Enjoy art, don’t miss the galleries in Fredericksburg, TX

January 10th, 2012

Fredericksburg Texas is quickly becoming a haven for art galleries and studios featuring nationally and internationally recognized artists. Many of which are Texas natives. The natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country provides both creative inspiration and the perfect setting to enjoy the works of the area’s finest artists. There is an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary art including paintings, sculpture, mosaics, photography, fine art, glass work, and even rock art. Whether you’re a serious collector or just like to browse and admire the artists’ handiwork, you’ll find something to suit your needs.

First Friday Art Walk, Fredericksburg, TX

There are now 15 galleries that participate in the “First Friday Art Walk” held on the first Friday of every month. During this event, the galleries and studios have extended viewing hours and often feature artist demonstrations. Local wines and appetizers are also provided. Participating galleries include:

For all the latest information check out the First Friday Art Walk blog at www.firstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com.

In addition to these venues there is Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch, Eyefells & Eyefells, Kirchman Galleries just east of Fredericksburg near Johnson City.

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Holiday Recipes

December 22nd, 2011

Just in time for the holidays we want to share a few of the Fredericksburg, Texas Magnolia House favorite recipes. Enjoy!

The Smoked Cheese, Leek and Red Pepper Strata has touches of red and green for a festive plate on Christmas. It can be made the day before and baked in the oven while you are opening presents on Christmas morning.

Smoked Cheese, Leek & Red Pepper Strata

Serves 12

2 tbs. butter
2 medium red peppers, small diced
2 leeks, white part only, sliced

1 loaf focaccia bread, cubed in ½” cubes
1 cup mild smoked cheese, grated (we use smoked Amish yogurt cheese)
1 ½ cups milk
1 ½ cups half & half
9 large eggs, slightly beaten
2 tbs. Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Sauté peppers and leeks in butter until soft. Set aside.
Spread half the bread cubes in a 9” x 13″ pan that has been sprayed with butter spray. Top with 3/4 of the cheese and 3/4 of the leek & red pepper mixture. Repeat layers: bread cubes, cheese, pepper/leek mixture.
In a medium bowl whisk together the milk, half & half, eggs, Dijon, salt & pepper. Pour over bread.
Cover & refrigerate overnight if desired.
Bake at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

The Sweet-Savory Nut Mix is a favorite for snacking and also makes a nice gift.

Sweet-Savory Nut Mix

Makes 6 cups

2 cups pecans

2 cups almonds

2 cups walnuts

¼ cup pure maple syrup

2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil

2 tbs. finely chopped mixed fresh rosemary, sage, savory and thyme

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, toss the nuts with the maple syrup, olive oil, herbs and cayenne. Spread the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Season nuts with salt and pepper and toss frequently until cooled.
The nuts may be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

For a sweet treat and another nice gift idea, the Dark Chocolate Bark with Walnuts and Dried Cherries is sure to please.

Dark Chocolate Bark with Walnuts and Dried Cherries

Makes 48 pieces

1½ cups (6 oz.) walnut halves

9 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 cup dried sour cherries, coarsely chopped

2 tbs. finely chopped crystallized ginger

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Let cool, coarsely chop.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. In a glass bowl, heat 2/3 of the chocolate in a microwave oven at high power in 30 second bursts until just melted. Stir to smooth. Add the remaining chocolate and stir until melted. Stir in the walnuts, cherries and crystallized ginger until evenly coated. Scrape the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a 12-by-8 inch rectangle. Refrigerate for 10 minutes, or until firm to cut.
Cut the bark into 48 pieces (6 rows by 8 rows) and transfer to a plate. Serve cold or at room temperature.
The bark can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

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Spotlight on a Fredericksburg, Texas Musician—Johnny Nicholas

October 25th, 2011

Johnny is well known to those of us in Fredericksburg who love good music and good food. In 1978 Johnny was invited to join the band Asleep at the Wheel by Ray Benson. Johnny was brought in for his abilities on piano, but he also contributed on guitar, harmonica and vocals. The group won its first Grammy Award while Johnny was with them. He was no stranger to performing; Johnny formed his first rhythm and blues cover band when he was fifteen.

Johnny Nicholas at Hill Top Cafe

While in Austin, Johnny met a German girl from Fredericksburg at the Austin classic-Antone’s. They married and moved to Fredericksburg to open Hill Top Café (www.hilltopcafe.com) . Nicholas grew up in the restaurant business in a Greek community in Rhode Island. That upbringing is still with him today and also inspires many of the dishes on their menu. His wife Brenda is the “heart and soul of Hill Top” and keeps things running smoothly. Johnny helps out when he can and often entertains the diners with music. It’s a place where food and music-lovers gather to enjoy the sumptuous fare, the unique Hill Country ambiance and great Texas music.

Nicholas is also busy outside the restaurant. In July his newest album was released, “Future Blues” which is a collection of original songs written by Johnny. He’s been on the road this summer promoting the album and touring with his new band “Hell Bent”. Just recently he travelled to Hell, Norway for a three performance festival.

Also a big contributor to the local community Nicholas founded the “Big Band Bash” 14 years ago to help the Fredericksburg High School Band program and foster a love for the fine arts among the local youth. The event is held each November. This year’s event is Saturday, Nov 12. Co-sponsored by the FISD and Hill Top Café, the event raises proceeds to fund the Big Band Bash youth music and theater program as well as scholarships. Recently, $5,000 worth of scholarships were awarded to local students planning to pursue music or the fine arts in college.

What’s next for Johnny? Starting in October he will host a series of entertainers at Hill Top Café for a live internet video broadcast performance. The pilot program will feature Marcia Ball on Oct 27. There’s also a good possibility that there will be another album before too long. Johnny already has 3 songs that could be released and is always working on more. If you want to stay informed of his musical performances via email, you can send a request to be added to the list to reservation@hilltop-cafe.com.

Johnny and Marcia Ball

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Shopping for a Cause – September 9-10, 2011 Fredericksburg, Texas

September 9th, 2011

Want to have fun shopping and support a worthy cause? Come to Fredericksburg, Texas for a fun filled shopping weekend September 9-10, 2011. The event benefits the Boys and Girls Club of the Texas Hill Country. There is still time to register at www.shoppingtournament.org. You can register as a team or as individuals.

The tournament began as a small fundraiser in 2004 to benefit the youth-based Fredericksburg club. Last year the event raised over $32,000. In the past, proceeds from the event have been used for purchasing supplies, setting up a student-run library, expanded the summer programs, arts programs and installed a new “Green Garden” center.

This event is a shopping tournament, think golf tournament with a shopping twist. Shop and receive prizes based on the amount of money spent, best costumes, and amounts of direct donations to the Boys and Girls Club. Preview parties are on Friday at participating stores. On Saturday, the ‘Tee Time Breakfast’ starts at 8:30, and then shopping begins at 10:00. The 19^th Hole Party begins at 5:00 and includes fun, music, and great food and drinks from the sponsors.

Over 20 of Fredericksburg’s finest Main Street shops are participating and most of them will have special sales for the tournament players. Don’t miss out on this weekend of shopping and fun!

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Fredericksburg Art Galleries – One of the Texas Hill Country’s Treasures

September 2nd, 2011

Fredericksburg is home to a thriving art community. With over 15 galleries and studios in the area there is something for everyone. Here you will find galleries featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. A diverse mixture of arts including traditional and contemporary fine art, paintings, sculpture, glass art, mosaics, textiles, photography, wood turnings and more. Many of the galleries provide demonstrations of the artists at work. You can just browse the collections and admire the artisans’ work or find that special, custom piece you’ve been searching for.

Fredericksburg Artist Donna Lafferty

The first Friday of each month is the Art Walk featuring 10 of Fredericksburg’s finest galleries. For this event, the galleries have extended hours (open until 8:00 pm) and feature special events, collections and exhibits. Many of the galleries offer local Texas wines and food pairings for sampling. For a listing of the participating galleries and special events check out their blog at http://firstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com/

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Why not go Batty on a visit to Fredericksburg

July 28th, 2011

Over 3 million Brazilian free-tailed bats (also known as Mexican free-tailed bats) make their home in the “bat tunnel” at the Old Tunnel and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) which is part of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The tunnel and park is located 11 miles south of Fredericksburg on Old San Antonio Road. The park is actually the smallest wildlife management area in Texas comprising only 16.1 acres, however despite its size it provides recreational and wildlife viewing opportunities. The WMA is open year round with the bats making residence in the old tunnel from May to October.

The railroad tunnel was constructed in 1913 as a means of providing the farmers and craftsman in Fredericksburg with a market in San Antonio for their fruits, vegetables, and goods. To trip by ox or horse would usually take 10 – 11 days resulting in not so good produce once it got to market. So in 1912 a group of Fredericksburg businessmen got agreement for the railroad to be built providing they could raise the $200,000 it would take to build the line. The Fredericksburg group was able to raise $150,000 and the remaining $50, 000 came from San Antonio. The first train passed through the tunnel in August, 1913 and the line was in service for approximately 29 years until the “horseless carriage” caught up with the ability of train travel.

Each evening from May – October visitors can enjoy the nightly emergence of the bats with the largest bat populations and corresponding longer emergence times (lasting up to 45 minutes) later in the summer. For viewing the park has an upper viewing deck and a lover observation level closer to the bat tunnel and nature trail. The upper viewing deck is free and sometimes includes a view of the predatory interaction of the Red-tailed Hawks and the bats.

The lower observation area provides an educational program presented by Park employees. These programs are provided Thursday – Sunday evening usually about 30 minutes prior to the bats emergence. Cost for the program and admission to the ½ mile hiking trial on the lower level is $5 per person. An information hotline is provided by the Old Tunnel WMA since emergence times vary with the sunset. Information on show times is available at 866-978-2287 and additional information can be found on their website at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=17.

The park is open 365 days of the year and is open from sunrise to sunset. During the bat season of May – October many visitors like to go out early and watch as the bats return to the tunnel after their long night of flight. Even when the bats are gone the park has a wonderful ½ mile hiking trail to enjoy bird watching and wildlife activity. Picnic tables are available along the hiking trail.

When you come for a visit don’t miss out on dining at the Alamo Springs Café located right next door to the bat cave. For a true Hill Country experience try one of Alamo Springs Café’s award winning burgers. Texas Monthly August 2009 featured their green chili cheese burger on their cover and rated it one of the best in Texas. Alamo Springs Café also features nightly specials and has live music on weekends. So come on out and enjoy some amazing nature along with terrific food at Alamo Springs Café. Check out their website at http://www.alamospringscafe.com/

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Night In Old Fredericksburg moves to June

May 26th, 2011

The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to help celebrate the town’s German heritage and Texas hospitality during Night In Old Fredericksburg at Marktplatz. This year will mark the festival’s 48th Anniversary and its moving to June!

Revelers can listen and dance to nine different bands playing polka, show tunes, and country from the comfort of two covered stages. Acts include the world-famous Sauerkrauts, plus the popular Seven Dutchmen, San Antonio Combo, The Tuba Meisters, Walburg Boys, the Jodie Mikula Orchestra, and Cactus Country, as well as Almost Patsy Cline. Plus, we are spicing it up with the Cajun/Zydeco sounds of Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones.

Night In Old Fredericksburg serves up a multicultural menu of tasty food and refreshing drinks. German favorites include sauerkraut and wurst served sizzling from the grill. Fans of Mexican food can sink their teeth into fajitas and tacos, and hungry visitors will find enthusiastic cooks serving up delicious burgers, fries, turkey legs, and other festival favorites.

Fredericksburg knows its beer, so once again volunteers will be pouring more than 15 domestic and imported beers, straight from frosty taps as well as local wines.

Night in Old Fredericksburg offers fun for every member of the family. Kids are sure to flock to their own special area where they can test their skills on a bungee jump, ride a Ferris Wheel, jump on a slide and have fun, or test their skill at a variety of challenging games.

Presenters on the grounds are proud to make history come alive, with exhibits of pioneer crafts and activities. Top arts and craft vendors will set up tents along the walkways, showing off their collectibles, gifts, and one-of-a-kind creations.

”The Fun Never Sets” at Night in Old Fredericksburg, which runs Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight, and on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until midnight. Admission is $6 each day, or $10 for a two-day pass. Children age 12 and under get in for $1. Parking is free all around the venue.

Night in Old Fredericksburg is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, and has been celebrated since 1962. More information is available toll-free at 997-8515, or by visiting www.tex-fest.com.

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Lavender in the Texas Hill Country

April 22nd, 2011

The Texas Hills will soon be awash with the vibrant color of purple. Just outside of Fredericksburg you will find fields of lavender. This area provides optimum conditions for growing lavender with our dry and sunny climate and well draining soil. Here in Texas, lavender typically blooms during May and June. There are several lavender farms in the area where you can enjoy the beautiful sights and fragrance of the plants. You will also find many products and creative ways to use the lavender. Many of the local farms will allow you to cut your own lavender as well.

Becker Vineyards kicks off the start of the season with Lavender Festival April 30-May 1. Three acres of lavender fields abloom with the vibrant purple flowers are yours to browse and photograph. The fields here were planted in 1998 with 10,000 plants. The event features speakers, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, gardening tips and more. There are luncheons both days featuring food prepared using culinary lavender (tickets are required for the luncheons). You will find a wide variety of products including candles, soaps, lotions, linen spray, lip balm and herbs to cook with. For more information visit www.beckervineyards.com

The Blanco Lavender Festival is next on June 10-12. The old Blanco Courthouse is the site of the event where you will find a Lavender Market, cooking demonstrations, speakers and much more. You can also pick up a map of the local lavender farms open to the public. There are four farms within twenty minutes of Blanco so you can visit several of them in one day. In addition to fields of lavender, each farm will provide activities and events related to lavender. Visit www.blancolavenderfestival.com for more information.

Whether you attend the festivals or visit one of the farms at your leisure, you won’t forget the soothing fragrance and calming beauty of the fields. Who knew you could experience a slice of Provence a few miles outside of Fredericksburg? Want to try cooking with lavender at home, why not try out the recipe below for a special Sunday Brunch.

Cornmeal Waffles with Lavender Cream and Blueberries

Makes 4 waffles

Waffles:

¾ cup blue or yellow cornmeal

¾ cup all-purpose flour

2½ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

3 tbs. sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

3 tbs. melted butter

Blueberries

Lavender Cream:

1 cup heavy cream, separated

¼ tsp. dried culinary lavender

1 tbs. sugar

To make the lavender cream: Cook ¼ cup heavy cream and ¼ tsp. of lavender in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Cool completely, then strain. Stir in another ¾ cup heavy cream and 1 tbs. sugar, whip to soft peaks. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

To make the waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk in the eggs and buttermilk until well blended, then stir in the melted butter

Cook in a waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer cooked waffles to a baking sheet and keep them warm, uncovered in a 200 degree oven.

Plate waffles, top with lavender cream and blueberries.

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Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival

April 16th, 2011

The Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival, April 29^th & 30^thwill be held at the Fredericksburg Nature Center. This event will feature lectures, demonstrations and many tours including a native bat tour. Did you know that the Texas Hill Country and the Edwards Plateau cover only seventeen per cent of the state; however, the region has 40 per cent of the flora and 67 per cent of the bird species found in Texas. This rich diversity can be attributed to a number of factors, including overlap of eastern and western bird species’ ranges, northward expansion of southern species, and excellent numbers of wintering sparrows, hawks and waterfowl. Variation in topography, rainfall, temperatures and geology also contribute to the diversity of both plants and birds.

Where you aware that more than 200 species of butterflies occur in the Texas Hill Country? Although this region of Texas is unique in its own rights, containing a huge variety of plants and wildlife, its location in Central Texas contains a diversity of habitats that support butterflies with affinities to the east, west, north and south. There can be found such colorful species as Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and eastern Tailed-Blue of eastern affinity, Arizona Sister and Red Satyr from the west, Coral Hairstreak and Green Skipper of northern affinity and Red-bordered Metalmark and Common Mestra from the south. There are also numerous tropical species that stray into the area on occasion. All of these make the Texas Hill Country a fascinating region for butterflies.

The Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival has seminars, demonstration and more for you to learn about our wonderful Hill Country environment. For more information on the Wings Over the Hills event check out their website at www.wingsoverthehills.org

Fredericksburg Nature Center

Next time you’re in Fredericksburg be sure to check out the Nature Center at Lady Bird Johnson Park. The Nature Center offers a scenic and diverse blend of Texas Hill Country habitats. The park covers ten acres and includes eleven distinct habitats. There are over 160 species of birds, 60 butterflies, 45 dragonflies and more than 250 flowering plants. The nature area features a bird blind and feeding area, a butterfly habitat and a cactus garden. There is also a geology and rock exhibit. One of the greatest things about the park is that they are easily accessible via hiking trails. Part of the trail is even wheelchair accessible. There are also many benches along the way to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

The Live Oak Trail takes you through woods, prairie lands and includes the Cactus Garden. Where the trail runs along the lake you are able to see a variety of shore birds and waders. The Loop Vista Trail is along a rocky hillside overlooking the creek. This is where you will find the Butterfly Garden, bird blind and feeding station. If you would like to attract butterflies to your home, the Butterfly Garden provides the types of plants that provide them with nectar sources and larval food. There are also photographs of the types of butterflies you may find there.

The Park is located 3 miles south of Main Street on State Highway 16. To find out more information about the Nature Center visit their website at www.fredericksburgnaturecenter.org

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Wings of Freedom Tour April 2 – April 6

March 31st, 2011

Airplanes from World War II along with a Vietnam War helicopter are scheduled to be in Fredericksburg next weekend at the Gillespie County Airport. Arriving on April 2 at 2:00 pm will be two WWII heavy bombers, a B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator, a WWII P-51 Mustang fighter, and a Bell UH-1E “Huey” helicopter.

The living history event is sponsored by the Collings Foundation, a 22 year old non-profit educational organization. The B-17 is one of only 11 in flying condition in the U.S., while the B-24J andP-51C are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world. The Wings of Freedom Tour travels to 110 cities in over 35 states annually to allow individuals to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The tour is a traveling tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, and the soldiers, sailors, and airmen they helped protect.

All four aircraft are available for viewing by the public both inside and out. Close up ground tours are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Hours for ground tours and displays are 2-5 pm next Wednesday, 9 am – 5 pm on Thursday, and 9 am – 12 noon on Friday when the aircraft depart for another destination.

This is a great opportunity to see the aircraft that were the backbone of the American effort during WWII.

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