AUGUST 2019
HILTON ANATOLE IS MORE THAN JUST A DREAM
LBJ: AMERICA’S 36TH PRESIDENT
CUSTOM HOMES OF TEXAS
FOR THE (BUTTER)LOVE OF BISCUITS
5
22
CONTENTS features
5 | HILTON ANATOLE IS MORE THAN JUST A DREAM The Hilton Anatole is a stunning landmark hotel in the Dallas Market Center and Design District, just five minutes from uptown and downtown, not to mention the myriad of entertainment and shopping options nearby. It offers luxurious dining, a diverse art collection, and excellent service.
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22 | LBJ: AMERICA’S 36TH PRESIDENT Thrown into the Oval Office after JFK’s assassination, LBJ became president at a tumultuous time in America’s history. While viewed both positively and negatively through various lenses today, he was a formidable force. After all, he was a Texan first and foremost.
28 | CUSTOM HOMES OF TEXAS
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These Tomball homeowners sought a timeless design, inspired in part by the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Eklektik Interiors worked with them to create a breathtaking home in neutral shades that still stand out. The use of varying textures ties together the organic feel throughout the home.
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FOR THE (BUTTER)LOVE OF BISCUITS This fast-casual Amarillo restaurant serves traditional Texas fare, biscuits and gravy, in an untraditional way. The decadent biscuit sandwiches, brunch cocktails, and charming atmosphere are sure to have guests falling in love with breakfast all over again.
articles TRAILS & TALES
TEXAS INTERIORS
9 | In Texas, Swing is Still a King
26 | (Organizing) School is in Session
12 | Roadways of Texas: Seven Points
35 | Candles 101
14 | For the Birds: A Peaceful Habitat Retreat
37 | How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel
16 | Vice Presidents of the Republic:
40 | Updating Your Home: Do it Yourself or Hire a Professional
Lorenzo de Zavala 19 | Trips Across the North Texas Plains and Prairies
TABLESIDE 44 | Meet Me at the Tailgate 46 | Brewed for Good 48 | Texas Summer Burger Bash!
TEXAS IS FAMOUS FOR
SO MUCH:
The Alamo, NASA, Buddy Holly, and Dallas (the TV show) to list a few. Our great state is still associated with the cowboy, the open range, campfires, the Texas Rangers, and cattle drives. Our state is rich in history and has a unique identity, with a “larger than life” personality. At Texasliving, we take great pride in showcasing the history, culture, and style of Texas. We trust that you’ll find this magazine reflects the unique identity that makes Texas great!
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Michael Padgett Ashley Sullivan
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ART DIRECTOR
GRAPHICS
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Rebecca Neighbors Bobbi Padgett Christina White Jenny Stauffer Austin Contrestano Diane Adams
Corinne Caraway
Tania Taylor Griffis
Melissa Guerra
Allison G. Henley
Lauren Jones
Michelle Lynne
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© 2019 Texasliving. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of Texasliving.
HILTON ANATOLE is More Than Just a Dream WRITTEN BY: KIMBERLY A. SUTA | PHOTOS COURTESY OF: HILTON ANATOLE
The Hilton Anatole is a stunning landmark hotel in the Dallas Market Center and Design District, just five minutes from uptown as well as downtown, not to mention the myriad of entertainment and shopping options in the nearby area. “What makes us unique is our ability to offer guests resort amenities (like a seven-acre park, the 80,000-square-foot fitness club, and therapeutic spa, a $35 million, museum-class fineart collection, and numerous restaurants and bars) all while being in one of the hottest urban destinations in the country,” General Manager Robert Watson said. The hotel has an astounding four restaurants and five bars, as well as nine ballrooms, three swimming pools, and a lazy river. With all that, the Anatole might just have everything guests could ever desire in a luxury hotel and then some! Built in 1979, the hotel will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. It was originally known as the Loews Anatole before it was purchased by Wyndham and eventually Hilton, over a decade ago. “While I’ve been here since just August, I’ve enjoyed hearing some fascinating stories about events and guests that have stayed here during our first 40 years,” Watson said. “The stories range from Michael Jackson staying here for the Thriller
album tour to Clemson’s stay with us for the [College Football Player] playoff game.” The Anatole features 1,606 guest rooms, including 127 suites. For guests looking for the ultimate pampering, make sure to ask about their Golden Diamond Member status, which allows guests access to their executive floors (24 through 26) and includes use of the Executive Lounge. However, all guests get a few extra perks with their stay, including a punch card that affords you two free Starbucks coffees in the morning, a free dessert, and free child’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal from Media Grill + Bar, not to mention access to the Verandah Club, which houses both the gym and spa. Simply walking into the lobby and seeing their serene reflective pools and ceiling art installation, called Nebula (a kinetic sculpture made out of bicycle reflectors and airplane wires that moves and lights up), is a mind-blowing experience. Find out what else this spectacular hotel and resort has in store for you! AUGUST 2019 | 5
SĒR Steak + Spirits atop the Anatole To start, if you are staying at the hotel, or simply in Dallas for the day, make sure to visit the hotel’s five-star restaurant, SĒR Steak + Spirits, a premier steakhouse on the 27th floor with a panoramic view of the cityscape. You need a reservation to ensure a night of revelry in this high-end restaurant, and Chef Rigoberto brings his A-game to this incredible dining experience. Featuring menu items such as mesquite fire-grilled cowboy rib eyes, bone-in filets, veal chops, coffee-chili crusted elk loin, and a black Angus dry-aged tomahawk, the menu is both classic and unique. The pappardelle with a wild boar and Spanish octopus ragout is a perfect example of the out-of-the-ordinary eats you might expect to find here. “We are very diverse with our food,” Rigoberto said. “Our customers are always looking for something new and trending, but we like to combine the traditional with the modern.” If you have managed to save enough room, do not miss out on their Million Dollar Cake for dessert. Not only is it a very popular option among the guests, it is so beloved that even the staff recommend it. SĒR STEAK + SPIRITS ATOP THE ANATOLE // TERRACE MEDIA GRILL + BAR // COUNTER OFFER // GOSSIP BAR
TASTY OPTIONS
With all of the restaurants and bars on site, it is unlikely you will need to venture off property unless you just really desire to do so. Chef Rigoberto Lemus is at the helm of the culinary offerings, which include SĒR Steak + Spirits, Media Grill + Bar, Counter Offer, Terrace, Gossip Bar, and the seasonal JadeWaters Grill & Bar outside near the resort pool, not to mention their in-room dining. “Our focus is on good, simple food that’s fresh and seasonal,” Chef Rigoberto said. He described the massive volume of food they produce at the hotel; for instance, the hotel creates approximately 3,000 salads a day. However, one of his favorite aspects of the hotel is the view. Of course, it must be noted, for Golden Diamond Members, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and hors d’oeuvres in the Executive Lounge, as part of your stay. 6 | AUGUST 2019
Terrace Terrace is an on-site breakfast café open every morning until 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. on the weekends. Guests can dine from the buffet that includes an omelet station and assorted pastries, or you can simply order à la carte. You will certainly enjoy the open-air ambiance the restaurant provides, situated in Atrium One of the hotel.
Media Grill + Bar This casual option is the hotel’s version of a sports bar and features 27 televisions for whichever game or event you must watch. With a wide variety of beers, cocktails, and your favorite bar snacks (think smoked wings, pork buns, brisket sliders, burgers, and fish tacos), you could while away the day here and be completely content.
Counter Offer If you are in a hurry, the hotel has got you covered here too. Counter Offer is open 24 hours a day and offers grab-and-go options for breakfast and lunch, such as hot sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, and made-to-order sushi. Beer and wine can also be found here during the evening hours.
Gossip Bar Located in the Tower Lobby, Gossip Bar is the Anatole’s dedicated bar and the hot spot for locals and visitors alike. With a mix of specialty martinis, cocktails, and an assortment of premium wines and spirits, you will have plenty to talk about.
LEGENDARY ART COLLECTION The hotel features a surprisingly extensive and diverse art collection that is truly museum quality, with over 1,000 fascinating finds from the Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection. It is the largest assembled art and antiques collection ever installed in an American hotel, some of which come from the palaces of kings, emperors, and czars. You are encouraged to take a walking tour of 100 of the hotel’s most significant pieces. Besides a collection of beautiful Asian art, the Anatole has some interesting artifacts, such as two segments of the Berlin wall and a propeller from the Lusitania, a British ocean liner that was sunk by a German U-boat during World War I. You can also take advantage of their exciting art scavenger hunts, designed for adult leisure guests, as well as children and business professionals. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, they offer the Anatole Art Dine-Around, which pairs your dinner with iconic art pieces of your choice. A docent guides the group through this delicious and historic experience.
JADEWATERS POOL COMPLEX If you love the outdoors, then JadeWaters is why you need a weekend vacation at the Anatole. The resort’s pool complex opens for Memorial Day weekend and is the prime Dallas destination for relaxation and rejuvenation during Texas’s hot summer months. The complex features a leisure pool, lazy river, swim-up bar, luxury cabanas, kids splash and play area, two 180-foot slides ,and the JadeWaters Grill & Bar. The cabanas are undoubtedly luxurious, so much so that you might not even need your room; they come complete with chaise lounges, table and chairs, a mini-fridge, water, towels, and a tropical fruit plate for good measure. During the weekends, you can participate in various pool parties and entertainment for families and kids, such as duck races, movies under the stars, and other adventures.
VERANDAH CLUB & SPA With a whopping 80,000-square-foot health facility that includes personal training programs, classes, and top-of-the-line equipment, the Anatole’s spa may just be the best fitness club to be found in the Dallas area. The features are endless and include whirlpools, eucalyptus steam, and dry saunas, a full-court basketball court, the 25-meter indoor lap pool, a cross-training and boxing gym, the Precor strength training room, racquetball and squash courts, and an indoor cycling and kinesis training studio – the list goes on! Classes range from Zumba and yoga to pilates and cardio sculpt. They even offer a boot camp, if you can drag yourself away from the pool. The V Spa itself is a scintillating delight with all of your favorite signature treatments, such as massages, facials, and pedicures. Some popular treatments include the Vino-Therapy Massage (a classic Swedish massage using Chardonnay grape seed oil for detoxification), the Honey Butter Moisture Wrap, and the Age Control Facial for maximum hydration and firming.
CUSTOMER SERVICE At the Anatole, they have an acronym for their customer service style: CVR. “CVR – it’s displaying a mix of Care, Value, and Respect for our guests and our 1,100 team members,” Watson said. “The wide range of amenities at the Anatole allows us to serve a wide swath of customers,” he said. “From a meetings and events perspective, our customers range from the high-end charity galas Dallas is known for to an annual conference for Pakistani physicians. From an individual customer aspect, it ranges from pilots in Dallas for new-hire training at Southwest Airlines to a couple celebrating a special night at SĒR Steak + Spirits on our 27th floor overlooking Dallas to a family from Oklahoma City enjoying JadeWaters in the summer.” 8 | AUGUST 2019
Sound like a dream? Thank goodness it is a dream that can very easily come true, right here in Texas!
In
Texas,
Swing IS STILL A
KING WRITTEN BY: DIANE ADAMS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: KRISTYN HARRIS
The song Bob Wills is Still the King was a tribute not only to the King of Swing himself, but also encapsulated the love for western swing music found in Texas, a preference that continues long after the genre’s national zenith came and went. The history and future of western swing music is bound up with Texas tradition itself. The sounds of the big band jazzy fusion, given its distinctive country sound through the addition of upbeat rhythm guitar and often a twangy steel guitar, still slip through the doorways of small-town honky tonks across the state. The love affair between Texans and the sounds of and intricate dance moves accompanied by western music are likely to continue thriving in the state, as new artists lend their talents to the endeavor. "Western swing is nothing more than a group of talented country boys, unschooled in music, but playing the music they feel, beating a solid two-four rhythm to the harmonies that buzz around their brains. When it escapes in all its musical glory, my friend, you have western swing,� country artist Merle Travis told JEMF Quarterly. AUGUST 2019 | 9
Western swing developed in the late 1920s, in the South and the West, as a sort of homegrown interpretation of then-popular big band instrumentation and traditional country music sounds, underwritten with jazz and blues tones (often supplemented with a lead fiddle and other Southern additions). It became wildly popular as dance hall music in the 1930s and ‘40s. In the mid-1930s, Milton Brown and his Musical Brownies released an album called St. Louis Blues, which they played to spectacular success in the Crystal Palace dance hall near Fort Worth. The band developed slow, mesmerizing tempos that increased dramatically near the end of the songs. The combination delighted Texan dancers, who two-stepped and round danced themselves into exhaustion over the new wildy danceable music. In its heyday, dance halls from South Carolina to California were regularly packed with thirsty western swing fans keen to dance the night away to the softly crooned lyrics of Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys. Wills and the Playboys frequented Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, where the crowd was often as large as 6,000. Another popular act, the Light Crust Doughboys, had their music broadcast over 170 radio stations, with millions of avid listeners. In 1944, a federal nightclub tax helped to diminish the genre’s popularity, with fans gradually dwindling everywhere across the country, except in Texas. Here the dancing music intoxication continued to flourish and develop itself as distinctly Texan, with themes of lonesome cowboys and ranch life becoming more pronounced. For decades, the swing sound has been refined almost exclusively in the Lone Star State, where young artists are still learning to play the old dance hall tunes and adding their own more modern twists. 10 | AUGUST 2019
Raised near McKinney, Kristyn Harris, 24, is one of the new faces in western swing, bringing fresh vision, innovation, and exceptional vocal talent to old forms that are beloved, especially in the western parts of the state. In revealing what drew her to this type of music, Harris said, “Strangely enough, it wasn’t something that I or my family or friends would have ever guessed I would get into. I didn’t grow up in a musical household, and I was also very introverted and shy – in fact, I still am, even though I push past it most of the time. I became completely passionate about it from the moment I started playing guitar and singing, and I never looked back.” At age 14, Harris found herself drawn to the music in old western movies. She taught herself guitar chords and sang in her family’s barn.“Through an exceptional swing guitar player and mentor in Fort Worth, a lady named Devon Dawson, I then discovered western swing, including Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Cindy Walker, and the whole world of current western swing artists. The sound of that music gives me goosebumps to this day, and quite literally struck a chord inside me.” Harris spends most of her time playing cowboy gatherings, music festivals, and private events. She has been featured on American Idol, where her remarkable yodeling vocals wowed the judges and crowds alike. Harris has been recognized frequently for her unique singing style, swing rhythm guitar chops, and songwriting talent. She is the current reigning International Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year, an award she has held for three consecutive years. She has been honored as the International Western Music Association Female Performer of the Year every year since 2014 and holds multiple similar titles from western music associations large and small. “I’ve been so blessed to stay extremely busy; I’m on the go pretty well nonstop,” she said. “I tour all over the U.S. and sometimes internationally, but mostly in the western states, plus, of course, Texas. Tour dates are listed on my website.”
Harris’s vivacious stage presence and her brand of uncomplicated love for all things western that shines through in her lyrics has attracted even European fans, as well as new, younger audiences here in her home state. “I grew up listening to all things classic country, thanks to my dad,” Harris said. “I still love that music, and I’m sure it’s had some impact on what I do now, but I’ve also been influenced by Gene Autry, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, The Time Jumpers, Jason Roberts, Dave Stamey, Corb Lund, among lots of others.” Regarding her future musical ambitions, Harris said, “Like anyone in my position, I dream of playing the Grand Ole Opry someday. But there once was a time when I dreamed of playing in Europe, and that’s happened four times now. I think of those as gifts I’ve been given more than achievements . . . I don’t know if I can think of one achievement I’d consider on top. My goals for the future center mostly around my songwriting and the hope of writing songs to really touch people’s lives. I’ve played and recorded with incredible musicians, performed at some fabulous venues, caught some wonderful television and media attention, and been very honored to receive some amazing awards. However, I think it’s all the little things, that I get reminded of day to day from the people I meet at shows, that make me feel like I’m really accomplishing something.” Texasliving inquired about the continuing popularity of western swing in Texas, and what Harris sees for the future of the western scene: “Western swing songs have been recorded by such icons as George Strait and Willie Nelson, recordings that national audiences have loved, even if they didn’t know that’s what it was,” Harris said. “In addition to that, the western swing scene is still alive and well in Texas because of our strong tradition of dancing. Western swing, after all, is a genre created for dancing.” “They may not be nationally recognized, but there are western swing bands that are staying busy touring all over the state. On the one hand, it might always be a niche genre, but it’s so strongly a part of Texas culture–in fact, is the Official Music of Texas according to our legislature–that I do think there is a future in it.”
Many Texans would probably agree. While pop sounds have largely overtaken commercial country music, western swing is still a draw for an ardent group of hardcore Texans who enjoy old-time country, and for those who love to dance to its nostalgic notes and sound. In the seemingly prophetic words of Jennings himself, the attraction may never fade between Texans and the music of Wills, Kristyn Harris, and others playing and singing the swing.
Kristyn and her mustang Velvet
AUGUST 2019 | 11
ROADWAYS OF TEXAS:
SEVEN POINTS WRITTEN BY & PHOTOS COURTESY OF : MEDDIE STEWART
Out of all the United States, Texas boasts the second largest number of licensed drivers, only behind California, at over seventeen million legal motorists. This likely comes as no surprise as Texas is also the second largest state, behind Alaska, at over 268,000 square miles. No state is devoid of interstate highways; even Washington D.C., Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico feature major roads. Within the continental U.S., even small states like Rhode Island have no less than three major roadways. Texas, once again, comes in second place, behind New York but tying with California, with a whopping 25 primary (roadways assigned a single or double number) and secondary (given a three-digit assignment) interstates. These statistics do not even factor in the farm, rural, neighborhood, and city streets that crisscross the Lone Star State. How often though, do drivers, Texans and passers-through alike, know the history behind the road they are navigating, or the intersection at which they are stopped? Occasionally a sign indicates for motorists to turn off for a historical marker or identifies an important or historical route, such as the Old San Antonio Road or the wildflower viewing routes. Some roads have significance, while others were simply constructed out of need. This article shines a spotlight on the town of Seven Points, that grew around an easy-to-miss intersection in East Texas. Blink, and it was just another tiny Texas town with a crazy name. But many motorists may not realize that this particular intersection enjoys a rare categorization, not just in Texas, or the United States, but even the world.
12 | AUGUST 2019
A RARITY Intersections are most commonly three-way (such as a “Y” or “T,” otherwise known as a “fork in the road”) or four-way stops. However, it is not unusual in larger cities to also find sixway intersections where a traditional four-way stop is crossed by an additional road diagonally. These may be smaller, in a neighborhood, or massive, with huge overpasses in a busy downtown. However, seven-way intersections are rare. Seven Points, Texas is named for one such rarity, where seven different roads converge in one point. While these are not large roads in a big city (Seven Points is only 2.5 square miles in area), they are also not just old wagon trails, leftover from early days of Texas. In fact, the unusual intersection did not even exist until the 1960s, when construction began on the nearby Cedar Creek Reservoir. While the intersection is formed by three country roads, two state highways, and a farm-to-market road, all of which seem pretty typical to smalltown Texas for those driving through, the seven roads give the town a place in the annals of Texas trivia.
A RESERVOIR About 60 miles southeast of Dallas, residents from the DallasFort Worth Metroplex may have visited Cedar Creek Lake for a day trip getaway. Created by damming up the southern mouth of Cedar Creek, a tributary to the Trinity River that provides much of Tarrant and Johnson Counties’ water, the manmade lake is located across two counties, Kaufman and Henderson. Construction began in 1961 and was completed by ’65. Today, it holds the title of Texas’s fourth largest lake, with an impressive shoreline of 320 miles. The lake allows for private boathouse ownership as well as residential plots that include shoreline, making it a popular option for lake lovers. Fishing enthusiasts, both fishermen and anglers, can enjoy the variety of Texas fish found in the lake. According to official Cedar Creek Lake information, “Blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, and crappie are the predominant fish species of Cedar Creek Lake.” While fish can be caught yearround, spring and early summer are particularly ideal times to catch a delicious dinner or spend some quality family time trying out a hook and line.
A REPUTATION When driving through this unassuming stoplight, likely crossing Henderson and Kaufman county lines, drivers may not realize the history that happened in this part of Texas. In 1840, a Dr. William P. King established a fort where the current City of Kaufman now stands, originally named Kingsboro. The town was renamed in 1852 for David S. Kaufman, who fought in the Texas-Indian Wars and later served in both the House and Senate, before serving in the U.S. House of Representatives when Texas was admitted to the Union.
SEVEN POINTS, TEXAS
IS NAMED FOR ONE SUCH RARITY, WHERE SEVEN DIFFERENT ROADS CONVERGE IN ONE POINT.
For those who know little of Kaufman County and its titular city, it also boasts some interesting Texas trivia. Bonnie Parker, of the infamous crime duo Bonnie and Clyde, was incarcerated for the first time in Kaufman County, being captured after a failed robbery attempt on the local hardware store, one of her earliest crimes. For those who have enjoyed the delicious offerings of an El Chico restaurant, the Oak Lawn flagship location was in fact not its first. It was moved to the suburb of Dallas in 1940 and renamed, but Adelaida and Macario Cuellar’s first café originally operated in Kaufman. Their delicious cooking actually debuted before the café’s existence, when they set up a tamale stand at the Kaufman County Fair in 1926. Henderson’s county seat boasts more of a tragic town history than its neighbor. One of the area’s earliest events was a fire in 1860 that devastated the growing area, burning 43 buildings. Making its mark on the map again during the 1930s oil boom, Henderson quickly grew by leaps and bounds as part of the East Texas Oil Field. For enthusiasts of aviation or military history, cadets from the Royal Air Force frequently flew training missions to Henderson; the British airmen were stationed at Terrell which was a similar distance from Henderson as London was from Dunkirk, France, preparing them to fight for the Allies in World War II. So next time a trip through East Texas features a quick stop at or clear passage through this normal-looking intersection, dazzle other passengers or family members with some interesting facts about the surrounding area!
AUGUST 2019 | 13
For theBIRDS: WRITTEN BY: BECCA NELSON SANKEY
A Peaceful Habitat Retreat
Dan Brown often says he is just here for the birds. By here, he means Hummer House, the bed and breakfast and hummingbird observatory he and his wife, Cathy, own and operate in Christoval, Texas. This surprisingly lush oasis sits just eighteen miles south of San Angelo. Located on the Browns’ sprawling 1,200-acre ranch, Hummer House has been one of West Texas’s best-kept secrets since the mid-1990s. “Someone from Texas Parks and Wildlife came out because they kept hearing there was an old rancher out in West Texas who had more than his fair share of hummingbirds,” Cathy said. “They were trying to kick off the concept of nature tourism, and the lady that came out encouraged Dan to build a guest house, and he did, and later the observation room.” Today, Hummer House is comprised of an air-conditioned observation room where, four months out of the year, guests can watch hummingbirds flit about outside while listening to an informative lecture from one of the Browns. The property also includes a 950-square-foot cottage, Hummer House, that can accommodate as many as six adults; the Hideaway, a 660-square-foot house for one to two guests; and the Lodge, a 1,850-square-foot house equipped for larger groups.
“Dan just loves nature,” Brown said. His family purchased the Christoval property where Hummer House sits in 1927. “His background is in the earth sciences. He’s very interested in geology and rocks and minerals, but he also has a love for wildlife. He tells everyone he’s here for the wildlife, the birds, and the people are just a byproduct. And that’s really how he feels about it. He would be feeding (the birds) this much if we had guests or if we didn’t have guests.” Hummer House has Texas’s largest concentration of breeding black-chinned hummingbirds, so named for their black bills and dark purple throats. “This area around Christoval is very unique to West Texas because of the shallow water table, the South Concho River that still flows, and the large concentration of oak and pecan trees,” Brown said. “Where you have water and trees, you’re going to have all kinds of gnats, aphids, and insects, and that’s a food source for hummingbirds. For 58 years, Dan has been feeding hummingbirds. You’ve got the natural food source and the supplementation of hummingbird feeders. We also put
14 | AUGUST 2019
The hummingbirds are most often seen from April to July, Brown said, but other birds visit the property year-round. In the colder months, when hummingbirds are scarce, two bluebird varieties and the American goldfinch winter in the area. The house finch, woodpecker, and cardinal are there year-round.
PHOTO COURTESY OF: CATHY BROWN
out nesting cotton, which is also a big attraction. Hummingbirds almost always return to their birthplace, so the more birds that are born here, the more your bird population grows over the years. It would be difficult to build up a huge concentration of any kind of bird without some sort of a natural habitat.”
Having overnight accommodations coupled with the hummingbird observatory is important for birding enthusiasts. “If you’re a real serious birder, you’re not going to come sit in here for an hour or two and see all that’s to be seen,” Brown explained. “Our overnight guests are given the privilege of going over the whole acreage. The birds across the highway and down at the river from us . . . are different (than those at Hummer House). If you come and spend two nights, you’re going to see a lot more variety of birds. That’s the goal.”
Bird banding also takes place on the property but is not as frequent an occurrence as it once was. “Our bird banders are getting older, so we are cutting back this year to two or three times a year,” Brown said. “Any time you’re a federally-permitted bird bander, you’re not doing it just for fun. It always has to be attached to a study. Out here they’re continually studying migration in hummingbirds and other birds,” such as songbirds.
Brown said that the cottages are most popular during April, May, and June. “Those are already booked through 2020 just about,” she said. “We have so many guests that just come every year, and they book from one year to the next.”
One such bird bander, Charles Floyd, did a five-year study of the painted bunting on the property, banding approximately 663 in one season, Brown said. She added that Hummer House visitors are often surprised at the variety of birds in such a concentrated area. “Charles has explained it to me before,” she said. “He said, ‘You and Dan are spoiled’ because just on a daily basis we see all kinds of varieties of birds. He said he may come out here in the spring or summer and get ten to twenty species of birds, and if he were to go banding somewhere else for the day, he wouldn’t even get half that many.”
Guests who book a cottage must stay a minimum of two nights and pricing is reasonable. “We haven’t gone up (on our lodging prices) in I don’t know how long,” she said. “I pay my help well, so I try to keep the cottages booked and try to keep them in top-notch quality and shape. We get lots of repeat customers because of that.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF: CATHY BROWN
Between the observation room and the cottages, Hummer House hosts several hundred visitors each year, Brown said. “We get some garden clubs, tour groups, church groups,” she said. “We have several guests who have been coming here for ten or twelve years. One couple from Amarillo, they’re going to stay three weeks in May; a couple from England, they stay twoand-a-half weeks. The English just like this part of the country. They like all the birds, they like our laid-back atmosphere, our friendliness, and they’ll do some day trips while they’re here. They’ll sit at the river and soak up some of the Texas sunshine. You really get the feel of the Hill Country here without all the shopping.”
Providing constant accommodations for year-round guests (both human and bird) is work, Brown said, but she and her husband have the privilege of living in a special place that they feel should be shared with others. “We enjoy seeing it through other peoples’ eyes, getting people interested in birds,” she said. “We actually host a children’s camp every year, and just in that one hour of birding class, you can instill in somebody a lifelong appreciation for birds or nature. That’s always my goal, for people to be aware of all the wonderful things around them in nature. We meet a lot of nice people in this business. It’s special and unique people who search out a place like this to stay.” Hummer House is located at 21301 Toe Nail Trail in Christoval. The observation room is open 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays beginning the first Friday of April and ending the last Saturday of August. Lectures can be scheduled Monday through Friday from May through August at a cost of $5 per adult, with no charge for children age 12 and younger. For more information, visit their website.
AUGUST 2019 | 15
LORENZO DE ZAVALA VICE PRESIDENTS OF THE REPUBLIC:
WRITTEN BY: MARK TAYLOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF: TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
Many a good Texan may be able to rattle off the presidents of Texas, or at least name a few. But can the same be said for the vice presidents? While it is not required reading, a closer look at these seconds in command reveals some really juicy information. Theirs is a story of statesmanship, revolution, down-anddirty politics, vicious rivalry, and good old-fashioned orneriness! Many Texans may be surprised to find a Mexican featured prominently in the Texas veeps “hall of fame,” but the name of Lorenzo de Zavala was on the lips of most Texans who could spot a born leader. A former writer and newspaper publisher, his communication skills were impeccable, not to mention the fact that he spoke Spanish and was born a Mexican citizen.
He was also clearly a man of convictions. Zavala was twice imprisoned for his political beliefs. The first time was by the Spaniards (1814 to 1817) for advocating for reforms in the Spanish government. He took advantage of his jail time to study English and medicine. Following the Mexican Revolution, Zavala was named Secretary of the Treasury by President Vicente Guerrero in 1829. However, when Guerrero was quickly ousted and executed in a coup led by his vice president, Anastasio Bustamante, Zavala became persona non grata. 16 | AUGUST 2019
BEGINNINGS
Zavala began his political career as secretary of the local government of Yucatán, his home state. This position created opportunities that lead to him representing Yucatán as governor in the Cortes (legislature) in Madrid. However, following Mexico's newfound independence from Spain in 1821, Zavala resigned his position in Madrid and returned to Mexico to help establish a republican government. He was elected to represent Yucatán in the newly formed national congress, where he contributed to the drafting of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Mexico. In 1824, he was elected as President of the Constitutional Congress and was the first to sign the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824. Zavala remained an active political leader by serving in the Mexican senate from 1824 to 1826. He was appointed Minister of Finance in 1829 but only served six months before an opposing party secured the presidency and the government was overthrown. Zavala was placed under house arrest before fleeing to the United States for a self-imposed exile, where he immediately began trying to find investors to assume control of his empresario land grants in Mexican Texas (currently southeastern Texas).
In New York, Zavala met David G. Burnet, a fellow empresario involved in Texas land speculation, and the two men struck up a friendship. Zavala's original charge was to settle 500 families in southeastern Texas. With that charge holding little possibility of success, Zavala and Burnet both transferred their land interests to the Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company in 1830. Zavala lived in New York, but spent much time overseas in England and France. Zavala's sharp intellect and his knowledge of Spanish, English, and French made him a hit overseas. He was named a member of the Geographical and Scientific Society of France and was received by the Court of St. James's in England.
SANTA ANNA’S MEXICO
Zavala’s self-imposed exile ended in 1832 when he returned to Mexico to serve as governor of the State of México under the new president, Antonio Lope de Santa Anna. He was appointed as Minister to France by Santa Anna, but it was while serving in that position that Zavala began to realize that Santa Anna was well on his way to becoming a dictator. Santa Anna was not observing the tenets of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 that Zavala had helped create. Zavala resigned his French post in protest and renounced Santa Anna, who immediately ordered him to return to Mexico City. Zavala opted for the safer environment of his lands in Texas. In 1834, he had bought a home on 177 acres north of Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, called Zavala Point. He arrived near the mouth of the Brazos River by steamboat in 1835 and briefly shared a house with his good friend Stephen F. Austin. Other than Austin, the only other Texan he knew before arriving was Burnet. Despite Santa Anna’s orders for his capture and deportation, Zavala began advocating for Texas statehood within a democratic Mexican federation. In that frame of mind, he was selected as a delegate to the Consultation in October 1835 and was placed on the Committee of Twelve that was charged with writing a declaration. He drafted a Declaration to the Public supporting a separate Texas state within the Mexican government. By the time the Convention of 1836 rolled around, however, Zavala realized that a national Mexican revolt against Santa Anna was not going to happen. He signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, which branded him as a traitor to Mexico. Zavala and Jose Antonio Navarro were appointed to the committee to draft a Constitution, and he was unanimously elected vice president of the ad interim government of the Republic of Texas (March 17, 1836). AUGUST 2019 | 17
VICE PRESIDENT ZAVALA
During Zavala’s vice presidency, he disagreed frequently with President David G. Burnet, as did many others. In fact, he objected so stringently to certain actions by Burnet that he thrice resigned; the first two resignations in protest of Burnet’s actions were rejected by the Texas Congress. His first resignation was the day after the Battle of San Jacinto. He said he wanted to help Texas in a more active capacity and volunteered to be the interpreter/liaison between Santa Anna and the Texas government. The Treaties of Velasco appointed Zavala and Bailey Hardeman to accompany Santa Anna to Mexico to negotiate treaties for the recognition of Texas independence. However, when the Texas army became belligerent at Santa Anna’s impending release, President Burnet gave in, prompting Zavala’s second resignation. In Zavala’s own words, “A government that takes orders from armed masses is no longer a body politic.” Soon after he penned those sentiments in his resignation letter, he wrote to his friend, José Antonio Mexía, stating his belief that Texas should quickly try to become a part of the United States for its own protection and preservation as an independent state. He and Sam Houston were of like mind about this. Throughout the summer of 1836, Zavala suffered recurrent bouts of malaria. This prevented him from attending the opening session of the government. On October 14, 1836, President Burnet wrote to him suggesting that they both resign so Sam Houston’s government could be inaugurated immediately. Three days later, on October 17, Zavala submitted his third and final resignation letter. Just days later, Zavala’s boat accidentally overturned in the freezing cold waters of Buffalo Bayou. Zavala developed pneumonia and died November 15, 1836. He was eulogized by the incoming vice president, Mirabeau B. Lamar, who said of Zavala: 18 | AUGUST 2019
Gentlemen, I should be doing an injustice to my own feelings if I were to resume my seat, without paying to my predecessor in office that tribute of respect to which he is justly entitled by his public as well as his private virtues. Through a period of a long life the ex-vice-president, Governor Lorenzo de Zavala has been the unwavering and consistent friend of liberal principles of free government. Among the first movers of the revolution he has never departed from the pure and sacred principles upon which it was originally founded. This steady and unyielding devotion to the holy sacred cause of liberty has been amply rewarded by the confidence, of the virtuous portion of two republics. The gentleman, the scholar and the patriot, he goes into retirement with the undivided affections of his fellow citizens; and I know, gentlemen, that I do not express only my own feelings when I say that it is the wish of every member of this assembly that the evening of his day may be as tranquil and happy as the meridian of his life has been useful and honorable; a gentleman, a patriot, a scholar and one who loves his fellow man. The former Jasper County town of Zavala, as well as Zavala County and the present city of Zavalla, Texas are all named for the beloved Texas statesman who served as Texas’s ad interim vice president.
TRIPS ACROSS THE NORTH
Interested in trekking across the panhandle or adventuring through North Texas? This summer is the perfect time to explore all of the exciting experiences offered in the North Texas Plains and Prairies. The North Texas Plains and Prairies stretch for hundreds of miles across Texas, centered upon the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. There
PLAINS AND PR AIRIES
are so many things to do and see; check out some of the unique spots below for a special summer experience in Northern Texas!
WRITTEN BY: KARA SLAUGHTER PHOTO COURTESY OF: DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK
Palo Duro Canyon STATE PARK
The second largest canyon in the country is nestled in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is about 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and up to 800 feet deep. The park includes over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Visitors can camp, study nature, geocache, bird watch, or explore 1,500 acres designated for horseback riding. Visitors can explore the park in a variety of ways, from walking the trails, zipping through on a mountain bike, or even by horse or car. Visitors can choose from campsites with water and electricity, tent sites, equestrian sites, or primitive camping areas. Guests can even stay in one of three cabins on the canyon’s rim or four of the cabins on the canyon floor. During their visit, guests should stop by the visitor center to learn more about the park or pick up a unique gift such as a book, pottery, or jewelry. Make a point to swing by the Trading Post on the canyon floor to stock up on snacks, meals, and souvenirs for the trip back to the top. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy TEXAS Outdoor Musical at the Pioneer Amphitheater in the park. It features the stories, struggles, and triumphs of early settlers in the area. The family-friendly show entails singing, dancing, fireworks, and a preshow barbeque dinner.
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Dinosaur Valley STATE PARK If you are looking for your own Jurassic Park experience, take a walk on the prehistoric side at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Located in Glen Rose, Texas, just a short drive from Fort Worth, this park is an exciting adventure that will bring out the kid in everyone. Long ago, dinosaurs left footprints in the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean. Today, visitors can explore dinosaur tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River, camp, picnic, hike, mountain bike, swim and fish in the river, watch for wildlife, geocache, ride a horse, or visit the interpretive center. Visitors can come for the day or make it a multi-day experience by staying at one of the campsites. There are over 20 miles of trails to explore, and the dinosaur tracks are easily found by heading to the river! Guests can bring their own horses and explore the 100-acre South Primitive Area, the wooded, semi-rocky part of the park. During a visit to Dinosaur Valley State Park, guests can enjoy a variety of equestrian services, including guided horseback riding, horse drawn wagon rides, and wrangler assisted trail rides for children 3 to 14 years old. These services are offered by Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company. PHOTO COURTESY OF: DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK
MINERAL WELLS If you are looking for a trip with a rich history, adventure, famous landmarks, and all-around fun, exploring Mineral Wells is the perfect summer spot. Mineral Wells was founded in the fall of 1881 after James Lynch exchanged oxen for a well to be drilled. As the family drank the water from the well, they found themselves feeling better from the rheumatism that ailed them. As word of the “healing” waters spread, people showed up by the thousands for a chance at a sip of this magical drink. In 1881, the town of Mineral Wells was founded with Lynch appointing himself the first mayor. With so many activities for visitors in Mineral Wells, there is truly something for everyone! Adventure seekers can explore the outdoors “where Texas runs deep” by heading out to Possum Kingdom State Park and the Brazos River. They can go canoeing, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, camping, hunting, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Whatever outdoor adventure you are seeking, there are activities for everyone! Outdoor adventures not your thing? Not to worry, visitors can stroll and shop through the downtown boutiques, furniture stores, and antique shops full of unique items. Mineral Wells has many museums, including the National Vietnam War Museum Complex, Old Jail Museum, Little Rock Schoolhouse Museum, which is in the first public school building, and the WK Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas. Other places to explore include the Mineral Wells Fossil Park, Clark Gardens Botanical Park, Famous Mineral Water Company, Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway, and the famous Baker Hotel.
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Dallas Arboretum
AND BOTANICAL GARDEN The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a beautiful place that should be top on your list to explore in the Dallas area. In 2018, it had more than 979,219 visitors from all 50 states, as well as 90 countries. The arboretum has been listed among the top arboretums in the world. It is located on the shores of White Rock Lake, with over 66 acres that feature a complete life science laboratory. With over 66 acres of finely manicured grounds, the arboretum and garden provides breathtaking views for residents and tourists year-round. There are two signature gardens on the property, as well as over a dozen other gardens for visitors to explore and enjoy. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, the first signature garden, was created to connect children with nature. With education being a central principle of the arboretum, they use eight acres of creative space overlooking the lake to teach life and Earth science to children, teachers, and families. The second signature garden, A Tasteful Place, is a three and a half-acre ornamental garden, pavilion, and kitchen inspired by the idea of growing and eating fresh, sustainable, locally-grown food. Visitors to A Tasteful Place can enjoy free daily tastings, cooking classes and demos, seasonal displays, and stunning skyline views of Dallas over White Rock Lake. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden provides a beautiful and refreshing experience to all. It is open to the public daily almost every day of the year, with the exception of a few holidays. Visitors can often find an array of popular annual events, educational programs for children and adults, and an emphasis on family-oriented activities -- perfect for summer trips!
SUNDANCE SQUARE Looking for a dazzling date night or girls' weekend? Maybe a special event or a weekend of big fun on a budget? Sundance Square has the perfect itinerary for every occasion. Shopping experiences abound, with shops for every taste. They offer jewelry, merchandise for sports fanatics, apparel, specialty foods, florals, perfumes, and gifts. In addition to the shops, visitors have an abundance of entertainment options to choose from, including AMC Palace 9 Theatre for movies, Bass Performance Hall for concerts, Circle Theatre for contemporary plays, a jazz lounge, comedy club, cigar lounge, and so much more. In the summer, guests can partake in summer movie nights with free family movies on the big screen in the Sundance Square Plaza. Check their website for year-round events -excitement for all to enjoy. Between shopping and the all-day entertainment, visitors may be inclined to partake in the wide variety of dining and drinking options. They can dine at places like Bird Café, a chef-driven restaurant focused on delicious shared plates; Flying Saucer, with craft beer, made-to-order pizza, and house-smoked salmon; or Reata at Sundance Square, featuring “legendary Texas cuisine” that is a combination of Southwestern, Creole, Southern, Mexican, and traditional Cowtown flavors.
LEGACIES
LBJ: AMERICA’S
36TH PRESIDENT
OF TEXAS
If there was a word to describe the State of the Union at the time of Lyndon Baines Johnson’s presidential inauguration, “tumultuous” would top the list. The 1960s were an emotional and eventful time for America. In some ways, Johnson, a force to be reckoned with, navigated the uncharted waters with wisdom and determination. But he also propelled America into an unwinnable war. That, however, is the nature of presidential legacies, a balance of good and bad, winning and losing, success and failure, all on the public stage. One undeniable truth about Johnson is that he was a Texan through and through. With a family history rooted deeply in the Lone Star State, he loved his home, and spent much of his career serving its citizens.
WRITTEN BY: MEDDIE STEWART
JOHNSON Johnson’s grandfather arrived in Lockhart, Texas in 1846, aged eight. When Sam Ealy Johnson, Sr.’s parents died in the ‘50s, he and a brother rooted themselves on land that is now Johnson City; their cattle operation eventually encompassed 300 acres, one of the largest in the area. But Sam was more than just a successful Texas rancher. When the Civil War commenced, Sam joined the Confederacy, served in Debray’s regiment along the coast, and fought in the Battle of Galveston. After the war, Sam resumed ranching, grew the business, and married Eliza Bunton. Living in Buda, the couple delivered their fifth of ten kids in 1877, Samuel Ealy Johnson, Jr. When he was about ten years old, the family moved to the bank of the Pedernales River in Blanco County. Competitive and intelligent, young Sam attended school, and dreamed of more than cattle farming. Public schools then were not state-funded. Even with a successful cattle operation, feeding and sheltering a large and growing family was burdensome, and Sam, Sr. had nothing to spare to foot the bill for his namesake’s education. So young Sam took out a loan and invested in a barber shop, learned the trade, and paid his own tuition. Sam eventually set out to become a teacher, but no accredited certification programs were available in the Texas Hill Country. Never one to 22 | AUGUST 2019
let a little obstacle get in his way, a trait his future son inherited, Sam turned to the help of thirteen textbooks and his retired grandfather’s peaceful home to study. He passed and became a one-room schoolhouse teacher in 1896, but he soon yearned for more. A law degree required more tuition, money he did not have. As his father aged, young Sam rented parts of the farm from him. The conditions were favorable at first, and he profited. Sam began trading in the fickle cotton futures market, and lost his money more than once.
YOUTH In 1904, Sam Johnson, Jr. was elected to represent the Eightyninth District in Texas’s Twenty-ninth Legislature, the same seat previously occupied by his future-father-in-law, a role Sam filled five more times over the years. During his tenure, Sam helped author legislation that purchased the Alamo, provided relief for drought-stricken farmers and ranchers, and limited the influx of low-value stock certificates. Sam married Rebekah Baines in 1907, and they had five children. Their eldest, Lyndon Baines Johnson, was born August 27, 1908, on the family farm near Stonewall. In 1913, the family moved to Johnson City, where the children attended local public schools. Superior by rural standards, their home still lacked electricity and indoor plumbing.
interest and investing in local real estate. He was the largest land owner in Harrison County by the 1930s (much of which later became Caddo Lake State Park). Lady Bird graduated from the University of Texas and met Johnson in Austin through a friend in September 1934. Johnson quickly proposed but Lady Bird was hesitant to “commit matrimony” (her terms); he persisted and they wed in November.
CONGRESS
Johnson’s childhood hinted at his bold future. By age ten, Johnson occasionally accompanied Sam to work, witnessing debate and behind-the-scenes deal-making. At twelve, he told classmates that he would someday become president. By fourteen, well aware of broken economics governing cotton commodities, he knew he wanted a seat at the solution table, sparing families like his own from severe market drops. Johnson graduated from high school in 1924, trying his hand at a few jobs before enrolling at (now) Texas State University. Johnson enjoyed campus government, journalism, and debate. By 1928, a certified teacher, he worked as a principal and educator in Cotulla, becoming familiar with the daily struggles of the country’s lowincome populations. He completed his B.A. in 1930, as the nation plunged into the Great Depression. His teaching career gave way to a job as Texas Congressman Kleberg’s secretary. Under Kleberg, Lyndon made important contacts in Washington, D.C, but his most important connection was a personal one. One of three children born to Thomas Jefferson Taylor II and his wife Minnie, Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Taylor grew up in Karnack, her father a successful shopkeeper. Taylor put the store’s profits to work, providing loans to struggling farmers at ten percent
The couple pursued Johnson’s political ambitions together. The Great Depression hit hard. President Roosevelt initiated the National Youth Association program and Johnson secured a job there. Like his work as a school principal and congressional secretary, his service record and reputation were impeccable and well-known. When his hometown (Tenth District) congressman passed away, Johnson jumped at his chance. Lady Bird’s father provided her an inheritance advance to support the campaign. He won. He served his district well and worked hard. His selfproclaimed greatest accomplishment of the time was bringing electricity to the Hill Country and establishing the Pedernales Electric Cooperative, a national first. In 1941, a Texan senator died. In Johnson’s only ever Senate race loss, “Pappy” O’Daniel surpassed him marginally in the polls in one of Texas’s crazier political races. World War II began. Part of the House Committee on Naval Affairs, Johnson monitored war progress in the Pacific. After Pearl Harbor, LBJ was first in congress to volunteer for active duty. General MacArthur awarded him the Silver Star for gallantry in action, which he wore proudly throughout his career. Wartime was productive for Johnson personally. The couple invested in a radio station using more of Lady Bird’s inheritance. Carefully watching technological and industrial advances as part of his congressional duties, Johnson invested personally and began amassing wealth. Lady Bird delivered two daughters during that time. Johnson won another term (his sixth) in 1948. For the first time, his popularity waned when his opposition accused him of profiting off the war and hiding behind a desk. Combined with his loss to O’Daniel, Johnson knew he needed to fight to win AUGUST 2019 | 23
the next Senate race. To secure the Democratic nomination, he faced the personable and upstanding Coke Stevenson, “Mr. Texas.” The election was rife with corruption and fraud, but Johnson won marginally, earning him the nickname “Landslide Lyndon.”
SENATE While his campaigns were dubious, his senatorial success was nearly unbelievable. He wooed the powerful, participated in important committees, and outworked most everyone. Ambitious, smart, and energetic, Johnson developed a method for getting what he wanted. Termed the “Johnson Treatment,” his formidably-sized physique and strong personality were quite intimidating when combined with his ability to exploit the strengths and weaknesses of others. He achieved his goals.
BY 1960, JOHNSON WAS READY TO RUN FOR THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND BUT JOHN F. KENNEDY SLID INTO THE LEAD AND CLENCHED THE NOMINATION AT THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.
He served twelve years in the Senate, quickly gaining power. He became the Democrats’ whip due to his ability to study his peers and use those observations to negotiate political favors and trades. Next, he was appointed minority leader. By 1954, LBJ’s appointment had shifted to majority leader. He worked tirelessly to improve civil rights and served on a special committee to investigate the nation’s technological abilities, which led to NASA’s creation. He soon had his eyes on the presidential prize, but the hours and energy took a toll on his health. He took time to recover from a heart attack back at his Texas ranch. By 1960, Johnson was ready to run for the highest office in the land but John F. Kennedy slid into the lead and clenched the nomination at the Democratic Convention. While politically compatible, their backgrounds and personalities were night and day. However, Kennedy requested Johnson join the ticket as his vice presidential running mate, securing Southern votes. They barely beat Republican Nixon in a historically close election.
PRESIDENT Televised live across the nation, America watched President Kennedy’s shocking assassination by gunshot in Dallas. As unexpected events unfolded on screen, the shocked nation mourned, witnessing the unthinkable. As vice president, Johnson was sworn in as America’s 36th president. A mere five days later, Johnson began his tenure by encouraging Congress to pass legislation set in motion under Kennedy. He quickly established a committee to investigate JFK’s assassination, a wise and popular decision. In January 1964, Johnson’s Congress ratified the Twenty-fourth Amendment to the Constitution; eligible voters “shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.” While the Fifteenth Amendment provided all men the right to vote, the South routinely charged poll taxes to discourage low-income citizens and people of color from voting.
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On May 22, 1964, President Johnson delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan. He presented the Great Society, his solution to abolish poverty and racial injustice. “The Great Society is not a safe harbor, a resting place, a final objective, a finished work. It is a challenge constantly renewed, beckoning us toward a destiny where the meaning of our lives matches the marvelous product of our labors.” In the first State of the Union address of that year, Johnson referenced legislation targeting income inequality and striving to reduce the percentage of Americans living in poverty. “This administration today, here and now, declare unconditional War on Poverty in America,” Johnson began. “For the war against poverty will not be won here in Washington. It must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House.” Johnson aimed to strike poverty at its source by improving access to education, training, medical care, housing, and job opportunities. Congress soon passed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
That same summer, Congress signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, initiated under President Kennedy. It outlawed discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin and applied to all public places, including but not limited to government buildings, parks, hotels, restaurants, theaters, and sports facilities. The act prohibited federal funding for programs found discriminatory in nature. Martin Luther King, Jr. called its passing “a second emancipation.” Desegregation of schools began. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act quickly followed on its heels.
VIETNAM Johnson inherited U.S. involvement in Vietnam that began previously with Eisenhower. After World War II, Vietnam was left in turmoil. As the Cold War against communism intensified, Eisenhower drew his line in the sand and renounced the Soviet Union and its allies, thus supporting South Vietnam. “Domino Theory” was the worry; if Vietnam fell to communism, other Asian countries would follow. Kennedy’s cabinet advised increased economic, military, and technological resources; JFK obliged. In November 1963, about three weeks before Kennedy’s death, a South Vietnam military coup drove the area more deeply into chaos. It was then that Johnson unexpectedly entered the Oval Office. North Vietnam attacked two U.S. destroyers with torpedoes in August 1964; the U.S. retaliated with bombings. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Johnson wartime powers, and the U.S. was officially at war. In March 1965, Johnson ordered additional troops to Vietnam. While the public still largely supported war efforts, the anti-war movement was growing steadily. This was America’s first “television war;” journalists had a level of access and footage never seen before or since. Propaganda flowed, informing Americans both for and against.
“FOR THE WAR AGAINST POVERTY WILL NOT BE WON HERE IN WASHINGTON. IT MUST BE WON IN THE FIELD, IN EVERY PRIVATE HOME, IN EVERY PUBLIC OFFICE, FROM THE COURTHOUSE TO THE WHITE HOUSE.” - LY NDON BAINES J OH NS ON -
By ’67, nearly 500,000 American troops were deployed to Vietnam. Over 15,000 had died, nearly 110,000 wounded. In the coming six years, 503,000 U.S. personnel deserted the military; protests, violence, and imprisonment broke out at home and abroad. As his approval ratings plummeted and the election year approached, Johnson sought peaceful communication and resolution with Vietnam instead of reelection. In May 1968, U.S. and North Vietnamese representatives met in Paris but peaceseeking discussions ended in deadlock. Nixon won the bitter and ugly election. The carnage in Vietnam continued.
END The long years took their toll on Johnson. He retired to Texas, focused on his investments, presidential library, and memoirs. He died one day before the Vietnam War officially ended with the Paris Peace Accords. Johnson’s tenure certainly left its mark on U.S. citizens, for better and worse. Younger generations may read a list of bills passed, hailing his idealistic Great Society as a positive on his ledger of success; just as many remember all too vividly their loved ones drafted into a war that much of the country opposed. According to C-Span’s Presidential Historians Survey 2017, reflection upon Johnson’s performance, policies, and politics ranked him in the top 25 percent of all U.S. Presidents, first in relationship with Congress, but near the bottom for international relations. Lyndon B. Johnson will forever be known for his strong vision and ability to set an agenda and follow through on it. He was a strong administrator, a skill that served him well as he tirelessly pushed for equal justice for all. AUGUST 2019 | 25
(Organizing) School
n o i s s e S is in WRITTEN BY: TANIA TAYLOR GRIFFIS
W
hether it brings nostalgic tears or a huge sigh of relief, the kids will be heading back to school soon. Day after day, they will return home with heads full of knowledge and bags full of papers, trash, and leftover lunch. Rather than a go-with-the-flow reactionary methodology, take advantage of the freshness of a new season, and earn an A-plus in organization this year by implementing some (or all!) of these organization tips.
Craft a Morning Routine Waking up late and feeling rushed is an easy way to start the day on the wrong foot. Contrary to popular belief, routines are not boring. They provide stability and clear direction for every member of the household and define expectations, which effectively sets the day up for success.
Make a Master Calendar One surefire way to drop the ball is to try to remember everything without writing it down. Outside of noting dates such as sporting events and project deadlines, other items need to be planned and added, such as who will be taking and picking up the children from school and whether that lot falls to a parent, neighbor, childcare provider, or school bus. While an online calendar is certainly convenient for adults and older students to view and manage, a paper calendar will allow the younger students to see their upcoming week at a glance. Make the calendar fun for them with colorful pencils and stickers and, until it becomes a habit, frequently remind them to use it.
Find a Drop Zone
To create breathing space in the morning routine and get ready and out the door, wake up as a family 30 minutes earlier than necessary. Each member can use this extra time as they see fit: finishing a homework assignment, reading a book, meditating, or exercising are all viable options.
There is no easier way to fuel frustrations and quickly dirty up the kitchen than to have coats, school bags, and shoes littered on and around the kitchen table. If tripping over the same school bag over and over again does not sound like an ideal way to begin your evening, make it a priority to create a dedicated space where these items belong, like a hall closet or mudroom wall near the entry.
Instill an Evening Routine
Make sure the space is kid-friendly, meaning realistic for a child to maintain. If your child is not a fan of putting away jackets on a hanger, opt for a hook instead. Make sure their drop station is at a kid-friendly height as well; it will be lower than you might prefer but will help your child.
Similarly, an evening plan is key for helping everyone wind down and relax after a long day. It is important to give students free time and space for play or hobbies, but that must be balanced with the completion of schoolwork, chores, and important events like family dinners. Involve the entire family in creating a schedule for evenings with a clear bedtime goal all parties understand. As each day has slightly different needs, make your evening schedule flexible with general markers to hit, rather than exact timelines. While a clearly defined order of events will not make every bedtime battle disappear, it can help tremendously.
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Prioritize Paper Even in the digital age of iPads in nearly every classroom, school papers still have a funny way of worming themselves in and taking over a home. Between permission slips, notifications, worksheets, and prized artwork, a seemingly innocent sheet of paper or two will grow into a sizable problem quickly. The easiest way to combat this is to look through and sort papers daily. Teach every child to systemize their papers: items not needed can go directly into a recycling bin near their drop zone. Sheets an adult needs to review, homework, or project papers can go into a hanging wall file. If your student is a budding artist who brings home many masterpieces, work with them to scan and digitize each piece. Choose favorite originals to keep and display, and recycle the rest, or gift it to willing relatives. Printing a book of scanned artwork yearly will be much easier to keep up with and enjoy.
Create a Lunch-Packing System Nearly every parent has felt the stress in the morning that comes from a frantic last-minute scramble for lunch or the dreaded snack battle in the afternoons. Curb the tension by spending a few hours devising a lunch and snack system that will save arguments and time. Start by rethinking how the fridge is set up. Invest in bins that can house grouped items together and clearly label each one. Fill your refrigerator with easy grab-and-go lunch choices in each bin, such as pre-made sandwiches, crackers with assorted toppings, hardboiled eggs, or salads (pack the dressing separately to avoid soggy lettuce). Make sure there are fruit and vegetable options readily available whether you opt for roasted veggies or a portable piece of fruit like an orange or banana. Allow each child to be responsible for packing his or her own lunch each morning. They also should take charge of unloading their lunchboxes and placing items in the dishwasher each afternoon before grabbing a snack. Snack items can be similarly pre-made and labeled; carrots and individual portions of hummus, slices of cheese with toast, or peanut butter and an apple are healthy, protein-fueled snack options that will keep your child full until dinner.
Sort Out Laundry A well-organized laundry routine will help prevent those panic moments where a student (or parent!) has nothing clean to wear. However, for most people laundry is a chore that is tolerated at best. Rather than spend entire weekends laundering and folding clothing alone, devise a system that allows the entire family to join in on the chore. If doing all the laundry one day a week works best for the household, have every family member pitch in and help by bringing their laundry to the laundry room, stripping beds of linens, and gathering towels. Children can also be responsible for putting clothing away; even young children can match socks and sort whites from colors. A preference for smaller daily laundry loads requires a different plan. Each person could have a certain day to do his or her own laundry or be responsible for a certain laundryrelated task. Create the laundry routine as part of your daily or weekly family life, and the chore will become much less tedious.
Be Project Ready Despite best efforts, it has happened to the best of us. Nine p.m. rolls around, and a child casually lets it slip that they have a project due in the morning. Rather than a frantic drive to a store in pajamas, be prepared. At the beginning of the school year, toss some extra items into your shopping cart that are useful in situations like this. Have a stash of supplies on hand like poster board, markers, glue sticks, and construction paper. Tissues and hand sanitizer for the winter months are other items that are great to have on hand. While it can seem daunting to implement change, it is worth it. With a little extra effort, everyone will be set up for A-plus success!
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WRITTEN BY: TANIA TAYLOR GRIFFIS PHOTOS COURTESY OF: BUTCH IRELAND
Lead designer Kathy Anderson of Eklektik Interiors believes in thinking outside the box when it comes to home design. This vision was certainly brought to life in this beautiful home in Tomball, just north of Houston, Texas. Together with design assistant Kathy Stinemetz, she created a transitional home with a mix of modern and timeless finishes that make you take a second look. The homeowners originally contacted Anderson to help replicate the look of another home she designed. Anderson was hesitant to simply duplicate the finishes from another property and opted to start fresh. "Every job we do, we try to do better than the last house we did," she said. "We always ask what can we improve and how we can give them what they without duplicating." The house had already been through a large part of the building process before Eklektik Interiors began the design work. “By the time we stepped in, a lot of the millwork had already been done,” she said. “The floor and the floor plan had been selected, but none of the finishes.” The homeowners happily handed the project off to the design team, who were able to take the vision and give the clients what they wanted – a combination of new meets old. “The exterior is more of a Tuscan feel, but the inside we wanted to go with something more transitional,” Anderson said. With a style described as “clean lines meets Texas Hill Country,” the design team chose to bring in personality and interest through finishes and wall art, while keeping the design timeless.
The light fixture features black iron to complement the spiral staircase outside.
To achieve a clean and modern look, the design team simplified the space by foregoing window trim, allowing the wood stain to stand out. “The Texas Hill Country style is found in the framing,� Stinemetz said.
D E SI GN E R : K AT HY AN D E R S O N O F E K LE K T IK IN TERIOR S
Grapevine adds visual interest to what would otherwise be an empty wall.
While they appear similar, these are two different sofas with the same fabric flipped on them. “We chose them for different reasons,” Anderson said. “One faces the television and is deeper so you can get into the sofa and watch television. The other one is narrow, so guests are more comfortable, rather then falling deep into the sofa. This is the best of both worlds.”
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The palette in the home was kept organic with more warm grays, charcoals, and browns throughout the house. “A warmer gray is a bit more livable than a cool gray, especially with all the creams in the stone,� Anderson said. The walls are painted Aesthetic White by Sherwin-Williams since the color works well with either a warm or a cool tone. The paint color also serves as the perfect neutral backdrop that does not detract attention away from pieces such as the wooden molds from Indonesia hung on the stairwell.
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Tree branches dried and hung above the bed add a unique focal point.
A simple wooden mirror offsets the stone sink basin.
The bedroom is a study in mixing finishes. The nightstand features an antique mirror hanging above it, filled with patina. The table by the door has a completely different finish with lacquer, to help the piece add some shine and layer a different texture into the room.
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A copper tub was near the top of the homeowners' wish list. This copper has a living finish that will continue to add patina to the room. While the piece is certainly eye-catching, it may not be the one to add if you dream of long, hot baths as the tub has no insulation and will lose heat quickly.
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Vintage balloon molds add an unexpected element to the room.
“In this particular home, the lighting and finishes made a big difference,” Anderson said. “We wanted to make this home clean and current.” The house itself is large in scale with big rooms, which added a challenge to the process as Anderson and Stinemetz balanced an edgy organic vibe in a way that did not overpower or distract from the room. “We were able to see the vision and give it to them,” Anderson said.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF: MADISON GRAY
Candles 101 WRITTEN BY: ALLISON G. HENLEY
Waxes
Beautiful and lovely, scented candles are often used to create a cozy atmosphere. The following information strives to break down some of the components that work synergistically to create them.
The type of wax from which a candle is made dramatically impacts how that candle performs. The melting point is important, determining the number of burning hours that it will produce. Another consideration is how clean the wax burns in terms of carcinogens and soot put out into the air, as this greatly affects the toxic load of the candle.
► Paraffin Wax Most commonly, candles are made of paraffin wax, a refined petroleum byproduct that is solid at room temperature. This synthetic product revolutionized the candle industry, as paraffin is extremely versatile, inexpensive, and widely available. Paraffin is a harder wax, available at many different melting points, which allows it to be formed into different types of candles and adhere well to a container. Some benefits of using paraffin wax are its lack of color and odor in addition to its consistency in burning. However, due to the origin of this wax as the byproduct of crude oil, its toxicity is questionable.
► Soy Wax Another common type of wax is soy or rather hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax is softer, slower burning, and more transparent than paraffin wax. Due to the soft nature of soy wax, it performs well in containers, such as jarred candles. Additionally, soy wax comes from a renewable source, which has made it popular in recent years. Soy wax has its drawbacks when it comes to its ability to hold a high fragrance load. Sometimes it is also not cooperative in adhering appropriately to glass containers into which it is being poured, and sometimes air bubbles cause pockets of air within a candle.
► Beeswax All-natural and chemical-free, beeswax is a byproduct of honeybees. Due to the specific nature of extracting it from beehives, beeswax candles are typically available at a higher price point. Beeswax is dripless and gives off very little smoke and can be purchased in blocks or slabs.
► Coconut Wax Coconut wax is a scentless wax that is a blend of coconut oil and typically a soy wax. This is a rarer type of wax that is a great option for someone looking for a clean-burning and ethically sourced candle. Additionally, it is an all-natural and vegan option. Coconut wax candles typically come with a higher price point. Melissa Risenhoover of Fort Worthbased Bloke and Dame Candle Company chooses to use coconut wax in her hand-poured candles after motherhood took her on a journey to find healthier, non-toxic options for daily living. Risenhoover stated, “[When choosing wax,] I knew that the largest toxic load of a candle comes from the petroleum-based wax used in most candles available on the market. Searching for a clean and ethical option led me to coconut wax.”
► Blends At times, waxes are blended to create the desired outcome. Fredericksburg-based Circle E™ Candles creates their unique composition of wax for their jar candles by blending soy and paraffin wax, which results in a desirable smooth, creamy texture.
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Wicks
► Zinc-core Wicks These wicks are one of the most popular choices on the market. The wire core allows the wick to stand straight throughout the pouring process as well as when the candle is lit. These are a great choice for container candles, made of a paraffin wax. The downside to zinc-core wicks is that they produce a great amount of carbon, which can lead to mushrooming and carbon deposits. Zinc-core wicks can be used in container, votive, and tea light candles.
► Flat-braided Cotton Wicks This wick is designed for use in pillar candles and tapers. The end of the wick curls down, which reduces carbon buildup, and essentially becomes a selftrimming wick. Due to a chemical treatment applied to the 100 percent natural fibers of this wick, cotton wicks burn more slowly and evenly than other wicks.
► Paper-core Wicks Constructed with 100 percent natural fibers around a paper core, these wicks pair well with paraffin-based waxes. They do not burn as hot as cotton wicks, but they offer more rigidity, allowing them to be used in container, votive, and tea light candles.
► Wooden Wicks Wooden wicks are fairly new to the candle industry. However, they can be found in mainstream retail stores as well as individual candle-makers. “I chose wooden wicks because I knew I wanted to stay as sustainable and clean as possible,” Risenhoover said. “Our wooden wicks are sourced from Forest Stewardship Council Certified Mills and create a relaxing and calming ambiance. They provide a wonderful scent throw and produce an even burn pool.” The crackling of a wooden wick gives off a lovely and unique ambiance.
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Fragrance & Color
These are two optional elements that can be added to candles that can make candles distinctive. Scent has the ability to evoke certain emotions and spark memories. Circle E® Candles takes its cue for scent creation from the beauty of the Texas Hill country with “bluebonnets, peaches, and tree covered hills” and offers over 55 elegant scents with corresponding colors. Risenhoover is passionate about the purity of her candles and assures consumers that her fragrances are “beautiful phthalate free scents that are highly tested for pureness and are blended with essential oils.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF: CIRCLE E® CANDLES
The purpose of a candle wick is to supply fuel to the flame. Most wicks consist of a bundle of fibers that are twisted or braided together. Wick choice is important in candle-making as it is critical to how cleanly and properly the candle burns. An additional consideration in wicks is the incidence of “mushrooming,” or the black soot build-up on the tip of the wick. The use of lead wicks was banned from U.S. markets in 2003, though many candle-makers had voluntarily discontinued the use of lead prior to the ban. It is recommended to trim wicks to ⅛ inch before lighting or relighting, and trim after every four hours of burn time.
Shape
There are many shapes and styles of candles with multiple styles of craftsmanship. The desired use will typically help determine what shape of candle is necessary.
► Tapers These long slender candles, also called “dinner candles,” are often used with candleholders or candlesticks. These are typically unscented and can be hand-dipped or rolled from beeswax.
► Pillars With a two to three inch diameter, these sturdy candles can stand alone or be placed on a plate or inside of a hurricane. It is recommended not to allow a two-inch candle to burn longer than two hours, three inch longer than three hours, etcetera.
► Tea Lights Short and petite (usually running three-quarter inch by one and a half inch), these accent candles usually fit inside pieces of home décor. There are many types of decorative tea light holders made of a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and colors to fit almost any home décor style.
► Votives Typically burned in a glass cup to contain the liquified wax, votives are two -inches high with a two-inch diameter and provide a beautiful ambient glow, lasting longer in burn time than tea lights.
► Container/Jar Candles Candles poured into a glass container fit this category. These come in a wide variety of scents, sizes, colors, and can have one or multiple wicks. These candles have a longer burn time as well, due to their typically larger size.
► Novelty Candles Novelty candles are the candles that do not fit the above categories. They can have a pillar, pyramid, or another unique shape. They can essentially be any shape, size, or color, scented, or unscented.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A
K I TC H E N REMODEL
A kitchen remodel can be a dream come true or a nightmare, but with these proven tactics, your experience and the final outcome will be enjoyable.
IT ALL BEGINS IN YOUR HEAD
PHOTO COURTESY OF:UNIQUE EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY
WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE LYNNE
Remodeling your kitchen is a big undertaking. Whether it is a simple cosmetic update and you are leaving the footprint of the kitchen intact or taking it down to the studs, your daily routine will be interrupted. So much of life happens in and around the kitchen, so prepare for your daily routine to get an overhaul as well. However, with some planning and preparation, you can reduce the stress and strain of having the hub of your household temporarily out of service.
The first step in any major renovation is the mental preparation. You will be inconvenienced, and there is no way around it. The sooner you embrace this reality, the easier the overall process will be. Begin by reconciling the financial expectations of the project. No kitchen remodel is inexpensive - even a simple cosmetic upgrade. You should factor in the cost of the materials and labor, but also the expense of eating out while your kitchen is inaccessible. Then tack on to that number an additional 20 percent for unforeseen issues and expenses. Rushing a project such as a kitchen remodel is not easy, even under the best circumstances and with the best team. Take time to ask around and get referrals for a general contractor and interior designer. Then interview both to confirm they align with your vision, budget, and personality. These two individuals are going to be in your life for an extended period and will be advising you on major financial decisions; you must trust their expertise and experience.
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You may believe that a general contractor is a must have for your project, but an interior designer is optional. However, while the services of a designer are a luxury, it is generally money well spent. The intention of enlisting a designer’s expertise is to ensure all of your selections are made in advance of the project kick off. This allows you to confirm the general budget, confirm the actual material selections and their durability for your lifestyle, and of course, ensure the aesthetic of the kitchen is what you want. Hiring a designer with experience in kitchen remodels also prevents rookie mistakes that might cost more money in the long run. If hiring an interior designer is not in the budget, you might find one willing to simply consult and double check your decisions. Still not an option? Enlist a friend who is not emotionally tied to the outcome; having a second opinion is a must for so many decisions. Whether you hire an interior designer for the entire process or simply consult on your final selections, you want to ensure that the designer or your contractor can provide a basic sketch or mock-up. This need varies based on the extent of your renovation but is not a step that should be skipped. As you interview for your team, think about what you want to eliminate. Can you sell or donate your existing appliances, or are they so old that they need to be hauled off? What about your light fixtures? Include these questions in your interview process. Finally, as you mentally prepare for your project, do not forget about your furry family members. They will be affected by all of the activity. Make arrangements for their care and safety when your home becomes a construction zone.
LOGISTICS Once the initial details of your kitchen remodel are confirmed, and your team is selected, it is time to leap into action. You can begin immediately by packing up the kitchen. The sooner you start, the less stressful the process. We all have items in our kitchens that we do not use daily and that can be packed away far in advance of the first day of demolition. Actually, you probably have quite a few items that you do not use at all - or have duplicates of - and can be donated or tossed.) Go to your local big box home improvement store and purchase their large plastic storage bins. No need to wrap and pack your items ( just store them in the garage or in a spare bedroom). Opt for clear storage bins to allow easier visual access should you need to retrieve an item mid-construction. Coordinate with your contractor to order as many of the selections as possible and have them on hand in advance. This can prevent unforeseen delays of the project due to materials being back ordered or discontinued.
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Setting up a temporary kitchen is a great solution to avoid take-out burn out. If you do not have an obvious place within your existing home (i.e. a kitchenette in the game room, vacant mother-in-law suite, etc.), a simple folding table is all you need.
TO SET UP YOUR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS, HERE IS WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED: • Paper plates and bowls
• Paper towels/napkins
• Plastic utensils
• Can opener
• P aper coffee cups (if you indulge in hot beverages)
• Wine bottle opener
• Plastic cups
• Trash can and liners
• B asic cooking utensils such as spatula
ADDITIONALLY, THE FOLLOWING SMALL APPLIANCES WILL PROVIDE IMMEASURABLE CONVENIENCES: • Coffee maker • Refrigerator (existing, secondary, or a small temporary option) • Hotplate (with applicable pots/pans) and/or electric skillet • Crockpot and/or Instapot • Blender/Nutri-Bullet/Ninja • Outdoor barbeque grill It is unlikely the majority of your meals will be prepared at home, but you will be surprised what is possible with a bit of inventory. There are also meal services that deliver fully-prepared, microwavable meals, as well as local kitchens that offer a wide range of fresh meals. Enlist a full Google search and keep a list of options handy.
OTHER DETAILS During the remodel, expect sub-contractors coming in and out of your home, which means little privacy during the workday. However, there will be days that there are not any workers on the job site. This is not an oversight by your contractor but rather part of the scheduling and logistics of managing a project with many moving parts. If the luxury of taking an extended weekend or extended vacation (or even temporary relocation) permits, consider removing yourself from the job site altogether. People deal with dust, clutter, and inconvenience in their own way, so plan your attendance accordingly. And, finally, have a sense of humor. Focus on the outcome and remember why you started this project in the first place.
PHOTO COURTESY OF: MICHAEL HUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY
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REPLACING YOUR FRONT DOOR GO WITH THE PRO
UPDATING YOUR HOME:
it Yourself DoOR HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WRITTEN BY: LUCY ANN PARKER
Updating a home, whether it is one you have lived in for years or a new purchase, can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. Many major updates require the help of a professional.
HOWEVER, THERE ARE MANY PROJECTS THAT CAN BE DONE ON YOUR OWN. A few qualifying factors for you to consider when determining if you will do the project yourself or call in the professionals: 1. I s the project small enough that you can learn how to do it quickly? If the job requires weeks of research, then it is probably too complex to handle on your own. If you are comfortable tackling the project after watching several YouTube videos, then you are probably safe to do it yourself. an the project cause major damage to your 2. C home? If so, call a professional. 3. D oes the process involve something that could harm you? 4. If something goes wrong, will it be more costly to fix your mistake? 5. Are you going to hurt your home’s value if the result is not perfect?
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Maybe you are trying to increase curb appeal, or maybe you just want to install the door of your dreams. At first glance, the project does not seem too difficult. Standard size doors can be purchased at hardware stores with the jamb and hinges included. Custom size doors are going to be a little more labor intensive as the door is not pre-hung in the door jamb. Regardless of which avenue you will be taking, here are the reasons you should hire a professional. • S ECURE AND PROPER FUNCTION. The door must be aligned with the door jamb so that all locks function securely. The door should not stick or have any trouble opening or closing. • P ROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS. Sealing and weatherstripping must be perfectly positioned to keep out rain and unwanted pests. • PREVENT AIR FLOWING OUT. The same weather stripping also works to keep cold (or hot, depending on the season) air in your home, which will, in turn, prevent your electricity bill from increasing. • P EACE OF MIND. You can rest easy knowing that an insured professional installed the door, so if there are any issues, they can come back out to fix them.
INSTALLING A BACKSPLASH DIY If you have the general skills to measure and are willing to rent some equipment, installing your own backsplash is an attainable project. You will need to measure your workspace to determine how many tiles (or sheets of tile) you will need. Be sure to order ten to fifteen percent more just in case you end up needing extra. You will also need to rent a highquality tile saw because tile can crack very easily while cutting. Using tile sheets will be easier to install than placing individual tiles, however, the choice is up to you. When purchasing grout, be sure to buy the pre-mixed kind, it will end up saving you a lot of time on the back end of the project. Tile is relatively inexpensive in the realm of remodeling, so should you start the project and decide that you really do want a professional to finish it, you would not be out of a lot of money, and it would be easy for a professional to step in. There are countless YouTube videos in which you can find tutorials for laying all kinds of different tiles. One thing you must keep in mind if you are laying individual tiles is that the spacing between them must be even. When you are ready to sell your home, the kitchen is one of the most important elements that people inspect. Uneven grout lines and crooked tiles will be a huge turn off to prospective buyers. Installing a backsplash is a fairly simple and quick way to update your kitchen, add visual interest, or customize an older kitchen to your liking. It is something you can learn quickly and complete in just a day or two. This home project you can definitely do yourself!
For the
(BUTTER)ofLOVE Biscuits WRITTEN BY: CLAIRE WILSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF: BUTTERLOVE BISCUITS
Like many Texans, Deanna Hurt and her family grew up eating biscuits and gravy. She recalled visiting her grandparents on their farm and waking up to the aroma of her grandma’s homemade drop biscuits. This summer, she brought that buttery goodness to the people of Amarillo in the form of Butterlove Biscuits, a fastcasual restaurant serving everyone’s favorite breakfast.
BACKGROUND Also the owner of The Ruffled Cup Cupcakery and Sweet Shoppe in Amarillo, Hurt has over nine years of experience as a business owner. She recently expanded the flourishing cupcake business to a larger location, which led to Butterlove Biscuits. “Word got around the grapevine that we were doing that, and a thousand people wanted my space that I was moving out of,” Hurt said. With so many interested buyers, she realized the potential for her own new culinary endeavor. “I started going through some new concepts with my husband, and we just thought and thought,” she said. “We wanted to offer Amarillo something it didn’t have.” With plenty of restaurants in town boasting classics such as pizzas and burgers, Hurt knew she needed to stand out. “I thought, ‘I’ve gotta do something that involves brunch’ because this city is obsessed with brunch,” Hurt said.
After some research, Hurt visited a similar biscuits and gravy restaurant in Dallas, which sealed the deal for her. Biscuits and gravy it would be. However, she took her biscuits to a whole new level by offering several different flavors and selling some through Grab and Go, where patrons can purchase biscuits to go for $2 a biscuit or $20 for a dozen. “Owning The Ruffled Cup and knowing that there’s a lot of profit to be made in people grabbing dozens of something to go, that kind of helped me out with that idea,” Hurt said. Hurt worked for over a year to find the perfect biscuit recipe. With her background as a baker, she understood how to work with recipes, so she started with recipes she found online. As she tested them, she kept tweaking them until she created one that she knew would be a showstopper. “It was a labor of love, but I finally figured it out, and our biscuits are just mouthwatering, buttery pieces of heaven,” she said. “I’ve eaten way too many of them, too.” Though she loved her grandma’s recipe, Hurt created her own because of the difficulty of replicating the exact flavor of her grandma’s. “I realized that hers tasted so good because she would actually grease her pan with the bacon and sausage grease and then bake her biscuits in that,” Hurt said. “That’s what gave them that delicious flavor.” She also uses more butter than her grandma, which could be why guests cannot get enough. AUGUST 2019 | 41
Opening weekend at Butterlove saw a steady line of 40 to 60 people, from about 8 a.m. until well past noon. “It’s been nuts,” Hurt said. “We’ve had a lot of repeat customers, though, so evidently we’re doing something right.” Hurt attributed much of the restaurant’s success to the dedicated team she curated. “I have some really great people working for me,” Hurt said. “I would say that’s what’s key. You’ve gotta find some really, really good people to be behind your vision and work for you, and then you treat them well and pay them well, and they stay with you.” Executive Chef Jacob Rives and Bakery Manager Carrie Henard oversee the kitchen and baking areas, respectively, but Hurt still pitches in behind the scenes frequently. Sometimes she slices jalapeños for candied jalapeños, buses tables, checks on customers, or even prepares ingredients for chefs. But mostly, she washes dishes. “A lot of times where I’m best utilized is in the dish pit, doing the dishes,” Hurt said. “We do have a dishwasher, but there are a lot of dishes that need doing in a restaurant, so I hop in where needed.”
ON THE MENU The menu features starters such as a bucket of biscuits and fried green tomatoes, and sides such as country ham, eggs, and loaded tots. They also offer two waffle options, chicken and waffles and cereal waffles (batter made with Fruity Pebbles and topped with blueberry syrup). The main attractions, the biscuit sandwiches, steal the show. Biscuit plates include options like the classic biscuits and gravy, as well as biscuit potpie, Butterlove Benedict, and biscuit french toast. “For sure our best-selling item is our biscuits and gravy,” Hurt said. With up to four different types of gravy offered every day, including pepper and chocolate, this staple stays new and exciting. For guests who have not eaten chocolate gravy on a biscuit before, Hurt only recently learned of it but encouraged guests to try it. “Apparently it’s a Southern thing,” she said. “I consider myself Southern, but I had never eaten it.” Essentially, biscuits topped with this thick chocolate pudding taste like dessert for breakfast, especially when topped with fresh sliced strawberries and a touch of whipped cream. All of the signature biscuits are named after Southern phrases, including Heavens to Betsy, Honey Hush, and Well Bless Your Heart. “[My favorite] is for sure the Great Balls of Fire,” Hurt said. This signature biscuit sandwich consists of spicy fried chicken, house-made candied jalapeños, provolone cheese, arugula, and house-made spicy ranch. For a truly delightful brunch experience, do not forget drinks! Wash down those biscuits with a mimosa, beer, bloody mary, or craft cocktail. Enjoy a flight of four of their specialty mimosas or share a pitcher of mimosa or bloody mary. All of the mimosas are made with fresh orange juice made in-house. “It’s crazy how much better fresh orange juice tastes than what you can get at the grocery store,” Hurt said. “It’s really delicious.” Butterlove also serves an Adult Cereal Milk beverage, made by soaking a box of Fruit Loops in a gallon of milk overnight and then pouring the Fruit Loops through a strainer, leaving the milk. “Then we serve that with different variations of whatever kind of alcohol we think goes well with that,” Hurt said. Cereal milk, sans alcohol, is a popular drink choice among children, as well. 42 | AUGUST 2019
GRAB AND GO The Grab and Go biscuits were designed so that customers can walk in, buy a dozen biscuits, and be on their way to church, the office, a social gathering, or wherever. Though they only offer biscuits, the choices are anything but plain. They offer a variety of sweet and savory flavors daily, usually three to four of each type. Options available every day include several different fruits, cheeses, cheese and meats, and more. “We figured out really quickly that we have to have blueberry every day,” Hurt said. “I don’t know what is magical about blueberries in a biscuit, but it is great.” With over 150 cupcake flavors at the bakery, it comes as no surprise that Hurt is eager to continue introducing new and funky biscuit flavors. “I can’t wait to expand on the biscuits that we don’t have readily available yet,” she said. “We’ve gone crazy thinking of ideas.”
A BUTTERY FUTURE A bright future awaits this bright-eyed eatery. “We plan on franchising Butterlove,” Hurt said. This could allow biscuit-lovers from all across the state, or even country, to make Butterlove Biscuits their go-to weekend brunch. Though the restaurant industry is challenging and time demanding, Hurt said that Butterlove does not feel like work to her. Cooking heavenly biscuits and satisfying every customer remains her goal. “We have been working tirelessly to make sure everyone leaves with a happy experience,” she said. Doubtless, her mouthwatering biscuits will continue to give happy experiences to all who eat at this charming brunchery.
Grab AND GO Flavors Blueberry Cherry Confetti Chocolate Chip Cheddar Jalapeño Cheddar Garlic Cheddar Sausage Cheddar Bacon Cheddar Bacon Jalapeño and more!
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Start by forming your own team. Hosting is always more fun when you can do it with a few friends or family members, so gather your crew and make a game plan. Having two or three couples or individuals host together takes pressure off one single person to be responsible for the shindig every weekend. Tailgating with a set group allows you to share responsibility for everything from location to food, and it is much more likely to become a recurring event every football season.
Meet Me AT THE
TAILGATE WRITTEN BY: CORINNE CARAWAY
If you are from Texas, you know football season runs the fall calendar. Over the years the art of throwing a good tailgate has become more and more important in making each game day one to remember. What you serve and how you serve it can help you pull together the perfect tailgate every home weekend.
There is No ‘I’ in Team
The definition of tailgating is to host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served. Before we can even begin to talk about what should be on the menu, we have to tackle the act of gathering. The camaraderie built through a love of football or a specific team is hard to beat, and tailgating is an easy way to celebrate that bond. It is safe to say one of the best parts of throwing a tailgate is creating a space for friends and fellow fans to come spend time together before, or even after, a big game.
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Once you have your tailgating team locked in, it is important to dish out who is bringing what to the table every week. An easy way to divvy up the charge is to think about who is coming from where; take travel into account! If someone lives in town, ask them to grab the spot and bring the tables, canopies, and seats. If another couple likes to arrive early, ask them to handle the main meal and full coolers. And if you have people who make the road trip every weekend no matter what time the game is, ask them to bring appetizers and desserts that can be prepped the night before. Everyone needs a little consistency in their life, and once your friends know your tailgate is the place to be, word will spread, and people will look forward to the gathering under your tent just as much as the upcoming game. It can be really easy to throw a get together for your family and friends, but one of the simplest ways to take your tailgate to the next level is through open hospitality. Saturday football can turn a small college town into a bustling metropolis overnight, and the odds are there will be more than a few people without a place to hang out before the game. Adopt an air of sportsmanship: make sure you have more than enough to eat and drink and make your tailgate a place where everyone is welcome. Offer games like corn hole and ladder ball for kids (adults, too), and set up a television for full game day coverage so people can have a place to relax, keep up with stats, and enjoy the company. Invite visitors who have traveled a long way, friends of friends that need a bite to eat, and especially the other team’s fans. No matter how the game plays out, allow the hospitable nature of your gathering to leave a good taste in the mouth of anyone and everyone you host.
Food for Thought Once you have your team lined up, focus on the best ways to feed them. Even though the fans under your tent will not be stepping onto the field, they need just as much energy to survive game day, and they are counting on your tailgate to get it. There is an art form to feeding the masses at a tailgate, and it starts with what you serve. Just like any other menu, your tailgate needs variety when it comes to what is cooked up every week. The key is to stick to food that can be easily held in one hand and consumed while standing in case seating is low. Rotating between options like burgers, sausage wraps, Frito pie in a bag, street tacos, and pulled pork sandwiches will keep your menu fresh, and turn first time guests into regulars. People may show up for your main meal, but you know they are staying for dessert. Anything from cookies to cake to pie will do the trick. Just make sure you have enough options to satisfy the sweet tooth of whoever comes your way. After you have mastered your menu for the season, think about how you serve it. Be conscious of the game time! Let people know every week there is a set time the main meal will be served so they can plan accordingly. Football Saturdays are long; people will be stopping into snack and grab a cold one throughout the day. Make sure to keep a steady stock of beer, Gatorade, bottled water, and anything else you want available.
When it comes to snacking guests, try rolling out different treats in phases before the main course. Start with some grilled sausage, cheese, and crackers to get the grill fired up and give people a taste of what is to come. Then break out the chips, dip, and fruit trays. Whether you like corn salsa or queso, apples or grapes, these are staple items for every tailgate in any given month. If your team gets hit with an early game, stock your spot with mimosas, coffee, and donuts. A small appearance for breakfast will add to your tailgate’s reputation of consistency. Also, if you are planning on hosting a meal for post-game, it is the perfect opportunity to invite people back for more food later. If your team gets the night slot, let people know you will have some small snacks out after the game if anyone would like to come by and grab something before hitting the road. This is a great way to clear out any leftovers you might have, and say one more thank you to anyone who stopped in that day. With these simple tips, you will come to find tailgating can be much more than a pre-game or post-game event. It is an opportunity to gather together, share food and drinks, make new friends, and serve people well.
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Brewed WRITTEN BY: LAUREN JONES PHOTOS COURTESY OF: CHASE DANIEL
On any given morning, the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans perfumes the air at 2501 East Fifth Street in Austin.
for Good
Sunlight streams in, bisected by the overhead beams in the farmhouse-style building, while patrons sip on their singleorigin or specially blended brews. During the morning rush, it is typical to see every inch of the space in use, whether it be for an early meeting or to finish up a slew of emails before heading downtown to the office. Whatever the case, there is noticeable energy abuzz at Greater Goods Coffee Roasters. Run by co-founders and husband-and-wife team Trey Cobb and Khanh Trang, the company is on a mission to craft amazing coffee “with a splash of kindness,” sourcing beans from around the world and roasting them in their Hill Country facility. Since opening in 2015, they have given back to the communities they serve, working locally with the Central Texas Food Bank, the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area, the Autism Society of Central Texas, and Austin Pets Alive! “We wanted to make doing good an equally important part of our business,” Cobb said. “It needed to be a core component, part of our company's DNA. That's why with every bag sold we make a donation to one of four local charities.” In addition to the giving back, sustainability is another important factor for the pair. Beans are chosen based on a number of factors, with only two percent of the coffee grown worldwide meeting the Greater Goods standard. “When we decided to start Greater Goods, we created a list of values that we used as a filter for all the decisions we make,” Cobb said. “Sustainability was one of the first on that list.
East Austin Flagship It even guided the decision for the type of roasters we use as they produce 80 percent less carbon dioxide and are smokefree.” Plus, Cobb and Trang do their due diligence in learning about the living conditions for farmers in the coffee-producing regions where the beans are grown. “A component of specialty coffee is knowing where and how your coffee is sourced,” he said. “In doing so, it leads us to try and improve the quality of life in those communities and makes us think about how we source, and the prices paid to the farmers.” While Cobb does not have a background in the coffee industry, he believes it is his previous experience in business that has helped Greater Goods grow into the successful business it is today. His wife, however, got the ball rolling. “My wife has been interested in the specialty coffee industry for several years,” he recalled. “She had been a professional photographer but had lost the passion for it and wanted to do coffee full-time.” After I sold my previous business, I helped her start Greater Goods with the intention of getting the business side of things set up and running smoothly so she could focus on the coffee. I went in with the intention to start a separate business once that was done but quickly fell in love with coffee myself. I hadn't realized how much there was to learn. Now I'm hooked.” From setting up production workflows to quality-control systems and accounting, Cobb operates the behind-thescenes side of Greater Goods, while Trang manages all things customer experience, from the beans they source to how they get roasted to the café. Over the years though, Cobb has been continuously fascinated by the science behind the coffee they serve. “Coffee goes through a number of steps before it even gets to us to roast and it’s important to understand what these steps are and how they can impact the quality of the coffee you source,” he said. “We use specialized tools to take a number
of measurements of the unroasted beans (called green beans at that stage) to verify they've been processed properly by the farm or mill. The other is in the sensory qualities of the coffee such as how it smells and tastes.” In addition to producing delicious coffee, another quality that sets Greater Goods apart is Cobb and Trang’s dedication to education, regularly hosting classes at the company’s East Austin flagship. “Education was part of our business plan from the beginning,” he said. “The catalysts for that was when my wife was trying to learn how to roast. We felt that having easily accessible training for people to learn all aspects of the coffee business could only help improve the coffee industry here in Texas.” From training classes for those starting out in the coffee industry like a beginner’s roasting course, one on barista skills, and another on green coffee, to those available to the general public, there are a range of classes to cater to a wide array of interests. During the most popular class, coffee cupping, guests learn how to taste ten to twelve different brews like a professional. “This really opens a lot of people's minds about how different coffees can be from one another and how dynamic of a beverage it is,” he said. “Plus, you get to slurp in public, and it's socially acceptable.” Introduction to Latte Art, Introduction to Espresso, and Brewing Methods are also available. Additionally, Cobb and his team recently started getting requests for corporate classes and team-building retreats. “I think it's successful because coffee brings people together and it's also something a lot of people love but don't know a lot about,” he said. So, what lies ahead for the coffee connoisseurs? The duo plan to open another location later in 2019, which will join the East Austin flagship and their second café on Bee Caves Road in West Lake Hills. They would love to open up locations throughout the state as well. A Greater Goods Coffee Roasters may be coming to a Texas city near you.
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Any burger IS GREAT WITH A DOLLOP OF PEPPER JACK PIMENTO CHEESE ON TOP
r e g r Bu h! s a B WRITTEN BY & PHOTOS COURTESY OF: MELISSA GUERRA
Summertime in Texas is hot, which might make us all a bit lazy. My only ambition is to look for a nice stretch of shade and live in that spot until December rolls around. However, this is not a complaint. If I did not love Texas weather, I would not be here!
Enjoying all the glories of summertime requires little ambition. A couple of burgers, a nice cocktail, and it is a party! And as for the kids, do not forget these are the summers they will remember forever. A little something special for them will go a long way, and for heaven’s sake let them get completely messy! That is why we have a garden hose. One of my most vivid Texas food memories is pimento cheese sandwiches. We would pass those around as a snack at my grandparents’ house, or at birthday parties while we were waiting to open the gifts. There has never been a dreary association with pimento cheese; however, I did modernize the recipe for you by making it with pepper jack cheese. Any burger is great with a dollop of pepper jack pimento cheese on top, which includes turkey, chicken veggie, or portobello 48 | AUGUST 2019
burgers too. Or you can be extra lazy like us, and just enjoy pepper jack pimento cheese on crackers. Yeah, we have got a summertime mood always on our mind. Less work means a better summer day. Paired with the burger are two south-of-the-border summertime favorites that we also enjoy. A spicy michelada cocktail is an icy combination of tomato juice and beer that refreshes and satisfies. Excellent with burgers (obviously!) and also is delicious at the beach with a shrimp cocktail or a platter of Gulf oysters. For the kids, we have a fresh fruit mango ice pop with chamoy dip. Sweet and sour with a bit of heat, chamoy dip is incredibly popular along the border as a sauce on fresh fruit, a flavor enhancement in fresh smoothies, or as a rimmer on sweet frozen drinks. Do the kids really need to know these frozen icy summer treats are full of real fruit, with no added corn syrup or artificial flavors? Nope. They will be too busy enjoying their street-style ice pop in the comfort of their own back yard. You can be right there with them, enjoying the moment, but ready when it is time for the garden hose.
PEPPER JACK PIMENTO CHEESE BURGERS YIELDS 4 BURGERS BURGER INGREDIENTS
• 4 burger patties • 4 burger buns, toasted • Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles for garnish PEPPER JACK PIMENTO CHEESE INGREDIENTS
• • • •
4 cups shredded pepper jack cheese ½ cup mayonnaise 2-ounce jar chopped pimentos, drained ½ teaspoon lemon juice INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the pimento cheese by combining the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and lemon juice. 2. Toss and stir to combine well. 3. Store in the refrigerator until ready for use. 4. Grill or pan-fry the burger patties and place on toasted buns. 5. Top with the desired amount of pepper jack pimento cheese and garnishes.
Excellent WITH BURGERS (OBVIOUSLY!)
EASY SPICY MICHELADAS YIELDS 4 SERVINGS INGREDIENTS
• • • • • •
Kosher salt for rimming the glass 2 limes, cut in half 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce 4 single serving cans of tomato juice, chilled (5.5 oz each) 2 bottles of beer, chilled Extra lime wedges for garnish INSTRUCTIONS
1. Pour 2 to 3 spoonfuls of kosher salt on a shallow plate and spread evenly on the plate. 2. Rub a cut lime around the rim of a 12-ounce glass. 3. Invert the glass onto the salt so that the salt adheres to the rim. 4. Turn the glass over and squeeze the juice of half a lime into the glass. 5. Add ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce to each glass. 6. Pour a can of tomato juice and half of a beer into each glass. 7. Serve immediately. AUGUST 2019 | 49
SWEET AND SOUR WITH A BIT OF HEAT, CHAMOY DIP IS INCREDIBLY POPULAR ALONG THE BORDER
MANGO ICE POPS WITH CHAMOY DIP YIELDS 10 SERVINGS
INSTRUCTIONS
MANGO ICE POP INGREDIENTS
1. Peel and seed the fresh mangoes and place in the container of a food processor.
• 3 pounds fresh mangoes
2. Add the sugar and pulse until you have a smooth puree.
• 1 cup sugar
3. Pour into a 10-portion ice pop mold, add popsicle sticks and freeze.
CHAMOY DIP INGREDIENTS
• 12 ounces dried apricots • 2 cups water • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon chile powder • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
4. Meanwhile, to make the chamoy dip, place the apricots in a small saucepan, along with 1 cup of the water. 5. Bring to a boil, cover, then lower to a simmer, cooking for 5 minutes. 6. Remove from the heat and place the softened fruit in the container of a blender. 7. Add the remaining cup of water and the remaining ingredients. 8. Puree until smooth. 9. For a smooth puree, add ½ cup more water if necessary. 10. Serve the chamoy dip with the mango ice pops. Store in the refrigerator until ready for use.
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