Homemade Fried Bubblegum

Today the Texas State Fair announced their list of Fair Food Finalist!  Each year the most unique foods are entered, and previous winners have been fried butter, fried bacon, fried twinkies, fried snickers, fried frito pie... are you seeing a trend? 

Here is the list of finalist this year:

• Buffalo Chicken in a Flapjack
• Deep Fried Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Deep Fried Texas Salsa™
• El Bananarito
• Fried Autumn Pie
• Fried Bubblegum
• Hans' Kraut Ball
• Walking Taco

I'm interested to try the Texas Salsa, which is salsa rolled in masa, then deep fried.  But the Fried Bubblegum is what really caught my eye.  I mean, how do you fry bubblegum, and why would you fry bubblegum?  Well, it's actually bubblegum flavored marshmallows that has been battered and deep fried.  I couldn't wait!

Really, I couldn't.  I had to try to make it! As soon as my older kids got home from school, we went to our local Michael's, in search of bubblegum flavoring,  Sadly, Michael's doesn't carry a large selection of imitation flavoring.  However, the lady my daughter had asked to come help us said that SHE had some at home, and that she just lived right around the corner, and she was already off work.  Danielle had just snagged her as she was walking out the door!  I'm going to stop right now and tell you that she is the nicest lady I have ever met!  Thirty minutes later we have a brand new bottle of bubblegum flavoring, and exchanged phone numbers, and promised to bring her a sample of our creation!  People in Texas are the nicest in the world!!!

I found a recipe for homemade marshmallows, put a video on for my three year old, and we began destroying the kitchen!  The marshmallows themselves were pretty easy, except that my 3 year old ran in and dropped our prepared pan, scattering powdered sugar and corn startch everywhere!  We got so excited when the concoction turned a recognizable marshmallow cream white!

I wasn't sure how the marshmallows are battered, but I thought a french toast batter sounded the most appealing.  We divided up the marshmallows, and began frying.  It only took a few to decide that we had to dip them in egg and then in flour, otherwise the marshmallows just melted away!

Once they were all cooled, we all sat down and tried them.  Wow!  It's just such an unusual taste!  You really can't describe it or compare it to anything else, because your brain wants you to c-h-e-w!!!   But they are good, and really sweet. I don't know if we will make any more fried bubblegum in the near future.  For one thing, like most things deep fried, it doesn't keep well.  Once they cool, they are soggy.  But I can't wait to try them at the State Fair.  Every thing is better at the fair, anyway.  Just the excitement of being there, and the anticipation of standing in line has it's own flavor!

   Here is the recipe we used. 
Ingredients:

• Powdered sugar
• Cornstarch
• Unflavored gelatin
• sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Bubblegum flavoring

• In a wax paper lined 13 x 9 x 2 inch-baking pan, sift 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, covering the bottom of the pan.
• Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin and 1/3 cup water in a bowl you can place in a water bath.  Let set for about 5 minutes.
• Place the bowl in a larger pan of simmering water and stir until the gelatin has dissolved.  Add 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and continue to stir until the sugar has dissolved.
• Remove bowl from the warm water and slowly drizzle 3/4 cup of corn syrup in while beating with an electric mixer for 10 minutes until creamy and thick. Add your flavoring, 1/4 teaspoon was all we needed.  Different brands concentration will differ.  Mix until flavoring is incorporated.
• Spread the mixture in the prepared pan.  Let it set for about 20 minutes. 
• Lift the set marshmallows out of the pan and place onto a cutting board.  Cut the marshmallows into squares.
• Mix a 1/2 cup of confectioner's sugar and 1/2 cup of cornstarch.  Dredge the pieces in confection's sugar and cornstarch.  

))) You can stop here and have some really good marshmallows  (((

To Deep Fry:

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs mixed
• 1 cup flour
• Crisco oil

• Pour oil into pan so you have at least 2",   Heat to a temperature of 345 to 375 degrees Farenheit.  The oil needs to be hot because you are going to cook quickly, otherwise the marshmallow will just melt into the oil, which, trust me, makes a huge mess! 
• Dredge your marshmallow in the egg, then in the flour.  Make sure all the marshmallow is covered in flour, otherwise the marshmallow will escape, making a huge mess!
• Fry on each side about 10-12 seconds, and quickly remove from the oil.  Set on wax paper to cool. 
• Sprinkle powdered sugar on marshmallows.  The State Fair ones will have icing on them as well, but trust me, they don't need any more sugar! 

Enjoy!!! We had a blast making these, and we made some awesome memories, as well!!

Texas Turtle Watch

Turtles are some of the most amazing animals in Texas, and they are in trouble!  Well, some of them are, and some of them the Lone Star's science community just isn't sure about.  Which is why the Texas Turtle Watch was developed by the Fort Worth Zoo in 2010, thanks to a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife.  Researchers need information about the turtle population, and one of the best ways they can get that information is from Citizen Scientist.  A Citizen Scientist is kinda like a Community Watch Program, except that they are looking for turtles instead of bad guys.  The goal of the TTW is to enlist citizens to report their turtle sighting, or lack of them, all across Texas.  It can be a one time report from a local pond where you walk the dog, or a weekly report from near your favorite family fishing hole.  Even if the kids watch a turtle crossing a road, they would love to know about it!  It's also a great way to encourage the kids to go outside!

It's simple! You can follow the link to the Fort Worth Zoo, and print out the turtle report, or just complete it online!
http://www.fortworthzoo.org/conservation/fort-worth-zoo-conservation-highlights/texas-turtle-watch/


The TTW staff is happy to just get a head count of turtles at a particular pond, and to know where in Texas the pond is located.  But they would love as much information as they can get!  Could you tell if the turtle was a hard shell or a soft shell?  Was it larger or smaller than the palm of an adult's hand?  Was it in a pond, creek, river or lake? 

Now, they aren't looking for you to pull a Steve Irwin (Remember the Crocodile Hunter?), jump in the water and subdue the reptile.  But as much information as you can give them will help them to help the turtles! So, try to identify the species of turtle you are counting.  There are three species that are the most common in Texas.

Red Eared Slider- They refer to these as the pigeons of the turtle world, because these guys just know how to adapt. They seem to inhabit most of the little waterways and park ponds. Aptly named because of the bright red spot behind their eyes, they are easy to recognize.

River Cooters - Similar in appearance to the Red Eared Sliders, except that the tell-tale red marking is missing.  The carapace (top shell) has lighter marking, and the plastron (bottom shell) has dark spots. 

Soft Shell Turtles - Their greenish grey coloration, smooth shell and unique snout shaped nose sets them apart from any other type of turtle.  






A small pair of birding binoculars may come in handy, as may a small field guide. 

What are some other things you can do to help?  Glad you asked....

If you see a turtle in the road, stop and move it a safe distance from the road in the direction it was headed. 

Don't take turtles from the wild as pets, you are deplenishing the areas genetic gene pool, plus making a sad little turtle.

Never release a pet turtle, or a pet store turtle to the wild.  They can be harboring non-native bacteria or germs that our local turtles are not prepared to fight. 

Help to protect their habitat through local clean up efforts and reporting violators. 

Report turtle poachers!  It is illegal to commericially catch/trap any turtles in Texas on public waters.

Be a good land steward!  Protect existing turtle habitat on your land, and develop new or expand existing turtle habitat. 

Tell local schools and groups, such as Scouts, how they can help.  Encourage teachers and leaders to contact the Fort Worth Zoo or download a curriculum & training guide.  Groups can "adopt" a lake or pond to do monthly or bi-monthly observations and report to the TTW. 

You can download a copy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife guide, An Introduction to Texas Turtles, at
http://www.texasturtles.org/Turtles.pdf

Why did the turtle cross the road?  She, and it is almost always a she, is looking for a high, sandy place to lay her eggs.  Returning her to the water would be like scooping up a pregnant lady in labor at the hospital parking lot and driving her back to her home.  Thanks..not! 

Discovering Texas' Past - Log Cabins of the Lone Star State

Tell the kids to load their Lincoln Logs in the car, and visit one of these authentic Texas Log Cabins.  Spread a blanket under the biggest tree you can find and let them duplicate some real history!  Many offer annual events with costumed docents, teaching pioneering necessities, such as candle-making and gardening. 



Log Cabin Village
Fort Worth, Tx.

Nestled among the trees, right off University in the Museum District of Fort Worth is the Log Cabin Village.  Approximately ten log cabins have been brought to the site, and have been preserved to recreate an authentic step back in time.  Demonstrators in period clothing are on hand to explain different activities settlers in Texas would have spent their time pursueing, such as gardening, candle making, and spinning.  Upcoming seasonal special events include a Frontier Fall Festival and Holiday at the Hearth.  For more information,
http://www.logcabinvillage.org/index.html


Lexington Log Cabins
Lexington, TX. 

East of Austin, in the little town of Lexington, sits the Lexington Log Cabin & Heritage Center.  Located in the center of town, it contains two circa 1850 logs cabins exhibiting pioneer furnishing.  A corncrib is also on display, which stores 18th century tools and implements.  Group tours by appointment are hosted by costumed docents with demonstrations of pioneer crafts. The town of Lexington boast the annual Chocolate Lover's Festival in mid October, which includes a chocolate themed Fear Factor contest! 
http://lexingtonlogcabins.org/home

Old Fort Parker
Groesbeck

Dating back to 1836, when one of the most famous Indian attacks in Texas happened, the abduction of Cynithia Parker.  The wife of Chief Peta Nocona, she later became the mother of the one of the last great Warrior Chief of Comanches, Quanah Parker.
Step back in time and try to recapture the atmosphere of that fateful spring morning in 1836 as you explore the cabins and climb the blockhouses of Old Fort Parker, 
Annual events include trail rides, monthly shoots, Defend Fort Parker, and the Annual Christmas at the Fort Festival, Pow Wow and Rendezvous.   http://www.oldfortparker.org/Home.html
Visit nearby Fort Parker State Park, in Mexia, located on the Navasota River.  Enjoy a leisurely canoe trip along the Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail to the Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site.  Canoes are available for rent in the park.  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/fort_parker/

Jonas Davis Cabin at Heritage Park
Livingston

Open for tours Saturdays from July to September.  http://cityoflivingston-tx.com/

Visit the nearby Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation in early June for their Annual Pow Wow.  Take the kids fishing at  Lake Tombigbee Campgrounds, and stay in an authentic teepee.  RV, tent and cabins are also available. 
http://www.ac-tribe.com/ac/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1





Walton-Smith Log Cabin @ The Pioneer Museum
Fredericksburg

Visit this 1880's historic log cabin, and the Pioneer Museum, on Tuesdays-Sundays.  Annual events include Founders Day, Log Cabin Days and the Roots Music Series.  Enjoy storytellers in period clothing and children's activities including apple head dolls.  http://pioneermuseum.net/default.htm


Help celebrate the 10th season of the popular Roots Music Series!  Five outdoor concerts under the trees on the grounds of the Pioneer Museum, featuring good music, good food, and great fun! Plus a bonus Roots Indoor Encore in the Fall. Kids under 18 are FREE. 
  
Listen to emerging and established artists at these live, outdoor concerts. Dance on the new side stage dance floor under the trees. Dine on some of the best cooking in the county, with your favorite beer, wine, and soft drink. Every month brings a different genre and menu.
http://pioneermuseum.net/roots-music.htm

Granbury Log Cabins - Texas Heritage Guesthouse
Granbury  

Spend a weekend surrounded with history in this relocated 1867 dogtrot style log home.  Modern conveniences make this a comfortable stay.  Enjoy sitting on the porch and watching the stars in the Texas sky..... just as they did over 140 years ago! 
http://granbury-log-cabins.com/default.htm
Nearby attractions include the historic town of Granbury, which offers a sandy city beach on Lake Granbury, ghost tours in the town square and the Brazos Drive In, showing current release movies.  http://www.granburytx.com/

The Witte Museum
San Antonio

The backyard at the Witte in San Antonio is filled with old homes from around the San Antonio area.  Tour the log cabins, then try to build your own in the hands-on little log cabin exhibit.  Hand made little log replicas are used to create a one of a kind interactive experience. 
http://www.wittemuseum.org/index.php/exhibits/longterm/63-logcabins

Torian Log Cabin
Grapevine

Historical Marker reads:
This cabin of hand-hewn logs was built along a creek at the edge of the Cross Timbers near the pioneer community of Dove. It originally stood on a headright settled in 1845 by Francis Throop, a Peters colonist from Missouri. J.C.Wiley bought the property in 1868. He sold it in 1886 to John R. Torian (1836-1909), a farmer from Kentucky. Torian family members occupied the structure until the 1940s. The cabin was moved about four miles to this site in 1976.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978
http://www.grapevinetexas.gov/IndividualDepartments/ParksandRecreation/Parks.aspx
Enjoy the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, and Puffy, the 1896 Steam Engine, which runs along the historic Cotton Belt Route to the Stockyards in Fort Worth. For scheduling and prices;  https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/GrapevineVintageRailroad/tabid/267/Default.aspx    

Moriah - Authentic Log Cabin Compound
Lake Travis
Sitting on three acres, the Moriah Vacation Compound is perfect for large groups or family reunions.  The cabins, all over 100 years old,  have been relocated and restored, offering a historical feel with modern conveniences.   
To book your pioneer getaway, or for more information:
http://historiccabins.com/index.htm



Fernland Historical Park
Montgomery, TX. 

The Fernland Historical Park is a project to bring historic log homes and examples of early architecture together to create a unique attraction and learning experience. The park will be located within the heart of the City of Montgomery Texas.
http://fernlandmontgomery.com/

Holland Lake Park
Weatherford

Two log cabins, which were awarded a Texas Centennial Historical Marker in 1936, grace the grounds of historic Holland Lake Park, which also offers fishing, a playground and a pavillion.  For a "big adventure", stop by the library at 1214 Charles St. to see the bronze sculpture of Peter Pan.  The statue, by Ronald Thomason, honors Weatherford native Mary Martin, who portrayed the boy who wouldn't grow up, on Broadway.   http://www.ci.weatherford.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=461



Madison Log Cabin
Austin

Built in 1863 by pioneer homesteader Henry G. Madison, this preserved log cabin was relocated to Rosewood Park and now serves as a museum for historic relics and documents of Austin's Black heritage.  http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/rosewood.htm

Screamin' for Ice Cream

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream....
Well, you know the rest! 
Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy the creamy stuff this week!




Blue Bell Creameries Tour in Brenham, TX. 

Enjoy a 45 minute tour of the renouned Texas Creamery, and a yummy serving of ice cream to seal the deal!!
Tours cost $5.00 and are offered Monday-Friday from 9-2:30pm.  The Blue Bell Country Store is open from 8-5pm, so you can do some browsing after your tour!

There is still lots more to do in the historic little town of Brenham... so leave yourself plenty of time to take your tour into downtown Brenham’s Main Street District.  

For more information on Blue Bell Creamery Tour;  http://bluebell.com/the_little_creamery/visiting_blue_bell/VisitBB_Brenham.html
Click to see more to do in Brenham and Washington County
http://www.brenhamtexas.com/ThingsToDo.htm


Beth Marie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Denton, Tx.

Step back in time at Beth Marie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream,  located on the Denton Courthouse Square.  Enjoy homemade ice cream in a nostalgic ice cream shop and soda fountain!   Beth Marie's offers over 100 flavors, some very unique ones, too!  Their 'Texas Heat' is chocolate chip with candied jalapeños!  Call ahead and book a behind the scenes tour, to complete your visit.  Once you are hooked on the stuff,  Beth Marie's can be found at local DFW Central Market Grocery Stores!
 http://www.bethmaries.com/welcome.html


Austin Ice Cream Festival
Saturday, August 13th

Waterloo Park, in Downtown Austin, is the coolest place to be on Saturday, August 13th from 10am-7pm.  That's when the Austin Ice Cream Festival takes place! 

You can enter the ice cream making contest, popsicle stick sculpture contest, screamin' for ice cream contest or just enjoy the live entertainment.  Be sure and get a picture of your kids in front of the Vintage Austin Ice Cream Festival Truck - that's a real photo memory! http://www.icecreamfestival.org/


Don't forget the best way to enjoy ice cream! 
Follow this simple recipe for real family fun!

Ingredients:
The laziest Sunday afternoon of your summer
The shadiest tree or biggest front porch you can find.
An ice cream machine
A good recipe for home made ice cream
Lots of friends and family to share it with!

Joe Pool Lake Family Fun Things to do...

 

Do you continually drive past the signs for Joe Pool Lake, but never visit because you think that there is nothing to do if you don't have a boat?

There are lots of fun activities to be found, if you just know where to start looking.  This is a list of a few of the basic activities found around Joe Pool Lake and the parks found along it's shores.       

Joe Pool Lake has four parks with lake access, Lynn Creek, Britton and Loyd Park are all operated by and located in the City of Grand Prairie.  Cedar Hill State Park is off of FM 1382 in Cedar Hill.  All four parks have boat ramps, and all except Britton offer swimming and playgrounds, and well as picnic tables and charcoal grills.  But there are some things that set each park apart from the others.  Have fun with your family discovering Joe Pool Lake!


Fishing

Lynn Creek Marina has an enclosed fishing facility, allowing you to fish inside or outside, open 24 hours a day. Live bait such as minnows and worms, can be purchased at the marina store.  Fees for up to 12 hours of fishing are $5.00/adults, $3.00 for children under 10, and $1.00 for any additional rods.  However, children under 14 can fish for free on Saturday with a paid adult!  A Texas fishing license is required for anyone 18 or older.  http://www.lynncreekmarina.com/

Cedar Hill State Park offers different fishing activities all year long, including Family Fishing Day, Kids Fishing Derbies, and Learn to Fish workshops.  Parents can fish with their children in any state park without a fishing license, however you do have the State Park access fees to pay at the front gate. Call 972-291-3100 or visit their website  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/cedar_hill/

Joe Pool Marina at Cedar Hill State Park also has an indoor/outdoor fishing barge.  Open from 6am - 10pm, the fees are $3.00 for anyone 12 or older.  Under 12 and over 65 can fish for free.  Bait is also available at the Marina.  Call 972-299-9010 for more information.

Boating

"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." - Kenneth Grahame ('The Wind in the Willows' novelist)

Loyd Park just opened the Walnut Creek Paddling Trail, one of the Texas Parks and Wildlife designated Paddling Trails.  This 4.9 mile round trip trail offers paddlers a wonderful chance to experience Walnut Creek from Hwy 360 to the lake.  Canoes and kayaks are available for rental at Loyd Park for $30 and $40 for 4 hours.  There is no age restriction, and life jackets are required. 
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/inland/grandprairie_walnutcreek/index.phtml

Lynn Creek Marina offers a variety of rentals, including ski boats, pontoon boats and jet skis. For more information, and to a list of their rates, http://www.lynncreekmarina.com/rentalrates.html

Cedar Hill State Park offers single and double kayak rentals on Sat. and Sunday from 10am until dark.  Their rates are $12/hour for a single and $20/hour for a double, includes life jackets and paddles.  Novices can practice in the cove, and then venture out to explore the shorelines around the lake.
Call 435-602-9545 to make a reservation, or check out their website; http://live-adventure.com/blog/.

The Lynn Creek Yacht Club has races on Joe Pool Lake during the months of May and June.  There is nothing prettier than watching these beautiful sailboats as they glide across the water!  Cheer for your favorites, and learn a few new natical terms!  For more information and racing schedule; 
http://lcyc.org/

Historical Tours and Markers

Penn Farm Agricultural History Center (Cedar Hill State Park)  Visit the remains of the Penn family farm, see tools and machinery used throughout the years.  Self guided tours are available, and guided tours are offered once a month.  Each December a guided lantern tour is offered, followed by cookies and hot chocolate and caroles sung around a campfire.  The Penn family is buried at nearby Little Bethel Cemetery in Duncanville, which makes a interesting side trip after visiting the farm.  http://www.cemeteries-of-tx.com/Etx/Dallas/cemetery/LittleBethel.htm

The are 2 Texas Historical Markers located inside the Joe Pool Lake parks:
Wilson Cemetary (Lynn Creek Park)
http://www.gptx.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=1896
Loyd Home - ( Loyd Park)
http://www.gptx.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=1986

Family Biking and Hiking Trails

 The Joe Pool Lake Dam Trail runs along the dam on the North side of the lake.  It's flat and wide terrain make it ideal for walkers and cyclist.  Dogs are allowed, as long as they remain on a leash. There are two convenient accesses to the trail, in Cedar Hill on FM 1382, just North of the State Park, with a sign marked overlook, or in Lynn Creek Park on the Grand Prairie side.  The trail is 3 miles in each directions, making for a 6 mile round trip. 
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XMR018-051


Loyd Park offers a hiking trail at the South end of the park, which runs along side much of Walnut Creek.  There is also a seperate bike trail in the park.  Call ahead for information as to if the trails are open, they close when muddy.  http://www.grandfungp.org/lakeparks/mapofpark.htm

Cedar Hill State Park has several hiking trails throughout the park, and offers guided tours along the Duck Pond Trail about once a month.  DORBA, the Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association, has built an intense network of trails for mountain bikes.  Because of the naturally hilly terrain, caution should be used before taking young children on these trails, and always wear a helmet.  The trails also close when muddy, for up to date information on trail closures, call  972/291-3900 and press star 2.

Educational Activities
Like many state parks, Cedar Hill State Park also offers activities through their Interpretive Programs.  Learn about the mammals and reptiles that live in the parks, and the Blackland Prarie itself, during monthly interactive presentations.  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/parks/find-a-park/cedar-hill-state-park/park_events/