The Art of fishing coastal Texas

Fishing for me is perusing the supermarket for a seafood dinner treat. Fishing for others the adventure that lures them to Port Arthur’s Sabine Lake for trout, redfish and flounder. Sunlight on fins, closeups on tails, the drama of the catch and coastal landscapes are stars in Danno Wise’s new book “Fishing for Photographs: A Collection of Coastal Angling Images.” I corresponded with Wise, an outdoors writer and photographer who loves Sabine Lake’s diversity. He says it is an area “every Texan needs to fish.” My favorite images are half in and half out of the water. It’s a fish view. Check out this summertime reading and road trip planning. Get this book and then get out on the water. It is available on both Amazon.com and Walmart.com.

Better Than Milk In the world of oddly- yet appropriately-named products, we have “Better than Milk.” What do you get when you mix Italian spring water, organic rice, hazelnuts and a touch of apple juice? Something to pour over cereal, spike your coffee or pour in your cut crystal glass to enjoy like your overlooking the Lessini Mountains. That’s where the spring water is from. Is it “Better Than Milk?” Could be. If you like healthy choices and flavor and perhaps need a milk alternative. It’s very good and I’m craving it when I open the fridge and see the cartons. Almond drink? That variety was good, too. Unsweetened organic oat is perfect for cereal and more. Nut Pods Almond and Coconut and creamer equal Nut Pods, containers of creamy goodness to add to your beverages. But wait… there are recipes from amazing cakes to creamy cauliflower mash that will incorporate those French Vanilla, Sweet Crème and Caramel flavors to the max. Get in on the nut stuff like my husband has. He’s really into this one. Even the packaging is plant based. Kahawa 1893 Brewing is more of an art than science, perfected in every way from moka pot to French press. Just don’t percolate, says Kahawa 1893. You’ll be sacrificing quick quantity for bitterness…. This Serengeti blend has a monkey and toucan on the package of 100 percent Arabica Coffee. The aroma is amazing. Do you ever open a bag of coffee and set it near you as you work? It’s like having a candle that you can brew later. Kahawa 1893 sources directly from women farmers in Africa and gives back to empower them. You can scan the code to tip the farmer. That’s some old farming methods combined with new tech. kahawa1893.com Know about congee? For years I’ve heard of congee, a boiled rice porridge considered a cure all comfort food in many cultures. I imagined it a soft version of our gumbo, which brings us joy. I finally got to try some in a convenient cup version and it was so enticing I had more for dinner. Mr. Lee’s Congee is prepared by boiling water and filling the cup to the line and being a tad patient. Original features three kinds of grains, soy sauce, ginger and spring onion. It was soft, but with a good bite of texture and subtle flavor in there. As I spooned it up at dawn on my patio, I traveled in my mind. Damien Lee is on the package described as a three-time cancer survivor who was told he had weeks to live and decided to work on quick, honest and tasty food. So there’s soul packed into these cups. Dinner was the version with white meat chicken, mushroom, ginger and spring onion. www.mrleesnoodles.com Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who loves a good read and a good meal. Share your experiences with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Up your sandwich game

What’s in your summer lunch box? What are you packin’ for park excursions, bike rides and office lunches? The “same” works in a rush. If your summer season is slower, experiment. Spread the love Remember that sandwiches can be for supper, and even entertaining. Our musician friend continues to perfect a bean burger with thin slices of purple onion, avocado spread evenly all the way to the sides and dashes of hot sauce on sprouted Ezekiel-type breads. Salads make cool sides. Make that sandwich mindfully and contemplate all the efforts made to grow the food, get it to the market and into your home to nourish you. Prepare, dine and enjoy with gratitude.

What are they smoking in Iowa? You’d think pecan wood smoked sweet black peppered ham would be my favorite. Maybe next week. I’m committed to brown sugar ham for today. Hormel Natural Choice Hardwood Smoked chose applewood to flavor garlic and ham turkey breast and ham. Your mind went to sandwiches, right? But it’s easy to whip up ham salad from these guys, packaged in a box. They’re minimally packaged with no nitrates, preservatives, artificial ingredients or added hormones. That’s what they’re smoking in Osceola, Iowa, and it’s what’s for lunch. The Cheese Guy Gouda with a smooth soft touch is from pasture-Raised cows that are doing a great job, from the taste of it. Torio is a new one for me. Sheep and cow milk cheese is semi-hard and didn’t even need a cracker. I enjoyed it on its own. Parmesan is aged three years and has a just-right bite. It’s so rich. Now, for the Ghost Pepper Jack… Some heat is coming through in these colorful specks. I like it. www.thecheeseguy.com is rocking it. Almonds make yogurt Toss an Ayo almond milk yogurt into your portable feast to keep your lunch box cool in two ways: temperature and hip, smooth, flavorful treats. It’s yogurt made personal and delicious, makers say, as every single organic almond comes from their family orchard. www.ayoyogurt.com will fill you in on this smooth stuff, flavored with berries and vanilla. Eat a treat and feel healthy. Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie eying the clock for lunch time. Share your sandwich tips with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

It's her bag, baby!

It’s her bag, baby If I wake up pre dawn and decide it’s time to organize tote bags, it’s nobody’s business but my own. Is it excessive to be refolding to categorize all the H-E-B city tribute bags, seasonal skeleton and flamingo bags and Trader Joe’s lunch bags by theme, size, texture and preference? Some personalities can relate. They are my tribe. Then there are the NPR canvas bags, commemorative conference bags and some made from promotional T-shirts. These carriers prevent waste and also spark conversations. I know other women who love their bags and collect bags of bags. It’s okay if I’m a nerd to curate the collection from time to time. There’s pride there. Am I extreme? Take this example. I once mentioned to a woman that I’d recently reorganized my sock drawer. She glanced over with a tad of shock in her voice. “How did your sock drawer become disorganized?” she queried. From that day on, there has not since been a sock out of place. I’d like to see how her socks look. Bonus to this friend/fan should she recognize herself and contact me about this memory.

Sauce like a boss You know the kind of bottle ketchup comes in, right? Reimagine a natural ketchup in a tall glass (reusable) jar, that has some tasty friends. Good Food For Good is into healthy foods and good causes. Butter Chicken, Mild Taco Sauce and BBQ Sauce are the “friends” flavors to which I referred. Invite some real, human ones over for a taste. Secret blown: The sweetness comes from dates. I enjoyed all the tastes, and here’s why makers are proud to present: “All products are certified organic, USDA certified, Keto, Paleo, Whole30 approved, vegan-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free and nut-free. No preservatives, artificial flavors or additives – just mouthwatering sauces that are healthier for you without compromising flavor.” Good Food For Good's Buy One, Feed One program has donated more than half a million meals to food banks. www.goodfoodforgood.ca. Doughp Life is raw. Cookie dough helps, says the Doughp gang, offering “legit cookie dough” that goes both ways. Eat it raw, heat it into a cookie or my fave: half bake it into a sweet goo for your ice cream, etc. I’m half-baked all the way with Beast Mode Brownie and Main Squeeze elderflower lemonade dough as the flavors I’ve tried, loved and suggest. More sweet stuff: makers support mental health and addiction recovery. That’s legit. By the way, it’s pronounced “dope.” www.doughp.com Crumbs of caramel Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake Company has their famous crumb cake in a salted caramel version that elevates coffee breaks. Designed to share but crumbs are messy, right? So maybe it’s better if you just get one of these babies shipped and save it for yourself. No need to bother anyone else to coral those little tasty crumbs. It’s a treat yourself kind of deal, with natural ingredients and no preservatives. They’ve got a lot of choices, but this could be my always choice www.clarksonavecrumb.com Different twist There’s no fruit juice in Xtract Energy, but the all-natural CBD isolate catches your attention. This stuff is showing up in something new every week, it seems. This one has a good flavor, especially for an “energy drink.” It’s Aspartame free with B vitamins and is also gluten free. www.xtractenergy.com Darragh Castillo is a Port Arthur area foodie who has a bag for that. Sharing ideas is her bag. Tell her about your favorite bags at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Teas and Elixers

Teas and elixers Our musician friend, Paul, is into tea’s healing properties. I often sample tea for Culinary Thrill Seeking to get his take on it later. He also passes tea thoughts to me. He started saving alluring Austin-based Zhj Tea tins for me to upcycle into crafting projects. Maybe a tea tin wind chime.? He also passed beautiful flakes of guayusa fashioned from a holly tree of the Amazons. South Americans call it the “night watchman” as it helps them stay awake. I love how it looks in a jar as the light catches shiny flakes that look like cut glass. Paul has been patio entertaining for our covid bubble and has inspired this week’s focus on healthy pleasures.

Purity organic coffee When I mentioned Purity coffee to my friend, he looked it up on the spot to learn of the care in making this “consciously crafted for health” product. It’s suggested you enjoy this brand alone for several days and note the taste and how you feel. I loved the aroma from day one and have enjoyed Purity as expected. Makers acknowledge coffee is “misunderstood,” noting more than 19,000 studies have been conducted on coffee and health. The consensus is coffee is good and also associated with happy hepatic (liver) function and a decrease in liver cancer. www.puritycoffee.com has more on a product they’re proud to distribute. They have a strict standard for sourcing, testing and roasting toward the goal of supporting liver health. Less than 1 percent of the world’s beans meet their standards. If I didn’t make this clear, it tastes like all that effort has paid off. Huel Huel is fuel for humans. Very good-looking, fit humans, as seen on their website, www.huel.com If I tagged a pic, it would not be some on-the-go runner swigging a banana ready-to-drink complete with all that healthy stuff. Naw. I’m using this blend to soak bread for my husband’s morning French toast. It works, really. I’d feature guests enjoying a serving of Huel Mexican Chili which surprised even me. It’s a dry mix in a bag that smells good and spicy. This nutritionally complete food becomes a hot and savory rice and quinoa meal. Scoop it, add hot water and you are “Hueling.” I served it to myself (a known culinary thrill seeker), a guest tending toward vegetarianism and my spouse, who avoids every kind of food that my guest loves. We all agreed, this easy meal has something special in flavor and other benefits. He does know jack Turns out my husband does know jackfruit about his snacks. I cautiously presented “fruit” chips in a bowl and he happily munched away before asking what kind of fruit. Jackfruit, I said, expecting him to balk. Instead he confirmed his enjoyment, adding it’s an easy way to eat a “complicated” fruit. If you’ve seen these giant, bumpy boulders in the Asian markets, you understand. So, Ting’s lightly fried Jackfruit Chips are, as the label touts, delightfully crunchy and mildly sweet, with the ingredients list being simply jackfruit and palm fruit oil. Bonus: They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals. www.TingsChips.com Something in the water My first straight-up kombucha was at a farmer’s market. Regulars were lined up with growlers to refill. My potent sample made my face pucker and eyes widen, even l I expected a promised punch. Now a variation of the traditional fermentation is an innovation. Agua Bucha put out cans of what they say is the world’s first kombucha-infused sparkling water. Guess what? I’m not the only one appreciating the crisp bubbles in Mayer Lemon, Key Lime and Grapefruit. It’s subtle and refreshing. I get the feeling of a healthy beachside libation with 4 calories of organic acids and B vitamins. “Let’s be Clear” is the tagline. I’ll enjoy this all season. Mother Kombucha of St. Petersburg, Florida just gave us this joy. Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie aiming to convince you healthy eating is a great culinary adventure. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Hiw did I miss Taco Tuesdays?

How did I miss Taco Tuesdays? My niece has been doing Taco Tuesdays for years in Rhode Island and North Carolina, and I often think of her when I see a crispy taco. I can’t say why it didn’t occur to me to have a standing Taco Tuesday for me in Texas. Who doesn’t have tortillas in their home stock around here? They keep forever. There are so many options. if you can overcome the corn or flour debate. My husband likes flour only and I’d pick the corn based on health alone. When I do flour, I crave them fried up a little so that adds even more calories. But for insides, there’s beans and rice and peppers and cheese and variations within those varieties. Turns out we had another debate the first time I announced the Castillos would be indulging in Taco Tuesday on a regular basis. I rolled out fish tacos and Mr. Castillo proclaimed a fish does not make a real taco. Really? Immediately I texted the niece. She took my side. Fish will remain in the rotation.

Sugar Plum tackles taco night You’ve heard me rave about Sugar Plum’s sweet stuff. Now they’ve branched into Tex Mex. I’ll vouch for taco seasoning blend with a hint of lime for your next Taco Tuesday. Can’t wait? Try it on eggs. Guacamole Seasoning makes the fave dip of Southeast Texas insanely easy in mild or hot forms. Here’s my secret tip: It’s not that I don’t love guac… it’s that pico de gallo has fewer calories. Just mince up your tomato, onions and cucumber and sprinkle some of Sugar Plum’s guacamole seasoning on and you’ve got flavor any day of the week. Even easier: Open a can of chunky tomatoes and sprinkle on their new taco or guacamole seasoning for a salsa with depth. It’s available at Uncommon Goods. Cantina If the agave illustration on the can doesn’t get you, the “Born in Austin” note will. “Cantina is the perfect union of spirit and artistry” begins the history lesson of premium Blue Webber agave in Jalisca, That’s a lot of emotion and info for this well-designed packaging. Now get to the contents, Cantina Especial Tequila Soda in flavors such as Grapefruit Paloma with a low calorie count. This is light, summery stuff that will make you look forward to Taco Tuesday. The bubbly experience is both bubbly, traditional and modern. Ranch Water and Watermelon Margarita are also born in Austin. Canteen All who wander… get thirsty. You can’t argue with that. Picture active people in cool rides being athletic, hiking, running along the beach. They’d enjoy Canteen spirits vodka sodas in lime, cucumber mint, watermelon and strawberry, right? I’m pretty sure they would, after my sample, which was flavorfully adventurous from a stationary spot on my patio. Ruby Red was my very favorite from a line of light refreshment with 99 calories. I love how it fizzes. Please note that this is an adult beverage, but one can’t help noting the stats on this can vs. a regular soft drink. Everything in moderation? Wander responsibly and when you’re back, open up a Canteen. Bean Vivo I went out and bought an onion especially to serve chopped, over a Bean Vivo option. Coconut Curry Chickpeas come in a pouch that released a turmeric and spicy flavor. I heated in a skillet and spooned it over leftover rice. My crunchy onion and red pepper topping made this an easy meal that popped. I’m also very much loving Taco Tuesday options of Refried Pinto Beans and Baja Black Beans, both with onions, sea salt and avocado oil. Three Bean Vegan Chili is a great potato topper, too. Just picture a pouch, and a starch, like bread, and you’ve got a superior, filling meal plan. They have several traditional flavors and variations. Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who considers anything Mexican to be a Taco Tuesday possibility and could celebrate Taco Tuesday on any day of the week. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Plants grow drama

Plants grow their own drama Someone called us new parents as we bragged about keeping an eye on little zucchini developing on our patio. While we’re not sitting around talking to our succulents, we consider that plants “grow” on you, and often have dramatic tales. In “The Nation of Plants,” plants create the first Universal Declaration of Rights of Living Beings. They want respect in this earthly world of climate change. Stefano Mancuso is a leading authority in plant neurobiology, which explores plant signaling and communication. Don’t dismiss this. Of course we want plants to thrive. They feed us. Consider some of the anecdotes within: Did the fortunes of England depend on cats? By nourishing themselves on mice, cats increased survival of bumblebees which pollinated shamrocks that nourished beef cows for British sailors, permitting the British Navy to… Get it? Then there’s the prickly pear which attracted an insect that the Aztecs used to make a carmine red. Spain guarded the process even as the English used it to make their red coats. Someone thought about reproducing the cactus-insect climate in Australia to get more dye, but the prickly pear went wild, invading cultivated land. Burning, rabbits and mustard gas were considered to stop the spread. Each added more problems. Plants deserve respect, and here are two products that will help us respect the gift of plants on our plates: Orga Super Crisps, in Vegan Cheese by Orga Foods, is the kind of snack that is versatile, but they can’t seem to last longer than a rip and a munch. Rip open the bag and try to control yourself. Addictive seed crisps with chia, sunflower, sesame, flax, etc. can be cracked onto salads, spread with guac and hummus and served with soup. It’s a good thing they put the serving size on there or else you’d be tooooo tempted when you unleash the contents of that bag. Garlic & Onion is my second fave. The seed clusters look like an edible mosaic. The cracker itself is artistic Guava Pie

Rosa’s Guava Pie from Porto’s Bakery & Café is simply a sweet and flaky mystery. How could it get from this Echo Park, California bakery’s classic original menu, be “shelved” for 30 years in favor of individual guava strudel and come back to arrive on your doorstep? It doesn’t end there. Pull this flat pie from the box and aim your phone’s camera at the code to get the specs on baking it. I was impressed to the heights this flaky crust rose. It at least doubled in size. The flavor was so good that my husband and I each had a piece as an appetizer. Then we had a main course of rice and veggies and went in for a second piece of Rosa’s creation. That left some for breakfast and the next day’s coffee break. Pie gone. Thanks Rosa, that was a treat. www.portosbakery.com/bakeathome Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who is rewarded with herbs, and floral beauty when she plays in the dirt. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Texas in a bottle and popcorn among tastes with ‘impact’

Grayson Blended Bourbon is what they’re calling Texas in a bottle. The little leather Texas tag is alluring as all get out, so y’all just know it’s going to taste amazing. It for sure does, packaged to the hilt with a nose of raisins, barrel-aged maple syrup and the rest I’m not even making up: there’s beignet-flavored coffee grounds, jalapeno jelly and a hint of the inside of new cowboy boots in this “nose.” I nosed a bit of this delicacy in a single blended evening. Grayson Blended Bourbon, an authentic and one of kind expression debuting as the first black-owned whiskey brand from Texas. The specs: Co-founded by native Texan, author and craft spirits professional Nico Martini, former Major League Baseball three-time All-Star Vernon Wells, and private equity investor Brandon Davis, Grayson Blended Bourbon is an amalgamation of some of the best whiskies in Texas and pays homage to the Lone Star State. www.graysonwhiskey.com

Sweet Chaos I just ought not be left alone with popcorn. Sweet Chaos in Chocolate Devotion is tempting me anew. I’ve loved the chaos before when I mentioned here a couple of bags got me through a 2020 hurricane. Cold Stone Creamery is a part of the latest releases of kettle corn, pretzel sticks and cookie bites with milk and dark drizzles. Need I say more than crispy and sweet? The team that wrote the back label understands. The message recalls days at the spa with no little fingers reaching under the bathroom door… Adults, feel free to enjoy Sweet Chaos all by your grownup self. Okay. Maybe Birthday Cake Remix you can share, but Cake Batter and the minty one are for you. Pop! Johnson’s Caramel Popcorn – Of all the things that could get me to New Jersey, the notion that this brand is hand-cooking popcorn every 7 minutes of everyday. Copper kettles are mixing all kinds of sweet and savory popcorn, beginning in 1940 on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Caramel Sauce and Sea Salt? More, please. It can come right to you in baskets of amazingness. https://johnsonspopcorn.com/collections/caramel-flavor/products/johnsons-caramel-lovers-basket Impact Snacks When a neurosurgeon designs your snacks… The Caramel Iced Latte is quite good. I didn’t taste any kale. It seems like there are new bars all the time. These take special care. At Impact Snacks, they aren’t just talking about reducing carbon footprints, they’re taking big steps forward. Others should catch up to them. It isn’t just a bonus to a delicious product, it’s a commitment. Go to www.impactsnacks.com if you’d like to know more about the bar that is so sustainable the soy/bio cellular biodegradable wrapper features plant-based ink. Can you eat the wrapper? Log on to figure that one out. Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie ready to let Texas out of that bottle. Share your local cooking/dining experiences with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com