Coastal Oaks

 Do you ever get a whiff of something cooking and get a bit a nostalgia thinking of someone? This recipe is one of a few for me that make me think of my Mom. I'm not even sure where this recipe came from but I love it and it always makes me think of my Mom. Plus its colorful and easy to make. It also makes great leftovers to take to work. My colleagues and I always try and make each other envious of our leftover lunches. Its quite a showdown! Chicken with Peppers & Onions in Wine Sauce 4 boneless, skinless Chicken breasts, cubed 1 stick butter Salt and pepper to taste  3 bell peppers (I like using different colors but any color is fine), cut in cubes or julienne style 1 large onion, cut julienne style 1 bottle sweet white wine (I use a moscato or zinfandel) Rice plus ingredients to make, white or brown is fine but I use white  Melt butter in skillet, add cubed chicken and saute till cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the wine. You can...

Local Highlight: Haak Vineyards & Winery A favorite place of entertainment for my family are the Haak Vineyards and Winery in Santa Fe, TX. They regularly have events ranging from Date-Night Dinners, Pruning Day where you can help in the Vineyard, and of course Weddings. Their events calendar, found here , lists the many options along with the details so you can find something to meet your desire. One of my personal favorites was Flamenco Night held in their wine cellar. This event is very romantic with white linens and soft candle light setting the scene. There is a four course menu in which you have a few options to choose in each category. Each course is paired with a selected wine to complement the taste. How could you top all this you ask.... Spanish guitars, flowing dresses, and rhythmic feet stamping to entertain us. Flamenco song and dance originates in southern Spain. There are many festive events throughout the year. Perhaps you'll find one for you. However, ...

Taste of the Coast features: Main St. Bistro When we get together with  family and friends; what do we usually do? EAT and DRINK! At our house that can range from snacks or the full multi-dish Thanksgiving meal. I enjoy cooking for many reasons, one of which is to enjoy the company of folks over something delicious. We also enjoy a nice evening out too. There are many local restaurants in the League City area that are independents and local owned. A great place that we frequently visit is called Main St. Bistro. Their website including menu is HERE . Its located in downtown "old" League City next to Helen's Gardens. Its a small place that was redecorated by the current Owner and Executive Chef. We met Chef Mike at another restaurant where he was the Executive Chef and immediately appreciated his culinary skills. We also found out at this point he was our neighbor. Ha! So when he opened up Main St. Bistro we were eager to see what he would create for his own menu. T...

I just wanted to share this beautiful picture with you today!  More food related content tomorrow.   Have a great day friends! =)

On a weekend morning the smell of coffee is what gets me out of bed. That and a cold nose from our puppy dog who is ready to go outside to do her business. The last Saturday of every month our local kennel hosts Coffee and Canines. This is a time for you to bring your fury buddy to play in their BIG yard with other dogs while enjoying coffee, kolaches, and fellowship. This kennel, Bayside Bed & Biscuit , has gained notable recognition with locals for their level of care and thoroughness. Here is my fury friend enjoying playtime. Did you know that lighter roasts of coffee actually have more caffeine than darker roasts? I assumed the opposite. However, I guess that is why coffees that are labeled with Breakfast Blend are usually light roast. Obviously you need more "pick-me-up" at breakfast time. =) About that coffee.... it goes great with scones! This recipe came from the Cooking Light magazine but I made a few modifications after repeated attempts. The first scon...

It has been so nice outside lately! Not too warm, not too cool but just right! So we must take advantage before it gets scorching hot. We stumbled upon these really great trails over off Toddville Road in Seabrook which is on the other side of the Kemah bridge. (Opposite side of the Kemah Boardwalk). On the North side of Toddville Road the trails go through a wooded area. All you hear is the wind breezing through the leaves and the sound of your footsteps. Very tranquil. Once the trail crosses over Toddville Rd on the South side, the trails break out into a beach area. It kind of makes your draw drop when you first see it since its hidden and quite spectacular. North side where the trails start at this gazebo: South side when you get to the beach area: The trails are pretty long so we brought along Smoothies to quench our thirst. A friend sent me this recipe explaining it tasted like a Peach Bellini which of course got my quick attention. We like our smoothies pretty cr...

Sunrises can be very inspirational. They get me ready to "get the day". Below is a picture of a sunrise taken from the Kemah bridge in Kemah, Texas. The Galveston County area in Texas is absolutely beautiful and a great place to call home. I'm very passionate about this area and food which I hope to combine here for your enjoyment. How could you not be in a good mood after seeing this? It's like someone turned the lights on for the whole world and said "Wake up Sunshine"! Another thing that brings sunshine into my world: cheese! One of my favorite foods is cheese. I'm sure much of America is with me on this. Cheese makes everything better (and there are so many types to choose from). I'd like to share with you a simple Panini recipe... including this favorite food. Tomato, Basil Pesto, and Mozzarella Panini 1 can Pillsbury Italian bread 1 ball Mozzarella 2-3 large steak tomatoes Jar of basil pesto Bake Pillsbury Italian bread l...