The holidays are BOOMING!

Our area's oil industry is something to celebrate. Here are two holiday-related ways. Museum of the Gulf Coast features a mural and other displays focusing on the area's oil heritage. Enjoy it all for free from 10 a,m.-1 p.m., Dec. 6 for Jingle All the Way Family Fun Day at the Museum. Beware The Grinch. 

Spindletop Boomtown Museum shows us how it all began. I recently stopped by when Boomtown put out some cheese and crackers to showcase the gift shop jam. The xpread gave a peek as to how staff can host your holiday parties and other events. Imagine your office hanging out at the saloon. Cheers to Gladys City. I took my plate outside  to admire the moon by the oil rig. When a grape rolled off onto the ground, I got a new friend. A pretty kitty followed me, hoping I'd drop something else. I hear her name is Gladys and she gives tours./

TruWild – If you don’t “hike, ruck and trek,” you may need an into into high-impact outdoorsing. I’m more of mall walker when it comes to exertion. Nate and Zac created a product I didn’t know I needed. The line includes Hydrate, a powder of electrolytes and aminos to replenish, rebuild and recharge. This was a blessing when I got seasonal allergies and passion fruit guava and watermelon flavors got me back in balance. I want to mention their branding. Truwild represents values of dedication, purpose, honesty and conviction. To stay True. They want to give back freedom, connection, exploration and primality. Here’s to staying Wild.

This has got to bring to mind Bun B of UGK, rappers from Port Arthur, who brought us the concept of keeping it Trill, true and real. www.truwild.com

Not Sticky at All – How can you snack on sriracha sticky rice right out of your purse? Learn to love Brussels sprouts if they crunch and taste like sweet Thai chili sauce? Go Mediterranean with a snack mix of eggplant, sweet pepper, zucchini and onion? Get Woodbridge Snacks to crisp it all up for you. These are crunchy little scientific miracles of flavor. Unroll a Tropical Fruit Roll in mango, too. I shared these from my bag at a Symphony of Southeast Texas concert at Tyrrell Park and my companions were hooked.

Here's how they describe three newbies in the line:

Tempura Seaweed Chips – Real umami seaweed coated in light tempura batter and seasoned with either simple sea salt or a sweet and mildly spicy sriracha blend.

Sticky Rice Chips – Handmade chips featuring whole grain, Japanese-style Mochi sticky rice harvested from sustainable farms in Thailand.  

Mochi Rice Nuggets – Offered in Teriyaki or Tom Yum flavors and made with short grain, slightly sweet white rice baked to a crisp. Enjoy Teriyaki for splashes of soy sauce and sake and a hint of ginger, or Tom Yum for the taste of a traditional Thai soup favorite. www.woodridgesnacks.com 

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie ready to make the holidays BOOM! Share with her via panews@panews.com

 

Advent is about waiting; put a rush on it

Advent calendars with adult themes are trending. Companies that sent me some say they are about to sell out. Advent is about patiently preparing, so please, “wait” for this story about my mom, Jeannette. 

Ladies of St. Jude shared their crafts at a recent meeting. There were painters, those who crochet and make "softies," blankets, rosary and wreath makers. I actually brought my columns, and shared how I like to write about food. I also used my time to share my late mom’s crafts. She loved to make something from nothing. A true '70s crafter. I love her spool tree the best, fashioned from fabric and paper, it stays out all the time at my house. She decoupaged Christmas cards onto wooden triptychs and curled can lids into intricate snowflakes. 

Jeannette Pennell Doiron was not allowed to take shop in school. She was a girl, after all. So she hung around her dad and taught herself carpentry, wood carving, brick laying, sewing, embroidery, gourmet cooking beading and more. I want to grow up to be like her.

            Check out these Advent calendars that have come my way:

Delicious Texas is a box as big as a Texas boast. Behind these doors are some goodies from all across the Lone Star state including:

·        Mostly Chocolate ( Houston, TX I Hazelnut & Pop Rocks Bar 1 pc)

• Cacao and Cardamom (Houston, TX I Gingerbread Spiced Pecans 2.0 oz.)
• Toffee Treats (Dallas, TX I Milk Chocolate Peppermint Toffee 2.0 oz. )
• Lone Star Bee Company (Houston, TX I Tuscan Blue Rosemary and Pepper Honey (3 oz. Jar) )
• Millican Pecans (San Saba, TX I Caramillican - one dark chocolate and one white chocolate )

Do you have someone who misses Texas on your list? Let www.deliciousfooddelivered.com level up the holidays. Wait for it… there are other states in this line of Advent calendars. Texas is a popular one, of course.

            DM Snacks.com has a couple of packages from Forty Fort, PA they can set you up with. I may sneak ahead to Door 20 for Beer Cheese Crunch Stix. There’s a cheat sheet so you know to plan ahead for something spicy on the 11^th with Wasabi Taproom mix. www.dmsnacks.com

Warming Joy and Winter Chalet are Tea Forte selections that are the essence of the season. Wind down and cozy up with amazing tea flavors from these collections with flavors such as Ginger Lemongrass and Chocolate Fondue. Open little numbered doors to find what joy you will experience for the day. www.teaforte.com

 For the Foodie with Flair is how 15 Olives makes its pitch. They had me at Robust, but Bold Tuscan Blend and Mild Extra Virgin Olive Oil also do their job this time of year. Between the holiday extravaganzas, try a simple meal of bread, eggs and these fine oils to refine your cravings. They’re rich and indulgent and a little goes a long way. These are perfect hostess gifts. For an extra drizzle of luxury:  holiday gift sets 

Check out an Alter Eco first-ever truffle Advent calendar: alterecofoods.com.

 

Darragh Doiron Castillo wishes you ALL the Happy Holidays. Reach her via panews@panews.com

Beach Life Breakfast

 

Beach Blessings

It’s more than a bumper sticker thought that the beach refreshes the soul. Catch a sunrise on the shore to remind you of your place in the world. We’re blessed to enjoy the Gulf’s beautiful waves on a peaceful day. It’s spiritual.

And a foodie appreciates the fine details of soul nourishment with a cup of coffee in this atmosphere. A classmate refreshed some women who have known each other most of their lives with a weekend full of positive vibes. There was also a competitive washboard game. As if simply being there was not enough, she prepared breakfast casserole and layered yogurt parfait for an outdoor breakfast. Again, phrases like “Food, Fun and Friends” appear on décor pillows and T-shirts for a reason. It’s good times. Bless the soul who blesses others.

By the way, a quickie tour of Camp Margaritaville Resort Crystal Beach impressed as well. In addition to a way-cool concert arena, guests can dine with flair or take a dip in the License to Chill pool.  

Pumpkin Spice Watch – Here’s a new-to-me use of pumpkin I condone. Pumpkin and Pearl Couscous Salad involves ginger, chili powder, spinach and cashews. People around the world are using their pumpkin for more than coffee. In “Plantasia” Pamela Chia offers Asia’s Vegetable Wisdom in Recipes, Stories and Techniques. So many countries can make their produce a full and flavorful meal Typhoon Shelter Mushrooms, Tempeh Satay with Sambal Matah, Savory Corn and Bell Pepper Cake with Guacamole and Butternut Squash Dengaku are dishes you can make at home now. I’d never heard of many of these combinations and spices before. Now I’d love to try them all. Deviled cashews and pea cookies are more temptations. This book is lovingly written. The are interviews, painted portraits, recipes and history. Wisdom is delicious.

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie working to experience as many new flavors as possible before 2025 is history. Share your ideas with her via panews@panews.com