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LIFE IS INTERESTING. BEING INFORMED MATTERS.
A news site focusing on people, places and events happening in and around Stephenville and Erath County, Texas.
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Thanksgiving side: Shaved brussels sprouts salad with pomegranate and candied pecans.
By Julie Brinkley  This salad made with shaved brussels sprouts, pomegranate and candied pecans make a delicious Thanksgiving Day side.  Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.  WHAT YOU NEED  12 ounces brussels sprouts  1 ½ cup pomegranate seeds  1 ½ chopped Honeycrisp apple  1 cup candied pecans  ¾ dried cranberries  ¾ cup parmesan cheese  VINAIGRETTE  3 tbsp olive oil  1 ½ tbsp lemon juice  1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar  2 tbsp Dijon mustard  1 tbsp ma
2 days ago1 min read


Holiday favorites: Bring these festive cranberry meatballs to your next gathering.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE With the holidays upon us, I ordered ingredients to whip up one of our favorite holiday appetizers that’s the perfect crowd-pleasing dish. I stumbled upon this recipe a couple of years ago, and now it’s a staple at holiday gatherings. I made a big crockpot of these festive cranberry meatballs for a recent Friendsgiving and they were gobbled up fast! HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce 3/4 cup pac
3 days ago1 min read


All about the dessert. Here's how to make a perfect pie crust.
Recipe by Sarah Weaver  The holidays are upon us, and if you’re like a lot of people, making a pie crust can be a little intimidating.  The good news is that it’s not as hard as you think. Follow these steps to make the perfect crust for your holiday pie and click here  to watch how I make it. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED  1/2 cup shortening or butter  1 1/2 cups flour, plus 1/2 cup for surface 1/2 tsp of salt  1/2 cup ice cold water    HOW TO MAKE IT  Start by adding fl
Nov 121 min read


Soup season: A bowl of creamy Tuscan tortellini always hits the spot.
By Julie Brinkley  Soup season is officially here and this recipe for creamy Tuscan tortellini is a family favorite.  Heavy cream, chopped kale and shredded chicken makes for a flavorful, creamy and filling dish that will warm you up on a cold night.  Click here to watch how it’s made.   WHAT YOU NEED  ½ diced onion diced  1 leak, diced  3 stalks of celery, chopped  3 cloves garlic  1 can crushed tomatoes   1 box of chicken stock or bone broth  Parmesan rind  2
Nov 111 min read


Fall favorite: Butter chicken and rice is pure homestyle goodness.
By Julie Brinkley  This easy-to-make dish with rice, chicken, French onion soup and cheese is absolutely delicious  And it’s pure comfort your family will love!  Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.   WHAT’S IN IT  2 cups white rice  1 (10.5-ounces) can condensed French onion soup  2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed beef consommé  8 ounces baby portobello mushrooms, roughly chopped  1 cup grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese, divided   1 stick butter, cu
Oct 271 min read


Sarah Weaver to host online weekly baking classes on Beneath the Surface News.
Sarah Weaver has joined Beneath the Surface News as a cooking contributor. Photo/Katelyn Sparger Photography By SARA VANDEN BERGE  Just in time for the holiday season, Dublin resident Sarah Weaver is joining Beneath the Surface News to host a weekly Facebook live baking class.  Sarah will go live on the BTSN Facebook page at 1:30 p.m. every Wednesday beginning Nov. 12.  “Baking has always been a huge part of who I am, and on most days, you can enter my home and there is s
Oct 241 min read


Full of crispy deliciousness, these smash dumplings will become your new obsession.
By Julie Brinkley  It’s time for dinner and we're making crispy smash dumplings with ground chicken and cabbage.  They are so good!  Click here to watch a video on how they are made.   WHAT YOU NEED  1 lb. ground chicken  1 clove minced garlic  3 tbsp ginger, peeled and minced  1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded  3 scallions chopped  1 egg   ½ tsp salt  ½ tsp pepper  1 tbsp sesame oil  1 tbsp soy sauce  1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)  1 packa
Oct 211 min read


There are lots of variations on these popular protein bowls; this is made with sloppy joe.
Absolute deliciousness.  By Julie Brinkley  There are several variations on these protein bowls, which are growing in popularity.  You can create a bowl using different protein like ground turkey or ground chicken and adding veggies, pickles, avocado and cottage cheese to pump up the protein.  Click here to watch a video on how I make it.    WHAT YOU NEED  2 tbsp ghee or olive oil  1-2 tbsp minced garlic  ¼ cup yellow onion, diced  ¼ cup red onion, diced  1 green
Oct 141 min read


The next time you’re in Austin, make a reservation at this hot spot for bone marrow tacos.
Bone marrow tacos are one of the many specialty foods you'll find at Comedor. By SARA VANDEN BERGE  The Husband and I spend a lot of weekends in Austin where two of our kids live.  Much of our time there is spent exploring new restaurants and last weekend we scored a reservation at one of Austin’s coolest places, Comedor .  (It was also named in the 2024 Michelin Guide.)  This modern Mexican restaurant is led by Chef Philip Speer and is known for its unique dishes like bo
Oct 82 min read


Game Day snacks: Your favorite peeps will love these mini chili cheese dogs.
These are best enjoyed immediately after coming out of the oven. Â By SARA VANDEN BERGE Â I have been dying to make these miniature chili...
Sep 251 min read


Delicious and unique: Chicken burgers with kimchi bacon jam.
By Julie Brinkley  For a unique twist on your next burger, try this recipe for one made with chicken and topped with a delicious kimchi...
Sep 231 min read


Cilantro lime sheet pan chicken with avocado salsa is full of flavor. You should make it.
By Julie Brinkley  The first time I made this one-pan dish, it was a hit with my family!  This recipe for cilantro lime sheet pan...
Sep 161 min read


Quick and easy Greek-style naan wrap with hummus and tzatziki.
By Julie Brinkley  If you're looking for something fast and delicious, this Greek-style naan wrap is for you.  Feel free to use a...
Sep 91 min read


Fall menu: Curb those afternoon cravings with an easy, super low calorie leek soup. Â
Sliced leeks, vegetable broth and salt and pepper is all you need to make leek soup. (Cute pumpkin pot is optional.) Â By SARA VANDEN...
Aug 282 min read


Quick and easy broccoli chicken low carb salad is perfect for lunch or dinner.
By Julie Brinkley  This recipe for a salad made with broccoli and chicken gives CAVA vibes, and if you’re familiar with that...
Aug 191 min read


Make the perfect lunch with these build-your-own Thai chicken wraps.
By Julie Brinkley  This recipe for Thai chicken wraps is super simple, and if you need to make it even easier, substitute with...
Aug 121 min read


Sheet pan pineapple chicken tacos served with avocado cream. Get the recipe.
By Julie Brinkley  With the start of a new school year upon us, easy, tasty and healthy dinners are what's on the menu.  And this...
Aug 52 min read


With 110 calories, 15 grams of protein and no sugar, Sola Bagels is our new obsession.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE Â You have no doubt seen the Sola Bagels obsession all over your social media feeds. Â Â I finally got my hands on...
Jul 211 min read


Summertime pasta made with linguini, fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano.
By Julie Brinkley  This quick and easy recipe made with fresh herbs and vegetables makes it the perfect summertime dish.  Serve with a...
Jul 151 min read


El Corral Mexican Grill and Bar opens second location.
Photo/El Corral Mexican Grill and Bar By SARA VANDEN BERGE Â El Corral Mexican Grill and Bar will celebrate the grand opening of its...
Jul 102 min read


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