Press Room
A Beauty-Full Day
Houston Junior League Presents Opening Day Style Show
THE SCENE: This year’s Junior League Opening Day Style Show, which usually marks the beginning of Houston’s fall social season, quickly refocused after Hurricane Harvey to use the annual event to provide fellowship and levity in the wake of devastation. Guests enjoyed a glamorous fall fashion preview presented by Tootsies’ Creative Director Fady Armanious, and a delicious meal courtesy of the Junior League Tea Room with full bar service.
THE VIBE: In honor of the League’s beautiful relationships with the Houston community and among their members, the Junior League of Houston invited guests to celebrate at the annual Opening Style Show, fittingly themed Style En Pointe: Beauty in Motion. In light of the damage Hurricane Harvey left behind in Houston, the League showcased the beauty of the massive outpouring of support, labor and love in the community.
THE CAUSE: Chaired by Kristin Turnak, the Opening Day Style Show events raised over $49,000 to be distributed among a number of community organizations helping with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The Junior League of Houston is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. “Harvey was an unprecedented weather event for our city and it presented unprecedented challenges for the League. But action was needed quickly and efforts were made to make a difference where possible,” said President Sarah Snyder.
To donate to the Junior League of Houston’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, and help provide even more assistance to the numerous organizations the League supports, visit here.
Source: November-December 2017 The Society Diaries, by Jennifer Roosth, pictures by Nikky LaWell
The Junior League of Houston Celebrates Beauty In The Community
November 2017
In honor of the League’s beautiful relationships with the Houston community and among their members, the Junior League of Houston invited guests to celebrate at the annual Opening Style Show, fittingly themed Style En Pointe: Beauty in Motion. In light of the damage Hurricane Harvey left behind in Houston, the League showcased the beauty of the massive outpouring of support, labor and love in the community. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket were donated to the Junior League of Houston’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that will be distributed to organizations in their Community Program.
With two show time options, the League hoped to unite guests in an effort to make an impact while also providing a little levity and fellowship in the wake of such devastation. Guests enjoyed a glamorous fall fashion preview presented by TOOTSIES’ Creative Director Fady Armanious, a delicious meal courtesy of the Junior League Tea Room and full bar service. One lucky lunch attendee received two tickets to Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and one dinner attendee received two tickets to the League’s 70th Annual Charity Ball, a longstanding tradition and a source of funding for the Junior League’s community outreach and volunteer initiatives. Guests also had the chance to participate in a donation drive for toiletry and beauty items that ran through October 5, and was distributed to women affected in the League’s community agencies such as Houston Area Women’s Center, Star of Hope and more.
Source: Current Issue Houston Hip & Haute, by Ali Valach, pictures by Nikky LaWell
Opening Style Show
Junior League Of Houston
At this year’s Opening Style Show, The Junior League showcased the massive outpouring of support, labor and love for flood victims, donating a portion of tickets to the JL’s own Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The League has dispersed nine grants to local organizations to help with recovery. The Style Show also provided some much-needed entertainment as guests enjoyed a glam fall fashion preview.
Source: November 2017 Houston Lifestyles & Home, by Jan Carson, pictures by Nikky LaWell
Lunch & Look
November 2017
Shortly after Hurricane Harvey, Junior League of Houston members and their guests showed their support for flood victims at the organization’s annual style show – featuring the season’s hottest looks, courtesy of Tootsies – and luncheon. The Junior League announced its contributions to nonprofits like the SPCA and Casa de Esperanza. Meanwhile, Harvey may have delayed the Woman’s Hospital of Texas’ annual Labor Day luncheon and style show, but it didn’t stop supporters from raising more than $50,000 for the March of Dimes. Around 20 vendors popped up shops inside the Boutique Bazaar, which was set up inside the Royal Sonesta hotel, and designers like Elaine Tuner and Kendra Scott donated generous door prizes.
Source: October 23, 2017 Houston Citybook
Warning
October 2017
The barometric pressure at The Junior League of Houston’s annual Opening Style Show was high and happy at the fittingly themed Style En Pointe: Beauty in Motion. Tea Room special events chair Kristin Turnak felt the love as patrons donated to the league’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. Waves of applause were heard for Tootsies’ parade of new trends, which included red as the new power color, velvet-vibe textures, cropped pants and men-inspired clothes combining pinstripes with ruffles. On target in red were fashionista Fady Armanious, Patty Freeman, Julie Danvers, Autumn Schoen and Kay Edwards. And no matter what they wore, Amber Wendy, Amanda Hanks, Kathy Steadman, Morgan Bellows, Mary Lee Wilkens, Lauren Brown, Chanel Perkins, Catherine Barrett, Laura Showalter and Linda Steve made a splash.
Source: October 19, 2017 The Buzz Magazines, by Sharon Albert Brier
Who invited Harvey? Three fundraisers adapt post-hurricane
October 2017
Dates confirmed, outfits selected, menus chosen. In light of ongoing Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, dozens of charitable luncheons, galas and kickoffs opted to postpone or reschedule events to later dates. However, a handful of organizations adopted of a “life goes on” mantra and adjusted their programming accordingly.
Take the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation’s Young Professionals Group’s annual Jungle Book Gala. Chairs Alexa Bode and William Finnorn teamed up with Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus to host a “wild” evening at the Dunlavy, and they weren’t about to let 250 sold-out tickets waste away. Instead, the $80,000 in proceeds purchased new home libraries for school-age flood victims.
And this year’s Opening Style Show at the Junior League of Houston added a timely twist, too. The Tootsies-sponsored fashion event also kicked off a three-week donation drive for toiletry items and beauty products.
Supporters of the Beacon Day Center went the extra mile as well. To most effectively serve storm victims, the downtown homeless shelter – which typically serves lunch five days a week – plated three meals daily to feed evacuees. Foodies who feasted through the Center’s well-attended “Come to the Table” dinner responded with more than $500,000 raised.
So long, Harvey. Hello, rainbow.
Source: October 19, 2017 Houston Chronicle, by Amber Elliott
Oktoberfest at home
October 2017
Willkommen, Oktober! Fall is in the air, with its cooler weather, football and upcoming holidays. I like to take this time to catch my breath and reconnect with family and friends. This month is perfect for celebrating my heritage through food and a fun German-themed meal. I turn to several recipes to transport guests to Munich or Berlin without ever leaving the comfort of home.
If there is one thing about German food, it’s that every meal seems to begin with pork. I suggest the pork tenderloin in creamy mustard sauce from the Junior League’s Stop and Smell the Rosemary cookbook. The pork is lightly sautéed rather than deep-fried like traditional German schnitzel. It offers the same comfort-food feeling without all the fat. The creamy mustard sauce is decadent without being too heavy.
I would accompany the pork with two traditional sides. First, from Stop and Smell the Rosemary, the sweet & sour braised cabbage is a one-pot wonder that can even be made a day in advance and reheated when guests arrive. Gloria’s hot potato salad from the Houston Junior League Cookbook is the traditional German potato salad I grew up on, with bacon, vinegar and green onions. As an alternative to the potato salad, you could also serve the pork with simple buttered egg noodles.
To make ahead and heat up on a busy weeknight, consider the stuffed cabbage leaves from the Houston Junior League Cookbook. If you have never had these before, you’re in for a treat. Green cabbage leaves are stuffed with ground beef, seasonings and rice, and then topped with a sweet and tart tomato-based sauce with just a touch of honey and sour cream. Although they are somewhat labor intensive to make, you can mix them up and assemble the casserole on a weekend, and then pop in the oven on a weeknight.
At every family gathering when I was a child, one thing was for sure. We would end our meal with sweet rice and sometimes have it for breakfast the next day. My grandmother and her four sisters would each make their own variation of the rice pudding. Don’t tell my grandmother, but Aunt Stella’s was always the best. For a modern twist on this classic dessert, try the coconut lime rice pudding in Peace Meals. One tip: Use medium grain rice in place of the basmati rice. My Aunt Stella’s secret to the creamiest sweet rice was medium grain rice because it contains more gluten than long grain. You could also opt for the not-too-sweet soft ginger cookies from Peace Meals, or better yet, serve both.
Finally, add your favorite German beer or wine and enjoy. Prost!
To buy a Junior League of Houston cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608.
Source: October 1, 2017 The Buzz Magazines, by Jennifer Dennis Weinstock
The JL of Houston Celebrates Beauty While Benefiting the Community
September 2017
In honor of the League’s beautiful relationships with the Houston community and among their members, the Junior League of Houston invited guests to celebrate at the annual Opening Style Show, fittingly themed Style En Pointe: Beauty in Motion. In light of the damage Hurricane Harvey left behind in Houston, the League showcased the beauty of the massive outpouring of support, labor and love in the community. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket were donated to the Junior League of Houston’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that will be distributed to organizations in their Community Program.
With two show time options, the League hoped to unite guests in an effort to make an impact while also providing a little levity and fellowship in the wake of such devastation. Guests enjoyed a glamorous fall fashion preview presented by TOOTSIES’ Creative Director Fady Armanious, a delicious meal courtesy of the Junior League Tea Roomandfull bar service. One lucky lunch attendee received two tickets to Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and one dinner attendee received two tickets to the League’s 70th Annual Charity Ball, a longstanding tradition and a source of funding for the Junior League’s community outreach and volunteer initiatives. Guests also had the chance to participate in a donation drive for toiletry and beauty items that will run through October 5, and be distributed to women affected in the League’s community agencies such as Houston Area Women’s Center, Star of Hope and more.
In addition to continually assessing the needs of their community organizations, the Junior League of Houston has announced nine grants totaling more than $40,000 already given out for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts to the following organizations:
AIDS Foundation–$10,0000 in support of their clients where funds will be used to cover repairs to their housing program’s apartments and homes, to purchase food to restock the pantry and for emergency housing needs for current and new clients
Casa de Esperanza de Los Niños–$5,000 to provide assistance to families impacted by the hurricane with obtaining housing, basic needs, and other services
The Center–$5,000to support the clean-up and restoration of their facilities damaged by the hurricane
Chinquapin Preparatory School–$1,000 in support for clean-up and restoration of their classrooms and campus
His Grace Foundation–$10,000 to provide shelter, automobile repair, and basic needs assistance to families affected by the hurricane
Houston Food Bank–$5,000 to support relief and recovery efforts of providing food and supplies in the short term
Houston SPCA–$1,000 to support the rescue and recovery of animals -companion, horses and farm animals, exotic animals and wildlife -impacted by the hurricane
Mission of Yahweh–$7,500 to provide assistance with food, water, baby items and hygiene products for homeless women and children affected by the hurricane
The Westview School–$4,500 to provide trauma-focused cognitive behavior theory to children with special needs who were affected by the hurricane
To donate to the Junior League of Houston’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, and help provide even more assistance to the numerous organizations the League supports, please visit http://bit.ly/JLHHarveyDonate.
Source: September 29, 2017 West University Moms
Fall Fashion Arrives at the Junior League’s Opening Style Show
Tootsies wants you in a sparkly formal jumpsuit this fall. Get on board.
September 2017
IN A CRISP RED FITTED SUIT, Tootsies creative director Fady Armanious stood on the elevated runway inside the ballroom at the Junior League and explained why structured bags, patterned heels, and deep colors would be a great addition to your wardrobe this season.
The annual Opening Style Show is always the first Junior League event of the season and brings in a large and enthusiastic crowd. Coming on the heels of Harvey’s devastating flood, a portion of the ticket sales for the event were donated to the Junior League of Houston’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund—$49,000 has been raised so far.
Members strutted down the runway in shimmering jumpsuits, velvet dresses, and head-to-toe red—not to mention classic trends like pinstriped shirts and little black dresses. Based on the excited oohs and ahhs from the crowd, these ladies are looking forward to stepping out in style this fall.
Source: September 20, 2017 Houstonia Magazine, by Nandi Howard
$2 Million in Good Deeds on the Books, This Volunteer Houston Organization is Off to a Roaring Start
Fighting Harvey with Fashion
September 2017
The fall start-up event, which gets the Junior League going full throttle on its volunteer and charitable programs, packed the Tea Room with members and guests all eager to share the tales of summer and to eye the au courant fashions from Tootsies, the show modeled by league members and commentated by Tootsies’ creative director Fady Armanious.The plight of Harvey victims was also on the fashionable minds as the league announced that $49,000 in Harvey relief grants had been distributed to nine of the Junior League’s non-profit partners. The fundraiser included a luncheon with fashion show and dinner with the same.
As it begins the 2017-18 year of volunteerism and endowments, the JLH boasts 1,400 active members and 3,000 sustaining members with $2 million in volunteer time and direct financial support to 38 community projects and other volunteer initiatives on the books.
Source: September 18, 2017 PaperCity, by Shelby Hodge
Junior League of Houston sets beauty (and charity) in motion
Annual Opening Style Show re-focused to benefit Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and donation drive
September 2017
The show must go on.
And on Friday morning, at the Junior League of Houston, it did indeed.
The volunteer organization’s annual Opening Style Show continued as planned – well, almost. This year’s theme, “Beauty in Motion,” re-focused on “the massive outpouring of support, labor, and love as a result of (Hurricane) Harvey.”
“We decided to move forward with this event because the Junior League of Houston is in a position to collectively do so much good for the city,” said Sarah Snyder, League president. “(Hurricane) Harvey was an unprecedented weather event for our city and it presented unprecedented challenged for the League. But action was needed quickly and efforts were made to make a difference where possible.”
While event attendance and flourishes felt mildly scaled back in light of Hurricane Harvey, a portion of each ticket purchased directly benefit the Junior League’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which has raised $49,000 to date.
Additionally, Friday’s shindig kicked off a three-week donation drive; toiletry items and beauty products can be dropped off at the Junior League through Oct. 5.
Fady Armanious, creative director of Tootsies, spoke next. He shared fall’s biggest trends – power red, patchwork, tea-lengths, embellished heels, and velvet – before a string of Junior League volunteers modeled corresponding looks on stage.
The “Style En Pointe: Beauty in Motion” runway portion of the program included designer Cinq a Sept, Rebecca Taylor, Rag & Bone, Yigal Azrouel, Self Portrait, and more.
Afterwards, lunch-goers feasted on shrimp remoulade, steak salads, and key lime pie; some even enjoyed a flute of bubbly or two.
Come Friday evening, the show will go on – again – at 7 p.m.
Source: September 15, 2017 Houston Chronicle, by Amber Elliott
Unfussy meals with friends
September 2017
In the words of one of my favorite authors, Shauna Niequist, “Hospitality is about love, not about performance,” a philosophy I embrace wholeheartedly.
I may not have the time or ability to prepare gourmet meals, but I love to host a good dinner party. And thankfully, so do our friends.
Gatherings in someone’s home feel more intimate, and the conversations are richer. We are able to linger around the table longer in a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, we don’t have to hire a babysitter as long as there’s a Pack ’n Play and an empty room.
Over the years, my friends and I have really learned our way around each other’s kitchens – where to find the wine openers, serving utensils and water glasses. That kind of comfort among friends makes hosting (and cleanup) even easier.
I like to serve homey, unfussy food: a simple appetizer, a hearty main course, a green salad, a delicious side, and a light but satisfying dessert.
If we’re hosting a large group, I’ll let The Pantry at the Junior League of Houston do the heavy lifting and will pick up the Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Creamed Horseradish and Rolls for the main course along with the Crudités and Fresh Dip for an easy appetizer. The seasoned fresh vegetables are offered with a choice of fresh dill, creamy blue cheese or roasted red pepper dips.
On my way home, I’ll pick up a succulent red fruit Pinot Noir and a rich Napa Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the flavorful tenderloin.
For a fall gathering, I love to serve the Avocado Cucumber Soup with Cilantro. It pairs well with the Arugula, Corn and Tomato Salad. Both recipes can be found in Peace Meals.
Then before anyone has left the table, I’ll bring out a platter of Hazelnut Dream Cookies, also from Peace Meals. A ready-plated, no-fuss dessert is a wonderful way to round out the meal.
I hope you’ll consider hosting a dinner party instead of making a restaurant reservation the next time you gather around the table with friends.
To buy a Junior League of Houston cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608.
Source: September 1, 2017 The Buzz Magazines, by Jaclyn Luke
Hats on!
August 2017
The Junior League of Houston Sustainer Transfer Club held its annual luncheon in the home of Barbara Isham. The 50 women volunteers were adorned in their “bonnets” while they sipped mint juleps and had tea sandwiches. Co-chairs Cindy Trice and Mary Ann Blalock were joined by Rita Blanchard, Ann Ahuero, Julia Jones, Susan Hewitt, Barbara Grady, Emily Grimm, Diane Strong and Jennie Beckham to admire the view of Buffalo Bayou from the veranda.
Source: August 23, 2017 The Buzz Magazines, by Sharon Albert Brier
Junior League of Houston Gives Back
August 2017
This past Saturday, over 100 Junir League volunteers and employees from Hess Corporation, the League’s Community Sponsor, arrived at the Sawyer Heights Target before store opening hours to assist 100 children with back-to-school shopping. Volunteers participated in Childspree benefiting Child Advocates, Inc.
Children received backpacks filled with school supplies and other necessities to help them transition into the new school year.
From addressing critical issues such as children’s health and education and abuse of women and children, to enhancing the community through cultural enrichment, The Junior League of Houston, Inc.continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of its membership and the community. The League trains volunteers to be effective in the community well beyond their membership requirements. With 1,400 active members and over 3,000 sustainer members, the League encourages mentorship and development, cultivating a lifetime of civic service for thousands of women. Through the achievements of its members and generous donors, the League will contribute more than $2 million in volunteer time and direct financial support to 38 community projects and other volunteer initiatives in 2017 –2018. The League is able to triple the value of each donation received by pairing it with trained volunteers. For more information, please visit www.jlh.org or call 713.622.4191.
Child Advocates volunteers make a profound difference in the lives of the children they serve. Studies show children served by an advocate volunteer are better able to work with others and to control deviant behavior than children without an advocate. Also, more parents of these children complete counseling services, psychiatric evaluations and drug and alcohol counseling than those without an advocate. With Child Advocates’ help, the cycle of abuse can be broken, allowing these children to become productive adults and loving parents. For more info visit http://www.childadvocates.org
Source: August 22, 2017, from WestUniversityMoms
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HOUSTON HELPS SEND CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A SMILE
Child Advocates, Inc. Annual Childspree
August 2017
The Junior League of Houston, Inc., an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers, sponsored and participated in the Childspree benefiting Child Advocates, Inc. on Saturday, August 19.
Over 100 Junior League volunteers and employees from Hess Corporation, the League’s Community Sponsor, arrived before store opening hours to assist 100 children with back-to-school shopping at Target. The participating children, who are in foster care, will be equipped with the gear necessary to get the school year off to a great start. Volunteers from the League and Hess served as personal shoppers to help the children select back-to-school clothes and accompanied them and their guardians to an in-store breakfast party. Children also received backpacks filled with school supplies and other necessities to help them transition into the new school year. At the event, one child enjoyed playing the Connect Four she received in her backpack with Junior League member Autumn Schoen, and said, “I was so excited to go shopping with Ms. Autumn. I love the pink, light-up shoes that I got.”
For almost 30 years, League members have worked with Child Advocates, Inc. in a multitude of capacities, including volunteering for special projects and events, and creating Life Books. The goal is for every child in foster care to have a scrapbook of their life, not only to be used as a therapeutic tool, but often as the only mementos these children have of their biological families. Several League members also volunteer as court appointed special advocates (CASA).
Source: August 19, 2017, JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HOUSTON HELPS SEND CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A SMILE Press Release
Easy weeknight dinners
August 2017
Back-to-school time means it’s time to to start thinking about easy weeknight dinners. Find simple, delicious dinner ideas in this month’s Cooking Buzz column, such as Tortilla Soup.
Source: August 14, 2017, Morning Buzz from The Buzz Magazines by Courtney Hurst Hoyt
Easy weeknight dinners
August 2017
Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston.
Back to school draws near, and the lazy days of summer come to a close. This has always been one of my favorite times of year, as I was an eager student who enjoyed the excitement of back to school and shopping for school supplies.
Now as a mother, however, the excitement and busy-ness can mean less time for preparing food for our family. Plus I am always looking for something my picky toddler will try, which can be a challenge. In the heat of a late-Houston summer, any recipes that can be served cool are winners in our house.
A unique choice we’ve tried recently is the Tuna Niçoise Salad from Peace Meals. With a mix of fresh vegetables, potatoes, eggs and tuna, this meal is approachable enough for a small child and delicious and refreshing for an easy, late-summer meal. In fact, my toddler loves picking his bites from the deconstructed platter arrangement.
Another favorite is one I have been making for years, the Tortilla Soup from Stop and Smell the Rosemary. A dear friend made this for us once. It was so delicious we called her to get the recipe. Imagine my surprise that it came from a cookbook I already had on my shelf. Normally, I would not say that a soup is a quick and easy dish to make, but this recipe is just a few steps beyond making basic tacos. Sometimes I use a rotisserie chicken to make it an even quicker meal. It is a great idea to make extra servings; we have it for lunch, bring it to friends, or freeze it for a future meal.
And for me, there is nothing simpler and tastier than a great B.L.T. A Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato dinner is the perfect way to take advantage of the gorgeous tomatoes from the farmers’ market this time of year. Stop and Smell the Rosemary’s Best B.L.T. with Hill Country Basil Mayonnaisetakes a simple, classic summer sandwich to new heights with the delicious homemade dressing. It is a breeze to make the mayonnaise over the weekend using basil from our little herb garden. And here’s a tip: You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it an easy meal spread for when that busy night pops up later in the week.
Enjoy spending these last few days of summer with your family and friends – and not spending it all in the kitchen.
To buy a Houston Junior League cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608.
Source: August 1, 2017 The Buzz Magazines, by Courtney Hurst Hoyt
Celebrating the Fourth
June 2017
Alicia Lee shares delicious recipes, perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July, including some festive dishes from The Junior League of Washington’s Capital Celebrations cookbook.
Source: Morning Buzz from The Buzz Magazines by Alicia Lee
Celebrating the Fourth
June 2017
Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.
The Fourth of July always makes me proud. I love our nation’s holiday.
As a girl, I remember spending the entire day in the water. My family went to the lake, or we spent the day at the pool.
As a young professional, I spent more than a decade in Washington, D.C. July Fourth is the big holiday there. I spent the day eating delicious food before we headed to the National Mall to watch fireworks shoot over the Potomac River.
These days, I want to spend precious time with my friends and not in the kitchen, so everything for my celebration is made ahead.
Everyone loves festive, flavorful ice cubes in their water, so I’ll fill the ice bucket with Watermelon Ice from the Houston Junior League Cookbook.
Every party has to have a signature drink, and this holiday calls for the Cherry Mint Limeade from Star of Texas. You can even make the limeade base and allow your friends to create their own limeade flavor by having other fruit for mixing, such as strawberries or blueberries.
The Potomac Pasta Salad from the Junior League of Washington’s Capital Celebrationscookbook reminds me of a fresh Caprese salad. While the recipe calls for bowtie pasta, I like to use Texas-shaped pasta, subtly reminding friends of my home state. (As an aside, Texas-shaped pasta also makes a unique hostess gift, and I usually bring a bag or two when I’m visiting friends.)
Tallahassee Chicken Salad from Houston Junior League Cookbook is an easy make-the-day-ahead dish, going directly into the refrigerator and then out onto the table. I usually swap half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Sometimes, I pick up ready-made chicken salad from The Pantry at the League building, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane. Plate it by lining a platter with greens and spooning the salad on top, no one will know that the chicken salad didn’t come from your kitchen.
The other make-ahead dish I’ll put on the table is the Bean Salad from Houston Junior League Cookbook. This one involves a little chopping, opening cans, and then stirring it all together. Definitely allow the ingredients to marinate overnight, bringing the flavors together.
Fresh-cut watermelon is always a welcome addition to any gathering. I leave a knife next to the watermelon, allowing everyone to cut their own slices. If your friends have a competitive streak, expect a seed-spitting contest.
Everyone knows I love ice cream. I have at least two options. For those with a sweet tooth, the Peach Sherbet from Star of Texas is light and refreshing. The tarty Lemon Ice Cream Sans Machine from Capital Celebrations can be made with or without an ice cream maker, as the recipe title suggests. If you’re feeling ambitious and want a third option, switch out the lemons for limes for lime ice cream.
To buy a Houston Junior League cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608.
Source: June 28, 2017 The Buzz Magazines, by Alicia Lee
Cooking Buzz
June 2017
Cooking Buzz, a column about cooking and entertaining, is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston.
Source: June 13, 2017, Morning Buzz from The Buzz Magazines
Summer block parties
June 2017
These delicious recipes are perfect for a summertime party in the neighborhood. Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with The Junior League of Houston.
Source: June 2, 2017, Morning Buzz from The Buzz Magazines by Lauren Michelle Williams
Summer block parties
June 2017
Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.
Each year, in celebration of the beginning of summer, my neighborhood hosted a huge block party. Families moved grills from the back to the front yard, and each house made favorite summer foods. Parents cooked while kids ran from house to house. Once dinner was ready, the parents walked to neighbors’ houses, trading snack-size portions and plans for the summer.
Many families would cook hot dogs or hamburgers. My family, being the adventurous bunch they are, usually made something a little less traditional.
Our family’s summer grill-outs almost always consisted of more than just an entrée. We had a festive drink, at least one appetizer and dessert. If I were preparing for the block party today, the Summertime Cooler and the Roasted Red Pepper Dip from Stop and Smell the Rosemary would be my choice to start to the meal.
The Summertime Cooler is a refreshing citrus drink that reminds me of a slightly more complex and upscale lemonade. This drink can be prepared without alcohol as a fun drink for the kids, or it can be made with sparkling wine or vodka – also a fun drink for the adults. It is great for cooling down in the summer heat or lightly sipping throughout the evening.
The Roasted Red Pepper Dip is light and airy – perfect for an evening outdoors. Depending on how much heat you would like to add to the Houston evening, you could add extra jalapeños to the recipe. The dip is best served with tortilla chips, or, my preference, assorted uncooked vegetables.
The Grilled Pizzas from Peace Meals are another good choice. Although preparation work is required on a surface other than a grill, the dough and pizza itself are grilled. This recipe is great for large gatherings because it makes four to six pizzas. Guests could make the pizzas to their liking, or the host could feature a variety of favorites.
Then it’s on to Cookies and Cream Cheesecake from Stop and Smell the Rosemary for dessert. One of my favorite desserts is cheesecake, any kind of cheesecake. Oreo Cookies are not far behind, and this dessert pairs the two. The cheesecake is cool but creamy and can easily be sliced into bite-size pieces for serving a larger group.
To buy a Houston Junior League cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871- 6608.
Source: The Buzz Magazines, Morning Buzz – Summer block parties by Lauren Michelle Williams
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HOUSTON ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Women-Led, Volunteer Organization Introduces Incoming Leadership for 2017 – 2018
June 2017
The Junior League of Houston, Inc., an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers, recently announced its 2017-2018 Executive Committee and revealed the theme for the year, Make Today Beautiful. The newly selected leaders bring a great deal of experience to the organization.
Incoming Executive Committee of the Junior League of Houston:
• President: Sarah Heck Snyder
• President-Elect: Stephanie “Steph” Lowrey Magers
• Community Vice President: Courtney Hurst Hoyt
• Development Vice President: Mary Lee Hackedorn Wilkens
• Financial Vice President: Melisse Reynolds
• Membership Vice President: Mitra Azodi Woody
• Recording Secretary: Sally Anne Schmidt
The gavel was officially passed on Monday, May 22, 2017, as the Junior League of Houston turned over its executive leadership team and Board of Directors during The President’s Tea, which was held at the River Oaks home of Martha Ann Gregg Snyder, a past president of The Junior League of Houston and mother-in-law of 2017- 2018 president, Sarah Heck Snyder. Members celebrated a successful 2016-2017 year, during which the Junior League of Houston contributed over $2 million in volunteer time and direct financial support to the Houston community. Outgoing President Shannon Beirne Wiesedeppe accepted a sterling silver platter generously donated by Tenenbaum Jewelers as a token of appreciation and support for her leadership over the past year.
Newly minted President Sarah Heck Snyder introduced her theme for the year, “Make Today Beautiful” to remind members to make the most of each today and recognize the beauty in all that the League does. With an emphasis on mentorship this year, members will realize the long-term impact the League’s training program has on its volunteers, the community and the member herself. “Make Today Beautiful” also serves as a representation of how League volunteers touch lives in a beautiful and meaningful way throughout the Houston community. This year, Junior League volunteers will contribute more than 65,000 hours of service through 38 community projects, including partnerships with Texas Children’s Hospital, Child Advocates, Inc., Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston Food Bank, Dress for Success Houston as well as the newly added Project C.U.R.E. The Junior League also offers one of the only free CPR certification courses in the city.
Source: THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HOUSTON ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Press Release
____________________________________________________________________________________________________