Talk of the table
By Jessica Domel
Today, after eight hours on the road, staring at the beautiful countryside of Texas through my windshield, I came to the conclusion that Texas may be the Lone Star State, but there’s nothing “lone” about anything we do.
I drove from Waco, through Austin, Seguin, San Antonio, George West and all the way down to Pharr, where I am currently preparing to capture the ongoing grapefruit harvest. There are a wide array of culinary favorites represented along the way—whether it be chicken fried steak, fajitas, chili, barbecue, pie or something fried on a stick.
read moreDo you want fries with that?
By Amanda Hill
If calories and nutritional information were listed on your favorite restaurant menu, would it change your order? Last week, McDonald’s announced it will list the calories of all of its food offerings both on its in-store and drive-through menus.
McDonald’s will roll out the new menus nationwide by the end of next year, ahead of a national mandate that would require all restaurants with 20 or more locations to do the same. The idea behind the regulations is that if you inform consumers with caloric information before they make their food choices, then they will be more likely to choose a lower-calorie meal.
read moreReata’s Jalapeno Cilantro Soup
By Kelly Bogard
A few weeks ago, I shared a recipe for Potato Soup Mix in a Jar that I gave to my co-workers for Christmas. After returning from the holidays, I was met with rave reviews from all who had tried it. So, when I was asked to cook up another soup to keep us warm during these winter months, I jumped at the chance.
Nathan Smith suggested I try Reata’s Jalapeno Cilantro Soup. I’ve heard through the grapevine that this is a delicious soup. And, since jalapenos and cilantro are two of my husband’s favorite ingredients, I decided to give it try. This is a creamy, silky soup with tons of fresh veggies to give it amazing flavor.
read moreLiving gluten free
By Amanda Hill
Imagine not being able to eat birthday cake at parties or cereal for breakfast. For people allergic to gluten–a condition known as celiac disease– living gluten free is a daily challenge.
One in 133 Americans has celiac disease, according to the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research. Gluten is found in grains like wheat, rye, barley and malt. That means foods like bread, pasta, pastries—even some soups, candies and meat marinades—can make someone with celiac disease very sick. Just an eighth of a teaspoon of flour in a day can cause digestive complications, fatigue and muscle cramps, and long-term symptoms like anemia and weight loss.
read moreGetting bigger in Texas?
By Nathan Smith
If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? A tough question for foodies, but mine would be a greasy cheeseburger. I am a huge fan and apparently, the First Lady and I share a common love.
Recently, ABC News reported that Michelle Obama went to a popular Washington, D.C., burger joint and ate a 1700-calorie meal. Slow news day? Whether or not you think the nation’s leading health advocate chowing down once and awhile is news, it made me think about one thing we seem to lack here in the U.S. and Texas – moderation.
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