Donut is here

For years I’ve passed a little sign in a field announcing “donut, coming soon.” It’s here. The Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce helped Paul and Judy cut the ribbon on Donut Hole, at 7217 Ninth Avenue. Paul told me the boudain kolaches are best sellers and with that huge fresh bun around the link, I can taste why. They also did a great job on a crispy apple fritter, a personal favorite of mine. Bavarian cream? Yes. There are plenty of other flavors as well as big breakfast sandwiches. The couple is from Cambodia and the extended family also runs Donut Hole bakeries in Groves and Orange.

Times are tofu

I’ve heard lots of stories about vegetarians and turkey lovers not getting along during the holidays, but Nasoya can help bring unity to the table. Tofu is nothing to laugh about and our younger generation is favoring it as a healthy option. Packages of Nasoya brand extra firm tucked away in the back of the fridge are a handy option for when you can’t think of anything else, as well as when you want to create. A serving has 80 calories, and you can flavor it into just about any culture’s tastes. I usually opt for Asian, but just got up from an Indian curry with some Nasoya bulking up the spinach and onion concoction. Here’s an idea straight from the makers that can use meat, or not:

Turkey Harvest Popper


Ingredients: 

1 package Nasoya Won Ton Wraps

8 ounces ground turkey

8 ounces whole cranberry sauce

1 fourth cup finely chopped walnuts

1 fourth cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion

1 fourth cup finely chopped celery

1 teaspoon sage

1 teaspoon celery salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

half teaspoon  salt

gravy for dipping

Preparation Method: 

        Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all ingredients in medium mixing bowl. Brush edges of Won Ton Wrap with egg wash (1 egg and one fourth  cup water mixed). Place 1 teaspoon of turkey mixture on wrap then pinch corners together. Place filled wraps on non-stick baking sheet. Brush top of wraps with remaining egg wash or lightly spray with vegetable oil. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes until wraps are golden brown. Serve with gravy for dipping.


        Hint: Cover unused wraps with a warm, moist cloth in between batches to keep from drying out.


·        Vegetarian Version: 1 package of Nasoya Extra-Firm tofu instead of ground turkey Crumble tofu into a large skillet and lightly brown with olive oil and a dash of celery salt. Let it cool. Mix together the remaining ingredients and follow the directions above.

Spray Thin

Have that New Year’s Resolution ready? I’ve been playing with Spray Thin, taseless, scented crystals that you spray on food and your nasal sense receptors trigger your brain to make you believe you are full faster. Some of the same people who made Sensa and Sprinkle Thin have created Spray Thin. Read up on the studies before you try the sweet or savory sprays. Savory is designed to give off a Parmesan cheese aroma. Makers offered to send a sample and I sure wanted to try it. It’s a very interesting to read about the product and I can say it doesn’t have a flavor. As a Weight Watcher I portion my food in a different system, so It’s difficult to say how the product worked on me. Portion control is what Spray Thin is about, so those who have issues, especially at tempting holiday time, may want to view www.spraythin.com.