Welcome to
Tales of the Traveling Totes #12
My heartfelt thanks to each of you who sent
emails, texts, FaceBook messages, and phone calls
to check on us here in Texas this past week.
Tales of the Traveling Totes #12
emails, texts, FaceBook messages, and phone calls
to check on us here in Texas this past week.
Grateful to report that we are safe and
didn't have any threat from Hurricane Harvey.
Yes, there was plenty of rain,
but we were prepared for the rains here at
Hyacinths for the Soul.
Radar maps from local sources
Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast late at night, August 25th.
Then the storm slowly made it's way inland
bringing rain to central Texas.
Lots and lots of rain!
As the system stalled inland, it continued to swirl around
dumping unprecedented amounts
of rain over Houston and surrounding areas for days.
Countless homes were flooded and families forced to flea.
As the flood waters continued to spread over
Houston, some of our family were among the evacuees.
On Tuesday, we welcomed my cousin, her daughter and son-in-law,
their two children, and their cute puppy to shelter in our home.
The privilege of sharing our home with this sweet family
reminds us that good things can come out of a bad situation.
It's difficult to comprehend the destruction of this past week.
Please keep all who have been effected by this
natural disaster in your thoughts and prayers.
With no real summer travels here at HFTS over the past
months, I decided to share a mini getaway to a cooking school
for our September edition of Tales of the Traveling Totes.
for our September edition of Tales of the Traveling Totes.
Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm
is located in the beautiful Texas hill country
just a short drive southwest of Austin.
The hands-on cooking class was a perfect way
for a few of us to help a friend celebrate a milestone birthday.
Perched high on a hill, the 53 acre ranch is home
to native Texan, Sibby Barrett,
along with native flora and fauna of the area.
Photo Curtesy of Juniper Hill Farms
Juniper Hill Farm is the quintessential hill country experience
where one is likely to spot white-tailed deer,
jackrabbits, armadillos, raccoons,
jackrabbits, armadillos, raccoons,
or as we did that morning, a grey fox.
Photos Curtesy of Juniper Hill Farms
Say "hello" to Heath, Jacques (Pepin) and Darjeeling.
The resident herd of miniature donkeys
will greet you on arrival,
and the resident bees provide fresh honey
for sweeting the experience.
Cooking classes conducted in a state of the art
commercial kitchen and dining space offer
hands-on involvement, which is key to
creating a spectacular experience.
creating a spectacular experience.
Fanciful art in the theme of
flatware and cooking utensils add a
sense of whimsy to the space ~ the perfect
touch for a MacKenzie-Childs tote carrying gal.
touch for a MacKenzie-Childs tote carrying gal.
We were here to celebrate this darling girlfriend.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Jenefred!
Stations were set up for each of us to work
on preparing the various dishes on the menu.
We divided up the responsibilities and got to work.
Well, not really work.
It was all too much fun to be classified as work!
Turns out the favorite dish of the day
was one of the appetizers.
~ Strudel with Bacon, Figs, and Shallots ~
Each of us were sent home with a copy of all the recipes.
Thought I'd share this favorite here.
Appetizers were followed by a healthy and delicious
spinach, apple, almond salad with a blueberry vinaigrette.
Note all the different plates, napkins, and flatware.
I admire Sibby's sense of whimsy in her collection of
vintage silverware and variety of different dish patterns.
Love seeing the mix of patterns and textures
that are used in each place-setting.
Main course was chicken with leeks,
artichokes, and mushrooms in a white wine sauce
with a side of Israeli couscous with lemon.
All of this served with a glass of wine
or more champagne.
Dessert was a fresh peach tart with salty nut crust.
Surprisingly light and tasty.
I'll definitely make this one again!
Photo Curtesy of Juniper Hill Farms
Juniper Hils Farm
If you are in the area and want a unique experience,
make a reservation to attend one of
Onion Creek Kitchen's Cooking Classes or Events.
Juniper Hill Farm has much to offer, including
comfortable cabins available for overnight guests.
Our Traveling Tote Giveaway is hosted by
Linda @ More Fun Less Laundry.
Be certain to leave a comment on her blog to be entered.
Ready to "mix it up" for more Traveling Tote fun.
Hope you will leave a comment before your click the links below.
Also Joining
If you are in the area and want a unique experience,
make a reservation to attend one of
Onion Creek Kitchen's Cooking Classes or Events.
Juniper Hill Farm has much to offer, including
comfortable cabins available for overnight guests.
Our Traveling Tote Giveaway is hosted by
Linda @ More Fun Less Laundry.
Be certain to leave a comment on her blog to be entered.
Ready to "mix it up" for more Traveling Tote fun.
Hope you will leave a comment before your click the links below.
~ Don't Miss the Fun ~
More Tales of the Traveling Totes
at the links below.
at the links below.
Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths
Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch
Jenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted Apron
Katie with Miss Daisy @ Preppy Empty Nester
Linda G with Miss Rosie @ More Fun Less Laundry
Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda
Patti with Miss Kenzie and Miss Taylor @ "Pandora's Box"
Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply
Also Joining
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound
StyleInspiration Gallery @ Zevy Joy
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop @ Peonies and Orange Blossoms Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life Share Your Style @ Vintage NestVintage Charm @ Blue Willow House Foodie Friday and Everything Else @ Rattlebridge Farm Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
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