A cookbook to help local seniors

It’s been pretty hot lately so if you flip to page 2 of the new cookbook available at the Senior Citizens Craft Shop you’ll find the perfect heat-busting mojito recipe.

Once the weather cools a bit, you might be in the mood for comfort food. Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini on page 28 will likely hit the spot.

The 30 members of the Wimberley Senior Citizens Craft Shop have put together “Texas Hill Country Flavors,” a cookbook featuring 150 recipes — everything from Artichoke Muffuletta Dip to Texas Trash Mix. The folks at the shop got a little help from their friends at Leaning Pear restaurant, Roughhouse Brewery and Cypress Creek Rum Distillery.

The cookbook is on sale now at the Senior Citizens Craft Shop. The price is $12 (which includes sales tax).

“The proceeds from the sale of our cookbook will go toward maintaining our historical building,” explains Craft Shop Vice President Paula Jensen. “Our building is a place for our members to display and sell their beautifully crafted items. Stop by and check it out, we have some of the most talented artists in town.”

The Senior Citizens Craft Shop, at 116 Wimberley Square, is a non-profit group that came together in 1986 and is the longest continuously owned and operated store in the Square. Handmade products at the store range from wooden toys to oil paintings to hand-knitted baby blankets.

The idea behind the coop is simple: members create their products and work one day a month to keep the store operating. Because of the COVID-19 issues, some of the members have elected not to be out in public so the store is only open on weekends — Friday through Sunday — these days. Ages of the members range from mid-50s to near 90.

The cover of the cookbook features the “boot mural” that adorns the back of the store. There is more than recipes, however. Local author Allan C. Kimball has included a brief history of Wimberley making this the perfect gift for non-Wimberley friends and family. The book also features pages of cooking tips where you can learn about the basics for your pantry or how to make the perfect pie crust.

(Did You Know? Never soak vegetables after slicing, they will lose much of their nutritional value.)

The cookbook is divided into eight sections, starting with Appetizers and Beverages and ending with This & That (which includes recipes for dog treats, play dough, refrigerator pickles and more).

Some of the recipes have Texas written all over them: Calico Beans and Chuck Wagon Chili. Other are more exotic such as Szechuan Chili Chicken and Persian Tomato-Mint Salad.

Local businesses also contributed. If you have marveled at the house shallot vinaigrette at Leaning Pear restaurant, Chef Matthew Buchanan has shared his recipe. The folks at Roughhouse Brewery tell you how to make their delicious Sour Dough Beer Bread. David Watson, the owner of Cypress Creek Rum Distillery, offered up recipes for a Mojito and a Party Punch (made with his award-winning rum, of course).

“Our Senior Citizens Craft Shop has become very “crafty” with putting their minds together and compiling this beautiful cookbook. Please feel free to stop by our shop in the Wimberley Square and take a look at our newly prized possession, you won’t want to leave without a copy or maybe even two,” says Paula.

(Did you know? A little vinegar or lemon juice added to potatoes before draining will make them extra white when mashed.)

For more information call: 512-847-3913.