Leisure Resort River Club

Kathy Lopatowski — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:11:28 -0500

May 1-2

Kerrville: National Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibition. Tue-Wed 10:00am-4:00pm. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett. 830-895-2911

May 2

Wimberley: Farmer's Market. Open from 3 to 6 PM. You'll find it in the parking lot in front of the Wimberley Community Thrift Shop, RR 12 and River Road. There's plenty of parking and variable numbers of vendors.

May 2

New Braunfels: Story Time. 11am to 12pm. Come bring your little ones for a great story and a free craft! The Stone Coffee Bar 1198 Gruene Rd. 830-625-3227

May 3

Georgetown: Farmers Market. 3:30pm – 6:30pm. The Georgetown Farmers Market Association is a growers market consisting of 50+ members that grow and sell their produce or product that are located from within 11 counties surrounding Williamson County. Visiting the markets gives you the opportunity to meet the farmer who grows your food. 1525 W. University Avenue. 512-215-4193

May 3 - 6

Fredericksburg: Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally. Be sure to register for the Hill Country Run! Registration is $45 per person and includes: Admission all four days; Thu night Social Kick-off at Mahaley's on Main; Cowboy Breakfast Sat & Sun morning; Live music Fri & Sat; Hill Country Ride on Fri; Hill Country Road Trip Scenic Ride on Sat with Prize Giveaway; Bike Games; Bike Show Commemorative T-Shirt.

830-997-8515.

May 4

Bandera: 2E Twin Elm Guest Ranch Rodeo. 8pm. Don't miss our Rodeo. Every Rodeo begins with a Star Spangled Grand Entry – then the action begins! See bull riding, steer roping, barrel racing and roping at its best. Get there early for a good spot. 2E Twin Elm Guest Ranch 810 FM 470. 830-796-3628

Kerrville: First Friday WineShare. 6:00 – 7:30 pm The Riverside Nature Center is the place to be on the first Friday in May. Come join the fun. See your friends and neighbors, meet new people and enjoy good wine. The beautiful grounds of the Riverside Nature Center are open for strolling and relaxing during this festive event. Bring your favorite wine glass. Each couple should bring a bottle of wine. Free Admission, 150 Francisco Lemos. 830-257-4837

SAN MARCOS: Live Music at Three Dudes Winery. Enjoy live music, cheese and wine on the first Friday of each month beginning in May! No admission fee. Three Dudes Winery, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

May 4 - 5

Georgetown: Themed Music @ The Winery. 5-8pm. We source over 65% of our grapes from Texas and a 35% from California. We produce all our wines in downtown Georgetown in our Historical 126 Year Old building. Come Experience the true taste of Texas. Georgetown Winery, 715 S. Main St on The Square. 512-869-8600

MAY 4 – 6

SAN MARCOS: Viva! Cinco de Mayo. This celebration of Hispanic heritage includes music, food, a parade, state championship menudo cook-off, folkloric dancers and a beauty pageant! Hays County Civic Center.

May 4 - 21

Fredericksburg: The Color of Life at InSight Gallery. Three artists will team up for a brilliant display of artwork that will showcase the use of vibrant color and the nuances of subtle changes in color to create a mood or emotion. InSight Gallery 214 W. Main Street. 830-997-9920

May 5

Bandera: 4th Annual Clay Target Competition. 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sponsored by the Ranchers and Landowners of Texas to support the Bandera County Junior Livestock Show & Auction at Bandera Gun Club. Skeet and Trap Competition. 809 FM1077. 830-688-9048

Bandera: Flying L Cowboy Chuck Wagon Dinner & Show. Cost: $25.00. Family fun. Bar-B-Q chuck wagon dinner, wagon ride, roping lessons, line dancing, archery, gunslingers, and cowboy entertainment. 5:30 - 7:30 PM. 800-292-5134

Bandera: Cowboys on Main. Western Display in Front of the Bandera County Courthouse and strolling entertainers on Main Street from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Gunfights on Bandera's side street at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Sponsored by the Frontier Times Museum's Living History Project. No Fee.

Bandera: Market Day. Downtown Bandera. 830-796-4447

Fredericksburg: Spring Wine & Food Festival at Texas Vineyards & Beyond. Enjoy wine tastings from five TX wineries and local food artisans. Meet the winemakers and obtain autographed wine bottles!Texas Vineyards & Beyond LLC 329 1/2 E. Main Street. 830-990-9199

Kerrville: Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Featuring THE FRITZ MORQUECHO TEJANO BAND complete with Mexican Food. The Lazy Days Canteen, our music venue, offers live entertainment on Sat. nights during the summer season. It is located one mile from the Ingram Dam on Highway 39 at Roddy Tree Ranch. 830-459-9912

LOCKHART: Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Held the first weekend in May and host arts & crafts, food booths, and beverages with a dance each night. Visit the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for more information.

New Braunfels: 9th Annual Wein and Saengerfest. Held in charming downtown New Braunfels. Come experience the unique heritage and hospitality of New Braunfels. We invite you to join us at this one day festival included these special attractions: Wine Sampling Texas, German, California, Argentinian and Chilean Special Kid Zone, Wine Market Demonstrations and education, Bier Garten, Live music, Chef Showdown, Downtown and Artisan Shopping. 830-221-4091

San Marcos: Alex Marley & Friends. 7:00pm Doors. Bob Marley's cousin, Alex, comes to the hill country to perform at the Texas Music Theater as part of the 3rd Annual San Marcos River Reggae Festival – don't miss it! Texas Music Theater, 120 E San Antonio St. 512-667-7216

SAN MARCOS: San Marcos Bird Walk. This time of year gives you a terrific opportunity to observe raptors and songbirds passing through our area. Leader: Stephen Ramirez. San Marcos Nature Center, 7:30 a.m. RSVP REQUIRED

Wimberley: Old Oaks Ranch Tours. 11:00 and 1:00; The ranch will be offering ranch tours to see the Alpacas, Sculptures, and fibers. Old Oaks Ranch 601, Old Oaks Ranch Road. 512-847-8784

May 5 - 6

San Marcos: Heritage Home Tour. The 37th Annual Heritage Association Tour of Homes offers "A Stroll Through Historic San Marcos" with guided tours of some of the city's most charming homes and historic sites. Maps and tickets can be purchased both days at the Charles S. Cock House Museum, 400 E. Hopkins Street, for $10. Tours and ticket sales run from 1-5 p.m. each day. 512-393-5930

May 6

Fredericksburg: Messina Hof Hill Country Wine and Chocolate Celebration. Join us at Messina Hof Hill Country Winery to experience a Glass of Messina Hof Wine with a Flight of Six Chocolates from Chocolates El Rey. The cost is $12. Messina Hof Hill Country Winery 9996 Hwy 290 East. 830-990-4653

May 9

New Braunfels: Story Time. 11am to 12pm. Come bring your little ones for a great story and a free craft! The Stone Coffee Bar 1198 Gruene Rd. 830-625-3227

Wimberley: SteakNite at the Waring General Store. We welcome you to join us for an always exciting evening filled with good people, great food, and wonderful music. Waring General Store 544 Waring-Welfare Rd. 830-995-5370

MAY 11 – 12

May 12

Kerrville: Wings & Wine Tour. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St. Field trip to a butterfly hill in Fredericksburg, visit to a native-plant nursery, picnic lunch, then a stop at Hill Country Winery. Includes entrance fees, lunch, transportation; $40, with wine-tasting and tour optional. Very limited seating – reserve now! 830-257-4837

MAY 16

WIMBERLEY: Famers Market. Open from 3 to 6 PM. You'll find it in the parking lot in front of the Wimberley Community Thrift Shop, RR 12 and River Road. There's plenty of parking and variable numbers of vendors.

MAY 16

NEW BRAUNFELS: Story Time. 11am to 12pm. Come bring your little ones for a great story and a free craft! The Stone Coffee Bar 1198 Gruene Rd. 830-625-3227

MAY 18

KYLE: Scramble 4 Scholarships Golf Tournament. The 10th annual "Scramble 4 Scholarships" golf tournament hosted by Rotary Club of Greater San Marcos will benefit local scholarships for high school students. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. It will be four-person scramble format, which starts at 1:30 p.m. The entry fee is $100 per person, or $340 for a team of four; entry fee includes dinner, two beverage tickets, the round of golf, a goody bag and a door prize ticket. Awards will be given for first, second and third place. 512-262-5555

NEW BRAUNFELS: Moonlit Date On Landa Lake. 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Couples can cruise or anchor their paddle boats for a special evening under moonlit skies on Landa Lake. Refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Age: 16 + Fee: $30 per couple. Landa Park Boathouse, 110 Golf Course Road. 830-221-4350

MAY 18 – 20

BANDERA: Rock Bandera Festival: Where Chrome & Cowboys Meet. Located on the stunning acreage of the RBF Ranch on Hwy 16 (two miles from town), the venue is large and loud enough to pump Rock’n'Roll, Country, Americana, Roots, Blues and Western music along with Texas food and culture into the bloodstream of all attendees! A concert main stage, second stage, and Biergarten/food stage will feature two days of incredible music programming, celebrity chefs, artisans, Hill Country winemakers, purveyors, an authentic Bavarian Biergarten and “Rock Bandera’s Grillin’ Beast” wild game and barbeque cook-off. This is a one-of-a-kind weekend not to be missed.

830-796-4847

FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. 9 am - 6 pm Fri & Sat; 9am - 4 pm Sun. Experience the excitement of Fredericksburg Trade Days at Sunday Farms in Fredericksburg. We are near the Pedernales River, wineries, Lavender trails, delicious country peaches, Luckenbach, Enchanted Rock,and hundreds of bed and breakfasts. It's something to crow about! Highway 290 East. 830-990-4900

MAY 19

NEW BRAUNFELS: Brauntex Theater presents “Shake, Rattle & Roll and Country Comedy Tour”. 7:30 PM, Doors 6:30 PM. Tickets $30 - $39. Brauntex Theatre, 290 West San Antonio St. 830-627-0808

SAN MARCOS: Texas Natural & Western Swing Festival. Celebrating Texas! Texas Music, Texas History, Texas Fun! Courthouse Square, 10:00am to 5:30pm. 830-997-8515

SAN MARCOS: Dick’s Classic Garage “Drive In” Night. Every 3rd Saturday of the Month. Bring your classic, antique, muscle, or unique car or bike. Dick's Classic Garage Car Museum, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

WIMBERLEY: Old Oaks Ranch Tours. 11:00 and 1:00; The ranch will be offering ranch tours to see the Alpacas, Sculptures, and fibers. Old Oaks Ranch 601, Old Oaks Ranch Road. 512-847-8784

MAY 23

MAY 24 – 28

BANDERA: Blow-out Memorial Day Weekend Celebration. Blow-out Memorial Day Weekend Celebration at 11th Street with live Country Music at its best from Thursday to Monday! Come out to Bandera and enjoy a full week of great Country and Western swing music with some of the best live acts in the business! Everyone welcome! The biggest little bar in Texas. 11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th St. 830-796-4849

MAY 25 – 27

FREDERCKSBURG: Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival. We'll be serving up red beans & rice, boudin, gumbo, and - of course - crawfish. Other Cajun delicacies are also available for everyone to enjoy, and for those who don't like crawfish (don't like crawfish?!!). Food and fun for all ages are available. The festival will offer a children's area for kids of all ages, and arts & crafts will be there for your shopping pleasure. Downtown Marktplatz (Fredericksburg's beautiful and historic Market Square - 100 block of West Main Street). 830-997-8515

MAY 26

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days. 9:00am - 4:00pm. An old-fashioned market on the square. Over 75 vendors selling Texas wares; arts, crafts, jewelry, plants & more. Courthouse Square, 700 Main St. 830-895-7524

SAN MARCOS: Wimberley Glassworks Glass Bash. We're celebrating our 20th year of hand blown art glass and lighting! Get out to the Hill Country and come by the gallery for some Cajun tunes by Ponty Bones & the Squeezetones. Have a “Texas Mule” and taste local flavors from Middleton Brewing, Euro-cafe Mediterranean and Brewster's Pizza. We’ll celebrate with the unveiling of a Limited Edition Art Glass Anniversary Piece, glassblowing demo, and give-away. Wimberley Glassworks 6469 Ranch Road 12.

800-929-6686

WIMBERLEY: Old Oaks Ranch Tours. 11:00 and 1:00; The ranch will be offering ranch tours to see the Alpacas, Sculptures, and fibers. Old Oaks Ranch 601, Old Oaks Ranch Road. 512-847-8784

MAY 26 – 27

BANDERA: Arts & Crafts Show. Over 75 vendors on the Courthouse Square in downtown Bandera. 830-796-3280

FREDERICKSBURG: Project Appleseed Rifle Marksmanship Skills Clinic. Clinics focusing on Rifle Marksmanship Skills - Six Steps to Firing the Shot, Natural Point of Aim, Sling Use, and more - and the History of the Beginning of the American Revolutionary War – Our Nation's Heritage. Project Appleseed Texas Hills Sporting Range 12.5 miles west on FM 2093 (Tivydale Road). 830-456-3665

MAY 27

KERRVILLE: Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Juried Texas Artists, Fair of arts, crafts, music, food & fun for the family. River Star Arts & Event Park, 4000 Riverside Dr. 830-895-5711

MAY 31

Kathy Lopatowski — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:03:34 -0500

Risotto with Tomato, Corn and Basil

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups water
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup uncooked Arborio rice
3 tablespoons white wine
1 medium tomato - peeled, seeded and chopped
1 1/3 cups fresh corn kernels
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
1/2 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Combine the water and milk in a medium size pot or saucepan, heat the water and milk to a simmer. Keep the pan over low heat.

Melt the butter in a large casserole or skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and the rice, stir constantly for 1 minute. Add the white wine and stir until completely absorbed.

Begin to add the heated milk-water mixture 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is almost completely absorbed before adding the next. When the rice has cooked for 15 minutes and most of the liquid has been incorporated, add the corn kernels and tomatoes along with the end of the milk-water mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender but still slightly chewy.

The risotto should take 18 to 20 minutes of cooking all together. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, most of the basil, and the salt and pepper. Spoon the risotto immediately onto plates, top with the remaining basil strands, and serve.

Kathy Lopatowski — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:46:36 -0500

Four-Cheese Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for brushing

• 1/2 clove garlic

• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/3 cup shredded asiago cheese

• 1/3 cup shredded raclette or comte cheese

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• 4 fresh bay leaves

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Generously brush a large skillet with butter, then rub with the garlic. Combine the mozzarella, asiago and raclette in a bowl.

Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the potatoes, spreading them out. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt, half of the cut-up butter, half of the shredded cheese blend, and pepper to taste. Arrange the remaining potatoes on top. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Pour the cream over the potatoes, then add the nutmeg and bay leaves; simmer 3 minutes. Dot the potatoes with the remaining cut-up butter.

Generously brush a shallow baking dish with butter; slide the potatoes into the dish; arrange with a fork, if desired. (If your skillet is ovenproof, you can skip this step and bake the potatoes in the skillet.) Sprinkle the potatoes with the parmesan and the remaining shredded cheese blend. Bake until golden, about 25 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Discard the bay leaves.

Kathy Lopatowski — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:23:49 -0600

Frittata with Spring Vegetables

Ingredients

8 whole eggs

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Kosher salt

Freshly ground white pepper

2 dashes hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)

Splash Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

16 stalks "pencil" asparagus, stems trimmed off

2 scallions, sliced into thin rounds (white and green parts)

2 cups arugula, stemmed, washed and dried

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

4 ounces Brie or Taleggio cheese, larger parts of rind removed, cut into slices

4 ounces goat cheese, cut into rounds or crumbled into small pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, washed, dried and halved

1/2 lemon, juiced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium size bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the cream, salt, pepper, hot sauce and Worcestershire and whisk to blend.

Heat a 10 to 12-inch cast iron (or other heavy-bottomed) skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke ever so slightly, add the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until some of the liquid starts to escape.

Stir in the scallions, arugula and cheeses into the egg mixture and pour into the skillet over the asparagus.

Place the skillet on the center rack of the oven and cook until firm around the edges but still somewhat loose in the middle, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to "rest" for a few minutes before serving. Toss the tomatoes with salt, pepper, the remaining olive oil and the lemon juice and sprinkle them on top of the frittata just before serving.

Kathy Lopatowski — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:43:31 -0600

Pizza with NY Strip, Blue Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients

Balsamic Glaze:

2 cups balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steak:

1 (12-ounce) NY strip steak

Canola oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pizza

1/2 recipe Pizza Dough rolled into 2 (10-inch) rounds, recipe follows or 2 store-bought pizza dough

Canola oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

Grilled steak

1 bunch watercress, coarsely chopped

Balsamic Glaze

Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions

For the glaze:

Bring vinegar to a boil in a small nonreactive saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1/2 cup. Stir in the honey and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

For the steak:

Heat grill to high. Brush steak on both sides with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown and slightly charred on both sides and cooked to medium-rare doneness, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the grill to a cutting board, tent lightly with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices.

For the pizza:

Heat the grill to high. Brush both sides of the pizzas with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the grill, divide the Monterey Jack cheese over the top of each one and then sprinkle with the blue cheese. Place back on the grill, close the cover of the grill and grill until the cheese has melted, about 1 minute. Remove to a flat surface, divide the steak between each pizza, then top with the watercress. Drizzle with some of the balsamic glaze and sprinkle with some of the shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Pizza Dough:

2/3 cup lukewarm water (105 degrees F to 115 degrees F)

2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for oiling bowl

1 3/4 to 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

1/4 cup finely ground yellow cornmeal

2 teaspoons coarse salt

In a large bowl stir together 1/3 cup water, yeast, and sugar and let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/3 cup water, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 3/4 cups flour, cornmeal, and salt and blend until the mixture forms a dough. Knead dough on a floured surface, incorporating as much of remaining 1/4 cup flour, as necessary, to prevent dough from sticking, until smooth about 5 to 10 minutes. Form the dough into a ball.

Lightly oil the sides and bottom of a large bowl with oil, add the dough, turn to coat in the oil, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Gently punch the dough down and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece on a lightly floured surface into a 10-inch circle that is 1/8-inch thick. Brush off excess flour and transfer the dough to a baking sheet, cover each circle of dough with plastic wrap and continue stacking rolled out pieces on top of each other. Wrap well with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to grill

Kathy Lopatowski — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:17:29 -0600

Cowboy Steak with Coffee and Chili Rub

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder

1 1/2 tsp fine ground espresso coffee

1/2 tsp brown sugar

1/4 tsp dry mustard

1/4 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper

1 1/4 lb shoulder center steak or top sirloin, 1 1/4 inch thick

DIRECTIONS
Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and preheat over med-high heat. In a small bowl combine all ingredients for the rub and coat each steak well on both sides. Cook steak on skillet for 14 minutes, turning once for medium to medium rare. Allow steaks to sit for 5 minutes before slicing.