Taco! Taco! Taco! Make Every Day Taco Tuesday
Tacos are the perfect food–uniquely versatile and great for breakfast, lunch, dinner… even dessert. Taco! Taco! Taco! features 100 savory and sweet taco recipes that are as easy to prepare as they are to love with options for omnivores as well as vegetarians and vegans alike.
Enjoy these two delicious recipes from the book:
Recipe #1: Pork Tinga Slow Cooker Tacos
Servings: 6 to 8 (Makes About 4 Cups Cooked Pork)
Ingredients
For the pork:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped
1 (7-ounce) can tomatillo salsa (or about 1 cup tomatillo salsa)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 chipotle chile canned in adobo
1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotle chiles)
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 (2- to 2½-pound) boneless pork loin roast
For the tacos:
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed
Toppings: shredded lettuce, such as romaine, shredded red or green cabbage, thinly sliced radish, crumbled cotija cheese, sliced or diced avocado
Directions
To make the sauce, start by setting a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the onion and tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add the tomatillo salsa and garlic, cook 1 more minute. Stir in the chipotle and adobo and remove from the heat. Allow to cool slightly, then transfer to a blender along with the broth or water and carefully puree until smooth (alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to puree). Place pork in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour pureed sauce over the pork, then cover with a lid and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours. After the pork has been cooked, use two forks to shred the pork (this can be done inside the slow cooker). Toss with the sauce and cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes to meld flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To make the tacos, serve pork in warmed tortillas topped with toppings of your choice such as shredded lettuce, shredded cabbage, thinly sliced radish, and cotija cheese.
Recipe #2: Korean BBQ Beef Tacos
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the marinade:
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 green onions, light and green parts only, thinly sliced
¼ cup mirin (or ½ teaspoon sugar per tablespoon rice vinegar)
½ cup pear juice or pineapple juice
1 pound sirloin steak or beef tenderloin, thinly sliced against the grain
For the tacos:
8 (6-inch) flour tortillas, warmed
Toppings: shredded lettuce or cabbage, shredded carrots, kimchi
Special equipment: 10 to 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Directions
To make the marinade, add the first 8 ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Reserve ½ cup. Transfer the remaining marinade to a gallon-size, sealable plastic bag. Add the beef, press out any excess air from the bag, then seal and turn to coat. Marinate for at least hours and up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or set a grill pan over medium-high heat. If using the grill, clean the grill grates and brush them with oil. If using a grill pan, coat pan lightly with oil. Remove beef from the marinade and pat dry; discard the marinade. Thread beef onto soaked skewers then grill 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until desired degree of doneness. Remove beef from skewers and serve family style with warmed tortillas, shredded lettuce, shredded carrots, and kimchi. Use extra reserved marinade for serving.
Notes: This recipe can also be prepared without using skewers—the skewers simply make it easier to handle the beef while it’s on the hot grill. To make slicing the beef easier, freeze it for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours.
Governor Abbott Announces National Guard Deployment in Support of COVID-19 Response
| As part of the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19, Governor Greg Abbott today announced the deployment of three National Guard Joint Task Force Brigades. The 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the 176th Engineer Brigade will operate ten general support units located throughout the state. “Whether it’s overseas combat, major storms, or deadly viruses, the Texas National Guard is always quick to defend and serve their fellow Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans can be grateful that these troops are now standing their post alongside healthcare professionals and first responders on the front lines of this crisis.” The Governor has ordered an initial focus on two critical missions that will directly benefit from Texas National Guard’s unparalleled logistics capabilities, medical expertise, communications support, infrastructure maintenance, and transportation assets: Assisting drive through testing sites and bolstering the state’s healthcare infrastructure. Over the past week, Guard members have practiced erecting and running drive through testing site locations alongside medical staff to ensure a well-coordinated process that allows Texans to access COVID-19 screenings in a safe, efficient way that also limits contact with potentially infected members of the public. The Guard is also rolling out support for the state’s healthcare infrastructure with medical providers, equipment, and supplies needed to provide access to care. As the response advances, Guardsmen will continue working with partners at the local, state, and national levels to identify and develop additional locations that can be converted to healthcare facilities. “We are citizen soldiers and we find our highest calling in serving our fellow citizens, no matter where duty calls us,” said Major General Tracy R. Norris, the adjutant general of Texas and commander of the Texas National Guard. “This will be no easy task but we have faced difficult times before. With the commitment of our soldiers and support of the community we will show the world that we are Texas strong and Texas proud, and together we will overcome this challenge.” Governor Abbott also stressed that these taskings will not diminish the Guard’s ability to meet operational commitments including the Texas border mission and overseas deployments. To ensure responding Guard members are healthy, trained medical staff will be attached to each unit and provide screenings before each Guard member is approved for the mission. Any Guard member showing signs of illness will receive treatment and the needed resources to recover while following all requirements outlined by the CDC. This measure will keep responding units healthy and reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. |
Front Porch Distillery Begins Production and Distribution of Hand Sanitizer
In an effort to help curb the local shortage of sanitation products, Nacogdoches’ Front Porch Distillery has begun to repurpose some of their still operations to begin manufacturing hand sanitizer to help the community fight back the spread of COVID-19.
“This is a highly unusual time in our community, and we are just trying to offer a little help,” said Taylor Bradford, Marketing Manager for the distillery.
Front Porch’s 190 proof vodka- a spirit certainly strong enough to kill any pathogen it comes in contact with- is being repurposed as a cleaning agent and distributed free of charge. We are aware that while supplies are limited and may run out, they will continue to produce as supplies become more readily available; They ask that if you wish to come receive sanitizer, that you bring travel size containers for them to fill, as this will help maintain a plentiful supply for the community.
Front Porch continues to observe working hours of 8-5 and are currently operating as a drive-through service. Keep up with updates via their Facebook page; and while you’re out there, if you’re of the appropriate age, what better time to check out their list of available spirits as well!?
Please Drink Responsibly.
Supporting the (Cancelled) County Fair Livestock Exhibitors, Local Business, and Getting a Freezer Full of Quality Meat
It is with great sadness we must cancel the 2020 Angelina County Fair. At the end of the day, we must all be part of the solution, and not part of the problem. We are currently working on a platform to provide a fund by which we can distribute funds raised in the community to the Exhibitors in order to recoup some of the money spent on these livestock projects. We would encourage anyone that intended to buy items at our sale to send their funds to the Buyers Pool for that purpose.
The cancellation of the Angelina County Fair early last week was tough for hundreds of 4-H, FFA and other youth across our county. Months of time and effort, along with a good amount of money has been invested in the market livestock projects, to include hogs, chicken, sheep, goats, rabbits, and steers.
This hits very close to home. My own son had four entries in the Fair. This is his last year as he is a senior in high school.
What about the market animals that were to be sold? Many are still for sale. A few took to social media early and already have them sold. The Angelina County Fair Board is working diligently to help out all livestock exhibitors with projects still on feed and needing to go to a market.
We ought to follow the example shown by our local, employee-owned grocer Brookshire Brothers. Even as the Fair was being canceled, our favorite grocer made it clear they would still support those youth and still provide the $10,000 in scholarships that they had promised.
Oh, that we could follow the example of Brookshires Brothers!
Indeed, we can. We have an opportunity to help these youth, help a few local businesses, and get a freezer filled with the most pampered meats ever raised!
Here’s how you do it and some financial numbers to guide you.
First time buyers need to realize that the hanging carcass weight will be about 58% of the live weight on average. For a 1,200-pound steer, that means a hanging carcass weight of about 700 pounds. For a 250-pound hog, you’d have a hanging carcass weight near 160 lbs.
Your price per pound, for the processing, is close to $1.20 per pound. Compare that to an average of $4.50 per pound if you bought a retail hindquarter of beef from any local meat market.
Of course, you’d need to own that hog, lamb, steer, or goat. So now we have to find a 4-H or FFA member that still has a livestock project for sale. Contact one of the 4-H or FFA clubs and ask where you can find an exhibitor with an animal you are interested in. You’ll have lots of options from beef, goat, pork, mutton, and more.
The price of the animal is more subjective than our local meat processor’s price. Let’s look at some average cost for different livestock species shown. A show-quality pig may cost $500 and have another $525 of feeding expense. That student spends about 12 hours per week and works with it for about 6 months.
Lamb, goat and steer exhibitors will typically have nine months of time invested in their project. Purchase costs for a lamb or goat may average $900 and $2,250 for a steer. Add in the feed and supplies, and you’ll double that purchase investment of the course of the project.
That does sound high but look at the numbers of the largest outlay, a steer. If you purchased a steer for the student’s original purchase price of $2,250 and gave no premium, nor helped with other expenses, then one would have the 770 lbs. of two sides of beef processed for $1.20 per lb., then you’d have a total cost per pound of $4.41! Folk, that’s below current beef prices for a hind quarter at the meat market!
Obviously, premium prices, for premium livestock, raised by youth that are well above premium is in order.
All told, I believe we can provide good prices for these students, send the livestock to our good meat processors in Angelina County, fill our freezer with quality meats, and follow the lead of Brookshire Brothers with our own generosity and attention to helping others.
If you simply wish to “add on” to funds that normally are spent at the auction you can to the Angelina County Fair website (angelinacountyfair.com) and click on the supporter button. There you’ll find a complete list of exhibitors and ways that you can support these youth.
Lastly, call my office at 936.634.6414 extension 2 and leave a message if you need help finding a 4-H or FFA student to buy from. Our staff will direct you in finding specific livestock projects from all school districts in Angelina County.
Supporting the (cancelled) county fair livestock exhibitors, local business, and getting a freezer full of quality meat
The cancellation of the Angelina County Fair early last week was tough for hundreds of 4-H, FFA and other youth across our county. Months of time and effort, along with a good amount of money has been invested in the market livestock projects, to include hogs, chicken, sheep, goats, rabbits, and steers.
This hits very close to home. My own son had four entries in the Fair. This is his last year as he is a senior in high school.
What about the market animals that were to be sold? Many are still for sale. A few took to social media early and already have them sold. The Angelina County Fair Board is working diligently to help out all livestock exhibitors with projects still on feed and needing to go to a market.
We ought to follow the example shown by our local, employee-owned grocer Brookshire Brothers. Even as the Fair was being cancelled, our favorite grocer made it clear they would still support those youth and still provide the $10,000 in scholarships that they had promised.
Oh, that we could follow the example of Brookshires Brothers!
Here’s how you do it and some financial numbers to guide you.
First time buyers need to realize that the hanging carcass weight will be about 58% of the live weight on average. For a 1,200-pound steer, that means a hanging carcass weight of about 700 pounds. For a 250-pound hog, you’d have a hanging carcass weight near 160 lbs.
Your price per pound, for the processing is close to $1.20 per pound. Compare that to an average of $4.50 per pound if you bought a retail hindquarter of beef from any local meat market.
Of course, you’d need to own that hog, lamb, steer, or goat. So now we have to find a 4-H or FFA member that still has a livestock project for sale. Contact a one of the 4-H or FFA clubs and ask where you can find an exhibitor with an animal you are interested in. You’ll have lots of options from beef, goat, pork, mutton, and more.
The price of the animal is more subjective than our local meat processor’s price. Let’s look at some average cost for different livestock species shown. A show-quality pig may cost $500 and have another $525 of feeding expense. That student spends about 12 hours per week and works with it for about 6 months.
Lamb, goat, and steer exhibitors will typically have nine months of time invested in their project. Purchase costs for a lamb or goat may average $900 and $2,250 for a steer. Add in the feed and supplies, and you’ll double that purchase investment of the course of the project.
That does sound high, but look at the numbers of the largest outlay, a steer. If you purchased a steer for the student’s original purchase price of $2,250 and gave no premium, nor helped with other expenses, then one would have the 770 lbs. of two sides of beef processed for $1.20 per lb., then you’d have a total cost per pound of $4.41! Folk, that’s below current beef prices for a hind quarter at the meat market!
Obviously, premium prices, for premium livestock, raised by youth that are well above premium is in order.
All told, I believe we can provide good prices for these students, send the livestock to our good meat processors in Angelina County, fill our freezer with quality meats, and follow the lead of Brookshire Brothers with our own generosity and attention to helping others.
If you simply wish to “add on” to funds that normally are spent at the auction you can to the Angelina County Fair website (angelinacountyfair.com) and click on the supporter button. There you’ll find a complete list of exhibitors and ways that you can support these youth.
Lastly, call my office at 936.634.6414 extension 2 and leave a message if you need help finding a 4-H or FFA student to buy from. Our staff will direct you in finding specific livestock projects from all school districts in Angelina County.
Texans Urged to Use 2-1-1 Texas Social Services Hotline For COVID-19 Information and Referrals
AUSTIN – Texas Health and Human Services encourages all Texans in need of COVID-19 information and referrals to community resources to call the 2-1-1 Texas hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“As we encourage people to use social distancing and to stay at home when possible, this state resource can help the public stay informed, stay calm and stay safe,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services. “Our trained staff are working tirelessly around the clock to respond to all the public’s questions, through 2-1-1 as well as our HHS social media platforms.”
Did You Know?
DETCOG operates one of 25 Area Information Centers that are part of the 2-1-1 Texas network. Our Deep East Texas call center handles an average of 30,000 calls each year.
Texans, no matter where they live, can dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 and select option 6 to get information and referrals to COVID-19 social services, including testing, community clinics, unemployment benefits and more.
Texans can also dial 2-1-1 to find information about local community resources such as financial assistance for utilities or rent and food pantries, housing assistance, crisis counseling, utility payment assistance, and senior services.
Call center operators answered more than 785,000 calls by Texans for information and services during Hurricane Harvey and are available to help during this public health crisis.
For general health-related information and precautions on COVID-19, visit the DSHS website and the CDC page.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates impacting HHS services and regulated providers by visiting the HHS COVID-19 page.
For more information on the state hotline, visit 211texas.org.
Angelina College Basketball Players Earn Post-Season Superlatives; Henson, Walker Earn 1st Team All-Region
Both Angelina College basketball teams exceeded expectations in 2019-2020, with both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners advancing to their respective Region XIV Conference Tournament Championship games – and the Roadrunners winning the title.
Following the season, players from both the women’s and men’s squads earned post-season superlatives.
Travis Henson and Lovietta “Pinky” Walker earned 1st Team All-Region and 1st Team All-Conference nods, with the sophomore Henson leading the Roadrunners in scoring all season long.
Other Roadrunners earning acclaim were Christyon Eugene, 2nd Team All-Conference; and G’Warren Douglas and Kyron Gibson, Honorable Mention.
Other Lady Roadrunners named to the lists were Tyeisha Smith, 1st Team All-Conference; and Tai Porchia, Honorable Mention.
Henson, a sophomore from Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, MD, led the team with 15.6 points per game. Henson, the Conference Tournament MVP, converted 39.7 percent of his three-point attempts and shot 82.3 percent from the free-throw line. His season high of 33 points came against Coastal Bend Community College.
Walker, a freshman from Forest Lawn HS in Calgary, Alberta, averaged 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. She scored her season high of 33 points against Kilgore College and earned All-Tournament honors.
Smith, a sophomore from St. Frances HS in Baltimore, MD, led the Lady ‘Runners in scoring with 15.4 points per game (6th in the league) despite missing several games with an injury. Smith also averaged 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game and was named to the All-Tournament team.
Eugene, a freshman from Spring HS in Spring, TX, finished second in scoring on the team with 9.5 points per game. He hit 40.7 percent of his three-point attempts, and he averaged 3.2 assists per game. Eugene also earned All-Tournament honors.
Douglas, a sophomore from Strength N Motion Prep in Cleveland, OH, scored 9.2 points and grabbed 3.7 rebounds per game. He shot 47.7 percent from three-point range, and he, too, earned All-Tournament honors.
Gibson, a freshman point guard from Peabody Magnet HS in Alexandria, LA, led the team in assists with 4.7 per contest – including a pair of 12-assist performances. Gibson scored a season-high 19 points against Panola College
Porchia, a freshman from Camden Fairview HS in Camden, AR, led the Lady ‘Runners in rebounding at a 7.7 boards-per-game clip. She was third in scoring at 11.3 points per game. She finished with 18 points and 16 rebounds in a game against Blinn College.
While the Lady Roadrunners finished their remarkable season with a 19-13 record, the Roadrunner men are in a holding pattern for the NJCAA’s Division I national tournament in Hutchinson, KS. Originally scheduled to open on Monday, March 16, the tournament has been postponed because of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The NJCAA earlier this week announced it will attempt to start the tournament on April 20.
City of Nacogdoches Offices Closed to the Public
Local officials have been in constant communication for several weeks regarding the continued spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the country and now throughout parts of Texas. As more information becomes available and the local impact changes, the City of Nacogdoches along with community leaders remain vigilant to make the appropriate decisions to safeguard the public in an abundance of caution. Although there are no confirmed cases currently in Nacogdoches, local officials are implementing precautions to preemptively negate further spread of this illness.
In alignment with the postponements and cancellations announced by other nonprofit and local organizations, the City of Nacogdoches will close all public access to city facilities until further notice effective Monday, March 16 at 8:00 am. This includes City Hall, Historic Sites, the C.L. Simon Recreation Center, the Judy B. McDonald Public Library, Nacogdoches Animal Services and Adoption Center, Public Works, Fire Administration, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Municipal Court. Additionally, all off-site activities sanctioned by the City of Nacogdoches including soccer, softball, volleyball, and baseball leagues are postponed until April 4.
While in-person assistance will be at a minimum, services such as public safety, sanitation, landfill services, and water utilities will remain unaltered. Citizens are encouraged to access their utility bills and other payment platforms at: https://www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/870/Pay-Online. Drive through kiosk for water bill payments will also remain available.
Also, city staff in all departments will be available by phone and email to assist the public in all capacities regarding city services.
The City of Nacogdoches has implemented these temporary changes and other precautionary measures because keeping our residents and City staff safe is the highest priority. The City of Nacogdoches and all emergency management personnel will continue to closely monitor the Coronavirus pandemic and inform the public in a timely manner.
During this unprecedented time, the City of Nacogdoches urges everyone to participate in keeping our community healthy by following the CDC’s guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Since this situation is still evolving, please continue to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our citizens. For questions regarding city services visit ci.nacogdoches.tx.us or call 936-559-2501 or 936-559-2507.