Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cranberry Mint Vodka Punch

 


    The New Year is right around the corner and there is no better way to start the year off than with a great cocktail made to be shared with friends.  That's right, this cocktail is made in a batch and can be served to all your holiday guests.  Make this one mocktail for those underage or the designated driver. 


 

    Personally, I'm not a big fan of champagnes, so the bubbles in this drink are provided by the ginger beer.  The melding of flavors of the ginger, cranberry and lemonade make this drink one you can sip at any time of the year, but we chose to help you ring in the New Year with this drink.  

    It's easy to mix and prepare for your guests ahead of time that way you can sit back and enjoy your time with friends and family.  Just be sure to mark your pitchers if you choose to make one without the alcohol, that way little hands who wants to enjoy do not end up with the wrong mixer.  



    Let's get down to business, this will be a new holiday favorite that you will want to pull out each year.  Here is what you will need to get started.



   Cranberry Mint Vodka Punch

2 cups Cranberry Juice

1 cup Lemonade

1 cup Vodka

1 cup Ginger Beer

Garnish with mint and cranberries

Tear off some mint leaves and drop into your pitcher.  Pour each ingredient into a large pitcher.  Mix it up and set in the fridge to chill.  When you are ready to serve fill glasses with ice, cranberry and mint, pour in the drink and enjoy.  If you are going to set your drink out, fill the pitcher with ice as well to help keep your drink chilled.  



    This is such a fun and festive drink you won't want to miss mixing it up at your next party.  If you do not want to mix this drink yourself, stop by the Tipsy Oak Lounge, by the Oaks Bed and Breakfast and ask for the cocktail of the month.  We will be serving this drink all month long in January.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Jill Dutton ~ Meet and Greet


 

The Texas House race is headed to a runoff election this season, between Jill Dutton and Brent Money. This week we hosted House hopeful Jill Dutton in a meet and greet, sponsored by Craig and Chaney Johnson. The runoff election is on January 30, with early voting starting on January 22-26, 2024.

 


An important endorsement was announced at the meet and greet by the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association, who now endorses Jill Dutton. This is an important endorsement for her from Hopkins County which bolsters her local endorsements even more.  To see a full list please visit her campaign website.

 


Jill Dutton grew up in the Dallas area and moved to Van Zandt County where she and her husband and three children live, and they are owners of a construction firm. Dutton first picked up the desire to run for public office when she ran for a school board position. Once elected she served in that position for 10 years. Her other election and political experience have been through supporting roles, helping other people in their successful election bids.

 


Her priorities are to represent Hopkins, Van Zandt, and Hunt counties, as a listening ear, and bringing resources back to our counties with better local control. She also wants to help bring money back to local cities for capital improvements. Dutton feels that our schools need more support and wants to remove the STAAR test, with a better system of accountability for future and present students. She also supports Governor Abbott regarding securing our boarders, along with many other issues that area residents are also passionate about.

 


Dutton wants to remind voters that early voting starts on January 22-26, for the runoff election set for January 30. Once the seat is filled the next round of campaigning for voting begins, for the primary March 5 election. She stated “we need prayers and people turning out to vote and making donations. It takes money to beat Money.”

 


To register to vote please click on the following link, so that your voice can be heard in this election and any other future elections. Register to vote today.

 

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Let's Eat ~ Food Trucks Catfish on Wheels

 




    Our last food truck of the year and season is here, and we stopped by to visit with Catfish on Wheels owed by Brett Varnell, while they were catering a Christmas Event at DSS here in Sulphur Springs.  Catfish on Wheels specializes in coming to your event and providing your meal.  You pick the location and they will bring their truck to feed your crew.  



    Catfish on Wheels is a family tradition.  They began with a great family fish batter, used for back yard fish fries and events, now it's world famous.  From the urging of friends and family James took his fish batter on the road and starting serving and cooking food to more than just family. What started as a family meal and a hobby for retirement, has lead them to a new tradition of serving others where needed.  The sons have since taken over the business and that is how we met Brett. 



    Catfish on Wheels does it up right with all your favorite sides to go along with your catfish, fried shrimp or chicken tenders.  Not only do they provide all the food and fixins' they will bring the rest of the items needed for your event to help feed your guests.  That includes all the plates, napkins, silverware and cups.  Don't forget to order dessert!



    Catfish on Wheels is available for catering events that are 50 people and above.  They have traveled as far as Kansas to cater for a company event.  You can check their availability by giving them a call at 866-462-1576. No job is too big for them to handle.

    Now let's get to the good stuff.  The catfish were perfect!  Cooked just right, the perfect size for lunch and with great flavor.  The chicken tenders were tasty too, my kids loved them. Beans, coleslaw, hushpuppies and potato salad were the sides for the day and each were exactly what you would expect.  Traditional style coleslaw and potato salad, ready for a crowd.  



    This event did not do fried shrimp but I can image that it is just as appealing as the catfish.  Look no further for your next big party of any type and give Catfish on Wheels a call to cater your event.  They would love to come and cook your food for your crowd. 

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Holiday Fun

          December is right around the corner, and you can definitely feel the holiday spirit. Colorful lights are going up on homes, and sparkling décor is highlighting doors and windows. Everywhere you look holiday decorations are on lawns, houses and in store front windows. We want to help you get into the holiday spirit by highlighting a few fun places to visit to see some lights and decorations.  




To start off the Lion’s Club parade of lights will be held this Friday night, December 1 at 7pm for all to enjoy. The route will start at Buford Park, making their way down Connally Street to Church Street then back down Houston Street to end at the Prim. This parade is great, fun for everyone, pull up a lawn chair, grab your hot coca and watch the colors drive by as the Community Supports the local Lion's Club. This is a free event, for those in attendance.  


Heritage Park’s Christmas in the Park is one of my favorite holiday experiences here in town. The park looks beautiful all dressed up for the holidays and the atmosphere is festive and fun. Plus, I think it helps to draw new people to the park who otherwise might not have stopped by in the past. The last day to experience this step back in time is Saturday, December 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 p. m. admission is $3 per person. 



Another one of our favorite activities to do is to go hunt for a Christmas Tree. Kadee Farms in located in Greenville at 5054 Highway 69 South (7 Miles) Greenville, TX 75402 and has been hosting a choose and cut tree farm for the past 40+ years. In recent years they have added a walking light path for everyone to enjoy. It is $8 per person to walk the path and enjoy the lights. The lights are open Tuesday – Sunday from 5:30 – 8 p. m. Even if you are not looking for the perfect tree, you can enjoy Christmas at the Farm. They have many activities for the whole family, a holiday shop, s’mores roasting along with hot coca and apple cider to enjoy. Be sure to check out their website for more information and what they offer and hours of operation.
 

The North Pole of Texas is another great option to see holiday lights while riding the rails. A small farm in Pickton, Texas, host a train ride that is 100% free to the public, we encourage you to read their message on their website to learn more about this service this wonderful family provides for people from all over. Only open on the weekend during the season, be sure to get there early, located at 227 County Road 3378 Pickton, TX 75471. Stop by and experience the joy of the season, in a unique way.  

There are multiple drive through light displays in North Texas. Where you want to go and how far you want to drive will determine which ones you take advantage of. Tyler has the Tyler Lights, and the cost is $20 per car.  Grand Prairie has been hosting Prairie Lights for many years and is probably one of the best drive through light displays that I have ever seen. There is something for the whole family to see and talk about during this display. There are multiple ways to see the lights, $50 per vehicle or you can grab a fast past and skip the line, and select at time for $149 per car. Carmela’s Magical Santa Land in Longview, Texas is another great option for the whole family. Located at 6085 Hwy 259 North, Longview, this is fun for the whole family, and they only request that you make a donation. They are open Sunday – Thursday from 5:30 – 10 p. m. and Friday – Saturday from 5:30 – 11 p. m. There is no excuse to not see the lights at Carmela’s they have hours that you can visit after dinner and enjoy a driving and walking the trail. 

The Dallas Arboretum does an amazing job of decorating for the holiday season. Their 12 days of Christmas Display is a wonder to see and fun for the whole family. The display is open to the public November 9 – January 5 from 9 a. m. - 5 p. m. Grab your tickets and select your day to enjoy this piece of holiday fun. Tickets range from $12 – 20 per person.  

If you are looking for a colder adventure for the family, then be sure to check out ICE at the Gaylord. This year’s theme at the Texas location is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Grab your blue coat and wander through the ICE as you discover how much fun the cold can be. Be sure to take a trip down the slide and enjoy being a kid again. Ticket for ICE are $28.99 for adult (12+), $19.99 for child. This is an adventure the whole family can enjoy.  

To make the holiday season a little more fun, we like to do a drive through town scavenger hunt where everyone can participate. You can make your scavenger hunt into bingo and give our prizes or treats. Or just see who can collect the most items. If you have multiple drivers, this could be fun as groups who go out separately and come back after a certain amount of time. Either way, there are multiple ways to enjoy the lights and decorations this holiday season. We hope that you and your family find many fun and exciting ways to celebrate the lights and décor of the holiday season.  

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Caledonia Thyme Spritzer

 



    The North East Choral Society hits the stage next weekend for their annual holiday show, Celtic Christmas.  The show times are Saturday, December 2 at 7:00 p. m. and a second show on Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 p. m. at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium.  Tickets can be purchased from any Choral Society member, on their website or at select sights around town.  This year's show is going to be one you won't want to miss.  Not only will they be featuring songs you love to hear, but they will also be featuring beautiful Celtic Christmas music, with a special appearance by Dr. Bryan Robinson as the piper. 

    Bagpipes have long been a symbol of national pride and identity for Scotland and the Choral Society is excited to share those traditions as well as others with the public this year.  Dr. Robinson has been a piper for over 25 years and faithfully served in the Navy during the Gulf War Era.   The tartan he wears was adopted by the Navy and represents the Polaris tartan, which encompasses all the colors he wore while serving in the Navy.  


    We partnered with the North East Choral Society to bring you a very special cocktail for December.  The Caledonia Thyme Spritzer.  We wanted to have a drink that represents this year's theme and brings a little holiday cheer to your day.  

    Caledonia Thyme Spritzer

1.5 ounces Scotch

1 ounce Wine

1 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/2 ounce Thyme syrup

Pineapple and Thyme

Combine all the ingredients into a shaker cup filled with ice.  Give the cup a vigorous shake until all things are chilled.  Pour over a ice filled glass.  Garnish with the extra thyme and pineapple. 

    For this drink we chose a Rose to help added in a little color for the holiday season.  You could also use a Riesling that is on the dryer side to help balance out the sweetness of the pineapple juice and thyme syrup.  No matter what wine you select stay on the dry side.



    You can enjoy your cocktail before the Choral Society concert next weekend, bring your ticket in for a discount.  Anytime in the month of December while open the Caledonia Thyme Spritzer will be available for purchase.  We hope you stop by the Tipsy Oak Lounge by the Oaks bed and breakfast to enjoy this special holiday drink.

    As always enjoy your beverage responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Let's Eat ~ Food Trucks Gorditas Nena's

 


    On your way to Coleman Park, between League Street and Hwy 19, there is a Shamrock gas station, where Gorditas Nena's has pulled up and parked.  Gorditas Nena's is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a. m.  - 7 p. m.  They accept cash or cards and even have service through door dash.  Can't make it to their spot, give her a call and place your order to be delivered for you, 430-201-7915.  I have seen this food truck around town, usually at a gas station and figured she might offer some different choice for her customers, and I should give it a try.  We were pleased with our food selections for this new dining adventure. 

    


    Usurpingly, the gordita was our favorite that we ordered from this food truck today.  With multiple options you can't go wrong with the gordita.  Order more than one and mix it up to find your favorite.  Meat, cheese, beans, or eggs gathered between two flour or corn tortillas.  The flavor was even throughout the gordita and was filling.  One of the reasons she started her food truck was because her friends and family would tell her that the flavor of the food, she cooked reminded them of home or how their grandmother would make their favorite dish.  What a great way to help people feel more connected to the past.  


    I think next time we will have to try a few more.  I always try to pick out a few things from the menu to get the best idea of what each food truck has to offer.  So today we did the Asado gordita, and really enjoyed the whole thing.



    Who can pass up on tacos from a food truck that specializes in Mexican food.  Street tacos are one of my favorite foods and I could probably eat tacos everyday.  She offers a good variety of tacos that will fill you up can are very cost effective to purchase.  Bring your whole family down to try out the gorditas and tacos.



    Last but not least I also picked up the ceviche.  We love ceviche and will order it at almost any location that offers ceviche.  Since it can be different wherever you go, no two ceviche's are alike.  One must always order the avocado to go along with it as well.  Nice sturdy chips help to make the transfer from the plate to your belly that much smoother.  Hers was okay, it had plenty of food to offer but could us a bit more flavor.  Otherwise, the variety was well proportioned and enjoyable. 



    Head on over to give them a call, Gorditas Nena's is a great stop to make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Bring a crowd or just yourself, there is something there for everyone to enjoy.