Simple Eggs on Toast

The perfect plate of eggs on toast must be shared with you all. Is it the whole grain bread that was locally made? The free-range eggs? Perhaps it's the stylish sprout garnish? Whatever the case, this was our breakfast from Black Betty and we hope it inspires your next morning meal. Keep it simple, healthy and delicious.

Life's a Peach & An Afternoon With Friends

One of my favorite things about living in San Antonio is the proximity of quaint areas outside of our city in what is referred to as the Texas Hill Country. One of my favorite towns to visit is Boerne, Texas which always proves to be the scenic setting for some fun, shopping and of course – food. Recently, some of my best friends and I set out for a girls day in Boerne after one of my besties completed her second triathlon of the season. Following the race we set out to find a good meal and some relaxation and after some bonding, walking, and window shopping we settled at the Peach Cafe, a cozy cottage-like restaurant nestled along Boerne’s main street. 

As we entered and stepped along the wooden floors, it was immediately decided that we'd made the right choice as the fresh scent of homemade bread and peach aromas delighted our senses.

We each perused the menus, which are printed on long sheets of paper, making our selections by checking them off with the pencils provided to each of us. I personally liked this unique touch, which added to the quaintness of the restaurant. 

I chose Chicken & Dumplings, which is one of my favorite comfort foods and happened to be a featured item on the menu. 

I was quite pleased with my selection, especially since a hearty portion was served! It was just as creamy as this meal should be, with plenty of tender cuts of white chicken meat, generous sweet carrots, and celery to satisfy even the hungriest of lunch goers. My favorite part of the dish was by far the dumplings, which were more like biscuits than a traditional dumpling. At first glance I was a bit uncertain on how this might compare to other recipes, but found it to be quite a delicious departure from the norm.

One cannot possibly visit a restaurant called the Peach Cafe without indulging in a little peach cobbler, which is again, one of my personal favorites. I decided on the blackberry peach cobbler and ended up being quite happy when my girlfriends were too full too partake in much dessert. I happy gobbled up the sweet fruit, which was topped with a delicious and crisp homemade crust. As we departed with full bellies for more sightseeing and shopping, I was again reminded why Boerne is always a fun stop – unique, local finds like the Peach Cafe.

Story and photos by L. Carpenter

Twin Sisters Bakery & Cafe

This past week, we ventured to an oldie but goodie, Twin Sisters Bakery & Cafe in San Antonio, TX. This is a place that has been a traditional dining location for our family for decades now & we are passing our love of the healthy fare to our children. Their menu features organic and natural entrees as well as an in house bakery and choice alcoholic beverages. I enjoyed wine made from organically grown grapes. 

Our favorite dish? The Chicken Tortilla Soup (hands down) which really put Twin Sisters on the map. It is so flavorful with plenty of white meant chicken and fresh tortilla chips are part of the dish. 

Inside the  bakery & cafe

Big glass of agua is perfect after a day of shopping!

Fresh baked tortilla chips in festive colors

A literal "double dip" of the chicken tortilla soup

Empty bowls means full bellies

As the wife of a musician, a dining perk for me is live music. It was so enjoyable and though I cannot remember the name of the artist that night, her voice was the perfect accompaniment to the evenings' dinner. 

Twin Sisters Bakery & Cafe is a gem in a city where fast food and run of the mill restaurants abound. It is a rarity to find a healthy eatery with modern spins on traditional entrees like enchiladas, quiche and a HUGE variety of sandwiches. (I do miss the nachos that they used to have on their menu.) All restaurants have the capability to pay this close attention to their menu selections in order to offer their customers the best quality meals possible. This is a win-win situation for everyone and my dream for all dining establishments to strive for. What is wrong with the best? Nothing at all & we deserve the best especially when it comes to what goes into our bodies. You are what you eat so eat the best. Price point for me is very impressive considering the quality of the foods they offer which nullifies the notion that the best costs the most. See, good health is affordable.

Eat (healthful foods) Drink (organic beverages) & be Merry!

Dining with kids? Here are some tips.