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The City Collection at Avalon at Sienna Plantation
Community Food Travel

Community Spotlight: The City Collection

It’s rare to find a truly groundbreaking living experience. A legitimate innovation in the fundamental structure that makes up a community.

Yet Darling Homes’ City Collection achieves just this. Available within two beautiful Fort Bend County master plans, our upscale urban dwellings offer an undeniably singular combination of contemporary sophistication with an exciting yet versatile lifestyle.

Join us on an adventure into a new foray of metropolitan living. To meld the best of vibrant city dynamics with the calming serenity of suburban bliss.

DISCOVER THE CITY COLLECTION

The Definition of Modern Living

The core philosophy driving The City Collection’s elegant aesthetics is to craft homes that are easy to care for without compromising quality architectural details. Provide a curated selection of home designs that performs well visually as it does with regards to creature comforts and modern needs.

City Collection homes offer the flexibility of lock-and-leave living while maintaining design details fit for refined tastes and expectations.

Enjoy all the beauty that comes with the Darling Difference nuanced with a firm understanding that some people live more on the go than others. The opportunity to upgrade your space with the help of a professional consultant at Darling Design Gallery is also a bonus.

Sought-After Daily Experiences

Understanding how the modern homeowner operates plays a major role in how City Collection house designs are put together. From sliding glass doors that open with ease out into the courtyard to paying special attention to every ray of natural light that enters the home.

Versatile entertaining spaces for cozy evenings alone or intimate get togethers. Convenient second-floor owner’s retreats. Chef-inspired kitchens food connoisseurs love to cook in. Spectacular exterior design – varied across the community to create an enchanting convivial streetscape.

It’s an opportunity to purchase your own personal canvas on which to practice the art of living.

Choose from a Pair of Desirable Locations

Houses for sale in Missouri City, TX at Avalon at Sienna and Sugar Land, Texas homes at Imperial are situated in beautiful master planned communities southwest of Houston.

Both locations offer proximity to major highways and are premier destinations to live, work and play.

Let’s delve deeper into what makes each location special.

The Cultural Diversity of Missouri City

Named “the most ethnically diverse county in America,” by the New York Times, Fort Bend County offers a unique blend of cultures that showcases a different vision for the future of Texas.

Approximately one-third of the county’s residents were born outside of the United States and the demographics of the region are so diverse, you can find people with roots from all over the world.

From food to music to art and a dynamic think-tank of cross-cultural idea sharing, Missouri City, TX offers the same breadth of diversity found in giant cities without all the stresses that come with life in a dense urban environment.

Missouri City is home to big-time celebrities, too. Singer, songwriter and record producer Travis Scott is from Missouri City and last year he was ceremoniously handed the keys to the city. During his acceptance speech he said, “This is better than any award show I’ve ever been to. My only job is just to inspire kids to be the best they can be, to reach their ultimate height.”

Hop on the Sugar Land Train

Be within all your favorites within 10 minutes when you make the move to the CIty Collection

Sugar Land is one of the fasted-growing cities in Texas and one of the most-affluent, too. With rapid population growth and a rise in employment opportunities to match, the city is a fantastic base for settling in for a bright future.

While Sugar Land is of course known as the headquarters for the famed Imperial Sugar Company, a large percentage of the city’s residents are educated white collar employees working in Houston’s energy sector. Schlumberger, a major oil services enterprise relocated its offices to Sugar Land in 1995 and many other large businesses have followed suit. In fact, Outlook Magazine and Texas Business both named Sugar Land as one of the top ten cities in Texas for relocating or growing a business.

But it’s not all work and no play in Sugar Land. The town loves their minor-league baseball team, the Sugar Land Skeeters, and a variety of events are held annually at Constellation Field.

  • Sugar Land Skeeters at Constellation Field | 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land | 281.207.9128

A massive development project called the Imperial Market is underway. When open, the complex will add an additional urban facet to this growing Houston suburb.

Delicious Eats and More

We asked residents of both City Collection communities to share some of their favorite neighborhood restaurants and attractions. Missouri City and Sugar Land are just a few miles apart so homeowners at either Imperial or Avalon at Sienna Plantation can easily access both locations.

  • Smart Financial Centre | 18111 Lexington Boulevard, Sugar Land
  • Sugar Land Town Square | Highway 6 and U.S. 59 | 281.242.2000
    • The Sugar Refinery | 2248 Texas Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 281.212.3662
    • Free Fitness on the Plaza and more year-round events
  • Imperial Farmers Market at the Imperial Park Recreation Center | 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land
  • Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center | 198 Kempner Street, Sugar Land | 832.742.2800
  • Harvest Natural Market | Opening this Summer | 4603 Sienna Pkwy, Missouri City
  • Constellation Field | 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498 | 281.207.9128
  • Lowe’s at Colony Square | 16510 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479| 281. 494.3232
  • Whole Foods Market at Azuma on the Lake | 15900 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281.491.5577

Top Fort Bend County Employers

  • Methodist Sugar Land Hospital | 16655 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 281.274.7000
  • Fluor Corporation | 1 Fluor Daniel Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281.263.1000
  • Schlumberger Technology Center | 110 Schlumberger Drive, Sugar Land | 281.285.8000
  • Nalco Champion Plant | 7701 US-90 ALT, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281.632.6500
  • Memorial Hermann Sugar Land | 17500 West Grand Parkway South, Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 281.725.5000
  • ABM | Houston Office | 8101 W Sam Houston Parkway S Suite 150 & 190, Houston, TX 77072 | 713.776.5100
  • St. Luke’s Hospital Sugar Land | 1317 Lake Point Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281.637.7000
  • Accreda Packaging, Inc. | 12682 Cardinal Meadow Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 713.580.4800
  • Baker Hughes | 12645 W Airport Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281.276-5400
  • Applied Optoelectronics, Inc | 13139 Jess Pirtle Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281.295.1800

Explore Which City Collection Community is Right for You

Each City Collection community is special in its own way. Imperial is smaller and features an incredibly close-knit sense of community, whereas Avalon at Sienna offers access to a dizzying array of resort-inspired amenities.

Ideally, you’ll visit and tour both to get a more personal feel for which is a better fit for your personality and needs. In the meantime, here are the main highlights that distinguishes each of these deluxe upscale urban communities.

Avalon at Sienna

  • Gated, lakeside living
  • Five beautiful community pools for relaxation and lap swims
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Tennis courts and sports fields
  • Serene collection of parks and multi-use trails
  • Excellent access to the Fort Bend Toll Road and Highway 6

Imperial

  • Tree-lined boulevards and an abundance of parks and walking paths
  • Gorgeous amenity lakes and Oyster Creek
  • Proximity to Constellation Field for the Sugar Land Skeeters and other events
  • Weekly Farmers Market
  • Close to major transportation corridors, Highway 6 and Highway 90
  • Innovative plan designs

Make Your Move to The City Collection

Get in touch with a Darling Concierge today.  Send an email to [email protected] or call 713.401.2008 today.

THE CITY COLLECTION

by Danny DuBois
Food Lifestyle

Enjoy a Texas Date Night Out

Whether it’s a first date, an anniversary or a spontaneous night out, both Houston and Dallas offer fantastic dating opportunities near Darling Homes communities.

Houston

Couples of all ages have plentiful options for both understated dinners and energetic activities.

Upscale Outing

Delight in upscale dining at Robard’s Steakhouse in The Woodlands. This restaurant provides a gorgeous atmosphere with award-winning food making it ideal for a special night out. With items ranging from roasted corn & king crab chowder to filet mignon and truffle risotto, this menu has items to please every palette.

Romantic Dinner for Two

Romance is in the air at 13 Celsius, a European wine bar and cafe. With a wine list featuring selections from all over the world, this location’s expansive menu includes savory selections such as cheese plates and delightful desserts like s’mores and affogato.

Fireside Seats and Groovy Beats

At Cottonwood, spend a warm night on the patio or grab a fireside seat and enjoy live music while sipping one of the 42 craft beers on tap. Check the Cottonwood Facebook page for a list of upcoming musical guests.

Dallas

Elevate the average date night with a stop at one of these Dallas restaurants.

Decadent Dinner with a View

Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, on the 50th floor of the iconic and recently renovated Reunion Tower, offers 360-degree views of the city from its revolving dining room, where you can indulge in decadent Asian cuisine, pan seared Texas red fish, crispy Texas quail or a variety of dumplings. Before calling it a night, take a few minutes to explore as this location also features two casual bars just outside of the dining room.

Tastings and Tapas

There is no need to debate where to wine and dine, rather be a tourist in your own city and select a progressive date. Dallas Wine Tours offers expeditions that stop at three different locations for wine tasting and appetizers. The locations rotate The company provides transportation and a guide for the duration of the tour, creating a fun and relaxing day out.

Appetite for Adventure

At the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas, couples can take time out at the spa or choose from four different delectable restaurants. With the Mandalay Canal on Lake Carolyn, visitors can also enjoy a romantic gondola ride around the area or stand up paddle boarding.

Whether you’re looking to relax or have a unique adventure, opportunities for a fantastic date night out are just around the corner for Darling Homes residents.

by Danny DuBois
Food Lifestyle

Experience the State Fair of Texas

It’s time for Texans to start preparing for their journeys to Dallas for the State Fair of Texas, an opportunity to indulge in fried food, catch their favorite artist performing live, check out the auto show and spend a few hours having a blast on the Midway rides. The fair begins September 28 and runs through October 21.

Prepare ahead of time

A full schedule of events is up on the State Fair of Texas website for visitors to use for planning their trip around a favorite musical act or special event, such as the Texas Innovation exhibit, the Texas Auto Show, Zuzu African Acrobats and much more. The website has a full list of options posted to help visitors prepare, including tips for arranging transportation, which activities to start with and where to dine.

Food

Foodies will delight in the wide array of choices at the Texas State Fair. A wine garden and celebrity chef kitchen provide an exciting culinary adventure for attendees. Food lovers can also grab a taste of award-winning fare with winners and finalists from the Big Tex Choice Awards, including a creative cotton candy taco and Arroz con Leche.

From delicious fried goods to the thrills of the Midway, this year’s State Fair of Texas is sure to be unforgettable.

Entertainment

The fair has a series of concerts, free with the price of admission this year, taking place on the Chevrolet Main Stage. On opening night, Kraig Park will take the stage as Elvis, followed by a variety of acts through the rest of the fair.

Artists performing at the fair include:

  • Aaron Watson on Oct. 6
  • Austin Mahone on Oct. 7
  • The Molly Ringwalds on Oct. 12
  • Ludacris on Oct. 13
  • Hunter Hayes on Oct. 14
  • Casting Crowns on Oct. 20

The Midway features over 70 rides for visitors to try out, including the Top o’ Texas Drop Tower, the Texas Star Ferris Wheel and the Sparkletts Log Flume.

The entertainment doesn’t stop there – the fair also offers up shopping, creative arts experiences, historical exhibits and will host college football games throughout the fair.

Livestock

It wouldn’t be a state fair without the livestock, and this year’s State Fair of Texas is no exception. In addition to fun events, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about agriculture and interact with a variety of farm animals.

Livestock activities include:

  • Farm Day at the Fair for students in 2nd through 4th grade
  • Cow milking demonstrations
  • Livestock terminology lessons
  • Cows, sheep, rabbits and llamas on display
  • Hands-on educational exhibits

New Attractions

Every year, the State Fair of Texas works to bring in new exhibits. This year, the state’s inventive side is on display with a unique exposition, “Celebrating Texas Innovation,” which showcases local contributions to agriculture, medicine, science and more.

Innovation isn’t all the fair is adding this year. Other new exhibits and shows include Amazing Archery, Dallas in the Time of MLK and an All-Star Stunt Dog Show.

This year’s State Fair of Texas is filled with fun experiences, delicious food and thrilling rides Texans won’t want to miss!

by Danny DuBois
Community Food

Get a Taste of Texas Coffee

Darling Homes’ communities in Dallas and Houston are situated in suburbs filled with hidden gems from boutiques to restaurants and more. Whether you’re a resident or visitor of the community, take time to explore the surrounding area and enjoy one of these local Texas coffee shops or cafes.

Dallas

Darling Homes builds an incredible range of homes in several communities in McKinney, which is also home to a series of highly-rated coffee shops and cafes. At the McKinney Coffee Company, a new family-owned establishment in town, delicious varieties of coffee and pastries are on display. That’s not all the shop has to offer the city – this location is filled to the brim with artwork made by friends and loved ones of the coffee shop’s owners, giving it a unique and cozy atmosphere.

Spoons Cafe, also in McKinney, offers its loyal customers all-day breakfast, lunch, comfort foods, snacks and dinner options throughout the day. Nestled in a historic building with sidewalk seating, this cafe has gained a reputation for its friendly atmosphere, including weekly live music, and good food.

At Snug on the Square, locals can indulge in a menu of quick, delicious bites and coffee creations at their McKinney or Prosper locations. The coffee menu offers both coffee classics and specialties, including honey cinnamon lattes and sweetly inspired drinks such as cini-mini mochas, peppermint bliss and snickerdoo.

Houston

In Cypress, Darling Homes residents can head over to The Bake Shoppe and Cafe for a refreshing meal and a cup of joe. The homey atmosphere at this cafe provides its customers with fresh drinks, food and dessert and the high-quality care doesn’t stop there – this cafe offers an entire line of frozen lasagnas for patrons to take on the road for a later meal.

The Season’s Harvest Cafe treats its guests to only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant in Cypress is a farm-to-table establishment, utilizing locally-grown and in-season foods for their menu. With meat and vegan options available, this cafe has options to offer every diet.

For impeccably decorated cookies, cake pops, quick bites and savory coffee, Plum Coffee is the place to visit in Cypress. This adorable location has a full range of food choices, but it’s known for its dessert and pastry menu, which are great to take to parties or on-the-go.

What is your favorite coffee shop or cafe near your Darling home?

 

by Danny DuBois
At Home Food Kitchen

A Dining Room fit for a Dinner Party

Looking to host a dinner party in your new Darling home in Dallas or Houston? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you pull off a party your guests won’t forget.

Decor and Atmosphere

Set the stage for a dinner party with a simple, elegant centerpiece that shows off your style and personality. Gain inspiration from the season, using fresh flowers in the springtime through the end of summer, or fall-inspired colors and decor during the autumn months.  

Darling Homes’ dining rooms are impeccably-designed entertainment spaces. Homeowners can add their personal touch with the addition of a few art pieces or mirrors to the walls.

In addition, for your dinner party, set the table and adding in decor ahead of time with a full range of cutlery, cloth napkins and any dishware necessary to help prepare you for an evening of hosting guests.

Consider playing light background music from the living room or kitchen area to help set a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

The Menu

When it comes to choosing a menu, it’s best to pick something that you are comfortable cooking that is also a generally popular food.

Food Network put together a list of 34 simple yet savory courses for hosts to try during their next dinner party, with options including lemon and garlic roast chicken, eggplant parmigiana and seafood gumbo. Whether you’re looking for a simple, quick menu or a more complicated, multi-course meal, this list provides plenty of options from appetizers to unforgettable desserts.

Get Inspired

Check out photos of our Darling Homes Dallas and Houston dining rooms on Pinterest for more inspiration, and share with us how you plan for your perfect dinner party!

by Danny DuBois
At Home Food

Host the Perfect Summer Party

Summer is winding down, and there’s no better way to send off the season than hosting a party in your Dallas or Houston Darling home.

With incredible backyard spaces, open-concept kitchens and living room spaces, a Darling home is the perfect place to gather friends and loved ones.

Creating the Space

Lee Crowder, Darling Homes’ design gallery and model home branding manager, recently shared tips for creating the ideal backyard living space. She recommends thinking through details such as the arrangement of outdoor furniture, grilling station and tables. Align these fixtures to help improve flow to the kitchen, so your home can be ready for both indoor and outdoor entertaining.

When there’s a crowd, Crowder recommends setting up a designated food area for serving or for guests to help themselves. Setting the food in a certain area helps organize the party, and leaves the rest of the home open for entertaining. Crowder recommends serving easily portable food options, such as appetizers, hamburgers or other party staples, to help give guests more freedom to move around and visit.

Entertainment

In the backyard, open seating, a drink station and yard games, such as cornhole, ping pong or badminton, create a charming and fun atmosphere. Back inside, in the kitchen and living room area, background music and table games can help guests feel at home.

To keep your privacy while hosting a crowd, consider closing bedroom doors and guiding guests to areas where they can relax and enjoy their time, including game rooms and media rooms.

Fresh food, delightful drinks, good company and a Darling home create a recipe for a successful summer party.

by Danny DuBois
At Home Food Lifestyle

Making the most of your Texas Garden

This summer, many Texans and Darling Homes residents in Houston and Dallas are planting gardens as a way to experience delicious homegrown food from their very own backyard.

Houston and Dallas are in different planting zones, meaning different types of produce grow better when planted at different times, but both zones grow a variety of fruits and vegetables well throughout the hot summer months.

In Houston, June and July create the perfect planting season for eggplant, melon, okra, peas, peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon and pumpkins, according to the The Old Farmer’s Almanac planting calendar. For summer cooking, these Houston-friendly crops make great side dishes to any meal. Peas, watermelon and peppers are perfect for seasonal salads.  Harvest Green, a community in the Houston area, is labeled as an “Agri-hood” where residents have access to goods grown in a community farm, making agriculture a central theme of the neighborhood.

Similar to Houston, the Dallas planting calendar lists okra, onion, potatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon, eggplant, melon, peas, peppers and pumpkin as ready to plant. Harvesting all of these in both Texas cities continue throughout the fall months as vegetables become ripe, though the growing time is different for each one.

To help your plants grow and increase your yield, there are a few tips and tricks for beginners that can help gardeners of every skill level. These delicious crops can be kept in separate pots or in one communal garden, depending on how many different plants you’d like to maintain throughout the year. Depending on how many different plants and what types you’d like to grow, creating a designated space for a garden bed for items such as watermelons or pumpkins, or planting in a series of pots for smaller items including herbs and peas, can create a manageable garden space in your backyard.

HGTV put together a list of tips for gardeners, including helpful guidance on cleaning pots, how to use garden tools and even how to get dirt out from underneath your fingernails after tending to the plants. From start to finish, gardening requires a lot of patience and care to produce healthy, flourishing plants.

Gardening can also have unexpected health benefits, including mood-boosting, decreasing risk of dementia and combating loneliness.  

Do you have a Texas garden or want to start one? Check out our list of Lone Star State-friendly recipes and garden spaces for Houston and Dallas and let us know what recipes you love to make with your home-grown food.

by Danny DuBois
Community Food Lifestyle

Indulge in Food Truck Cuisine this Summer

Beginning in early June and continuing through the rest of the month, Sienna Plantation is hosting Food Truck Fridays.

Darling Homes residents at Avalon at Sienna Plantation are welcome to partake in this delicious weekly event taking place from 5-9 p.m. every Friday. The fun doesn’t stop at Avalon at Sienna Plantation, with food truck events taking place throughout the Houston and Dallas areas throughout the summer for Texans to enjoy. This would be a good opportunity to say something about our communities and the ability to enjoy these types of events or simply a closing remark like “ everyone can experience the innovative twist on dining al fresco”.  

On Friday evenings at Sienna Plantation, the Sawmill Lake model home park is being transformed into a foodie’s paradise. With a changing lineup of food trucks accompanied by live music performances, this free event is open to all ages looking to satisfy their appetite and enjoy a night out with neighbors and friends.

The fun doesn’t end in June. Food truck fans can look forward to the Houston Food Fest on August 18. This celebration will bring together over 100 different cuisine options, from food trucks, to local restaurants and vendors. From noon to 10 p.m., Houstonians will delight in sampling a wide variety of provisions from local artisans.

Dallas is no stranger to the food truck frenzy. With websites like Roaming Hunger and Food Trucks In, foodies can easily find their favorite mobile meals throughout the area.

On Saturdays throughout the summer, different trucks gather at Klyde Warren Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dallas-area families, socialites and all taste buds in between are welcome to try out new local cuisine and relax at the 5.2 acre park. A selection of trucks for upcoming weekends are kept posted on their event page, letting locals know which mobile restaurants will be rolling in.

With food trucks serving up delectable treats from coffee to ice cream, pizza to BBQ and everything in between, Darling Homes residents in Houston and Dallas will delight in the incredible range of options to try out this summer at a local food truck.

by Danny DuBois
Food

A Roundup of Holiday Recipes by Darling Homes DFW

Are you hosting the holidays this year? We’ve put together a roundup of holiday recipes shared by our own Darling Homes team members that are sure to make your next holiday gathering a hit.

Meet Anita Jantz

Food and family were key ingredients in Anita’s childhood. Growing up in South Louisiana, Anita spent much of her time with her 12 aunts and uncles, gaining some of her fondest memories in the kitchen. A highlight of her youth was the time she spent with her uncle, a retired cook who worked on a Navy submarine. He taught her recipes like sauce piquant, etouffee and jambalaya and lifelong lessons she holds dear.

“I’m thankful for the lessons I was taught, like to always put others first,” Anita said. “To this day I still love to cook and spend time with my family.”

Anita’s Favorite Thanksgiving Dish: Simply Irresistible Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Ingredients, 8-10 servings

  • 1 pound peeled shrimp
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 1 clove of garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 15-ounce can cream style corn
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

First, season shrimp with Creole seasoning and set aside. Next, boil potatoes in water until slightly tender, drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, sauté onions, celery, garlic and parsley flakes with butter until golden brown. Then, add shrimp and continue to sauté until the shrimp is light pink. Add flour and continue to sauté until mixture thickens.

In a 5-quart pot, combine milk, half and half, both cans of corn, salt and pepper and Creole seasoning to taste. Cook on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until reaching desired consistency. If mixture is too thick, add water to thin out.

Finally, garnish with paprika and enjoy!

Meet Brenda DeRemer

Each year, Brenda celebrates Thanksgiving with family, food and football.

Growing up in Michigan, she and her family would begin the day watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and then gather for an amazing Thanksgiving feast at noon. After filling up on their favorite dishes, the family would gather in the living room to watch football for the rest of the afternoon. It’s a special day filled with treasured traditions and memories that Brenda looks forward to each year.

“We have a very large family and lots of cousins,” Brenda said. “All the cousins together spelled nothing but trouble and guaranteed fun.”

Now, as a Texas resident, Brenda continues to carry on the holiday traditions while reminiscing about Thanksgivings past.

Here is Brenda’s most frequently requested holiday recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

  • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (not canned)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup melted butter

Topping Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup flour
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

First, prepare a 1½- to 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked, mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk and melted butter. Next, pour the mixture into the casserole dish.

For the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter and chopped pecans. Sprinkle over the top of the mixture.

Finally, bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until cooked throughout and the top is lightly brown. Enjoy!

Meet Fanny Almanza

As a busy mom of three, Fanny loves making her homemade hot chocolate recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious. Best served with French bread for dipping, this sweet treat is a recipe she enjoyed as a little girl and now makes for her children during the holidays.

“I remember my mom would make my siblings and me hot chocolate after playing in the snow during one of Texas’ very rare snow days,” Fanny said. “I now make it for my children whether there’s snow or not, and I love watching them enjoy it as much as I did.”

Ingredientsphoto-2

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 tablet Mexican Chocolate Abuelita
  • Sugar to taste

Directions

In a saucepan, add the milk and chocolate. Turn the stove on to medium heat and stir until milk is bubbling or approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve with a cinnamon stick and French bread for dipping.

Meet Henry Valenzuela

As a child, Henry learned to cook from his mother and while watching Julia Child on PBS during the 70s. Today, Henry and his significant other Teresa love to cook and even grow their own vegetables and herbs, plus raise backyard chickens.

Needless to say, Henry and his family are avid foodies and have created special traditions and memories while cooking in the kitchen.

Buñuelos have been in Henry’s family for generations, a delicious dessert they enjoy every year during the holidays.

“We’ve made this recipe every Christmas Eve since I was a young kid,” Henry said. “Some people have sugar cookies, but I always had Buñuelos.”

However, the roasted pecans recipe is a recent tradition that’s become a popular request in his family.

Those looking for a sweet treat to serve during the holidays, experiment with these delicious indulgences shared by Henry.

Ingredients for Buñuelos

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 cups All-Purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¼ cup lard or butter, melted
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • Shortening or Canola oil for frying

Directions

First, mix ¼ cup of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and remaining sugar and cinnamon together and set aside.

In a saucepan, heat milk and butter to a boil and let cool. Then, stir in beaten eggs. Add flour mixture and mix well.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth. Next, shape the dough into small balls (1-1½ inches). Cover dough balls and let rest for 5 minutes.

Then, roll each ball into a flat circle, making them as thin as possible without tearing. Then spread them on a clean and dry counter area.

Next, heat oil or shortening till hot (approximately 375 degrees) and fry the flattened dough balls on both sides. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they will fry quickly.

Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Ingredients for Sugar Roasted Pecans

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1 pound pecans
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

First, preheat the oven to 225 degrees. In a large bowl, beat egg white and water until frothy. Then stir in pecans until well coated.

In a small bowl mix sugar, salt and cinnamon. Pour mixture over the pecans and toss to coat.

Next, bake the sugar-coated pecans on a greased baking sheet. Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!

Do you have a special recipe you prepare for the holidays? Share with us on Facebook or Twitter @DarlingHomesDFW!

by Danny DuBois
At Home Food Kitchen

Enjoy a Lovely Easter Brunch at Home with Darling Homes Houston

Imagine an intimate Easter brunch brimming with delicate pastels and beautiful shades of a robin’s egg blue from the comfort of your very own home.

Easter is a great opportunity to transition your winter home furnishings into vibrant spring decor. Pair that with a decadent Easter brunch at home to ensure a memorable day everyone will enjoy.

Start with an elegant tablescape with charming table settings and a large arrangement of fresh flowers as its centerpiece. This gorgeous bouquet includes lovely shades of pink, cream and orange with an Easter-inspired twist you’ll simply love. Spread adorable egg candles around the house and you’ll have created effortless elegance and charm in your home.

Easter 01

With warm spring weather just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to enjoy your Easter brunch outdoors. Darling Homes’ model home at The Woodlands, Jaden Oaks features a spacious courtyard with plenty of room to dine and entertain in luxury.

The Woodlands, Jaden Oaks 1

The Woodlands, Jaden Oaks

The Woodlands, Jaden Oaks 2

The Woodlands, Jaden Oaks

For your drink menu, treat guests to an array of freshly squeezed juices, iced teas and chilled cocktails. Then, delve into warm, fluffy scones and pastries for a decadent appetizer as you put the final touches on the main course.

Easter 02

Want to dazzle your guests? We suggest trying this Carrot Cake Scone topped with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting from Broma Bakery.

  • First, preheat the oven to 400°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Next, mix together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices and slowly add in cold butter until blended.
  • Sprinkle in grated carrot, coconut, walnuts or pecans and raisins to the mixture then roll the dough into a flat surface and cut into equal wedges.
  • As the dough is baking in the oven for 18 minutes, prepare the coconut cream cheese frosting by combining all of the ingredients into a mixer until blended thoroughly into a rich, creamy frosting.
  • Finally, frost the warm scones and top with a dash of coconut.

 

Imagine preparing your Easter brunch in a Darling Homes gourmet kitchen with expansive center islands and plenty of counter space for an exquisite spread.

Riverstone, Avalon 75 Luxury Homes

The main course is a chance to let your inner chef shine! An assortment of egg dishes, like this spinach and artichoke quiche or this fresh take on eggs benedict are great ways to impress guests. For a Mexican-inspired egg dish, try this savory huevos rancheros skillet topped with fresh spices, chopped veggies and a hint of lime by Feasting at Home.

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  • First, season the beans by sauteeing onion, garlic and varied Mexican spices then lightly brush the skillets with a layer of olive oil.
  • Lightly toast either side of the tortillas and brush with olive oil for a crispy taste and toasty aroma then lay it across the bottom of the skillet.
  • Separate the bean mixture among the skillets then crack the eggs on top and sprinkle with salt, pepper and your choice of cheese before placing the skillets into a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
  • Finally, garnish with fresh avocado slices, cilantro, tomato and a hint of lime juice.

 

For those craving a sweet confection, a fresh batch of Breslin’s ricotta pancakes with notes of tangy orange zest is sure to appeal. We recommend this recipe by Food & Wine.

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  • First, prepare the orange syrup by peeling the zest from an orange into long strips. Boil water in a large saucepan and blanch the zest then simmer orange juice, sugar, water and blanched zest until you have a thick, syrupy texture.
  • For the pancakes, whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg yolks and ricotta.
  • Next, fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and beat egg whites until stiff, then fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
  • Once you have your pancake batter, brush a thin layer of vegetable oil onto a cast-iron skillet and cook pancakes until fluffy then top with syrup.

For side dishes, stick with simple and delicious, like crispy bacon, sausage and assorted fresh fruits.

Like what you see? Visit our Pinterest page for more Easter inspiration and recipes.

 

 

by Danny DuBois