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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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The Seeker ushers in fall and winter with delicious new menu in Stephenville.
A new fall cocktail menu includes the popular pink cadillac, pictured with the linguini. Photos/Kayla Enright Special to Beneath the Surface News The Seeker is welcoming cooler weather with a fall/winter menu developed by Executive Chef Rob Cook, who opened the restaurant with the team in January 2025. Launched in October and available through March 2027, the menu brings new reasons for neighbors to gather for a celebration or a great meal out. The best-selling prime
3 days ago2 min read


Crockpot lemon chicken pasta combines healthy ingredients with convenience.
By Julie Brinkley This recipe for lemon chicken pasta combines healthy ingredients and the convenience of a crockpot meal, giving families the best of both. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 to 5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Minced garlic, to taste Juice of 2 lemons 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup chi
5 days ago1 min read


Let’s make game day granola bars!
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Flour Riot This is the perfect snack for busy game days. Let’s make ‘em! WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats 2 cups rice cereal 1/4 cup flour Dash of cinnamon Dash of salt Mix in large bowl…. Over medium heat in a saucepan, melt… 1 stick butter 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup honey Remove from heat and add in a dash of vanilla; pour into cereal mixture and combine. Let sit for about 5 minut
Oct 221 min read


Soup season: Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage will make them ask for seconds.
By Julie Brinkley Soup season has officially arrived and this recipe for one made with butternut squash, gnocchi and sausage will have your family asking for seconds. So, make a big pot! Click here to watch a video on how I make it. WHAT YOU NEED 12 oz Italian sausage 1 tbsp olive oil 10 oz potato gnocchi 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup butternut squash puree 3 cloves minced garlic 2 tbsp fresh sage 2 tbsp fresh thyme Salt
Oct 201 min read


Incoming cool front means it’s time to make cinnamon roll bread.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Flour Riot The first seasonal fall-like blast of air is expected this weekend making it the perfect time to get into the kitchen and make this delicious cinnamon roll bread. HERE'S HOW YOU DO IT 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tbs cinnamon Combine and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease and line two loaf pans. In large bowl, whisk together… 4 cups flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar In s
Oct 151 min read


Cozy fall days call for chocolate chip banana bread.
Chocolate chip banana bread By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Flour Riot Nothing says fall like a warm slice of banana bread dripping with butter. This recipe is extra special because it includes chocolate chips. Let’s make it! Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, spritz with olive oil. In small bowl, mix: 2 cups flour 1tsp baking soda Dash of cinnamon Dash of salt Set aside. In a larger bowl, mix: 1 stick butter, room tem
Oct 71 min read


Let’s make Croque Monsieur as seen in the movie ‘It's Complicated.’
Croque Monsieur By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you’re a fan of the movie “It’s Complicated,” you’ll enjoy trying this Croque Monsieur – or fancy grilled cheese sandwich – which you should enjoy with your favorite fall soup or stew. Click here to watch how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 4 slices sourdough dread Dijon mustard Black forest ham Grated Gruyere Cheese Bechamel Sauce 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp flour 1 cup warm milk Dash of nutmeg Salt and pepper LET’S
Oct 61 min read


High protein no bake cheesecake for those with a little sweet tooth.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Flour Riot Admit it. You care enough about your health and weight to make sure to get your daily protein intake. But sometimes… that sweet tooth sneaks up on us. This recipe for a high protein, no bake (yay!) cheesecake takes care of both. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE CRUST 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers. (About 11-12 full size sheets) 3 tbs granulated sugar 7 tbs butter In a food processor blend crackers and pour into bowl.
Sep 301 min read


Beefy orzo with a side of brussels sprouts salad. It’s what’s for dinner.
Beefy orzo By Julie Brinkley Wondering what to make for dinner? This beefy orzo served with a side of Brussels sprouts salad will have you back on track in no time. It’s so good! Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. Here’s what you need for the beefy orzo: 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 medium yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic 1 ½ tbsp Italian seasoning blend 14 oz. can diced tomatoes 1 cup beef stock 2 tbsp of soy sauce 1 cup of orzo HOW
Sep 291 min read


This pretty pumpkin cake is a one-bowl wonder!
Photo/Flour Riot By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Flour Riot We are continuing to celebrate the arrival of fall with a recipe for pumpkin cake. This quick and easy recipe uses only one bowl – so no mess! WHAT YOU NEED 1 can of pumpkin 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar Dash of vanilla 1/4 cup sour cream Mix these wet ingredients together…. 2 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda Dash of cinnamon Dash
Sep 231 min read


The first day of fall calls for this stunning harvest kale salad.
By Julie Brinkley It’s the first day of fall and this delicious harvest kale salad makes a stunning meal. Click here to watch a video on how I make it. WHAT YOU NEED 1 delicata squash, seeds removed and cubed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon maple syrup Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper ⅓ cup pepitas DRESSING 1 shallot, peeled and finely minced 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 anchovy, smashed into a paste ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard Juice from
Sep 222 min read


Salsa Verde chicken enchiladas make a delicious dinner the whole family will love.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Flour Riot After a long day of work and school, setting a pan of salsa verde chicken enchiladas in front of your family will make them smile. This easy recipe is delicious and a perfect way to usher in cooler weather. WHAT YOU NEED 1/2 cup flour 1 jar salsa Verde 2 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream 4 tbs butter 4 cups cooked chicken, well-seasoned Lime 2 cups shredded cheese 10-12 tortillas HOW TO MAKE IT Cook and
Sep 161 min read


Elevate family dinner with this cozy homemade chicken pot pie.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver School is back, fall is on the way and it’s time to make those cozy dinners. One of our family’s favorites is this easy homemade chicken pot pie. 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 FILLING 2 cups frozen veggies 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken 1 can cream of chicken soup HOW TO MAKE IT Start by adding flour and salt into a mixin
Sep 101 min read


Start your day with these homemade blueberry muffins.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Blueberry muffins: Because who doesn’t want to celebrate the weekend with an easy breakfast treat. WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt Mix and set aside. ½ cup melted butter ½ cup milk Dash vanilla 2 eggs Mix until smooth, then combine egg and flour mixture. Add about 1 cup of blueberries and pour into lined muffin tin. TOPPING In small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp white suga
Sep 31 min read


Cozy dinner: Broccoli cheddar beef bowls get dinner on the table in a jiffy.
By Julie Brinkley If you are looking for a cozy, quick dinner, this recipe for broccoli cheddar beef bowls is for you. It’s similar to hamburger helper, but with a healthy twist. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED FOR BEEF MIXTURE 1 lb. ground beef 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp dried thyme FOR THE SAUCE 2 tbsp butter 1 yellow onion 2
Sep 11 min read


A healthy, homemade treat for your pup!
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Healthy treats aren’t just for people; our dogs deserve them too. This homemade treat recipe for your pup is easy to make and can store in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let’s make it! WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups rolled oats (old fashioned, not quick oats) 2 medium bananas ½ cup natural peanut butter (be sure its peanuts only, no added sugar) HOW TO MAKE IT Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a blender or food processor, pour in the oats
Aug 271 min read


Buffalo chicken smash tacos are my new fave. Let's make some.
By Julie Brinkley Smash tacos have become my new favorite and this recipe for buffalo chicken smash tacos is delicious. I will also make a yummy slaw to go with it and serve with a side of cauliflower. Click here to watch a video on how it’s all made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 pound ground chicken 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce 10 f
Aug 251 min read


Grounds for excitement: This whipped brown sugar latte with honey is perfect mid-day pickup.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver If you find yourself in need of a sweet mid-day pick-me-up, this recipe for a brown sugar latte made with honey and vanilla will do the trick. It tastes like a dessert, but has very little sugar. WHAT YOU NEED 2 tbs instant coffee (I know, but hear me out and give it a try) 1 tbs brown sugar Honey Vanilla 1 tbs hot water Blend ingredients until it turns into a cream. 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream Dash of vanilla Honey
Aug 201 min read


Mastering bold flavors: The perfect crispy Korean beef bowl recipe.
By Julie Brinkley This recipe for crispy Korean beef bowls is full of delicious flavors that will spice up your dinner time. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. 1 lb. ground beef 1 tbsp cornstarch 1 tbsp avocado oil 3 clove garlic 1 tsp fresh ginger ¼ cup soy sauce 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp sesame oil Sriracha, optional Garnish with green onions, spicy mayo and sesame seeds Serve with pan frien
Aug 171 min read


Irresistible peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for after school snacking.
By Sarah McNeal Weaver School is back and when your kids come home hungry, they will enjoy these delicious cookies. And here’s the bonus: They are easy to make! WHAT YOU NEED 3/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup salted butter, softened 1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 cup rolled oats 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips HOW TO MAKE THEM Preheat oven to 350 degrees Mix
Aug 131 min read


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Sara Vanden Berge
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Sara Vanden Berge
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Sara Vanden Berge
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