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!

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.

 

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.