I used to work in Kyle, Texas, and one of our favorite places for lunch was Texas Pie Company on Main Street. Of course, they are famous for their pie and baked goods. I dream about their Southern Pecan & Almond Joy, and their lemon bars. Well, over a year ago, they were named one of HEB’s Quest for the Best winners for their pie dough. They call it a “puck” because it is packaged like a puck, ready to roll out. This is the BEST store bought pie dough I have ever come across. I use it for both sweet and savory dishes. It’s just a lifesaver and so flaky. You gotta try it! You can find it in the freezer section.
Showing all posts by Michelle Sips and Savors
Borracho Beans
Cozy up to a bowl of these yummy “drunk” pinto beans. The beer and chicken stock makes them extra flavorful. Serve as a soup with some cornbread slathered with butter. It’s also a great side for smoked meats and chicken & Mexican food dishes.
Asian Chicken & Rice Bowl
This bowl is one of my favorites! The secret is the fish sauce, dry sherry, sesame oil & soy sauce….AND all of the awesome veggies. This recipe makes a lot, so it’s great for meal prep, a family, or anyone that likes yummy leftovers!
German Strawberry Torte
I made this torte for our daughter’s birthday. This recipe is from my mom, which I am sure she got from her mother. I’m so glad I had my mom type up all her recipes. You should consider getting your favorite family recipes memorialized, too. I’m so happy I have them! By the way, this torte is addictive!
Bending Branch Winery Souzão 2015, Siverspoons Vineyard
Bending Branch Winery Souzão 2015, Siverspoons Vineyard ~ We served this wine with smoked brisket, potato salad and salad, last weekend. This wine delivers a light fresh flavor.
Portuguese native Souzão, a “teinturier” grape of black skin and red flesh, has long been a favorite of hot weather climates. The blue and black berry fruit, sweet pipe tobacco, and spicy white pepper are balanced against notes of smoke and earthy rhubarb. It is complex, multilayered, and a versatile food partner.
Rustic Buttermilk Pie
Nothing say fall like pie! This rustic pie feels like your momma just came over & gave you a hug!
Peach and Blueberry Galette
I just love this galette. I made it a few weeks ago when we had friends over. They were so impressed! The dough I use is so flaky and the fruit tastes just sweet enough, but not too sweet. It is sooooo satisfying. And, it looks beautiful. Oh, and I love the crunch of the sliced almonds.
Tomato Galette with Parmesan Crust
I loooove galettes! They’re so easy and you can do so many different things. This one is savory and is delicious with grilled meat. It serves as a delicious side dish and satisfies your bread craving, too.
Plum Torte
Plums are still plentiful in Texas, when this popped up when I was scanning trending news stories, I had to try it. This torte is not too sweet, and just right for the wet, cool weather we are experiencing right now. It was super easy and looks really pretty when plated. Click photo for printable recipe.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-4 plums, depending size, pitted & quartered
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon & 2 TBS sugar, combined
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a 9-inch cake pan. Line bottom with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and 1 cup sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt, then mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Arrange the quartered plums cut-side-down, then use your fingers to gently press them into the batter. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fruit, then sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the top.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown. Allow the cake to cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before removing from the pan & peeling off the parchment paper. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- The original recipe calls for more plums and recommends using a springform pan. I tried the springform pan and was instantly sorry. A nonstick cake pan with parchment paper on the bottom was a perfect solution.
Bending Branch Winery Reds
We are so excited about these three red wines from Bending Branch Winery, in Comfort, Texas. This award winning winery sources the finest grapes from Texas to the Napa Valley. Their tasting room was recently rated one of the best by a USA Today poll. With music most weekends, a knowledgeable staff and gorgeous grounds it is worth the short drive from San Antonio to visit. Oh, and their wine is devine!
- 2014 Old Vine Petite Sirah, Shell Creek Vineyard ~ A rich deep wine with flavors of dark cherry & blackberry
- 2010 Newsom Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ~ Restrained tannins & bright fruit offer a elegance & rich texture
- Tannat RF/EM Bella Collins Vineyards ~ The regular fermentation & extended maceration make for a smooth sip that includes cherry & smoky blackberry, and the aromas of tobacco