Author: caseylmatzke

Matagorda – Texas

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Despite the chilly weather this Spring Break, I was able to make a quick trip down to my hometown to see my folks. We decided to make a trip to Matagorda one evening for dinner. They must have known my soul was calling for some salt water therapy!

While we didn’t get on the beach, just being near it was enough for me. The smells, the salt in the air, filled my heart up. We hit up some of the local shops and then had dinner at Poco Playa. Despite the weather, there were quite a few people in town. It had been years since I had eaten at this restaurant and I was excited to see if anything had changed.

While we were at a place that served seafood and we were on the coast, I took a different route and listened to my cravings. Beef fajita tacos! Mattie followed suite and got Beef fajita quesadillas! It warms my heart to know that she loves Beef just as much as I do!

My folks shared a seafood platter and the onion rings on this bad boy looked amazing! There was plenty of food to go around and lots of left overs to take home. I made a note to myself at the beginning of the year that I wanted to get to the coast at least once a quarter this year. I am happy to say, I have that first quarter checked off! I can’t wait until the weather warms up and I am able to start traveling more.

If you have never been to Matagorda Texas, you should check it out. It is a quiet little town but packed with people once the temperatures start rising. Since it is close to home, this was my go to place anytime I went to the beach. While it has changed some over the years, there is nothing like feeling that coastal salt air hit you when you get there.

As always, share some love, we could all use a little more love
XOXOXOXO
Casey

French Baking: Brioche Cooking Class

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Chef Maggie at Sur La Table in Austin knocked it out of the park again with another dynamite baking class. For me, this class was even better than the last class since the class was smaller. It made it very easy to have conversations with her and really get hands on in making our bread.

This class was all about bread, Brioche bread to be exact. For Brioche dough to work really well, it has to be cold. Chef Maggie prepared the dough for us ahead of time so that we would be able to make the doughnuts, Brioche a Tete, and a chocolate Brioche bread.

First up, were the doughnuts and these were amazing! I liked the doughnut holes the best. We rolled out the dough, cut the donuts, let them rise and then got to fry them. Topped off with glaze, these bad boys hit the spot! If you are not into sweet sweet doughnuts, only glaze half the donut, or leave the glaze off, simply amazing!

The Chocolate Brioche bread was very interesting to make, if you have ever made homemade cinnamon rolls, then you can definitely make this. We smeared the Nutella Chocolate on the dough and then rolled it up. Not a Nutella Fan? Easy, switch it for something you do like, cinnamon and sugar, chocolate, you name it.

The dough can get really sticky, the key is to use flour when rolling out your dough, also make sure the dough stays cold. This is why it is important to prepare it a day ahead of time.

Last but not least, we got to make the dough! It is amazing how easy things can be when you are following a recipe and you have a great Chef that can show you tips and tricks along the way.

While I have participated in the baking classes, Sur La Table has cooking classes for date night, popular classes, and classes for kids and teens. Be sure to check them out if you are looking for a new experience!

As always, share some love, we could all use a little more love
XOXOXO
Casey

Passion & Growth

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At the end of 2022, I was looking for something to add to my self-care package. I love journaling and that practice has stayed with me, but I wanted something more. I am an avid book reader, so I was already hooked on the Book of the Month Club. By the way, this has been a great opportunity for me to read other genres and learn about some great authors that I would not have read before. If you like to read, I suggest checking it out.


I was putting some thought into what I could do when I came across this Passion & Growth post on Facebook. It immediately caught my attention. As I went to do some more research on it, I saw that it was a subscription box, which I like these concepts. It seemed like this box would be right up my alley. Promoting small businesses, encouragement, growth, passion, everything that I shoot for. It took me a few months, but I finally pulled the trigger, and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision.


I think the thing that I like most about this subscription is that it is a new present every month. I am treating myself to something, and I have no idea what it is, but I know that it is going to be great and right up my alley.


I know that I will most likely be getting a book, which I absolutely love. Avid reader remember. I have gotten journals and sticky notes. I have received lavender in a rolling stick to help you sleep, which at times I need! A protein bar that tasted exactly like a cinnamon roll, and I mean exactly like it.


Seriously, there is something special in each box that touches my soul and I am not just talking about the books! There is nothing better than receiving a package in the mail that you know is going to lift your spirits and you are excited to open! If you are interested in learning more about Passion & Growth, check it out here!


If you are on a journey, find something that helps you along the way, find something that brings you joy, passion, and make sure you keep it around.


As always share some love, we could all use a little more love.

XOXO

Casey