Got
a little bit of nutmeg and a few cloves? Mix ‘em up and create your own pumpkin
spice mix, chai tea flavoring or something to make that chili warm you up. I
have “Frankenstein” blends in the pantry that are forever undergoing changes.
Fall’s a good time to make a clean sweep. That leads right into your Culinary
Thrill Seeking Pumpkin Update of the week:
Everyone
Loves Pumpkin
This week’s Pumpkin Update is chapter 9 of “The Complete Autumn &
Winter Cookbook.” Even the Mayans experimented with a seed dip, according to
this 400-plus page book covering everything from soup (intensely flavored
Moroccan lentil harira) to nuts (spiced pecans with rum glaze as a hostess
gift). The Everyone Loves Pumpkin
chapter includes Slow-Cooker Creamy Pumpkin-Chai Soup, Roasted Sugar Pumpkin
Wedges, Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce and Pumpkin Pecan Cookies. I love the
“Why This Recipe Works” boxes with each recipe. Maybe you were concerned that
the Ancho Chile Liqueur you are steeping for a week wouldn’t work, but they’ll
tell you why it will. Go now and
assemble your winter squashes, hearty greens, fruits and ginger. It’s time to
make gourmet comfort food for your autumn and winter kitchen.
My deal with popcorn
Salty-n- Sandy is for people
who have made the choice to enjoy popcorn,
but can’t decide between addictive savory or seductive sweet. A tub
of this Johnson’s Popcorn arrived as a
product sample and the rep contacted me to make sure I got it. I told her I was
about to travel, thus indulge, then I’d have to wait a while and plan on a
popcorn dinner. She gave me an ‘lol’ then realized I was serious. This tub of
“World Famous Quality Caramel Corn since 1940” trademarked concoction contained
27 servings. Through careful rationing I was able to enjoy this for dinner, two
lunch snacks and one breakfast. Then there was the Cheddar Corn variety with
artisan cheese. Same story. It was a popcorn week and I was happy. I also had
orange fingers. Worth it. These Ocean City, N.J. folks obviously know what
they’re doing. The paired tub with mixed flavors kept integrity of crunchy and
soft and when the cheese stood alone it was another joy. I know there are
others like me who plan ahead for popcorn. Do this with 26 of your closest
friends. Or, my way. More amazing flavors await at www.johnsonspopcorn.com
The Racoon is into Tahini
Creamy Tahini (Only Sesame Seeds) could be your thing, and now Creamy Tahini with Lemon is mine. The
attentive folk and mascot racoon of Once Again nut butters sent out these
creations for fall cooking, including a suggestion to drizzle over baked squash
or bake into breads. How organic does that sound? I need to mention this
cooking thing now, so you’ll be planning the pumpkin spice season. But much of
my jars are being diminished now with just the benefit of a slice of green
apple to get it to my mouth. I love that they have a space on the label for you
record the date the jar was opened. Keepin’ it fresh. Onceagainnutbutter.com
has ideas and info on goodies such as packets of sesame seed butter to toss in
your lunch.
Jim Stevenson on Birds
Sabine Woods could
be the “crown jewel” of the Texas coast, noted birder Jim Stevenson writes in
his latest book “Birds of the Gulf Coast.” A photographer and guide, Stevenson
is always in the field for birds, and sometimes snakes. Want to know when to listen
for that nasal “quok” or quark” from a Black-crowned night heron? Learn tricks
of the parking lot killdeer to lure you from his eggs? Stevenson shares his hot
tips. He’s involved with the Galveston Ornithological Society and his
photos help guide readers to best birding locations, safety, seasons and nature
study. For your autographed copy, send your requested message and $30 to
GOS, Rt. 1, Box 185C, Galveston, Texas, 77554.
Darragh Castillo is a Port Arthur area foodie
who is also, apparently, a birder. Visit with her about both topics at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
