Let the sun shine in

 

 

 

Mom was legendary for her crafting. Who else goes to yard sales ASKING for broken jewelry? She made a brooch bouquet for my daughter’s wedding and was decades ahead of myriad artsy trends. I found a cache of her broken jewels and errant beads and corralled them into a suncatcher project. I made suncatchers for her friends and family and I love how they’ve sent photos of them gleaming in their own spaces. Take a look around your stash and get crafty.

 

Going Natural – Are you a little OCD about grocery shopping? From the way items go into your cart, to bagging to getting them from the car to the kitchen? A Lotus Trolley Bag could make you the envy of the market. First, be proud for supporting The Earth. That’s actually a note inside a box of Lotus Sustainable reusable mesh produce bags are a pleasure to touch and use. www.lotus-sustainables.com has a look on something even more committed. These bags with extended handles cradle inside your shopping cart for serious organization. Pockets for egg cartons, keeping your cold items separate? Looking super cute at the store? Saving some of the 1,500 plastic bags a typical family is estimated to use each year? You know you want to. I’ve just seen the trolley bags, but I can tell you, the produce bags are a hit.

 

Roll’eat – It’s a little Marie Kondo and a lot stylish. Roll’eat’s Snack’n’Go duo could be a sandwich and crackers or a wrap and fruit. It’s a two-area soft sack with two pockets, lining and closures to keep you from using so many plastic bags. The reusable pouch is more approachable than others I have tried. It’s easy to clean and puts me in mind of Japanese fabric wrappings. We’re all doing our part to help the Earth and we can do a lot in one lunch time. Their sight, here, has details, in case you need convincing. I, however, need a snack.

 

A Cold Move – Steep your way to iced tea heaven – a mainstay of southern living – with Adagio’s cold-brew tea pitcher. The super-cool  stainless steel infuser lets you steep overnight. It’s slim and sassy in your fridge door. In the morning, I fill two travel mugs with ice and Adagio’s winning teas, such as Ceylon Sonata Iced Tea. I’m good to in the car and still sippin’ at lunch. Sometimes we just need a lil’ something pretty to remind us to stay hydrated in the Texas heat. www.adagio.com has just come into my life with teas and tea accessories that have made me appreciate a classic, yet ever-evolving beverage.

Hot Out There – I’m just taking in how much of my life I’ve lived dehydrated. The signs were there and I hot and cranky. Water helps but Hydralyte is sold in powder and tablets said to rehydrate faster than water. Orange, strawberry lemonade and lemonade are varieties with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. Young people can also benefit from these mixes that taste good to me. All those years I spent as a kid in the back seat with grandma on family trips could have been so much more comfortable with the goods from www.hydralyte.com

 

NECTR – Order a cactus cooler from www.nectrbrand.com and your not getting a sassy drink. You’re getting a stand-out, wholly gripping thick drink holder that will keep that sassy drink cold and stylish. You know those tall slim cans that hold coffee, sparkling water and stronger things? This ridge food-grade silicone holder is for all of that. Pick from other colors, but the cactus cooler green reminds me of Arizona’s iconic suarage cactus and you just want to “grab hold” and make some cold memories.

 

Travel with Spices – I mentioned Alco Eats Funny Nuts. Let’s talk about their spices. “If you have a kitchen, you are a chef.” Easy as that. Easy Indie Bowl spices for spicy chicken and butter chicken and their Achari Chicken Masala spices transport me as soon as I open the bottles. I’ve had them on everything from popcorn and eggs to grits and can assure you they go great with actual chicken/lentil dishes. Visit www.alcoeats.com to spice up for a mini international vacation.

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie letting her little light shine. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

 

We're talking gift baskets

 

Let’s talk about gift baskets. I like making them. I like getting them. It’s so fun to match the recipient to a plethora of goodies. We’re half way to Christmas, so let’s plan ahead.

Vervana – Sometimes you think something that tastes so good can’t be good for you, but there’s Dr. Sinatra in the Vervana literature, a cardiologist who encourages us to Live High Vibrationally. Vervana olive oil and an All-Purpose Italian Seasoning & Dipping Blend is all you need, except maybe some bread to get it to your mouth. What a difference freshness and quality makes, as well as the notion of enjoying these products in Italy itself, or California, where Vervana lives. www.vervana.com showcases gift baskets, including one with a simply divine olive wood bowl and spoon. It’s so smooth and knotty it sends you back in time, yet calls you back for dinner. The doctor has a pasta diet and sauces. Try Vervana  summer salad tips:

1.        When building a salad, let color lead the way. Expand your palate to include peppers, radishes, green beans, Brussels sprouts, red onions, cabbage, arugula, beets, berries, grapes, avocado, apples and pears.

2.       Top it with insulin-balancing and hunger-quenching protein and healthy fats such as nuts, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, quinoa, chickpeas and grilled chicken. Avoid processed carbs like crunchy noodles, croutons and bacon bits.

3.       Keep that salad pristine by using a dressing with beneficial fats and tasty seasonings. Don't drench it in dressing made of cheap oils, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. Instead try Vervana’s cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils, flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Vervana’s Lemon Flavored and Garlic Flavored Olive Oils are packed with flavor and add the perfect finishing touch to a salad. Drizzle it on and add a dash of Vervana's Italian Seasoning Blend for savory, palate-enhancing flavor. More olive oil options here: https://vervana.com/product-category/olive-oils/

Avocado on the tree – Remember the first time you heard the hide-the-pickle-on-the-Christmas-tree story? I never realized Old World Christmas had such a sense of humor. Foodies may now adorn their boughs with alligator pair, aka avocado; peppers (bell and cayenne) and even charcuterie boards. If it’s trending, you can hang it. Avocado toast? Ranch dressing bottle? Bowl of ramen? Taco? www.oldworldchristmas.com has some inspiring delicate glass ornaments made in the old style. You could find a pick for every personality you know. Thing is, they are so pretty and so funny, you’ll hang them in the kitchen – or bar perhaps – all year round. Avocado is trending and those peppers will remind me to eat healthfully.

 

Wrapper’s Delight – I’m not so keen on shopping, but I’ve always loved, loved, loved wrapping gifts. My mother taught me about crisp corners hiding the tape, unique embellishment, etc. Inspired Wraps feels me. This company showcases all the product you can imagine from plain brown bags – all the better to create personalized messages from their cute wooden boxes of alphabet stamps – to vintage look craft scissors to keep you wrapping in style. They’ve made it easy for you at www.inspiredwraps.com where you can buy the themed gift basket and get it wrapped. People like me can get the goods and go to town.

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie embracing the “different” and “creative.” Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Clifford Distilling offers tastings to for 'spirited" dads

 

 Father's Day  the way and I've rounded up some Dad goodies that I'm enjoying, too. Let's start local, with a drink and a story: 

Clifford Distilling, LLC is spiriting whiskey, bourbon and rum right in downtown Port Arthur, and you can get a taste. The tasting room’s vintage mirrors and bar used to live at Snooper’s Paradise. There’s a stage and stables for live music and it’s all distillery in the back. Get your club/family/friends together to hear the story of how this vet-owned business got rolling and all the Texas history you’ll be tasting. You can even get the T-shirt, or a nice travel tumbler, when you leave. Call (409) 300-4023 to arrange a visit or function. Sean Clifford is making 101 proof whiskeys in honor of the 101^st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. www.clifforddistilling.com

Hop to It – Dank resin and earthy bitterness is what I’m craving now that I’ve tried Hop Wtr in blood orange, lime and mango. Sparkling water with hops and nootropics puts you in the mind of beer, but with no calories or beer gut, makers say. That’s an innovative, sparkly something to “cheers.” www.hopwtr.com 

 

Bacon Jam – Ugly pieces of meat are sent to make TBJ Gourmet Bacon Jam, and then they don’t even cure it. Pretty sure Dad will love it. I do. It’s best to heat up a tad of bacon jam to spread it on a biscuit, slather it on mac and cheese or use it anywhere you’d love a bit of bacon. A jar of this stuff theoretically goes a long way, but you know… it’s addictive. Classic is a sweet and savory spread. Sweet Chili, Black Peppercorn and Honey Habanero are ways you could go. At www.tbjgourmet.com read how the uglies help avoid food waste and how you can jam in ways you haven’t even considered.

 Ayla bags & vacs – Hit both mom and dad at this site. While Ayla & Co folks are famous for minimally-designed bags that help you  pack a lot for your family and work life, it’s a hand-held mini vacuum getting my attention. Parents are loving it for everything from high chair cleanup to car maintenance. I am thanking this vac design after some confetti-filled balloons popped in my back seat. It weighs a pound and packs a punch. Mini vacs just got sleeker. Quick cleanup is less of a chore with this on your side. They've got stylish baby bags that any parent wouldn't mind lugging around. 

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

Walking Salads perfect for summer fitness plan

 

Sitting in a fast food line for a quick gulp is not my idea of a lunch break. When I can, I enjoy what I call a walking salad. That means I can get some steps in while enjoying some healthy bites. I breathe in nature, not fumes in the drive-through.

Tips for the walking salad container:

·       Walnuts – Toasting enough for the week ahead offers enhanced flavor boost.

·       Sliced apple – I cut and slice halves and put them exposed-side down in my container. I’ve never had an issue with browning.

·       Cubed cheese

·       Cucumber/tomato/carrot slices

·       Cottage cheese in the corner can act as a dressing/dip

·       Hummus

Create your walking-salad route and “go to town” with it.

Father’s Day is coming up. The husband/Dad I know has enjoyed these goodies:

Meat for Dad – Father’s Day is coming, but Meatcrafters will up the charcuterie game for everyone. A chorizo I unwrapped from this company was the best, chewy, flavorful experience I’ve ever had with this variety. And the black pepper bacon…. It is “EpiCuring.” Visit www.meatcrafters.com for thoughtfully curated selections that will blow your mind. They include a rosemary lamb sausage as an example of things we just don’t see down here in Southeast Texas. While we have duck hunters here, I’ve never seen duck breast prosciutto, either. Hey dads, you’re welcome.

Elda’s Kitchen – The Nonni of this Italian family inspired a range of sauces from hot wing and burger to Spyke sauce. Little bottles of flavor are made in natural ways for your best health and ease. A wooden spoon is a big part of this family’s memories, but the memories of a ‘50s style kitchen and what looks to be a yellow Pyrex nesting bowl like I used this week really got me cooking. Go to the site for weekly recipes. On my first tries, I improved meals by simply twisting the top open and pouring it on. With no chicken in the house, I sauced up a pan of onions with hot wing sauce and I was flying high. Thank you, Nonni.

Sans Gluten – It’s still a pound cake even though the gluten isn’t weighing in. I made XO Baking Co.’s pound cake for an event, and decided to take off a crispy end first just to “try” it. I nearly could not stop “trimming” the warm, gourmet delight. For foodies who need to avoid gluten products, try their pancakes, zucchini bread and more. This line is not for “making do” without your fave mix, it’s about creating some really good alternatives that won’t leave you wanting. Unless of course, you want for another slice of pound cake. When I brought this cake to a gathering at what a friend calls her “Mermaid Lounge,” a gluten-free guest request I make another when it’s her birthday. www.xobakingco.com

 

The Goods on Grits – Nouveau Stone Ground Grits has a Georgia history with a grandma and a seafood and grits combo with cognac that I now have to have. But you can get Nouveau grits in bags to enjoy in the “serenity of your own home.” In a half hour I cooked up the entire bag of original stone ground grits and will be enjoying it for days. With this quality package, it’s a breakfast, lunch and dinner delight. Ebony Austin’s story is a good one and you’ll want to be part of keeping everything found at the Nouveau Bar site successful. Okay, I typically try the original flavor first, but let me tell you, Noveau comes in Garlic & Herb and Jalapeno & Cheddar that just got better and better.

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie good for grits and other southern fare. Share your foodie love with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com