Vintage wine cookbook seems sketchy now

 

If you’re looking to be a board member, the Wine Institute Wine Advisory Board seems ripe. I found an undated, but obviously old,  little paper giveaway book titled “Wine Cookery… The Easy Way*.” The asterisk goes to *Using California Wines and The Convenience Foods.”

The cover includes a drawing of  a wine bottle, instant mix, cans of tomatoes and pears and yes, a TV dinner. It’s an artwork of a TV dinner with chicken and what I’m guessing is potatoes and a pat of butter. I did think these kind of cool in the ‘70s. Times have changed and I got a little ticked with some of the recipes. They seem so different from what is considered “gourmet” today. Here’s some ideas from the book:

  The very first recipe is Sherried Geen Pea Soup that includes a can of can of soup and a can of clams. A party cheese spread starts with containers of already made cheddar spread, grated orange rind, California dry Vermouth and small curd cottage cheese. Yum? Maybe. But the Anchovy Wine Cheese Spread with cream cheese, Sherry and green olives. I’d try it but I anticipate I wouldn’t like it. How about Chicken Livers Saute with sherry or Beet and Apple Salad? I’m not keeping the booklet.

                 

Oatsome – I know people who get excited about oatmeal. I’m one of them now. The thrill of overnight oats challenges me. What liquid can I use? How can I top it? When’s breakfast? Oatsome has done this for me. Gluten-Free & Organic Overnight Oats with Chia, Flax & Hemp are some kind of fun. You can make something with the kids that has berries on top and looks like some kind of art sold for big bucks from gourmet markets. You’re a rolled oats type? Oatsome has your fiber here with a more traditional take. www.betterbodyfoods.com will get you thinking about nut butters, cinnamon and – dare I say it – pumpkin spice.

 

Dip + Spread = YES – It was bad math that lead to great snacking. I’m heavy on the spices so I didn’t even notice when I emptied a packet of Spicy Mexican Chorizo inspired seasoning from Sauce Goddess. Typically dip mix goes into sour cream or even cream cheese but I scanned and chose the avocado option for “health reasons.” I then noticed the dip/spread mix was designed to make 2-3 batches. No worries, I’d read that mixing it into hummus was also an option so I creamed up a can of garbanzo beans and let that twirl right into the toasted cumin and bright oregano flavors. It was both bean dip and guacamole, in a way.  The family loved this with veggies and pita triangles as dip. www.saucegoddess.com lets that creative flavor flow into garlic and Moroccan packets, too. You’re gonna have fun with this goddess.

TRUE PRIMAL – Backstory: When hear the name of this company, maybe your mind goes to tearing freshly-hunted meat with your teeth by the fire. Or free-range gluten-free chicken soup. “Primal” means first, fundamental and deliciously intentional to this brand. The line includes Southwest-Style Chicken Soup with a nutritional label that is a joy to read. It’s an on-the-go pouch of pleasure that took me back to a desert retreat. Going to www.trueprimal.com can convince you to “embrace exercise, fresh air, sufficient sleep and stress reduction with nutrition to achieve optimal health.

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie willing to dive into culinary history. darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Eggs with ease

There’s variations of an egg dish with just a few ingredients: Eggs, jalapeno peppers and cheese. Sometimes there’s flour. It’s easy to make, serve and eat. I’ve used a new blue Texturra Performance non-stick bake pan for every version and it it’s been a pleasure to not clean the pan. A simple rinse and wipe prepped it for the next experiment each time. A “unique texture” encourages airflow and structural rigidity with even heating and “excellent release.” Sounds like therapy, right? Please DO follow instructions to prevent scratching, staining, etc. Mine is still new and I’m still loving it. www.wilton.com can set you up. The egg dish got a boost on my second styling with Better Body Foods Whole Grain Organic Oat Flour Blend. I didn’t even measure. I just scooped out a couple of spoon’s worth and blended into my pepper eggs with great results. Use 1-1 replacement for muffins, etc., but it’s not recommended for yeast breads. www.betterbodyfoods.com

War Pig BBQ – It was the name, SNAFU, that got me. Apparently my dad played a character, The Great SNAFU, during his military days. He was a ham, but War Pig, a veteran-owned and Houston based group of barbecue lovers, knows what do with hams. Situation Normal All Fowled Up is their chicken-fowl sauce. FUBAR, For Use on Butts and Ribs, is another fun title and great flavor. These are good, these are fun and they’re from people who don’t mess around with their barbecue. Ham Grenade is a rub to be reckoned with. This group earned an H-E-B Texas best ranking. www.warpigbbq.com

 

Liberty Beans – I hope it’s okay I’ve got my Liberty Beans Freedom Blend in a travel cup. While the patriots at www.libertybeanscoffee.com believe in in God, family and friends AND that coffee should be consumed black and from a mug. But, no judgements, they add. I’m good with all of that plus the amazing aromas and deep flavors. Jim the chef and Diane the chemist are married to each other and a fun/serious coffee production out of Cherry Hill, N.J. Mugs clinking to  their continued success!

Plant Junkie – Remember Elaine’s  “big salad” from “Seinfield?” I had a friend who ate the same home version of a big salad daily. Classic romaine, tomatoes, red onions and a ton of olive oil. Great for the body, but I have the “culinary thrill seeking gene,” so I like to try different textures and mix ins. Canned corn and black beans are some faves right now. And how to dress these works of art in a bowl? Plant Junkie is making it fun. This line offers plant-based creations with natural stuff and Caeser is a newbie. Avocado oil makes it snap. But hey, Thai Peanut is also calling my name. Chipotle Ranch makes you kick up your carrot sticks. I really enjoy this line and what it stands for. My OCD likes me to finish one bottle before opening another. But Blue Cheese makes be go for the crunch. Join me in my salad joy at www.plantjunkie.com

Without a Trace – You’ve got a pinky promise from a family that kids, being super heroes and rock stars in the making, won’t have to be left out of snacking on account of food allergies. They are now speaking from and baking for experience. I’m truly impressed with plant-based sea salt crisps that are “All of the Awesome. None of the Compromise.” www.withoutatracefoods.com has lots of dates, oats and other combos that are fashioned into chewy granola bars, cookies, and power bites that taste good and fruity. If you must be carful what you eat, you can spend more time enjoying it with this line.

 Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who spent most of her life not realizing how good an egg can be for breakfast. Share your stories with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

How to avocado for Taco Tuesdays

 An avocado slicer in the store intrigued me. I texted a friend who said he has one but avoids it. Cleaning is a challenge. I borrowed his while researching 10 brands online. I didn’t realize the handle aided in pit removal. My mom taught me to slice and use a spoon to scoop out the avocado. Then use a knife to whac, twist and remove the pit. It has always worked for me. I never seemed to use the slicer with the right size or texture fruit and I lost a lot of the good stuff and had to use the spoon anyway. I’m sticking to the old ways. The whole process simply reminded me to eat more avocados.

All good. And here are some inspirations to work into Taco Tuesday:

Clubtails – If a giant can of Bahama Mamma or Bahama Mama screams gas station to you, you’re on to something. The Original Clubtails brings you convenient 24-ounce cans of sweet tropical infusions from a convenience store. Just get onto www.clubtails.com to find the nearest near you. There’s enough for two people to share in your own lovely glasses at home, and a little extra for a second round. The biggest challenge is to pick from their several conveniently tempting flavors.

Cactus! – Slick is the word for organic cactus water. It’s got a silken body as it slides down, and 30 calories of flavored, non-carbonated Cactus! The Desert Hydrator will fill you up. Watermelon was my first try. Perfect for unwinding after a day working the ranch. All the popular flavors are in the line. Sarita, the founder, says her sustainable-sourced organic cactus is an excellent source of Vitamin C. www.deserthydrator.com

Are your seeds super? – From avocado toast to cookies, there are countless foods that could benefit from a shake of Organic Super Seeds from Better Body Foods. Not only do I love the product of chia, flaxseed meal and hulled hemp seeds, I also love looking at them. I emptied the zip pouch into a tall, clear keeper in the pantry and have some in a little shaker for easy access. These are attractive reminders to shake, blend and bake the seeds into anything craving a little more fiber, protein and omega-3s. www.betterbodyfoods.com

Raised Gluten Free – Two moms were cooking,,. “Raised Gluten Free” is a claim most adults can’t make, but times are changing. These moms, who created a brand, got to creating pies, cookies and the main dishes I’m sharing here. Gluten-Free Vegan Quiche, an egg-less spinach wonder was favored to win, but Vegetable Pot Pie, also vegan, claimed top place by everyone at my table. The crust was soooo good and the warm innards were the definition of comfort food. www.raisedglutenfree.com 

Lookin’ Good for Taco Tuesday – Guess  what else is gluten-free? EVXO Cosmetics stands up for animal rights. A Plum Rose palette offers amazing eye colors with a stand-out brush and mirror and patrons who must avoid digesting glutens can also be assured these guys are creatively cranking out vegan, organic and gluten-free makeup. Swipe Right lip and cheek tint is a double power that keeps minimalists in hip color. www.evxocosmetics.com 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who has broken the rules before: You can celebrate tacos on any day of the week. Tell her if you’ve done that at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Tamale Holiday Makeover

 

                                    Here’s the Southeast Texas holiday food items checklist: Gumbo, tamales. That hits just about everybody. Add ons welcome. If you just have a few left after breaking open a dozen, here’s an idea for a stray tamale. Cut it up and layer it into your holiday omelet. It’s a spicy bite of joy to make breakfast, lunch or dinner more festive.

                                    I wish all you Culinary Thrill Seekers the happiest of New Year’s activities. Get some joy and share it. Here are some more finds to keep you learning, loving and experimenting:

 

 

Advent book

 

“An Encounter” –  These daily reflections take readers a few days past The Epiphany with readings and even alternative readings that may be a bit more challenging than some giveaway books. We need to be encouraged, and sometimes we need to be shaken. Maurice Nkem Emelu, is a priest asking us to get moving. The author asks, are we ready to follow God’s lead? This is written so you can read it every year at this season. Learn more at www.revemelu.com

                      

 

 

 

Al Basha Mediterranean Market - Out and about for the holidays? Garbanzo beans, stuffed grape leaves, meats and sweets are tempting at the new Al Basha Mediterranean Market. They boast baked goods as well. It’s next to the restaurant of the same name at 2576 Interstate 10 East Frontage Road in Beaumont. It’s fun to explore the cans and packages of different flavors. I’m can’t resist stuffed grape leaves.

 

 

 

Twrl - Jasmine will always be my top pick because that’s my daughter’s name. Supreme Jasmine sounds like a super hero character of sorts, but it’s a flavor from Twirl Milk Tea. Hijicha Roasted Green Tea and Original Black are also premium nitro-infused teas with milk in slim 7.5 ounce cans ranging in the 45-50 calorie range. On-the-go organic fair-trade brewed tea with way less sugar, nut- and soy-free milk and no additional flavorings or GMOs are in here. I don’t know many who have their tea with milk here. We are Southern iced sweet tea people. So, these strong flavors taste adventurous and exotic to me, like I’m on travels and could pack this on my hike to the mountains or the Great Wall. Makes couldn’t find what they wanted so they created it. My Supreme Jasmine is made with tea leaves from centuries-old trees and infused with the finest jasmine they could find for a supremely floral and complex aged experience. Enjoy cold and twirl the Twrl for optimal froth. Learn more at twrlmilktea.com

 

 

Monk Fruit Blend

I’m 100 percent sold on Better Body Foods Monk Fruit Blend Zero Calorie Sweetener with no aftertaste. I rarely use raw sugar… but when I do, I’m going to grab this bag. Antioxidants called mogrosides give monk fruit its sweet taste, so this is a good deal for those wanting a low-glycemic sweetener for baking and drinks. Mmmm. I’m thinking of a rim garnish for cocktails or a cinnamon toast topper. Go crazy.

 

Karviva – “Inspired by Malbec” sounds like something on a home décor sign or a T-shirt. It’s on a bottle of Karviva Unwined, an 80-calorie berry drink you can put in a stemmed glass, if you like. It’s alcohol free, but aronia, mulberry and schisandra berries will do their best to convince you they are “wined.” Karviva also offers Ace Sport drinks in the same style of bottle in flavors such as sunny orange. This line offers antioxidans, collagen and electrolytes. It’s not pretending to be wine but it sure tastes better than many sports drinks.

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie awaiting the joyful abundance of 2022. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud,com

A world of flavors in new products.

Not everyone who sees it’s Hatch pepper season immediately thinks, “I have some Maple Craft Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup at home, and that would pair so well.” You see what you’re dealing with, here. I love so many things. The Southwestern flavor got some caramelized sweetness seared into them on my stove, and it was a winner. But hey, this little flask of flavor features drawings of both barrels and a maple leaf. The aged Vermont maple syrup has hints of smoke, fruit, oak and buttery vanilla. Makers suggest it to elevate your pancakes and bacon and my husband has confirmed it’s a natural win on French toast. Fans are also encouraged to use it as a dessert drizzle, marinade or in beverages, but Hatch peppers are not mentioned by name.

Mesa de Vida
Back in college Bennigan’s announced a new product we servers were to promote: Jerk Chicken. Say what? That was new. We got a paragraph full of background on this layered flavor profile and years later I got to experience it in Jamaica. This summer, I got a flashback with the Caribbean Mesa de Vida, Healthy Global Gourmet Cooking & Seasoning Sauces. One jar has flavored chicken, beans and rice for several servings. How easy was that? Their jars of easy “vacations in a jar” come in Creole, Smoky Latin, Mediterranean and North African, so you can travel the globe this year after all. Simmer, braise and roast or marinate, grill and glaze with sauces that go from instant pot to slow cooker. I’m pretty sure they’d mix into cream cheese for one of those spreads that we’re missing from potlucks. I love the versatility and inspiration that are part of this line. They are Whole30 approved and extremely low in sodium. My little brush with the islands was a much-needed experience.

Tidbits
It’s possible that a notice that there’s less than 2 calories per piece splashed across the Tidbits package is the first thing to catch your eye. These are little, tiny Meringues, which are on the extremely low-cal side and a personal crunchy favorite of mine. Tidbits come in Vanilla, Chocolate, Cappucino, Strawberry and many other flavors and I’m a very big fan. Make sure you seal the bag well so they stay crispy. And don’t let any concern about that be an excuse to eat the whole bag. That would be an easy temptation for these bites free of gluten, soy, sugar, lactose and cholesterol. They are from North, Texas. Oatsome To anyone else in your family, it’s chocolate milk.

Oatsome
Organic Oat Drink is whole grain, gluten and dairy free, also non-GMO. Keep going? It’s sooo good that I got a craving for some in the middle of the day. The box says you can mix it into shakes and smoothies. I usually go for embellishment, but Oatsome needs nothing, but a tall glass. Better Body Foods is who you can thank for winsome Oatsome, from BetterBody Foods from Utah. Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie experiencing the world in flavors. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

The great recipe cull

                      

I still can’t believe my mom, a fabulous and creative cook, let me go through her bulging recipe files, with intent to reduce.

                      We both realized some of those carefully-clipped newspaper recipes from the ‘80s simply were not going to get made. Lots of recipes had the word “surprise” in the title. While it was fun to view them, there wasn’t a sense of loss to “let them go” because we all eat differently now. Foods are not so rich and have different, less processed ingredients.

                      Still, I did divvy them up among cooks I figured would be interested in reviewing them, too.

                      I recognized many contributions from the Port Arthur area, including Angus McIntosh, who cooked for St. Mary Hospital and had a column in The News. Of course, I saved clips that appeared in my column. I hope you would have, too.

   

                      It’s not even green, but it’s good. I refer to Avocado Mayonnaise by BetterBody Foods.

                      Avocados are very hip and avocado toast is super trendy. Why not add a touch of this 100 percent pure avocado oil mayo to your breakfast. Also, did I just use the word “avocado” much? I don’t think you can overdo this non-GMO, gluten-free, soy and canola-free, 100 calorie a tablespoon creamy spread made with cage-free eggs. Conveying all that was more work than making my simple, creamy and yummy toast, Avocado Mayo and fried egg sandwich. Man, I wish dealing with avocados was always as easy as just opening a jar. 

  Fu

                             Fun Size: I'm often late to candy trends. Did you know m&m’s has Fun Size bags of Mexican Jalapeno, English Toffee and Coconut? I loved trying them but I’m still gonna list peanut as my personal favorite. I do like that you can eat some now and then later, because of the coating that won’t melt. I can even stretch the Fun Size into multiple servings.

                  Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who will continue to make new recipes and save the old. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com