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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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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


Hop into spring with this delicious lemon loaf.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Nothing says spring like a light, delicious slice of lemon bread. This easy recipe for a lemon loaf will make a beautiful addition to your Easter table. WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt Zest of lemon 1/2 cup (1 stick) of salted butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs (room temperature) 1 tsp vanilla Juice from lemon 1/2 cup whole milk Dash of white vinegar HOW TO MAKE IT Sift flour, po
Apr 11 min read


Sweet and savory: This hot honey taco bowl is packed with protein.
By Julie Brinkley Everyone is trying to get enough protein while searching for foods that are equally delish, and this recipe for a hot honey taco bowl satisfies both. It’s tasty and high in protein. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed 1 lb. ground beef 1 packet taco seasoning 2 tbsp olive oil 1 ½ cups cottage cheese Dressed arugula Avocado Hot honey to drizzle HOW TO MAKE IT Cube sweet
Mar 311 min read


Banana bread is best served warm; let’s make a loaf.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Nothing satisfies a sweet tooth like a warm slice of banana bread. It pairs well with a morning cup of coffee and makes a great afternoon snack. Here’s how you can whip up a loaf for your family. WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon 4 ripe bananas 1 egg, beaten 1 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled 1/4 cup sour cream HOW TO MAKE IT Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease loa
Mar 251 min read


Chicken Caesar smash tacos make a quick (and delicious) weeknight dinner.
By Julie Brinkley If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious (and easy) dinner your family will love, you’ll want to give these chicken Caesar smash tacos a try. Click here to watch how I make them. WHAT YOU NEED 1 pound ground chicken 4 flour tortillas 2 tsp Greek seasoning 1 tsp garlic powder 1 egg beaten 1 cup Panko bread crumbs Romaine lettuce Caesar dressing (store bought or homemade) Parmesan cheese Crispy bacon for topping HOW TO MAKE
Mar 241 min read


Celery apple salad: This copycat recipe is from Charleston’s famed ‘Obstinate Daughter’ Michelin Star restaurant.
By Julie Brinkley You don’t have to be a Michelin Star chef to make this recipe from the famed Obstinate Daughter in Charleston. This Michelin Star restaurant makes a celery apple salad that’s absolutely delicious. I am adding some protein to mine for a healthy dinner. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. THE DRESSING 1 tbsp honey 2 tbsp lemon 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper THE SALAD 2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) 6-8 stal
Mar 171 min read


Let’s make a pan of blondies; these ‘cakey’ treats look like a brownie, but are made with a cookie base.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver If you’re plagued with a sweet tooth, you’ll love this recipe for blondies. This yummy treat looks like a brownie, but is made with a cookie base and has a “cakey” consistency. They are easy to make and so, so good. WHAT YOU NEED 4 cups flour, sifted 2 tsp baking soda 2 c of butter softened 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 4 eggs 2 packages of instant vanilla pudding mix 2 tsp vanilla chocolate chips HOW
Mar 41 min read


Chicken sheet pan kabobs bring all the flavors of the Mediterranean.
By Julie Brinkley I love bringing you healthy, flavorful recipes every week and Mediterranean food is one of my favorites. This recipe is trending on TikTok and there are several variations. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 2 lbs. ground chicken 1 small red onion 3 cloves of garlic Handful of parsley 1 jalapeno 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp sumac (alternative za’tar or lemon zest) 1 tsp chili flakes ½ ground cumin 1 tbs
Mar 31 min read


This cinnamon sugar donut bread is best served warm.
Milk and coffee pair well with this cinnamon sugar donut bread. By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Flour Riot If you need a sweet treat, this recipe for cinnamon sugar donut bread is one your family will absolutely love. Here’s the recipe! WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder Dash of salt 1 ¼ cups whole milk Spoonful of Greek yogurt 1 large egg, room temperature 2 tablespoons butter melted 1 tab
Feb 251 min read


Shake it up! This viral rotisserie chicken and rice in a bag is worth the hype!
By Julie Brinkley If you’re a busy family who wants an easy, fast and delicious meal, this viral TikTok recipe for rotisserie chicken and rice in a bag is worth the hype! It’s easy and fabulous (and there are a ton of variations). Click here to watch how I make it. WHAT YOU NEED Rotisserie chicken ( Remove from bag, reserving juices. Debone and shred pieces, return to bag.) 2 cups cooked rice ¼ cup rice wine vinegar 2 green onions 2 small mini cucumbers, d
Feb 171 min read


Strawberry chocolate chip scones for your Valentine’s Day breakfast.
Strawberry chocolate chip scones By Sarah McNeal-Weaver If you’re looking to make a sweet treat to start your Valentine’s Day celebration, this recipe for strawberry chocolate chip scones is perfect. (And they pair nicely with a hot cup of coffee.) WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 cup salted butter (cold) 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla About five chopped strawberries Hand
Feb 111 min read


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Sara Vanden Berge
11 hours ago1 min read


Sara Vanden Berge
4 days ago1 min read


Sara Vanden Berge
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Sara Vanden Berge
5 days ago1 min read


Young entrepreneur makes handcrafted silver and turquoise jewelry right here in Stephenville, Texas.
Sara Vanden Berge
5 days ago1 min read
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