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A news site focusing on people, places and events happening in and around Stephenville and Erath County, Texas.
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Indoor shrimp boil: bringing summer vibes to your kitchen.
By Julie Brinkley If you love a shrimp boil made with sausage, potatoes and corn, but can’t stand the summer heat, make one indoors. This recipe is perfect for those hot summer days when dinner calls for something fun. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 1.5 lbs. new potatoes, halved 4 ears of corn shucked and cut into 3-4 pieces each 1 large red onion, cut into wedges 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced 1 lb. large shrimp 4 tbsp melted butter 1/2 tbsp old
6 days ago1 min read


Let’s make a one-bowl batch of healthy muffins your family will love.
By Sara McNeal-Weaver With added sugar and processed ingredients, muffins can sometimes get a bad rap. But these one-bowl wonders are full of healthy ingredients your family will love. Check it out! WHAT YOU NEED 1 cup whole yogurt 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup avocado oil 2 eggs 2 tsp baking powder 1 1/4 cup flour Dash of salt Mix-ins: Blueberries, chocolate chips, sprinkles HOW TO MAKE IT Mix everything into a bowl
Jul 221 min read


Green goddess chicken salad loaded with protein makes the perfect summer meal.
By Julie Brinkley Healthy, tasty and family-friendly recipes are what I love to focus on and this recipe for green goddess chicken salad fits the bill. It’s loaded with protein and makes the perfect summer meal. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 3 ½ cups shredded chicken 3 Persian cucumbers ¼ cup red onion 2 tbsp dill 2 tbsp basil DRESSING 1 cup cottage cheese ½ cup Greek yogurt 1 tbsp olive oil 4 green onions ¼ cup di
Jul 171 min read


Healthy granola bars make the perfect snack for swimsuit season.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver I’ve had several requests to share another version of my healthy granola bar recipe, so here it is. This recipe is super easy to make, delicious and stays fresh for several days. STEP 1 1 stick of butter 1/4 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup honey Let this melt over low heat; remove and add dash of vanilla. STEP 2 In large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups protein oats 2 cups rice cereal 1/4 cup flour Dash of cinn
Jul 151 min read


This recipe for crispy pasta salad went TikTok viral and it’s absolutely delicious.
By Julie Brinkley A ton of variations for this viral recipe keep popping up on TikTok and I was dying to try it, so here we are. This crispy pasta salad is one worth trying and it makes the perfect summer meal. Click here to watch how it’s made. Here’s everything you need: CRISPY PASTA 8 oz bow tie pasta (or pasta of your choice) 1-1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp granulated garlic 1 tsp Italian seasoning SA
Jul 71 min read


Delicious peach cobbler made the easy way. (There’s nothing wrong with a good cheat recipe.)
By Sarah-McNeal Weaver Love a good peach cobbler, but hate the time it takes to make one? I call this recipe a “cheater peach cobbler” but it’s got all the deliciousness your family will love! Oh, and this will make a great dish to serve on the Fourth of July. WHAT YOU NEED 29 oz can of peaches 1/4 cup salted butter 1/2 cup flour 1 cup white sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/3 cup milk 1 egg Dash of vanilla Dash of cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar
Jul 11 min read


Protein donuts? Yes, please. Here’s how to make them.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Nothing screams summer like a delicious morning donut. But indulging in a sweet treat doesn’t always mean it’s bad for you. This recipe for protein donuts will satisfy that sweet tooth without wrecking your diet. WHAT YOU NEED • 2/3 cup gluten free baking flour • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder • 2 tsp baking powder • dash of salt and dash of cinnamon • ¼ cup maple syrup • 3 tablespoons olive oil • ¼ cup whole milk • 1 egg •
Jun 241 min read


Healthy whole food sloppy joe bowls are perfect on a hot summer night.
By Julie Brinkley This healthy and delicious recipe is perfect on a hot summer night. I’ve made this sloppy joe bowl before, but this dish includes a little more protein. Click here to watch how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. ground beef Potatoes 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil 1-2 tbsp minced garlic ¼ cup yellow onion, diced ¼ cup red onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp yellow mustard 3 tbsp paleo or low sugar ketchup
Jun 231 min read


Let’s make a high-protein chicken shawarma protein bowl.
By Julie Brinkley I’m training for a marathon and dishes like this high-protein chicken shawarma bowl are important to fuel my body, and the good news is that it’s delicious. I bet your family loves it too. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED: 2 lbs. chicken thighs ¾ cup Greek plain yogurt 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 juice of one lemon 2 cloves garlic 1 tbsp paprika 3 tsp oregano 2 ½ tsp cumin ½ cinnamon ½ tbsp onion powder Salt
Jun 161 min read


A watermelon snack that tastes like you’re on a beach in Mexico.
By Sarah McNeal Weaver Flour Riot This is a super simple and delicious way to turn watermelon into a fresh summer treat. The first time I made it, my son said, “Wow! This tastes like a beach in Mexico!” Now, it’s a staple in out home because who doesn’t want to snack like they’re on a beach? WHAT YOU NEED Two cups seedless watermelon, cut into small pieces Handful of fresh mint leaves, washed and chopped One lime Drizzle (or two) of honey HOW TO MAKE I
Jun 101 min read


Ooh La La! Let’s make a French butter cake!
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Have a sweet tooth? Try this French butter cake that’s sure to make you feel fancy at your next summer soiree. It’s a cinch to make and oh-so-good! WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups cake mix. (You choose flavor, I prefer yellow mix) 2 eggs 1 stick melted butter Combine in a bowl; this will be thick. In a stand mixer: 8-oz softened cream cheese 4 cups powdered sugar 2 eggs Dash of vanilla Mix until creamy; press cake mixture
May 261 min read


Baked cottage cheese chips make the perfect afternoon snack.
These taste way better than they look. By SARA VANDEN BERGE While scrolling through TikTok this morning, I came across a recipe for baked cottage cheese chips, a snack so simple that I feel a little embarrassed to write about it. But it’s that good. I just so happened to have both ingredients to make a batch, so I did – and oh em gee! These little guys are delish. I eat a lot of cottage cheese (Daisy is my jam) and all you need to go with it is some Everything But
May 131 min read


Lasagna, made the ‘lazy way.’
Lazy lasagna = big yum! By Julie Brinkley Everyone loves a good lasagna. It’s pure comfort in a pan, but making it can sometimes be a little tedious. This recipe for “lazy lasagna” takes out all the work, but not the taste. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. Italian sausage 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce 8 lasagna noodles ½ cup ricotta cheese 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, or more to taste 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, or m
May 121 min read


Master making an easy apple pie for your summer table.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver With summer upon us and the July 4th holiday just around the corner, nothing says Americana more than a delicious homemade apple pie. Last week we made the crust (recipe here) and now it’s time to make the filling. WHAT YOU NEED 4 apples (medium to large, crisp) 1/3 cup sugar 2 tbs butter 3 tbs water (more if needed) Dash of cinnamon Squeeze of lemon 2 tbs cornstarch (separated) Prepared pie crust HOW TO MAKE IT Peel, core and slice apples.
May 61 min read


How to make the perfect pie crust.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Making a pie crust is easier than you might think. I shared this recipe during the holidays and it was very popular. Summer pies are equally delicious so we are making it again. 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 cold water HOW TO MAKE IT Start by adding flour and salt into a mixing bowl, blend with fork. Add shortening or butter; cut with pastry ble
Apr 291 min read


No time to cook? Let’s make an easy 4-ingredient, 1-pan dinner.
By JULIE BRINKLEY This is the best recipe for a quick and easy, well-balanced (and very affordable) meal your family will love. Click here to watch how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED One bag small Yukon gold or cubed potatoes of your choice One bag fresh green beans 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs Jar parmesan garlic wing sauce. (Other sauce flavors will work as well.) HOW TO MAKE IT Layer potatoes and green beans in 9x130-inch baking dish. Wash and sna
Apr 281 min read


Chicken caprese smash tacos with fresh basil, parmesan and balsamic glaze.
Chicken caprese smash tacos By Julie Brinkley My family loves a good smash taco, so I have another recipe to share. If you like caprese chicken, you will LOVE these tacos! Click here to watch a video on how they are made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. ground chicken 4 flour tortillas 2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp garlic powder 1 egg, beaten 1 cup Panko bread crumbs Cherry tomatoes Parmesan cheese Fresh basil One clove garlic Olive oil Salt and pepper
Apr 211 min read


Sweet tooth? Try these sugar cookie bars your kids (and you) will love!
Sugar cookie bars make a special after-school treat! By Sarah-McNeal Weaver Some days we just need something sweet and this recipe for sugar cookie bars makes a great after-school treat. They are cute, easy to make and super tasty! WHAT YOU NEED 1 cup softened butter 1 cup of white sugar Cream together in mixer until smooth. ADD: 2 tsp vanilla 1 egg Then mix again. In a separate bowl, combine: 2 1/4 cups flour Dash of salt 1 1/2 tsp baking p
Apr 151 min read


Sheet pan barbecue crispy tacos for the win!
By Julie Brinkley These sheet pan barbecue crispy tacos are a favorite in our house! They are simple to make and so tasty! WHAT YOU NEED 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix ⅔ cup barbecue sauce 3 tbsp avocado oil 12 corn tortillas ¼ cup sour cream 2 tbsp mayo Shredded lettuce Cheddar Cheese, grated Chopped dill pickles, plus 2 tbsp pickle juice HOW TO MAKE IT Place chicken in small baking dish. Res
Apr 141 min read


Make granola bars with all that leftover Easter candy.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Wondering what to do with all that leftover candy still piled into those Easter baskets? Make a special treat the whole family will love; granola bars. The first thing you’ll need to do is raid those baskets for the chocolate. Here’s what else you need: 2 ½ cups rolled oats (not quick oats, I use old fashioned rolled or protein oats) 1 ½ cups rice crisp cereal (any kind) ½ c all-purpose flour dash of cinnamon dash of salt Place
Apr 81 min read


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