C 130 flyby over Steiner Ranch today!

While in the kitchen today at 12:30 we heard a ZZZZOOOOOOOMMMMMM and I knew instantly what is was... ran outside to the back and watch as 3 additional C 130's flew overhead at a low altitude.   It was an impressive Steiner Ranch fly by and I threw my hands up in the air and clapped as we got buzzed.   My husband asked me why I was applauding and I said "this is my history, this is who I am..."   I'm an Air Force Brat full of pride for the red, white and blue!!!   What impressed my husband the most was that I identified the aircraft immediately.  He came inside and did a google search and sure enough, it was the C 130.  I know my planes and I still love the smell of jet fuel!

Steiner Ranch Restaurant closing - TexMex coming soon.

It was announced recently that Thai Harmony Restaurant in Steiner Ranch will be closing its doors on September 19th.   It was a difficult decision for the owners, but having 2 asian inspired eateries in Steiner proved to be tough.  So in it's place will be Suelo Nuevo, a Tex Mex Bar and Grill.

Steiner needs a Tex Mex Restaurant as right now everyone heads over to Flores and Mesa Rosa.  So our inventory will consist of the following delicious places:

• Steiner Ranch Steak House
• Fions
• Lakeside Grill
• Cho Sushi
• Suelo Nuevo TexMex Bar and Grill

And don't forget about Cups and Cones for your dessert or morning coffee or The Market for those already prepped meals for the busy family!

At this point, I'd say that we are set!   We certainly don't need to throw in a Randall's now - do we?

A small hiatus

I'm Stacey Rider, your Four Points Foodie.  I've been quiet on the blog front as we were on vacation!  It's been a long time since we took some time off and we really had a wonderful time in New Mexico.

 View from our back deck in Ruidoso, NM.

My family rents a home in Ruidoso each year and that's where our journey began, with cooler temperatures, nature, family and no stress.  We saw bear!  We took turns cooking and I made my signature dish Fettuccine with Italian Sausage and Leeks to rave reviews. Took the kids to a small trout farm where they could fish for dinner and we ended up with 17 little fillets.

A Black Bear (though brown in color) walking in our backyard.

Emma with one of the trout she caught.

Trey and I escaped on our own and headed to the northwest of New Mexico on the San Juan River where I fly fished for the very first time.  Loved staying at Soaring Eagle Lodge www.soaringeaglelodge.net and our fishing guide, Jeremy Nolan, was incredible.  In fact, our second day of fishing was amazing as we hooked a double and Trey found his honey hole - named Trey's Rock now.   You can check out his web site at http://headsupflyfishing.wordpress.com

My first Rainbow Trout on the San Juan.

Double trouble on the San Juan, thanks to Jeremy.

But it's back home and back to cooking and creating... which I did!  I have a HUGE announcement coming which will involve a demo/tasting of a new dessert and I will be in a bit of a spotlight!  More details soon!

Mandola's Italian Market Commercial Shoot

My husband Trey and I were extra's in the Mandola's Italian Market commercial shoot and here is the first of two commercials that are currently on TV!

Iced Coffee - refreshing for the summertime!

It is so humid in Texas and the Steiner Ranch weekend outlook is hot, hot, HOT!   So Iced Coffee is a must for me right now.   I have a super easy and delicious way to make it - use sweetened creamer.   I take a cocktail shaker, fill with crushed ice, add cold coffee and my favorite creamer, Coffee-mate Italian Sweet Creme, then shake into a frothy, cold and delicious cocktail.   I serve mine over more crushed ice and walk outside to our pool (which is in the background) to relax.   Now, where's the pool boy?

In the garden...

I love this time of year and wanted to share the beautiful pictures of my Meyer Lemon Tree.   While not a recipe, the lemons are a key ingredient I love to use often.   I tried to count and so far seem to have about 30 lemons the size of cough drops.  So this fall I will be able to make some truly inspiring recipes!   Enjoy!

Steiner Ranch Bluebonnets

On a breezy and overcast day sits my youngest daughter, Emma, in the Steiner Ranch Bluebonnets. This year we have seen an abundance of the flowers due to the high rainfall. It's absolutely stunning and so fun to take pictures in!

Chef Emma making guacamole

My 7 year old daughter, Emma Hurley, is becoming quite a Chef.   She's excited about her cooking class this summer at Faraday's Kitchen Store in Lakeway!   Here is her demo of guacamole... she did it all by herself.   In case you're wondering, the knife she uses is a lettuce knife.   It won't cut the skin so it's perfect for kids to learn their knife skills!

Pecan Crusted Cod and Black Beans with Rice

This is what the Rider Family from Steiner Ranch had for dinner last night...

 

And here is the recipe...

Pecan Crusted Cod

Ingredients:

• 1 C. Pecans
• 1/2 sleeve Saltines
• 1 t. Cumin
• 1 T. Parsley
• Salt and Pepper
• 4, 6 oz Cod Fillets
• 1/4 C. Olive Oil

Directions:
      Heat over to 400 degrees.  In a Food Processor, combine the pecans, saltines, cumin, parsley, salt 
     and  pepper.   Grind the mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.   In saute pan, heat the olive oil.
     When hot, add the fish and saute for 2 minutes.   Flip over and top each piece with the crust mixture.
     Finish fish in the oven, baking for 8 minutes or until the crust is golden and the fish is cooked through.

 

Black Beans with Rice
Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 1/2 C. cooked rice
• 1/3 C. cilantro, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• lemon juice

Directions:
       Heat the black beans until hot, add cooked rice and chopped cilantro.   Season with salt and pepper
       and a good squeeze of lemon juice.

The NEW Four Points Foodie Blog

In order to keep track of all the wonderful recipes I showcase, I felt it important to start the Four Points Foodie blog!   This is my platform for all things FOOD!   I hope you enjoy and try the recipes... they are delicious and I won't let your palate down!