CHILLED AVOCADO SOUP

My new blogger friend, The Blushing Hostess, emailed me the other day, to say she had a bushel of avocados that needed to be used in a good recipe. Our Chilled Avocado Soup is the perfect choice this time of year. I am always happy to share a Doves Nest recipe. Thanks Catherine...enjoy.

CHILLED AVOCADO SOUP
Yields 10-12 servings

4 ripe avocados, peeled, seeded
1 clove of garlic, minced
4 green onions, chopped
5 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped jalapenos with juice
½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
3 cups sour cream
1 cup buttermilk
8 cups chicken broth, chilled, fat removed
Slat and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions

Process the avocados, garlic, 4 green onions, cilantro, jalapenos and Tabasco sauce in a blender until smooth. Add the sour cream. Process until blended.
Pour into a large bowl. Stir in the buttermilk and chicken broth.
Season with salt and pepper and chill covered for several hours. Ladle into soup bowls, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onion

A CURIOUS ROUND TOP

Me and Deb Dusenberry at Royer's

I took my mom to Round Top. It was her first time and she had a ball. Of course we ate dinner each night at Royers Round Top Cafe, and the second night Bud put us at his community table with Curious Sofa's Deb Dusenberry, and her junkin gal pal , Sandee. We all had such fun sitting around Royers big table talking shop. My favorite rep from One Coast Dallas market, Ed Greer, and his darlin wife Katy, was also with us. I told Debbie my girls back at The Doves Nest would never believe I got to have dinner with her..so she wrote each of them a personal note on the back of her Curious Sofa business cards, and then Ed took this picture of us. For all you Curious Sofa "groupies", Miss Deb is just like she reads....full of curiosity, creativity and charm.

Everyone has been postings their Round Top experiences, since the Spring show ended a couple of weeks ago. For me, and many others I have talked to, the show was a huge success. I found GREAT things and have already sold quite a few of the pieces I bought for the store. I mostly found good shabby pieces to add to our cottage look we have going these days. Our friend, known as RUGMAN, who sets up in Warrenton, had his best show EVER...and he has been coming to Round Top for over 10 years. He sold antique oushaks to some of the top designers in the country, including Rachel Ashwell. He was really nervous flying in from Istanbul, with over $300,000 worth of rugs in his inventory but as I told him we are NOT feeling this so called recession down here in Texas. Last year was our best year EVER and we are right on target to repeat it this year. Our Waxahachie realtor's say the housing market is still good, our local car dealers are selling new SUV's everyday, and our customers are buying and dining just as they always are. If other parts of the country are feeling a crunch, we are thankful and blessed it hasn't trickled down yet.

COOKBOOK REVIEW

I recieved an email last week from Catherine Coughlin, a retired fashion executive from North Salen, New York. She bought our cookbook in a gift store in Park City, Utah and wrote the most awesome review on it...THANK YOU CATHERINE

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN TEXAS
Waxahachie, Texas, outside Dallas, has it's own little Paula Deen who might be a bit more of an upscale, southwestern food matriarch in the making. Cindy Burch, runs restaurant and catering business there called the Dove's Nest Restaurant. More importantly, Cindy wrote a little book with a big, big impact. This book is non-offender on the book shelf: Paper cover beautifully embellished, all of 144 pages. It is light as a feather. But inside this book are many things carefully honed down and perfected, the instructions to food you can actually eat, and might even want to make because they do not seem as though they will be lengthy, painful experiences (ala The Brisket). The book will get used time and time again. As I looked at a long shelf yesterday trying to think what else I might do to avoid the side of beef, my eyes floated to that little book as they so often do. For something comforting in the face of that beef. For something written with as little extraneous motion that it reminds one of the way great chef's move: Arms in, efficiency in every movement, get to the task, make it perfect.

BURCH LOFT

Customers ask, almost daily, when our loft will be on tour again? The Doves Nest, and our loft, is

housed in a 12,000 square foot historic building built in 1913 by Will Moore. The building served as the main hardware store in downtown Waxahahcie, Texas until the late 1980's. We bought the building in 1992 and renovated our loft in 1998. We have been on the Christmas Home Tour three times, featured on the Designing Texas TV show, and photographed for magazines. We have lived above our business almost ten years and continue to enjoy every minute we are there. Since it is so hard and time consuming to prepare for a home tour, I have decided to post some pictures, taken when the crew was here filming for the Designing Texas show. If anything, I am hoping it will buy me time if people can view the pictures on my blog.

SEIZE THE DAY

A Periodic Column by Cindy Burch

For whatever reason, some people spend their life dreaming about places they would love to visit but never do, while there are others that find ways to fulfill their dreams, no matter the cost or sacrifice. Obviously there are places some of us would love to visit but just cannot afford, be it time, money, or circumstance. As a contributing writer for Living Magazine, I have the opportunity throughout the year to share with you some of my travels. I am amazed at the number of readers that tell me they have always wanted to go to a certain destination, but just haven't done it yet. My reply is always the same, “What are you waiting for?” There is so much to see and learn around the world, and so many destinations to experience. I'm not big on making New Year resolutions, but I would like to encourage you not to dream away the future. My father always said he had no desire to travel overseas, until he had seen all of America. Unfortunately, he died at the young age of 65, long before he accomplished either goal. So often we get caught up in the details of day to day living that we don't take the time to seize an opportunity. We've got deadlines and commitments, problems and priorities, distractions and obstacles, and though we really want more fulfillment from every single day, we don't often take the time we need to rest, relax, and recharge. Meredith Grey, the lead character on the hit TV show Grey's Anatomy, summed it up for some of us by saying “We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. Never leave that till tomorrow, which you can do today.” My husband's father was a banker for years, and very conservative about everything. My in-law's held back from experiencing a lot of extras in life, fearing they might one day become a financial burden on their two sons. Although that is an admiral trait, we encouraged them to enjoy their lives, and quit worrying about a future they have no control over. After years of persuasion, they are now more relaxed. At sixty years old, they applied for a passport, started traveling, and even got certified in scuba diving. In the past five years they have been to Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and the Turks and Caicos islands. Another prime example of seizing the day is my dear friend, and long time Ellis county resident, Beverly Worthington. After raising a family, and being a caregiver to her husband for years, she decided to start doing some things, that earlier in her life, she might have thought twice about. At age 70, she has gone hang gliding in Brazil, a canopy zip line tour in Costa Rica, climbed Machu Picchu in Peru, trekked with me in the underground world of Cappadocia, Turkey, and even climbed the Great Wall of China, twice. Whether your ideal vacation involves a passport, or an RV, don't just watch the Travel Channel, but visit the places you have always wanted to see, and experience the sites you have dreamed of. Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. It's not going to happen yesterday, and we can't put it off until tomorrow, because tomorrow may not come. It's a real challenge to face the present, because it means you can no longer say, "One of these days I'll take that Alaskan cruise, drive across the country, ski the Swiss Alps, or climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.” Seize the day and vow to make this year the beginning of some new life adventures.

VILLA SOUNION

Last year was the busiest our catering business has ever seen, so we were really needing some rest and relaxation after the holidays. We decided some sun and scuba diving in the British West Indies was just what we needed...especially after finding out American Airlines was flying nonstop, from DFW to Turks and Caicos islands, during high season.

Last week was our second time to vacation on Providenciales. Our first trip was about one and a half years ago, on Labor Day weekend. You always remember where you were when something big or devastating happens in the world. I remember how surreal it seemed having just come in from scuba diving, and hearing of Steve Irwin's death from a stingray barb piercing his chest. Although we were staying on one of the top ten beaches in the world, we found ourselves glued to CNN and very saddend by the news. Fortunetly, this past trip was absolutely perfect. The weather could not have been better, the scuba diving was top notch and we just had a great time.

We have learned, from our years of traveling, that we really prefer to rent vacation homes, over staying in a hotel or resort. If you are willing to fill a villa with friends and family, you will almost always pay less, per room, than a hotel will cost. I have had my eye on Villa Sounion for some time, and finally we were able to experience it's magnificient location. Villa Sounion is owned by a British family, and rests on a cliff overlooking Grace Bay beach. It has three levels with five bedrooms, five and one half baths, a huge gourmet kitchen and plenty of common living areas. Although Villa Sounion normally rents for $9000/week in January, they accepted my offer of $5500, when I explained we would not need all of the bedrooms. We had eight friends and family and paid less than $200/night to stay in a $2 million villa. It was as wonderful as it looks.

My blogging article on my blog.....

Blogging Makes the World Go Round
A Periodic Column by Cindy Burch

In our business of retail and food service I try to keep abreast of trends, by traveling, attending gift markets and antique shows, reading trade journals, and doing my favorite form of research--- dining out. But lately, I have found a surprisingly new source of information, in the form of blogs, short for web-logs. Even though I consider myself internet savvy, I had not really paid much attention to blogs on the internet. The talented ladies, who help me at The Dove's Nest, are die hard bloggers. They encouraged me to check out a blog titled Curious Sofa Diaries by Debbie Dusenberry. Curious Sofa is a retail boutique in Kansas City , Missouri . Dusenberry keeps an online diary about her shop, and the highs and lows of being a business owner, artist and stylist. She posts pictures of her store and talks about new items that are coming in. I immediately felt a kindred spirit with Dusenberry. She carries many of the same lines we have at The Dove's Nest, and merchandises her inventory in our look and style. I found it comforting to read about another shop owner who climbs the same hurdles in her business as I do. When I first read her blog, I noticed a list of links she titles, “The Anointed”. The list consists of shop owners and artists that have inspired her. As I navigated through her links, an incredible new tool of encouragement unfolded, as each blog linked to other inspiring artists alike. I was amazed at the raw honesty these entrepreneurs were willing to share about their businesses. I felt as though I was a member of a new sorority.You don't have to be in business to enjoy blogging. Women, especially, are connecting, sharing and motivating each other in numerous areas of interests and hobbies. You name the topic, and I guarantee you there is a blog about it. Hobbies like traveling, scrap booking, jewelry making, antiquing, and cooking, are just to name a few. There are political blogs, religious blogs, and even blogs about blogs. If a blog attracts enough readers, a virtual unknown writer can become famous. Take for example, Julie Powell, who on the verge of an emotional meltdown, decided to make all 524 recipes from Volume I of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by Julia Child in the span of one year. Powell monitored her progress by blogging about it, thus attracting the media attention that ultimately led to the publication of a best selling book, Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen. Another success story is Niall Harbison, a former chef for Microsoft owner, Paul Allen. Harbison started filming video of himself preparing recipes onboard Allen's 300-foot mega yacht, Tatoosh. He not only provided an interesting cooking video, but provided commentary on the different ports he and the crew visited along the way. The site became so popular that Harbison landed himself a fulltime job on ifoods, a professional cooking tutorial website that will launch in July. The best way to learn to blog is to blog. A hosted service is the easiest and quickest way to start. There are services like Blogger (by Google) that allow new users to set up an account for free and begin posting in a matter of minutes. I created my own blog for The Dove's Nest, http://thedovesnest.blogspot.com/ . It has been a great addition to our website because it allows me to post catering pictures the same day, talk about happenings in the store, and list new items on our menu. I also enjoy the feedback I receive from readers who may not have been to Waxahachie, but are able to get a taste of what we do, and order our cookbook online. Researchers say blogging is inspiring a new group of writers and creators to share their voices with the world. The simplest innovations are often the most effective. As we respond to ground swells of trends and change, blogging is bringing people together in a worldwide forum our grandparents would have never imagined.

SUMMER WEDDINGS CONTINUE

Pulled off another big reception last night in Dallas, at the Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park, where a fellow chef and friend, Jim Camp, married Allison Bearden. After all the rain we have had this summer, the outdoor ceremony went off without a drop and the gardens made a magnificent backdrop of lush green that complimented the corals and ivory we used at the reception.

CATERING CRAZY

I know...I know...it's pretty bad when I write an article on blogging, in the current issue of Living Ellis County, www.living-magazine.com/entertaining.htm and yet I haven't posted since April....sorry. We have had the busiest catering season in Dove's Nest history. The last two weekends have been double headers. I normally never take two large events on the same day, but the past two Saturdays it just worked out that we catered a 65th wedding anniversary at the civic center for 400 people and a wedding reception for 300 out on a ranch the same day. Then last night we had 160 in a loft overlooking Waxahachie's town square, at the same time we fed 185 in the Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park in Dallas.....whew....I'm tired.

Colors this season have been full of corals and oranges mixed with turquoise or chocolate brown. It's been fun working with such happy shades and getting away from the traditional pink wedding.

These are pictures from the reception for Brooke Nelson and Bart Crow. They were married in Mexico the week before, and wanted the reception to reflect the Carribbean colors they had there. I used loads of tropical fruits and served smoked chicken quesadillas, pulled jerked beef with taco fixings, mango pico de gallo, smoked salmon, jicama lime slaw and mango margaritas.

SCHMIDT JEWELRY

RICHARD SCHMIDT JEWELRY
About a year ago, I met a really nice couple in Round Top, Texas....Richard & Janet Schmidt. have a shop in La Grange, Texas, but twice a year, they set up a booth on the Round Top town square and sell their fabulous jewelry during "antique week". I bought a couple of pieces from them last year, and then got to thinking I would love to sell their jewelry in The Dove's Nest. Fortunately, they thought that would be a good idea too...and we have had a great year showcasing Richard's Texas inspired silver, gold and gemstone rings, cross pendants, and chunky stone necklaces. I love wearing their jewelry and we are excited to be selling it as well. http://richardschmidtjewelry.com

ROUND TOP ANTIQUE WEEK

My husband calls Round Top "Adult Camp"... we are like kids anxiously awaiting Antique Week in Round Top, Texas. Andrew and I have only missed "camp" once in seven years. I don't know which is more fun, besides antiquing... staying at the Outpost at Cedar Creek... or eating dinner at Royer's Round Top Cafe.

Here are some pictures of the Outpost...five miles from Round Top's town square, on a beautiful 48 acre compound, there are 13 guesthouses perfectly placed on the property. Owner, Lenore Prudhomme, is the ultimate innkeeper. The Outpost has been featured in most every magazine you can name, and recently won Best Inn in the Southwest & West. Not only is each guest house wonderfully appointed with the finest linens and plush down pillows, but each morning all the guests walk up to her great barn, called Rangers Lounge, and eat a fabulous breakfast with guests like Rachel Ashwell, Mary Emmerling, and other inspiring and well known shop owners & designers from all over the country.

RANGERS LOUNGE AT THE OUTPOST

But if you are thinking you might call and make reservations to stay at the Outpost this week....THINK AGAIN. It's probably easier to get a meeting with President Bush, than it is to get a reservation at the Outpost, during Antique Week. I feel like I won the lottery a few years ago when Andrew and I were eating at Royers one night during the show. We sat at a community table with a gal named Janice, who owns a garden shop in Phoenix. We had such a great time getting to know a fellow shop owner that I gave her a copy of our Dove's Nest cookbook, as we left that night. A year later, I took a chance and logged onto the Outpost website and put our name on the waiting list. Surprisingly Lenore recognized my name, remembering that Janice had showed her my cookbook when she returned that evening. Lenore responded almost immediately and said she just received a cancellation....I GRABBED IT and have never looked back. You don't dare check out of the Outpost without renewing your reservation for the next season.

We have stayed in several of Lenore's guesthouses over the years, but her Casita Bungalow is one of our favorites.....

CASITA BUNGALOW AT THE OUTPOST

A TRIP TO ROUND TOP IS NOT COMPLETE IF YOU DON'T EAT AT ROYERS....

Bud Royer is an institution in Round Top, Texas, and his family cafe is half the fun of going there. After spending hours in the fields, shopping for fun props and goodies for the store, or helping my husband, and his partner (RUG MAN) in Warrenton,the next town up the road....folks make their way to the town square and sit on bales of hay waiting for Bud to call their names for dinner. Even though reservations are a must, you still end up waiting out front and drinking glasses of wine or beer, on the honor system, until your name is called. A few years back Texas Monthly Magazine voted The Dove's Nest, and Royers, two of the top ten best small town restaurants in Texas. We also published our cookbooks through he same company...Favorite Recipes Press. The whole Royer clan works their tails off each night to serve hoards of people who have come to the antique show. Bud's wife Karen, daughter Tara, and sons Todd, Micah and JB help run the show.....and eating at one of Royers community tables can be the highlight of your trip...you never know who Bud is going to put you with and over the years we have made great friends with many of our nightly dining companions. Last year he sat us at the big round table with actress Mary Steenburgen. You just never know who is going to show up in Round Top, Texas...population 72, on most days, but during Antique Week, literally thousands of people come to shop at what has become the largest antique show in the country. I just can't tell ya how much fun it is...it's one of those things you have to experience to believe.

BUD ROYER AND DAUGHTER TARA HOLDING THEIR FAMOUS PIES

AN ASIAN SHINDIG

Andrew and Mark rolling at the sushi bar

We catered a great party in the backyard of Dr. Jeff Kosoris...for his 50th birthday.... his wife, Susan wanted to do something fun and different...for Waxahachie at least. So we used bamboo folding chairs and square white plates with black folded napkins, and tucked the chopsticks into each place setting. As guests arrived we were rolling sushi and shaking up mandarin martinis, at the bar. After cocktails, almost 70 guests were seated in the backyard and we plated sesame lacquered beef on a bamboo skewer with coconut rice and snow peas in a wonderful mango ginger sauce. The grand finale was a dessert sushi made for us by a great new bakery in Dallas, called Petit Fours Cakes. We thought we had hired an Asian woman to come read tea leaves, but a palm reader showed up instead...oh well, apparently everyone was happy with their fortunes and danced till the wee hours of the morning. As usual, I don't ever have time to take pictures AFTER the party starts, but here are some shots before guests arrived....