pecan and almond and cocoa nibs. The bars I tried have such a different, grown-up mouth feel from off-the-shelf bars. Cool how it seems the whole world can get together about loving chocolate. Slow down and taste for mouthfeel, acidity, finish and more. Listen to your chocolate, makers suggest. Hear more at www.etherealconfections.com
Catan Pisco – Honey, fruit
and floral notes make up Catan Pisco, which is made of grapes but is said to be
like if vodka and Tequila had a baby. Follow? Catalina of Chile will tell you
more, like how she is from one of only two countries that can legally make
pisco, at www.catanpisco.com. There’s a kit
you can get with The Pisco Girl coffee sugar with spices, a bottle of vanilla
extract and a Catan jigger. Get some milk and cinnamon and brew up a batch of
holiday heaven. Go warm or go cold but enjoy it with the gusto that Catalina
would. The Spicy Saint calls for Catan Pisco with lime, simple syrup and
cucumber while the Chilean Mule goes with ginger ale. I’m like, Catalina, I’ve
never been to Chile, why have you been keeping this to yourself, but then
again, now the sites tells you what you need to know.
Christmas mornings have offered me quiet alone time for the
past several seasons. I’ve come to count on my ideal breakfast of aromatic coffee
with an egg and a side “slab” of my friend’s bread. Every year she starts to
baking for myriad family and friend sets and each year I secretly hope I’m
still on the list. Sometimes it comes in stages with fudge, a back-door trop
off of haystacks and bars and at some point, the banana nut bread. I save this
to experience for alone time on Christmas morning. The bread must be cut into
thin slices, so you “get more” on your fancy little holiday plate. Though I use
about a stick of butter in a year, I must have some on hand. The holiday bread
must be grilled in butter.
This year Brenda shared some eggnog and there was a tad left
in the bottle. She knew I save bottles for flower deliveries and crafts. I told
her I’d also drain that dab of nog into a bowl and whip it into an egg
breakfast. Unusual, but she endorsed the idea. Now I’m sharing with you, it was
a good one.
Gumbo Season - The Pompano set out some slap-your-Mama gumbo at the
Mid-County chambers' mix-and-mingle. A Christmas Eve gumbo is my family's
tradition and we're not alone here in Cajun Country. While women are
often in charge of the kitchen, I started thinking about how many men in the
room would aspire to a gumbo as good as the one I was having. Many a Southeast
Texas gentleman boast of their gumbo accomplishments, with good reason. I
called The Pompano manager the next day and he affirmed it was Chef Shannon
Thomas who created the chicken and sausage masterpiece I'd enjoyed. Let me also
mention, people spoke ahead of serving on how good the potato salad would be.
Right again and I guessed the big ol' bowl they set out must have weighed 50
pounds. There's a reason The Pompano is a local tradition.
Red
Pantz sounds like a Santa thing.
Stretch your imagination beyond that to a woman naming her company after the
time her luggage got lost, and all she could wear to an important conference
was her red yoga pants. Some how that Petra of her calm practice and she wants
to bring it to you. Off all the tea flavors offered, I tried Boost Warming Tea
to fuel and ignite. Organic ginger, rosemary, lemon peel and basil are soothing
in a travel mug on your way to work. It could help in digestion and help you
find your pants. I mean find your peace. www.redpantz.com/my247
To ring in the new year, consider Gel-Shotz for something already easy made easier. When your gelatin mix is already flavored like Margarita, Blue Hawaiian and Mai Tai, you are flavor forward. Add hot water and your own spirits and pour your shots in the provided cups. My taster was pleased. Remember to gel responsibly. www.gelshotz.com
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie
wishing you happy holidays. All of them. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
There’s this ‘70s-style
frog that has been in my husband’s family. Every few months he or I will be startled
by opening a drawer or moving a pillow to find this guy. The finder gives a
low-key reaction and then hides said frog until it’s time for him to make the next
move. When I see what today’s parents do with The Elf on the Shelf Tradition, I’m in awe of these creative,
funny, teaching moments. So I finally got one and we’re going to send off 2022
with a bang. He came with a Peace, Love, Christmas hoodie and cool shades. We’re
getting into some trouble together. Here’s how hot he’s gotten:
The Lumistella Company (home
to The Elf on the Shelf) has created countless resources to keep the tradition
alive all season long, including:
Read on for some East Texas history and holiday ideas:
“The Thicket’s Prodigy” is Ronald G. Brock’s memoir
of his father’s memoirs, I think you would say. Sharing the “Extraordinary Life
of an Improbable Genius,” the book goes from the simple life of Eugene H.
“Gene” Brock, who strived to become “an educated man,” his work in Los Alamos
on The Manhattan Project and his NASA contributions. The son adds his
perspective of boyish observations from a friend’s pet’s catnip addiction to his part in The World Wide Web. Southeast
Texas readers will understand many of these adventures and my impressions link
to the food memories. Thicket folk sourced from swamp and woods for bass, frog
legs, black walnuts, possum and mayhaw. When the family moved to Bryan, Safeway
offered a “great leap” with culinary selections of Mellorine, the highly-touted
milk substitute and the new concept of Birds Eye frozen vegetables, the author
writes. Galt/Mirrin Publishing, LLC
Greeting cards
with onion artwork? Thank-you notes with artichoke and herbs? Perfect for me.
Up your Idea Chic order with sachets an everyone will know you for the
foodie you are. A rustic bag of mulling spices for wine or cider hit the spot
by a friend’s fire pit. I mulled with merlot at home and transported the blend
in Mason jars. www.ideachic.net
Just glancing
through the Nomatic travel bag site makes you want to hop a plane. Under
new arrivals is the lite sling that’s one heck of a fancy fanny pack, or front
bag if you are a hiker. The curve makes it comfy on the body and easy keep
track of your passport while headed up the Swiss Alps. I can dream, can’t I?
But hey, it will also keep your phone and coupons handy on a trip to the mall.
Good gear makes the exercise go easier, don’t you think? www.nomatic.com
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie wishing you happy
holidays. All of them. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
‘Tis the ICY Donuts Season
The ICY Donuts Groves sign caught my eye and I had to drive in. I love the breakfast eggrolls they bring to Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce events. I’ve already bragged about their food, but had never been there in person. Jennifer Chang set me up with "one of those eggroll things" people love. The skin is so delicate and crispy...... Then there was the hot, fruity tea they're known for hit the It hit the spot on a windy day. She also coaxed me into a fritter, which is already my favorite. I think all those menu offerings have the extra ingredient of "love" mixed in there. Ms. Jennifer's super-friendly face is just one more added bonus. Groves foodies, you are so lucky.
Let’s get Latin – Movéo is Latin for “to move” and the name of a company that has brought straight-up style to resistance bands. I’m rocking a mermaid pattern and there are artsy florals, peaches and (I couldn’t do it) junk food styles. They just feel good in your hands and you won’t mind popping one out of your bag just so people will ask about it. Style and function on much equipment/accessories, with an attitude that everyone of every size ought to feel better about getting fit is what you’ll find at www.moveofitco.com
Thena – Turmeric and
colloidal oatmeal I get. The arnica in Thena Natural Wellness products threw
me. I looked up the daisy-like flower from Europe, used for bruising, and found
it’s also call wolf’s bane. It’s the stuff fairy tales or made of, but Thena uses
very natural stuff to treat eczema and a host of other sink issues. www.thenabiz.com connects you to reviews from satisfied users and I’m another from the
feel-good foot balm soothing from tea tree, eucalyptus and lemongrass.
Mighty Good – Superior dippability may be provable (and I’d be happy to try) but
Zack’s Mighty Organic Tortilla Chips do have a “first” claim regarding
regenerative agriculture. That’ a combo of conservation and rehabilitation that
begins with soil and involves crop rotation, so Zack waited a long time to get
these chips right. When I made turkey nachos with Thanksgiving leftovers, I
dipped to him. They’re mighty corny, from heirloom stock; mighty sturdy from being
a rested tortilla first; and come from mighty land. I was super proud to enjoy
the lime and the sea salt versions. Nacho style, I’m coming for you. www.zacksmighty.com
Devoted to Freshness – At the end of the day it’s a culture and lifestyle, says the creator
of Devoción coffee. At the beginning of the day it’s fresh beans from Columbia
to your door in as little as 10 days. They haven’t been sitting around for
months in a warehouse. I’ll spend extra morning moments grinding this batch
until my bag is empty. It’s a time of awareness and gratitude that’s worth it.
I’m savoring Holiday Blend with notes of mulled wine, blueberry and dark
chocolate. www.devocion.com shares the beany journey.
Plant puff – Have you ever touched a soft, cool petal to your skin? The Japanese Organic Konjac Face sponge puff is like that, because it’s from extracts of konjac plants of Yamamoto Farms in Japan. Full of minerals and antioxidants, it cleanses and exfoliates in the freshest way. They’ve been doing this for a hundred years because it works. Something different, once activated with water, keep it in a lidded container in the fridge. RisingSunBrands.com.
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie happy to sample all the flavors of the holidays this season. Converse with her via darraghcastillo@icloud.com
Did someone say fire pit? I’m there. How about smore’s inside? And
simple rubbing alcohol for fuel? Colsen Fire Pits has a smallish round pit that
you can burn at your indoor table and I’m sooooo pleased. There are several
precautions for this “instant ambiance of a real fire.” Mainly don’t blow it
out, don’t add more fuel while it is burning, use a long lighter and don’t burn
your ceiling. Be cautious and be amazed. I could watch this for hours. Cozy has
come and I’m not letting it go. And come summer, take it outside and mix with
citronella to avoid unwanted bugs. www.colsenfirepits.com
Sage has its moment in holiday stuffings.
Smudgers use it year-round and Magnificent 101 presents a Pure Sage
energy cleansing soy wax candle where you write what you welcome into your life
as a done deal. Label it joy or confidence or whatever. Your’e the boss of this
sage. Relax with the aroma then work on focusing on good stuff, what you are
grateful for, etc. Easy, right? www.magnificent101.com has “freebies” as in checklists and
coupons to print.
Mary’s Mixers – Don’t get scared, the Mary’s Mixers site
says. Mary on the label has horns an maybe some extra eyes on her. Is that a
carnivorous plant in of those photos? But they mean don’t be scared to go
beyond Bloody Mary mixers like celery, green olives and cocktail onions to
something more attention-getting, such as shrimp, a chicken wing, bacon or a
slider. Go big with ideas from www.marysmixers.com, an award winner of the International
Drunken Tomato awards. They are “bringing sprits back from the dead.” I mixed the spiciest
version with Mexican beer for a snap-happy cocktail. I have a friend, Mary, who
tipped me off that this sort of mix is good in meatloaf. She was the second
person in a week to mention that, but my Mary’s has a specific intended use
that’s for after dinner, thank you.
Cut Above – For those adding
alcohol to their fire pits only, www.drinkcutabove.com will impress. I’ve tried
these non-alcoholic gin and mezcal versions that satisfy because of attention
to botanical detail. Natural flavorings include Mexican and Persian lime and
chipotle extract. There are plenty of reasons to experiment with zero-proof
concoctions and getting to and through 2023 safely is one. The mezcal is going
in my next cranberry relish.
Darragh Doiron is a Port
Arthur area foodie relishing quiet and cozy nights of Advent as we wind down
2022. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
The Garth House works for Les Enfants
Super Heroes with tools from
fire axes to stethoscopes adorned Pour Les Enfants, the annual Garth House
benefit. Child trafficking does exist and the Interstate 10 corridor means it
can and does happen around here, Marion Tanner, Garth House executive director,
said. The Garth House is a safe place for children to communicate their stories
and Tanner said there have been plenty over the stressful times of Covid
isolation. She urged locals to keep supporting this group to help children
overcome.
This elegant silent an live auction dinner is under a tent at the Old
Town Beaumont headquarters and it’s wonderful to see locals bidding on fun
donated packages and dining in tented elegance.
As for the foodie aspect, the salad was abundant and flavorful. Here’s
how the program listed the fall salad composition: kale, romaine, dried fruit,
feta crumbles, candied pecans dossed in a Dijon vinaigrette.
Make those bubbles last. Kloveo may be designed for people like me, who could
be fine with sliding into bed right after the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. But
what if you crave Champagne early, then desire that ceremonial toast later,
Kloveo’s chrome-plated stainless steel hinge uses Pascal’s Law, a physics
principal I’m not prepared to discuss whilst enjoying Champagne. Clamp on this
hinged stopper after opening and you’ll have bubbles for days, featuring the
ceremonial pop. This after-pop has made this the top seller of such products in
Italy and France. I’ve heard they like their bubbles, too. Why does it work? www.kloveo.com
Joyus sparkling wine is for
“sober-curious” and other folks who want bubbles with no alcohol. It’s
award-winning and the best of its kind I’ve ever enjoyed. Rose, red and white
versions will make your holidays joyful in so many ways. There, that’s it. www.drinkjoyus.com
Nutty, citrus and caramel are notes on some Pure Origin coffees that come with photos of the growers and videos on how their communities – from Honduras, Congo, Peru, etc. – are benefitting from proceeds from medical testing to clean water. The flavors are deep and the causes are good. Get to know these farmers and products at https://www.pureorigincoffee.org/
Tea Runners Club pumpkin alert –
Stocking, sure but you should consider www.tearunners.com for a gift subscription.
Salty Caramel Pumpkin Black could come with Wu Liang Tea and such all you want.
My fave new blend is Genmaicha green tea with rice. You can see it through the
package. Brown tea rice gives off rich and nutty sweetness. Tea is still
revealing itself to us.
Darragh Doiron is a Port
Arthur area foodie who believes the joy of the holidays is both in the giving
and the receiving. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
We think of Thanksgiving as the time to round up the family.
We used to do that at nearly every evening meal. You can “ad-rib” a spontaneous
dinner, hear about the kids’ school days, play with flavors and create, with a little
planning. In “Eating Together, Being Together” Julian C.E. Clauss-Ehlers and and Caroline S. Claus-Ehlers combine recipes, fun and great relation tips. Tips and fun facts help future
foodies get curious about how that food got to their homes and how it will turn
up on their plates. There’s a bunch on salad and why some people think they don’t
like it. Who would not like their “Salad with Bits?” They can consider how
cheese tastes at various temperatures, practice saying the colors of their food
in different languages an watch their avocado pit grow. Are you disguising foods
to trick eaters? (Some times but it’s for a grown man.) This family prefers choice
over deception and has tips on how to get a kid curious enough to try new things.
I’d join this family for dinner any day.
Sisters are Doing it For Themselves. Maybe you remember that
‘80s beat. The Painterland Sisters pose in flowy dresses on a tractor
while enjoying their organic yogurt with billions of probiotics. I was sold on
that fun spirit. Thick and creamy Icelandic style skyr invites you to “honor
nature” from their sustainable farm to your bountiful table. Or to your
on-the-go lunch box. I think I feel more refreshed by the third spoonful.
Meadow Berry is my top pick of 5 great flavors. www.painterlandsisters.com
If your Thanksgiving prep wipes you out, retire to a great night’s sleep with LectroFan Micro2, a sleek portable cylinder ready to relax you with “fan” and ocean noises. Think you know white noise? This portable baby has pink and brown noise, too, and you can travel with it. Visiting family who like the TV cranked? Say hello to your little fan. I’m a true fan. www.soundofsleep.com
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie ready
for Thanksgiving abundance and joy. Share ideas with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
I was drinking Nope while watching “Nope.” Cans of the fruit/herbal non-alcoholic alt-tails are for the “sober curious” and hangover haters. The movie is a neo-Western science fiction horror film. Got all that? Mango Margarita with Jalapeno is my top pick of the line at www.drinknope.com. This lead to a round up of great goods with unusual names and uses. See if these “taste” funny to you:
Label-wise, I could have chosen the cute fox on the lavender scent,
but I chose scary Krampus essential oil incense for the “winter aroma of
frankincense, woods and holiday spice.” Sea Witch Botanicals is
impressively natural and committed to the environment. We invited an incense
connoisseur to”breathe plants not plastic” with us and he picked up on the
clove and patchouli in this small batch blend and went right to www.seawitchbotanicals.com to dive
in.
Chop too many onions for the big family dinner? Dig till you
drop in the garden? Those hands need some balm. You’ve had, and you need, Week
From Hell. It’s a funny name for a serious cracked skin salve. There’s
other good stuff in the lWalton Wood Farm line to transform your skin and attitude.
Rough hands, you’re going down. www.waltonwoodfarm.com
Leather Honey cleaner and conditioner goes on smooth and has made it fun to restore my favorite wallets and I’m moving on to purses and furniture. New to me, this has been on shelves since 1968 and was tested on postal carrier soles. The treated one lasted twice as long. Heirlooms, you’re getting supple for the holidays. www.leatherhoney.com
A mushroom flashing me the peace sign is not how coffee was
once marketed. If you want a cup that does “wunders,” try some gut refreshing,
anti-aging mushroom coffee from Wunderground. The tone is light, the
aroma and flavor are great and the message is healing. Little stickers of
creatures enjoying the coffee are whimsical. That octopus may want more than one
cup. Several flavors await at www.wundergroundcoffee.com and if
this is already too much change, don’t worry about the non-fungible token. Just
enjoy the mushies.
Manta Sleep knows a good night’s rest is a game changer and their wide array of sleep masks show that. I’m trying their stylish blue-light blocking glasses while working at the computer and I just learned you can watch TV at night with them to help transition to a better sleep. Get the melatonin flowing. I’ve heard people rave about them and I’m seeing why. Reviews on Manta (like the devil ray) can be found at www.mantasleep.com
Hemp has popped up in my socks and soap. We could talk of
butter of triphala, but maybe it’s more interesting to mention the hemp seed
oil that helps give Hemp & Herbs such a smooth, natural feel and
scent. This block feels natural and earthy good. www.santhigramherbals.com
If you’re only into Arvin Goods to say your stylish, comfy socks contain hemp biofiber then you’re some kind of …. Friend of the people? That’s what Arvin means in Arvin Goods. Sure it’s funny to say you have weed socks, but hemp fibers aren’t new. These socks are rocking it with great fit and it looks like they’ll hold up a long time. Made for you, worn for good is the “designed in Seattle” company’s deal. See what they’re up to at www.arvingoods.com
Also in sock news: Pear makes compression socks kinda sexy, even if you’re pregnant. When healthy meets style, you should get a pair – or a Pear. See, funny name. I love they support me and the “Be Kind” stitched right in these designed in Canada and made in Italy pieces at www.pearcompression.com
Darragh Doiron
is a Port Arthur area foodie out for new experiences. www.darraghcastillo@icloud.com
I’m going all Astros
for the second week in a row. It’s been fun to see people in their jerseys around
our area and Houston supporting the team in the World Series. Through a
relative, I actually got to attend the World Series opener and that was crazy
fun. This week, Culinary Thrill Seekers, let’s talk about what you can put in
your Astros cup:
Scapegrace
Premium Black Gin – A friend
recently introduced me to the subtle botanicals of gin. People tend to
associate “clear” gin with a light feeling. And now for something completely
different: Scapegrace Black Gin gets coloring from extracts including Aronia Berry, Saffron, Pineapple, Butterfly Pea and Sweet
Potato. But hang on: It fades from black into reds and purples when you mix it
with, say, tonic water and a slice of green apple for a signature serve. Is
this crazy? Well, it’s a conversation starter, for sure. I can’t wait to share
what I’ve already enjoyed. The sleek bottle design is a keeper. think they can say it better than I can, so
here it is, from the New Zealand makers:
Palate:
Full bodied florality with a menthol like crispiness, naturally
chilling with a balanced citrus freshness and a hint of spice.
Aroma: Resinous with
Juniper and dry earthy notes, slight tropical sweetness swooping towards the
end of the breath.
Finish: Candied sweet
potato and pineapple finish, mouth feel is luxurious and velvety and full of
natural citrus oils. www.scapgracedistillery.com
Fire Grounds
Coffee Co. – It’s from
first responders, and from Dallas, and I was right about the Bubba Brew. Texans
ought to love it. Fragrance and body are also found in Rescue Roast and Bury Up
Black. Count on this Firefighter and Veteran-Owned company to come through with
what you need at all hours. Subscribe to the Caffeine-A-Station if you are as
serious as they are. Challenge on for the good stuff. www.firegroundscoffeecompany.com
Fruit Forward – Watermelon is the fruit focus of a kosher
blend that dropped this June. Down south we’re always down for this flavor and
MYX Fusions Watermelon Moscato is my favorite-so-far experience with Moscato.
It’s light, fresh and effervescent by my description. It’s crisp with a clean
finish, according to the experts. It puts me in mind of bridal parties. www.myxfusions.com
Italian Style – Oat Barista is a thing, but I’m currently
trying organic almond, coconut an almond coconut plant-based milks with extreme
success. Koita blends are a product of Italy and I’m enjoying cool flavors by
the carton. I don’t usually indulge in these dairy-free products but when they
come my way, I’m all about it. Italian almonds are giving the body and flavor. www.koita.com
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie ready for cups
overflowing with abundance. Tis the season to be grateful. darraghcastillo@icloud.com
I’m hoping that by the time you read this, my Astro’s snacking tips are
still newsworthy. Not noted for my sporting knowledge, I can certainly get
behind fan support and of course, the goodies. I actually went to an earlier
church service so I could see more of this past Saturday’s game. The popcorn
was ready to go at my house with a nice Parmesan topping and I made cocktails
in orange and blue. I sliced up orange bell pepper to tie it all together.
Readers, if you’re willing to share the hits at your house on game
night, I’d love to give our readers here. Type them up and send them to my e
mail, below. Let’s get thrill seeking!
Movie Credit Good – You stay past “the end” to watch movie credits, right? You’re often rewarded with a tease for the next edition of a story. At the bottom of a Sam’s Famous Salsa carton, I found this message: “See? We told you it may be addictive.” I’d eaten it all in one sitting, but that’s not behavior uncommon in Texas. It’s extremely fresh and satisfying on its own and you can also try it on: eggs, burritos, chips and guac with rotisserie chicken, chicken noodle soup, as a marinade, etc. The family recipe is from the Tarahumara Indian Tribe with Hispanic, Latino and Native American flavors. Get yours at www.samsfamoussalsa.com
Box of Fall – The Chief Gift Guru at Eku Box can handle
the rest of the year for you, but I’m gonna share the secret. The “anatomy of
these knock-out gift packages is “’use plus keep plus eat.” So For the Love of
Olives includes keeper plates, a usable wooden board and the eatable oil. The
list goes on and your set for gifting and hosting. I’m blown over by a fall box
with cookies and candies and a lidded candle that looks like orange cut glass.
It’s the keeper for me. Herbal sprigs and ribbon make it look over-the-top
fancy and get this, there’s a note informing that even the bubble wrap is made
from recycled content. www.ekubox.com to the
rescue.
I Do – The question is www.douoohlala.com. A
strive toward better health inspired Ooh La La Skin Care’s creator to
incorporate fruit, green tea, honey, etc. into butters and cleansers that are
“Made with Nature. Blessed by God!” Who doesn’t want that? One of those butters
is saving my lips this season.
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie still trying not to say
Super Bowl when she means World Series. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
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We go out of our
way to get it fresh and take care with cooking and seasoning. Shrimp can be a
light dish or luxuriously breaded, friend and served buttery or creamy. We
can’t get enough.
Remember the
shrimp festival on Pleasure Island and the famous shrimp calling contest? Call
up your go-to shrimp favorites and share them with readers. Here’s what I’m
craving: With the sensation of the viral butter board – spreading butter and
topping it with various herbs to rake your warm bread through – here’s a shrimp
twist. Cream cheese that board and top it with minced shrimp and garlic.
More life of
luxury options:
Noa Lux – If you even understand the following
sentence, you don’t need me to be telling you about luxury. Bundles of premium
candles, face masks, etc. with good ingredients. Think of “The Waterboy” saying
“high quality.” You know those silk pillowcases everyone raves about for good
hair and stuff? Theirs are made with
100% 22-Momme OEKO-TEX 6A grade silk. I looked all that up and believe me, its
fancy. It feels like a cool bit of heaven as you lie down for pleasant dreams.
The candle will enhance your evening further. www.noaluxco.com
Clearly Good - Fleuri –Enjoy a good artichoke? Wash up with some inFleuri Clear Gel
Cleanse. A dermatologist created this line for long-lasting skin care. Japanese
water, hibiscus rosa-sinesis leaf extract, some citrus and artichoke leaf
extract are clear wash in this tube. Natural product lovers will enjoy the
earthy stuff in this line that’s already famous in Japan. www.fleuribeauty.com
Moxi – My Moxi clarifying shampoo is also clear
to remove nasty pollutants from natural, curly and other hair. Superfruits,
science and nerve make up “fun” products. Moxy means pep, courage and determination are
definitions for “moxi,” one of my favorite little-used words. Posted reviews
show I’m not the only one who likes it.
Redneck and Crans – For those who work hard, camo hard but don’t want to stink
hard, give them The Redneck Bourbon and Oak soap, triple milled and small batch
from Walton Wood Farm. Man, women will love it, too. It’s old-fashioned good
soap that can laugh at itself. Want to make cranberries the new pumpkin spice?
It’s a thing and Warm Cranberry Shea Butter Soap from the same company is on
it. Their whole site is full of humorous, inspirational ways to present really
quality items. Their backstory involves the Canadian wilderness, barn
reconstruction and this soap includes inspiration from the Arctic Fox on
pausing and breathing.
Dr. Wells – Dr. Sherian Wells was completing her Master’s Program in Aromatic Studies when her mom was prepping for knee replacement. She went to work on Dr. Wells’ Magic Cream. Now we can all share her line of holistic, natural, products “that actually work.” I’m sold already by trying just one product: Healing Skin Repair Wash with rose water and oil, tea tree oil, shea butter extract and Castile soap. www.drwellsproducts.com can close the deal for you. Healing is her family business.
Henna Sooq - Khadija is your guide through Henna Sooq
info on hair and body oils with organic amala, golden jojoba and camellia oils.
Want to use henna to color your hair or adorn your body? Navigate to one video
or the other but hey, she’s there for you to take care of natural and curly
hair and soooo much more. This fall, experiment with the aromas and scents that
have healed for centuries. Must I pick a fave? I confess, we have camellia
here, but I’d never have thought that there was such use for the beautiful
flower. But there is, naturally. www.hennasooq.com
Darragh Doiron
is a Port Arthur area foodie who loves the simple things. And the luxurious
things. Share with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
