A tribute to “nosh”

 

"Nosh" couretesy photo: Beet Babaganoush

Texans tend to munch, but I love the word “nosh.” I’m getting a Yiddish origin of nashn, from Middle High German naschen, “to eat on the sly.” It’s got the snack and the sneak!

There’s a new cookbook called “Nosh.” Intrigued?

Can I blow your mind for a moment with the concept of an “Everything Bagel “Fattoush” Salad with Za’atar Cheeseballs?”  Are we sure we have a good grip on all the words in this title? Trust Micah Siva, who explains it pretty well, and makes us crave the flavors in “Nosh: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Culture.” There’s a Shabbat Matrix suggesting homemade challah, wine spritzers and hand-dipped candles if you fall in the “lots of time” slot. The “more time” area calls for store-bought challah and wine. Little time? Go for bread, grape juice and a tea light.

Herbed Horseradish Salad, Pomegranate Lentil Tabbouleh and Beet Baba Ghanoush with Pomegranate are proof that dining is a fantastic way to learn a culture. Hummus variations include red pepper harissa and Zhoug. Going easy on the meats? Try pulled mushroom and tofu “brisket,” jackfruit and white bean “shawarma” and “sesame tofu “schnitzel.” Save room for dessert. This is a thick book. It would take until next Passover to enjoy all these bites.

 Should Mayochup exist? - A squeeze bottle Heinz Mayochup caught my eye. Then I had to look away. Imagine squeezing out a pinkish blend of mayonnaise and ketchup right on to your plate of..... fries? I'm sure there are lots of uses for this prouduct. If Heinz chooses to add it to the way more than 57 varieties, it must be a "thing." But not my thing. Readers? You are you craving this now? 

     Sor      Sorbabes – Don’t tell regular ice cream, but we’re on a break. SorBabes are real fruit, dairy-free treats on a stick with variations such as Berries & Cocoa Crisp, Strawberries & Cream and a banana fix. My boxes say “new recipe.” Best friends created this partnership of sorbet and finance and planting fruit trees and making delicious goodies. There. More at www.sorbabes.com

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie ready to nosh all night. Share with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

White sands await in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama

 

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach – These are two areas often considered as one. Think Dallas-Fort Worth, but on sugar-white sands with condos. I woke up at a lodge on a state park to view the sunset and walked so far I believe I was in Orange Beach. Later in the car, I wondered aloud to my sister how far we were from Florida and by the time she tracked it, we were there. Just down the road.

 

Shell Yes – Just one good shell can recall an entire vacation. I found joy in even partial mollusk shells in earthy tones that I scattered in pots around my garden. I found spare change in broken sand dollars that must have been tortilla sized when intact. Remember, shells were once homes so get them from the beach only. “Leave Only Footprints” is a constant reminder from cleanisland.org.

 

The Flora-Bama Experience – This lounge/package store/oyster bar was on my bucket list for less than 24 hours. I’d just heard of this sprawling joint on the Florida/Alabama coast and was shuttled there by the end of the day. Someone had to shut my mouth as I explored the different levels adorned by years of autographed and tossed braziers. There was a band, a solo singer and lots of bushwackers. That’s the creamy local drink with Kahlua and other sneaky surprises. We all got a scan, search and pat down before entering. Guess my krewe looked like trouble. It was like stepping onto the set of “Urban Cowboy” and the music flowed. I’m hearing there is church on Sunday and if you’re still in the parking lot from the night before, they’ll knock on the window, wake you up and invite you to attend.

 

Alabama Beach Mice – These are a thing. An endangered thing. They sound tough, like gang with dungarees and greased-back hair. But they live in the dunes and the Lodge is working to support them. They’re nocturnal so I never saw them. They must wait for the Flora-Bama crowd to roll in.

Your Turn – Sure Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have been famous for a while. I’m new to this love. If you’re headed to Alabama’s white sand beaches, make sure you go to www.gulfshores.com to get prepped. #stealalabamabeaches

 

Darragh Doiron Castillo is a Port Arthur area foodie ready for the shore. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

 

 

Put creativity on your ‘bucket’ list and upcycle

 

I love a good spring cleaning. But my sister’s clean out left me with some of her stuff to re-home. A silver-plated ice bucket from her wedding is now, decades later, holding my garden tools. It looks fancy and inspires me to get out there and do some work.

Finding new uses for stuff is fun. As I understand it, an antique would need to be 100 years old or older. Vintage is defined as old, recognized and of enduring interest, importance or quality. A lot of my friends think we are vintage.

 

Zouped Again! – What’s new?    If you never get tired of chicken noodle soup, try the Zoup! version… it’s ready-made in the jar. Zoup! is a “good, really good” chicken bone broth, savory bone broth and more.

                             I recently mentioned the Butternut Squash variety. Now there’s Portabella Mushroom Bisque and other goodies. They’re proud of their Chicken Pie Soup and let me tell you, that is just what it tastes like. That flavor doesn’t have to be a blast from the past any longer. It could be your regular weekday quickie meal. www.zoupbroth.com

 

Sake Soda – Beautiful tattooed warrior women adorn Sake Soda cans. Cherry Blossom, White Peach and Yuzo Ginger are the oh-so-delicate flavors enhancing this sparkling water with Junmai Sake. Cane sugar’s in this libation and it’s oh-so-hip and refreshing for this season. www.sokesoda.com

 

                                    Soula – This is more refreshment in a can with Lime Margarita and other light, fruity flavors. You’d for sure want to pop one open with the meditating barefoot guy on the can. Premium Agave Azul de Mexico is what he’s had. Soooo good. www.holasoula.com

 

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie looking for the “yum” factor. When you find it, let her know at darraghcastillo@icloud.com  

Chef Carly starts with the seasons

Seasons of Goodness – Something good is always in season when Chef Carly Oubre is cooking. She looks for produce at its peak first off.

 

“That’s how I start to plan my menus,” said this foodie from Chic Chef Catering

Her bites are often featured at Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center events. Those at the recent unveiling of a Texaco Oklahoma model started with kale. The Port of Port Arthur and Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce sponsored a luncheon that also featured Creole Honey Mustard Pork Loin and Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes.

            I call kale the star, though. An oversized platter featuring dark, leafy kale dotted with dried cranberries and raisins had a secret punch. Feta and citrus vinaigrette highlighted Asian inspired flavors of gochujang and miso. Back off, kale haters. This could win you over.

            Oubre said there’s “never a lack of seasoning” in her menus.

            Her presentation helped set the mood for memories to ensure those who died during the Texaco Oklahoma ship tragedy will be remembered. The ship left Port Arthur on March 22, 1971 with 44 souls, headed to Boston. The vessel broke in half March 27 and went down March 29 with 31 men. Only 13 survived.

                       Blanket – Mom, can I have more invert sugar syrup? Sure. There’s no high-fructose corn syrup involved. Like so many better-for-you products, the Carter Family’s mom needed to eat better. Blanket Pancakes & Syrup was born. Clean and simple real food is what they aim for in several varieties of pancake and waffle mix. I made some great ones over a week and couldn’t pick a favorite. The syrup, labeled that it tastes good naturally, pours golden and thick for breakfast and beyond. Try it on baked sweet potato, ice cream and biscuits. Mixes from North Carolina come to you. I didn’t see why it’s called blanket, but they make me warm all over.

Chcolate, But… - If someone told you to wash your mouth out, and  you used SuperMouth  Super Chocolate MouthWash, it could go either way. This could sound so weird you choose the soap instead. If you're a thrill seeker like me, or maybe a kid, you'd want to try it. It's pretty cool. This company's "mouthwash squad" is saving the day from bad breath with pH-alkalizing mouthwash to keep your healthy bacteria ready for an overall "healthier oral microbiome." With nature-inspired flavors of washes and pastes and fun tongue scrapers, the dental hygiene part of your kids’ nightly routine can improve at first taste and sight. Hydroxamin™ is the super patent-pending formula included to naturally whiten and serve as a fluoride option. Chocolate tastes like adventures and memories. Strawberry, mint and vanilla are at www.supermouth.com

 

"Authentic Interiors: Rooms that Tell Stories" - Ancestor pics. They don't have to be your ancestors. But maybe they have to be vintage or antique... There' that looks authentic. If your client likes graffiti? Work that in. A nice leather satchel or big blue vase? I'm in. Remember, when it comes to home decor, your story is being told. Philip Gorrivan's book on how to beautifully live your story of travel, cooking, collecting, etc. offers beautiful photos of rooms you want to visit. Your own space could look a lot more like these images when you read how the rooms came together. Here's a tip I already knew: Displaying favorite books in your home help tell your story. 

 

                   “Sifting Through the Ashes” – The deadly 2018 Camp Fire in California caused times of trauma, tragedy and resilience. Darla Gale and Alice Rodriguez share some from those who woke up not realizing their homes would be gone in a day. How did they prepare, escape and return? Their words tell the stories and offer lessons in how to help transitioning from victim to survivor to thriver. We often don’t know how to respond to those who need help. Here’s how to pay attention and offer appropriate feedback. It’s okay to say you are not sure what to say! The world needs heart. Learn more at www.HeartstringsCounseling.org.

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who will try just about anything. Share your finds at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Yacht Rock hits the mellow spot

 

Are you familiar with the genre Yacht Rock? Think Christopher Cross, Fleetwood Mac, Toto and Kenny Loggins. Think background music on a summer evening and think ‘70s. I’ve streamed this sound on my computer and was thrilled to fall into a party with this theme. Perfect. Captain’s gear and flowy dresses and a silent auction made this backyard pool party rock. The signature cocktail was named for Isaac, bartender on “The Love Boat.”

The event was the Preservation Bash, a benefit for the Oaks Historic District Neighborhood Association. Their mission includes recognizing and enhancing the historical and cultural importance of this area in Beaumont. Through this bash and Homes for the Holidays, this group funds a scholarship and Little Free Libraries. A salsa served from a pineapple was my favorite offering on a beautiful nibbles spread. A friend of mine bid on a cruise from a Pleasure Island-based vessel. Did I mention what a good friend she is? Hint, hint…

To learn more about the group, visit www.oakshistoricdistrict.org

 Bigger Kitchen? – Some guy had a tiny kitchen and went upward. A Wisconsin-based warehouse is putting together StoveShelf, a stainless deal you literally magnetically click onto the back of your stove to make a handy shelf. For what? Some peppercorns, olive oil, etc. This guy sells glass jars for that, too. I’m keeping silicon potholders up there, too. If you have a rounded back on your stove, little stickers can help that. It’s affordable and easy and just lovely. I know that many folks will say that oils need a dark container far away from the hot stove. I. Don’t. Care. I use that stuff all the time so it goes quickly and now I have a beautiful display.  You can also get spouted oil containers and grinders that enhance your display with spicy style. Thanks guy who thought of this.  www.stoveshelf.com

What’s a NATPAT? – This line of sensory stickers arrived as described. Textured patches adorned with cute animals and such, that release essential oil scents when rubbed to promote a sense of calm. Does your kid need this? Do you? Turns out the Mandarin, Sweet Orange, Atlas Cedarwood and Lavender in Zen Stickers does help “bring zen to big emotions.” If you’re a nail biter, hair twister or pen clicker, NATPAT can be your friend when stuck on phones, bottles, clothes, etc. Other varieties help with keeping mosquitoes away and allergies at bay. www.natpat.com has options promoting better sleep, too.

On the Run: Hey foodies, got your step counters on? Rember that the more you move, the more you can maybe enjoy a treat now and then? www.lovehershop.com has a pair of Everyday Joggers that are very soft and stretchy and described as “insanely comfortable joggers that are stylish enough to wear all day.” Go ahead, challenge me. From sneakers to black flats, you’re good to go in ultralight gear.

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who wants to hear of your new finds. Share your tips with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com