Where good food, books & art come together in Texomaland
Yesterday, while thumbing through a 2014 copy of “Saveur Magazine”, I came across an interesting recipe for Shaker Lemon Pie. The photo caught my eye first. The caption under the photograph described this lemon pie as having a “marmalade-like citrus filling”. “Sounds good,” I …
One of the best-kept secrets in America is the wonderfulness of pomegranate molasses, or pomegranate syrup. It is the boiled-down juice of pomegranate fruit, which is very much in health ness these days. This jewel of the Middle East and Mediterranean region is so very …
The Tales N’Trails Museum is relatively new. Opening only ten years ago, it is packed with so much North Texas history that the building seems about to burst.
Upon entering, you get a sense of well-organized collections of Native American artifacts and European trade goods. The industry of a young nation is represented by these collections. This gem of an archive focuses on Native American culture and Western heritage, which is represented by the vast collection of Joe Benton. Spurs, saddles, arrowheads, memorabilia and aboriginal artifacts are creatively displayed to immerse the visitor in the past.
Aside from the leather items on display in a dedicated hall, the visitor’s attention falls on two large murals made of hand tooled leather by Dell Motley.
Collections of implements, photographs and scale models of people and equipment are on display both inside and out.
Behind the museum’s main building is a pumper’s house. It provided a home for the family who were caretakers to the pump jacks and drilling equipment in nearby oil fields. When entering the house, period furniture and all necessities of domestic life transport the visitor back to earlier days in the 20th century.
About a hundred feet from the pumper’s house, and rising high above the prairie grass is a real spudder. We saw a tabletop-sized one inside the museum. Now outside, we stood, dwarfed by its height, underneath the real thing. We enjoyed inspecting all of its working parts.
Contained within its walls are family archives, an oral history project and a research library. The friendly, accommodating staff will graciously take the time to help you and answer questions.
I have so enjoyed these rag rug coasters everyday since bringing them home as a souvenir of this delightful excursion. Also available for purchase are books from local authors. There are many titles suggesting subjects such as natural history as well as the history of man in this area. And, as if all I have mentioned wasn’t enough, there is a picture frame shop in the same building, along with the Nocona Chamber of Commerce.
Put Tales N’Trails at the top of your travel itinerary when in Texoma. Plan to spend no less than an hour (we spent two). Bring a camera and plenty of smiles in return for the many you will receive.
Tales N’Trails Museum
1522 East U. S. Hwy. 82
Nocona, Texas 76255
940-825-5330
Go to their website talesntrails.org for hours, directions and admission fees; or call 940-825-5330
European cooks have been using a wonderful blend of herbs for a very long time. Many of these herbs are familiar to American cooks. Basil, rosemary, parsley, tarragon and sometimes dried garlic are blended to season all types of foods. But, there is no end …
This is the season for fresh green beans, tomatoes and other goodies from the garden. Before you know it, a grand feast of fresh-cooked produce will grace your table and impress your friends and family. Happy Summer Cooking! Take advantage of the season with this …
This recipe for shrimp is one of my favorites. It is so very tasty, and also quick to prepare. It is perfect for busy weeknights when gathering around the table is in the evening’s program. Enjoy!
Annatto is the seed from a shrub native to tropical America. Achiote paste is made from this seed. You will find it growing in Central and South America. Also, in Mexico and the Caribbean islands. It has a slightly spicy and peppery flavor. But, …
Annatto seed is a rising star in American kitchens. Annatto seed has been little-known and under-used by home cooks. Commercially, though, it is well-known. Considering it is an original native of the Americas, the general public in the U. S. does not even know …
At least, not until the weather cools down a little in the fall. For certain, nothing warms you up like a thick, stick-to-your-ribs type of soup. But, a bowl of summer soup with a sandwich makes a light, and filling meal.
Simmer in a light, thin, but rich stock. Pick your stock; meat, fish or vegetable. If you cannot find the time to make your own soup stock, canned broth is just as flavorful. Stay away from the cheaper brands. They have too many flavor enhancers and other junk in them. Read the labels and find the healthiest choice.
The fresh, local produce that is coming to our farmers markets is great for making summer soups. If you are lucky and have a garden, anything can be used for soups. Once made, soup can be frozen to pull out later in the year. It’s goodness will remind you of the warmth and sunshine of summer days.
Find more soup recipes at below link.
Since I was a little girl, the knowledge that female lions do most of the hunting for the pride intrigued me. Not because they are the Goddess Diana of their species. It is because they are not the first in the chow line once the …
