Category: Culinary News

Fun ways to spend those long summer evenings

Food on brown wooden table with chairs and plates. Photo: Pexels

The sun hasn’t quite gone down yet, the sky is peachy orange or pale pink, and the air has a certain haze to it. That’s right, the season of long summer evenings is in full swing. And finding ways to spend time when it’s seemingly forever light outside is all part of the charm. But if you’re already out of ideas for this year, we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you down below. Use this time wisely – it’ll be winter again before you know it.

Spend Time in the ‘Pool’
Lucky enough to have a pool, or a hot tub? If not, don’t worry. Even if you don’t have one, you can buy a small paddling pool and spend some time luxuriating in the warm outside air and the weightless feeling around you.

Set it up in a flat, private space, wear your favorite swimwear items, pour yourself a yummy drink, and then spend a good half hour out there watching the sun go down. The water will help to keep you cool, and as that elusive evening breeze moves in, you’ll be able to truly cool off from the day behind you.

Host a Proper Streaming Night
Whether you’ve got a new box set to binge or you want to watch a bunch of horror movies back to back, this idea will align neatly with your plans. Why not host a big streaming night for your friends to come along to? Make up a creamy crack dip with bacon and cheese, make sure there are plenty of dipping chips available on plates (with a few raw vegetables for a healthy option!), and buy some special drinks for the occasion too.

Take the Cinema Outside
Tired of evenings indoors? If you’ve got the garden space, you can invest in a projector and a screen to show it all on. Wait until it’s a bit darker outside, put up an awning or gazebo to sit under and keep the screen safe, and set up some fairy or candle lights. Once you’ve done this, invite a couple people around for an outdoor cinema night. Put on your favorite movies, or have a theme night featuring the best animated classics, and watch late into the night while it’s warm and cozy outside.

Go Adventuring with a Pet
If you’ve got a dog, or even a cat, take them out in those later evening hours while there’s still a bit of sunlight. A late one down the dog park or through your neighborhood, your pet by your side with a few treats in your pocket – it can be magical. And it’s good to get a bit of late day exercise; it can help you cool off, give you a healthy outlet from heat frustrations, and it’ll help you meet other lovely pet owners looking to do the same thing.

Long summer evenings don’t have to be boring, or overbearing with the heat! Make it fun with ideas like these.

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Time saving recipes you are sure to love

These recipes include something for everyone. Photo: Google

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding the time to cook wholesome meals can seem like an impossible task. Yet, with a few tricks up your sleeve and a repertoire of quick, delicious recipes, you can create meals that save time and satisfy your palate. To prove the point, here are some time-saving recipes that you are sure to love, including a comforting slow cooker beef stroganoff.

1. Slow cooker beef stroganoff
The slow cooker is a boon for anyone looking for time-saving recipes. This beef stroganoff recipe, is perfect for a stress-free dinner. With ingredients like stew meat, fresh mushrooms, Italian seasoning, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, and pasta, you’re all set for a hearty meal. And best of all, you don’t need to do much more than add the ingredients to the slow cooker and turn it on, adding pasta or rice later on. It’s so simple, creamy, and delicious, you will soon be adding it to your regular rotation.

Photo: Pixabay

2. Quick vegetable stir-fry
Vegetable stir-fry is another time-saving recipe, ready in 20 minutes. It’s versatile, healthy, and can be tailored to suit your taste buds. Grab a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Sauté these in a pan with olive oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Add your favorite stir-fry sauce and toss everything until well-coated and cooked. Serve this over steamed rice or noodles for a quick, balanced meal.

Photo: Pexels

3. Sheet pan salmon and asparagus
Sheet pan meals save time on preparation and clean-up. One delightful combination includes salmon fillets and asparagus. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with foil. Place your salmon fillets and asparagus on to the sheet pan. Drizzle with a big glug of olive oil and a light sprinkle of whatever seasonings you prefer. Roast in the oven until the fish is cooked through and the asparagus is tender. It’s a high-protein, low-carb meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Photo: Pexels

4. Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera, brimming with fresh summer vegetables, is a delightful, time-saving recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings. It’s versatile, vibrant, and ready in just 20 minutes. You’ll need pasta of your choice, summer vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Then it’s just a matter of boiling your pasta as you heat olive oil in a large pan, and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant. Add in your chopped vegetables, and cook them until they’re tender yet crisp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning.

Once the pasta is cooked, simply drain it, but keep some of the pasta water. Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetables in the pan, tossing them together. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to moisten the dish. Top with grated parmesan and a few basil leaves and you will have a deliciously satisfying dish to enjoy.

Photo: Pexels

These time-saving recipes prove that cooking doesn’t need to be time-consuming or complicated to yield delicious results. So, what are you waiting for? Time to hit the kitchen.

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Four hobbies that can teach you important life skills

Dancing serves as a form of exercise and stress reliever. Photo: Michael Zittel, used with permission.

It is never too late to learn something new. In fact, it is encouraged at all ages to help keep the mind sharp and expand your skills. With so many different skills to know and learn, you will never be short of new hobbies or passions to indulge in or learning opportunities you can take up.

While some hobbies can be solely for fun, many can help you expand your skills and support and enhance your quality of life. Read on to find out more.

Cooking and Baking

Everyone needs to learn how to cook and taking up cooking or baking, or even both, as your new hobby can give essential skills you can use every day to support yourself. Whether you want to wow your friends by whipping up a three-course meal worthy of a place on MasterChef or you try this lemon slice recipe to practice for a spot on the Great British Bake Off, learning kitchen skills will serve you well. Whether you self-learn at home using recipe books, online tutorials or via food bloggers or by taking classes, you can find something that works for you positively.

A New Language

Many people learn languages in schools, but not as many carry on these skills as adults. New languages can help you massively when travelling around the world or when conversing with people who have a different native language than you. The most common spoken language in the world is English, followed by Mandarin Chinese, Hindi and Spanish, but there are over 6,5000 spoken languages in the world for you to try to learn if you so wish.

Sewing and Knitting

Sewing and knitting are skills that were once commonplace in schools across the world but, in recent years, have been removed from the curriculum. However, lately, these skills seem to be having somewhat of a revival, with more and more of the younger generations taking up knitting and sewing for pleasure. These skills can help you be more creative and give you valuable skills to help you repair items at home and even create your own clothing.

Dancing

Dancing is an excellent form of exercise and can be an important stress reliever and mood enhancer. Suppose you struggle to get the motivation to move or do much exercise, or you simply like to express yourself through music. In that case, taking music classes to teach yourself different dance styles at home can help you learn how to express yourself better and stay fit, healthy, and more enjoyable if the gym does not interest you. Dancing means paying attention to how you hold your body, the beat of the music and how to stay in time with a beat. Being more agile and fluid in your movements can help you avoid accidents and injuries and set you up for a physically healthy body that can cope with your daily activities.

Whatever hobby you take up, ensure you do it for the right reasons. While some can give you invaluable skills you can implement in your life, you need to enjoy what you must do to get maximum pleasure and benefits from it, or it will not be worthwhile.

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No more boring dinners: learn how to whip up amazing meals with ease

Photo: Elina Sazonova, used with permission.

Cooking is more than a necessity – it is an art form. No matter your level of experience or proficiency in the kitchen, creating delicious dishes with fresh ingredients can be rewarding. Nevertheless, when we do not have the time to be inventive, cooking can occasionally feel like a job. However, there are a few easy hacks and suggestions that will make your culinary journey joyful. Here are a few quick and simple methods to spice up your meals without spending all day in the kitchen.

1. Excite Your Dining Routine with Easy Cooking Techniques –
One of the best ways to break away from dinnertime monotony is to explore various cooking methods. There are so many exciting methods you can try, such as grilling, stir-frying, roasting or slow cooking your meals for added flavor and excitement. Each technique adds something special to your food and helps you achieve flavors you would not be able to achieve otherwise. Plus, these dishes do not require much time or effort from you. Do not be afraid to experiment with seasonings and marinades; herbs, spices, vinegars, oils – even fresh garlic or ginger can add an extra dimension. These ingredients are versatile and affordable so why not give them a try?

2. 5 Ingredients for Delicious Dishes –
An easy way to switch up your meal routine is by working with five simple ingredients. This method works on weeknights when you do not have time to shop for many items. Start by choosing a protein like chicken, beef or fish then add two vegetables and one starch. Finally, pick an herb or spice as a flavor enhancer. Now you have everything necessary for creating an irresistible dinner. If you are feeling adventurous, experiment with different combinations and make each dish unique in its own way.

3. Create Flavor Combinations That Wow –
If you want to wow your guests or family members with your cooking, try creating unique flavor combinations. This could include pairing unusual ingredients like smoked salmon and beets, or sweet and savory pairings like balsamic glazed pork chops with peaches and mint. A perfect example would be quinoa salad topped off with grilled vegetables and feta cheese; not only will these dishes wow guests (or family members), but they are also incredibly healthy dishes.

4. Use Spices and Herbs to Enhance Flavors –
Spices and herbs are your secret weapon for creating flavorful dishes, helping you add depth and complexity while saving time in the kitchen. If you do not know where to start, try exploring regional cuisines such as Italian with this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, Mexican or Indian and see which combinations of spices they use in their dishes; this will inspire creativity with flavors. Popular herbs like oregano, rosemary, parsley and thyme can be used in various dishes from grilled meats to homemade spaghetti sauce recipes – they are almost endless possibilities when creating new dishes.

5. Learn How to Cook Healthier Meals Quickly and Easily –
Eating healthily does not have to take hours of preparation. There are plenty of delicious, nutritious dishes you can whip up in no time. For instance, try this easy salmon and asparagus dish with lemon garlic sauce; its combination of lean protein and vibrant veggies will surely please everyone. Or for something heartier and comforting, try this vegetarian chili recipe packed with flavor and nutrition for added goodness.

Do not get bored at dinner time again with these tips. No matter your culinary skill level or experience level, creating delicious dishes that are both healthy and flavorful is easy with just some experimentation. All it takes is some trial-and-error with different techniques and ingredients; soon enough you will be whipping up mouthwatering meals everyone will love. So do not be shy – unleash your inner chef today and see what delicious dishes you can create.

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Valentine’s Day menu at Ladino

Ladino will be offering a multi-coursed Mediterranean inspired tasting menu for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.

Ladino will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special tasting menu available Tuesday, February 14. Treat your partner to a “Lovers Day” multi-coursed Mediterranean inspired tasting menu that will focus on seasonal Texas produce and traditional Mediterranean fare with a modern take perfectly paired with wines selected highlighting the region. (Ladino, 2023)

Tickets are $115 per person with optional wine pairing ($60 per person). Reservations can be made online.

Ladino
200 E Grayson St 100
San Antonio, TX 78215

1676385774

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Valentine’s Day

Taco Cabana launches two new Double Crunch Pizza flavors

The new Double Crunch Pizza options launch Thursday, February 2, 2023. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Due to popular demand, Taco Cabana will add two all-new Double Crunch Pizza (DCP) flavors this February following the release of its first-ever pizza in December 2022. Launching February 2, 2023, a Chorizo and Egg Double Crunch Pizza, available all day – perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner – and a Shredded Chicken Double Crunch Pizza will be added to the TC menu. The new flavors will continue TC’s tradition of culinary innovation and will be available for just $4.99 at all Texas Taco Cabana locations. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

“Over the last 30 days, since the launch of our Ground Beef Double Crunch Pizza in mid-December, the TC guest response and engagement has been incredible. Our guests immediately began asking us for more DCP options and we listened and responded. We’re excited to launch two new, available all-day DCP line extensions, and we will continue to develop within our innovation culinary pipeline across a number of different platforms for the future as well.” – Ulyses Camacho, Chief Operating Officer, Taco Cabana

TC’s Double Crunch Pizzas are composed of two crispy tortillas blended with corn and flour, layered with the guest’s choice of seasoned ground beef, flavor-packed shredded chicken or chorizo and egg, refried beans, chipotle ranch dressing, and Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, topped with Pico de Gallo, shredded cheese and drizzled with sour cream. Guests 21 years of age or older can complement their Double Crunch Pizza selection with their choice of one of TC’s 12 refreshing margarita options available for $3 each all day, every day at TC’s Margarita Headquarters. This flavor-filled combination is not to be missed.

All menu items can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when ordering online or by using the MY TC!® App.

Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, here is some menu news for the big day. Meat lovers and crispy flauta fans alike will find much to enjoy at Taco Cabana this Valentine’s Day. Food is the way to the heart, and fortunately, Taco Cabana is paving the way. Foodie couples looking for some bites will have the choice of a Shredded Chicken Taco Plate, a Ground Beef Taco Plate, or a three-pack Flauta Plate for just $10.99. Each plate comes with an array of tasty rice, refried beans or black beans, shredded lettuce, guacamole, and two tortillas.

Guests 21 years of age or older can pair their special meal with one of Taco Cabana’s many frozen margarita flavors or a sweet treat such as TC’s delectable Oreo Churros.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature $3 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of January 19, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

 

The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa’s Annual Lonestar Lover’s Weekend

The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa’s Annual Lonestar Lover’s Weekend will take place on February 10 – 12. Photo: The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Join The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa for their Annual Lonestar Lover’s Weekend on February 10 -12. On Saturday, February 11, The LCR Culinary Team will be offering an exquisite 5-course romantic dinner for two in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Extend the celebration with your sweetheart by booking for the weekend in one of the luxury cabins or spacious guest room accommodations. To further enhance your stay for you and your special someone, take advantage of the wide assortment of activities and spa services available. Our guest service team will be happy to assist you in planning the ultimate Lonestar Lover’s Weekend experience. (The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2023)

That special day is quickly approaching, so make sure and plan ahead. Make your reservations now to ensure you are ready to celebrate your love in luxury with The JL Bar team. To make reservations for the Lonestar Lover’s Dinner for Two or schedule activities for your weekend, email guest services or call (855) 414-3337. Seating options: 6p.m. and 8p.m. – $150 per couple. Dining menu available online.

Photo: The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

Taco Cabana launches new 5 under $5 menu options

Taco Cabana celebrates 2023 with all new 5 under $5 menu options. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Taco Cabana invites guests to kick off 2023 with its all-new, 5 under $5 menu offerings. Guests can choose one of five options including Bean and Cheese Nachos for $4.59, a Cheese Enchilada Bowl for $4.99, a three-pack of Chicken Flautas for $4.99 , a Taco Duo starting at $4.49 with tasty fillings like shredded chicken, ground beef and chicken fajita, or the recently launched Double Crunch Pizza for $4.99. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

The Double Crunch Pizza is TC’s latest menu innovation, crafted with two crispy tortillas blended with corn and flour, layered with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, chipotle ranch dressing, Monterey Jack & cheddar cheese, topped with pico de gallo, shredded cheese and drizzled with sour cream. TC’s 5 under $5 offerings will be available at all TC Texas locations. 

Just in time for the Lenten Season, Taco Cabana’s delicious Shrimp Tampico Quesadillas and Shrimp Tampico Tacos return February 22, 2023 for a limited time. Both Shrimp Tampico Quesadillas and Shrimp Tampico Tacos will be served with TC’s uniquely satisfying Pineapple Chipotle Salsa. 

“Taco Cabana has long been known to deliver value across the entire TC menu. In today’s environment, we recognize that many of our guests are specifically seeking menu items at a greater value, and we wanted to prominently feature a select number of current TC items under $5, as well as offer new culinary options under $5 like the enchilada bowl and the newly launched, hugely popular Double Crunch Pizza (DCP). We also look forward to bringing back a TC classic favorite, Shrimp Tampico, in February.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s Chief Operating Officer

Taco Cabana’s 5 under $5 menu options and Lenten Season offerings are available in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and $3 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of January 5, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Texas Wine Revolution announces second annual Texas Wine Auction

The event, set for April 29, 2023 will showcase Texas grown wines, a chef-curated dinner, live music, and more to raise funds to support local organizations. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Texas Wine Revolution (TWR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce its second annual Texas Wine Auction that will take place on Saturday, April 29, at Vista Oaks Event Center in Fredericksburg, Texas. Tickets are now on sale for the event, which will feature an evening of live and silent auctions, musical performances, and culinary delights with wine pairings presented by Texas chefs and wineries. (Texas Wine Revolution, 2022)

“I couldn’t be more excited to build upon the success of our inaugural auction. We are closer than ever to achieving our goal of providing access to health services to the hospitality workers that really need it and continue our effort to help Texas wine reach new heights. The Texas Wine Auction team has been working tirelessly to create an amazing event that will continue to get bigger and better each year, all for a great cause.” – Dave Bryant III, Texas Wine Auction Chairperson.

This year’s event will have eight chefs providing various dishes with a chef competition and prizes including overall Best in Show. Chef Angie Ragan, Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef Fox Season 1 Semi-Finalist and Owner and Executive Chef of Salt by Angie; and Chef Roshni Gurnani, most recently featured on Alex vs. America, will be featured at the event with other chefs being announced later this year.

The Texas Wine Auction was developed to bring together a collective of Texas wineries and winemakers to showcase the beauty of Texas-grown wine and raise money for some incredible organizations. Much of the hospitality community operates on an hourly, rather than salaried, basis, which makes the need to provide support and quality health options greater to those hard-working employees who do so much to grow the world-class wine and tourism industry that attracts millions of visitors each year.

Sponsored in part by Dr. Robert Ebeling III of the Friendship Lane Center for Cancer, all proceeds from the event will be filtered through TWR to go directly to beneficiaries, including Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Programs, to fund research and development initiatives for winemaking and grape-growing practices to further the Texas Wine industry. Proceeds will also go toward making an impact on the hospitality community through the funding and operation of a mobile medical unit focusing on wellness and preventative care benefiting employees of restaurants, wineries, vineyards and other hospitality personnel.

Featured wineries, Inwood Estates and William Chris Vineyards, will showcase their wines alongside Ab Astris, Kalasi Cellars, Kerrville Hills Winery, Pedernales Cellars, Texas Heritage, Texas Wine Collective, Becker Vineyards, Brennan Vineyards, Calais Winery, Chateau Wright, Hawk’s Shadow Winery, Hidden Hangar, Lost Draw Cellars, Reddy Vineyards and many more to come.

Guests will have nearby accommodations available as well as complimentary transportation to the auction from various pick-up points around Fredericksburg. Additional details regarding accommodations and transportation will be announced on the website at a later date.

Texas Wine Revolution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating consumer education and awareness of Texas-grown wines as well as giving back to the industry and communities we operate within. In 2022 Texas Wine Revolution announced its inaugural Texas Wine Auction, an event supporting community and industry through a showcase of Texas wine and world-class cuisine presented by top culinary talents from around the country.

Bakery Lorraine launches December specials for the holidays

Bakery Lorraine’s pecan pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine is ready for the holiday season and they have some new menu offerings that are sure to be the envy of every holiday party. Their specialty items include Bûche de Noël, specialty apple pies, whiskey pecan pie, and more. No masterpiece is made instantly, so their specialty desserts will require at least a 72 hour advance notice. Their delectable desserts are available for takeout to share with family and friends at home and you can check for availability and order online or you can call a location directly to place an order. (Bakery Lorraine, 2022)

December 2022 Menu:

  • Redberry Tart (December fruit tart) – Vanilla mascarpone filling with fresh raspberry 
  • Chocolate Caramel Tart – Caramel filling topped with a chocolate ganache and mini chocolate macaron
  • Mocha Tart – Coffee mousse, Irish cream and salty caramel, enrobed in a chocolate almond magic shell
  • Rum Cake – Sour cream cake, heavily soaked in rum glaze and topped with gold flakes (does contain alcohol)
  • Gingerbread Man – Spicy gingerbread cookie dipped in dark chocolate
  • Opera Cake- Almond sponge soaked in an espresso-brandy syrup, layered with chocolate ganache and coffee buttercream
  • Red Velvet Cake – Layered with a light cream cheese frosting
  • December Macaron Flavors – White chocolate peppermint, caramel apple, angel food, eggnog, pistachio, raspberry, chocolate, earl grey, dark chocolate cassis, and gingerbread
  • Bûche de Noël (Available December 12 – 24) for $48 – Black forest Christmas log: Tart cherries, vanilla mousse, chocolate sponge cake soaked in a spiced kirsch syrup *decorative mushrooms may vary*
  • Apple Cranberry Pie (Available December 12 – 24) for $28
  • Dutch Apple Pie (Available December 12 – 24) for $28
  • Whiskey Pecan Pie (Available December 12 – 24) for $26

Bakery Lorraine will also feature the following macarons throughout the month of December:

  • Pistachio
  • Earl Grey
  • Raspberry
  • Angel Food
  • Cassis
  • Eggnog
  • Chocolate
  • Caramel apple
  • Peppermint 
  • Gingerbread
  • Hazelnut
  • Orange Dark Chocolate

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain Northside, and their newest location is located in Boerne.