Garth House is local “Beacon of Hope”

One of the unique aspects of Pour Les Enfants is its’ “street appeal.” I try to explain the elaborate tent with tablescapes and wine, where the yellow street markings are still visible underfoot. Likely you’d have to have been at one of the 34 benefits for the Mickey Mehaffy Children’s Advocacy Program to really get it. New on this year’s scene is spacious digs so new that boxes of office equipment were still on the ground. It’s a needed expansion. On Thursday, supporters “partied” around those boxes. Marion Tanner, executive director, writes that more than 17,000 alleged victims have been interviewed over the past 33 years. This group is for abused children to tell their stories in a safe space. Everyone agrees they wish there was no need for this group to exist. This benefit, with auctions and a positive spirit, unites the cause. People who work with these children and their families showed up to keep these programs funded. Between petite lobster rolls and stuffed flounder with sundried tomatoes in a white wine burre blanc sauce, there were donations that combined high-end wares with those willing to spend for a good cause.

I think I heard right… a doggie was auctioned for $8,000? Well, it was adorable. Someone got a Jeep Wrangler.

Silent auction fan? Big bids went to something called a Dark & Handsome Big Ass Candle. Also hot: foodie and entertaining goodies from locals such as Bando’s TexJoy and Fred Miller’s.

Take a peep at some of the gifts and service offered at the live auction and consider. Maybe you could get something together to benefit charity. People bid on packages called Whisky Business; Lakeside Oasis with nights on Lake Travis; Pipkin Ranch Waterfowl duck hunt (cleaning included) and an Astros package.

Feel you could offer other support to this group? Call (409) 838-9084 about volunteering. 

 Corn Pudding Pairing - Did you ever think to pair corn pudding with Riesling or Rosé? Ga Ga, of “Ga Ga’s Corn Pudding,” would want you to. Scalloped Potatoes ala Odds & Ends, is a delish way to mix up your left-over cheese and open up a red blend. Actually, does leftover cheese ever happen to you? “Sipping Sense: Uncorking the Flavors of Wine, Entertaining and Healthy Cooking” is Stephanie Browne’s fun book of family recipes. With some lessons, like recognizing bitters and salts, some fun times and darned good recipes, she is guiding us toward umami in meals. Mom’s Texas Cake is a rich chocolate treat, and it goes with Muscato or Cabernet Sauvignon. I’m telling you, this is food anyone can make and everyone will love. Good, but with ingredients that are familiar and will present the hostess as a wine appreciator as opposed to a wine snob. Cheers.

Hey Grandma! - Do you have a special order from your grandma? Mine would be her unusual sand tart chocolate chip cookies. "When Grandmas Cook" is a great children's book celebrating what grams around the world share, what they are called and some little bit about the dish. What a gift for little foodies! I'm sure Mexican abuelas in Port Arthur are making tamales like the one in the book. Italian nonnas make pasta with a rolling pin (mattarello) and flour (farina). Borscht requires a baba's kivsh (ladel) and sour cream to make it pink. Jollif, palak paneer, cornbread and mandu are other global goodies. Bottom line: When grandmas cook, they are saying "I love you" in their own special way. Margot Mustich wrote the words and Alette Straathof created the pictures. Remember to tell grandmas that you love them back! 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie warming up to holiday fun, friends and flavors. Share your seasonal favorites at darraghcastillo@icloud.com