Salt… it isn’t just for rims. Every great cocktail walks the line between too much and not enough. Too sweet, and it’s cloying. Too tart, and it becomes abrasive. The magic lies in balance—where ingredients don’t compete but complement. While sugar and citrus are the most common tools bartenders reach for to achieve this equilibrium, they are far from the only … [Read more...]
Watermelon “Cake”
Watermelon is a part of a lot of summer parties, and if you want a fun way to serve it at your next BBQ then you've got to try this watermelon "cake!" I cut a larger watermelon to be the bottom tier and a "baby" watermelon for the top tier, with a boba straw between them to keep them steady! I used toothpicks to place some of my favorite fruits along the side of the cake for … [Read more...]
Abilene Author: Lindsey Holt
The emotional range of books by author Lindsey Holt is astonishing, from two cute children’s books in her “Pup Series” to Bits and Pieces: A Collection of Writing on Grief and Hope. Both genres are based on personal experience. The family dog, Darcy, is featured in Wake Up, Pup!: There’s a Mouse in the House and The Not So Tough Pup. The death of Lindsey’s older sister, … [Read more...]
Abilene Influencer: Phil Crowley
The quality that Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley admires most about the people he serves is their willingness to help one another, either one-on-one or through volunteering. He can count himself in that group of “most-admired” people. His job includes county administration, presiding over hearings and being the county’s Chief Emergency Management Officer. Those all fall … [Read more...]
Two Texas Originals: The Rise of the Chilton and Ranch Water
Texans have long reached for something quick and simple to provide relief from the summer heat. While plenty of cocktails are popular in Texas, only a handful get to call themselves Texan. The Chilton and Ranch Water are two drinks that were created right here in Texas, starting out as regional favorites and quietly growing into national staples. Both are shaped by local … [Read more...]