Boots, barbecue and fun are coming with the return of a much-loved Humble tradition — the Humble Rodeo & BBQ Cook-Off.
Nine days of fun kick off Jan. 26 with a carnival that will be open during the entire event. Ride a Ferris wheel and other popular rides and test your skills at a long list of games. Funnel cakes and other carnival food will also be available to purchase. The carnival is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Feb. 5. During the BBQ cook-off, carnival wristbands are $15. The carnival is free during the livestock show and rodeo.
The BBQ cook-off is open to the public 4-11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Your entry includes a meal and performances by Abigail Taylor and Mason Creager & The Gulf Coast Drifters on Friday and Brian Winfield and Gary Kyle on Saturday. Come ready to shop as more than a dozen vendors will be offering a variety of foods and goods for purchase. Besides judging for the best chicken, pork ribs, pork and brisket, there will be four other contest during the BBQ cook-off. Cook teams will vie for the best margaritas on Friday night and the pit challenge — which tasks high schoolers to build a BBQ pit from scratch — will be Saturday.
Young cooks will compete in two age categories during the Kids Q Cook-Off on Saturday. High school teams will face off in the Rumble in Humble cook-off. Cost for the weekend is $15. Children ages 5 and under get in free.
The Livestock Show & Rodeo kicks off Monday, Jan. 31, with rabbit, lamb, goat, broiler, turkey, swine and steer shows lined up through Wednesday, Feb. 2. Thursday, Feb. 3, brings the live auction and livestock auction, as well as a 4H Food Auction.
Rodeo action gets underway 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5, with seven rodeo events sanctioned by the United Professional Rodeo Association and the Cowboy’s Professional Rodeo Association. In addition to competing cowboys, kids will challenge each other in a Calf Scramble, Chute Dogging and Muttin Bustin.Concerts start around 9 each evening. Bag of Donuts performs Friday and Aaron Watson takes the stage Saturday. Tickets are $20. Children ages 5 and under are free.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Humble ISD Foundation, which provides teacher grants and scholarships. The foundation has given more than $15 million to teachers and students at Humble ISD, creating a foundation for lifelong learning.
With people excited to live the “Lagoon Lifestyle,” 704 home buyers purchased new homes in Balmoral last year, enough to rank the community at No. 17 on a list of the nation’s 50 top-selling master-planned communities.
The list, compiled annually by Robert Charles Lesser & Co. (RCLCO), tracks the number of new homes sold each year in master-planned communities across the nation.
Home buyers in Balmoral have a broad choice, with 14 builders offering tons of one- and two-story floor plans to suit any need. Pricing is from the $200,000s to $500,000s, and builders offer plenty of options for further customizations.
And while the wide selection of new homes and the prime location near Beltway 8 certainly draw home buyers to Balmoral, it’s the award-winning Amenity Village anchored by the state’s first Crystal Lagoons® amenity that is the showstopper. Named “Best Community Amenity” in the 2020 Texas Association of Builders Star Awards, the complex features a 2-acre lagoon of turquoise waters surrounded by white-sand beaches. A 7,500-square-foot clubhouse with patio and infinity-edge pool overlooks the lagoon. Nearby is a splashpad, playground and sand volleyball court. Hammocks Row beckons when all you want to do is sway in the breeze and relax with a good book.
But these amenities are not the only ones Balmoral residents enjoy. Trails crisscross the community, and two new parks open soon. Victory Park will encompass a tennis court, basketball pavilion and sports field for sports enthusiasts. Kids will enjoy two playgrounds. An amphitheater with a stage, a picnic pavilion with restrooms and an outdoor kitchen complete the park.
Fitness buffs can challenge themselves at the upcoming Fitness Hub Park, which will have a climbing wall, bamboo jungle, cargo net, dip station, row station and more to target a variety of muscle groups.
Connecting amenities to homes is the GreenBoLT, a 12-foot-wide path that easily accommodates pedestrians and cyclists.
This is the third year Balmoral has been ranked among the nation’s 50 best-selling communities.
The New Year represents a new beginning which is why many of us make New Year’s resolutions. Does it work? According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, people who make New Year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to change their behavior. That’s good news! Ready to make a fresh start? Here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions. If you are resolved to find a new home, visit Balmoral and check that one off your list today.
There Can Be Only One
Trying to change five different things about yourself is a recipe for failure. Instead of creating a laundry list of resolutions, make just one. Once you have achieved your goal, set another one.
Get Real
It’s important to set a realistic, specific goal. Instead of resolving to “get in shape,” commit to going to the gym three times a week. Instead of trying to “eat healthier meals,” purchase a vegetarian cookbook and commit to making three healthy meals a week. Over time, these behaviors will become ingrained, and you will see other changes.
Ask Yourself Why
As yourself why you want to make a change. If you want to lose weight, are you doing it for health reasons, to fit into your old clothes or to feel better about yourself? Knowing why you want to change helps you zero in on what success will look like for you.
Break It Down
Break your resolution into small, achievable goals. This keeps you from overdoing it, helps you plan for setbacks and keeps you on track. If you are thinking of running a marathon, try going for a short run or jog two or three times a week and gradually work up to running every day. Then slowly increase the distance. Eventually, you will be ready for that 5K.
Find a Buddy
If you want to make a change, you need support. If possible, find a friend with the same goal and work on it together. It’s more fun. If your goal is to change psychological behavior, you might need the help of a professional.
Get Back on the Horse
We are imperfect creatures. We will have setbacks. Maybe we don’t hit the gym for a week or two. Maybe we can’t say no to Florence in Accounting’s cookies. That’s okay. Rather than getting angry with yourself and giving up, accept that sometimes there will be obstacles. Decide what to do the next time Florence brings cookies to work. Maybe you will keep an apple in your desk drawer or maybe limit yourself to one that you share with a coworker.
Reward Yourself
When we make resolutions, we plan to reward ourselves when we achieve our goals. Rather than waiting until the end, reward yourself for each small step you accomplish. It will keep you motivated because your progress is tangible. You may find yourself continuing your journey so you can receive your next reward.
Be Kind and Flexible
Change is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. Be kind to yourself. If you are feeling down because change isn’t happening fast enough, tape an inspirational quote to the bathroom mirror, call a friend or meditate on your successes. Be flexible. If you are finding heading to the gym impossible, change your goal. Maybe take a walk or ride your bike with loved ones. You may not get as much exercise, but you will be exercising, and that is all that counts in the end.
Hamilton Thomas Homes is ready to build in Balmoral having recently broken ground on its first new home in our community.
The builder’s homes will be situated on 45-foot homesites and range from 1,700 to 3,000 square feet. Designs are priced from the $300,000s. Thirty-one homesites are available.
Floor plans have not yet been released but are expected to include dual work-from-home areas, options for side and back patios and garages that will comfortably fit oversized vehicles. Drop zones, multi-functional kitchens and home automation will add to the appeal.
Although Hamilton Thomas Homes is new to the Houston market it is led by a team of experienced real estate veterans with more than 50 years combined experience.
Jennifer Keller, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hamilton Thomas Homes, boasts more than 25 years of experience in Houston’s real estate market, getting her start in real estate at AECOM/Turner Collie & Braden, Inc., working on communities such as Greatwood and Eagle Springs. She has also worked at KB Home, developer Land Tejas and William Lyon Homes.
Joining Keller at Hamilton Thomas Homes are Davin Toruta as Vice President of Operations and Chynelle Munnilal, who serves as Director of Finance. Each has many years of experience, with Toruta working for such builders as William Lyon Homes, Meritage Homes and KB Home. Munnilal has held senior finance positions for Taylor Morrison, William Lyon Homes and KB Home.
We are very excited to welcome Hamilton Thomas Homes to Balmoral. Stop by today and learn more about these exceptional homes.
This holiday season has many of us biting our nails over the availability of products. Namely, the lack thereof. What if we can’t find one of our favorite Thanksgiving staples — canned cranberry sauce?
Making your own cranberry sauce is easier than you might think. For most recipes, you can use a small pot that doesn’t take up a whole lot of real estate on the stovetop. Even better, making cranberry sauce is fast.
How do you make cranberry sauce? You need cranberries, sugar, citrus and liquid. It’s that simple. You can also get creative by adding your favorite autumn nuts, herbs, complimentary fruits, or seasonal spices. And you don’t even have to poke around the internet to find the best recipes for cranberry sauce, because we’ve found some tasty recipe options just for you.
Simple Cranberry Sauce
Simple cranberry sauce is as true to form as it gets. All you need is a bag of fresh cranberries or a bag of frozen cranberries, thawed. The standard size bag holds 12 oz. of cranberries. If you’re using cranberry sauce for a simple dressing for a party of 8 or less, one bag is probably enough. However, if you have a larger party or you have avid cranberry lovers dropping by, you might want to consider cooking up a double batch.
First, you’ll want to wash your cranberries in a strainer. Then, you can get started cooking up a holiday favorite.
You’ll need:
12 oz. Cranberries
½ cup of sugar
½ cup of lemon juice or orange juice
½ cup of water
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon stick (optional)
In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar, juice, and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Then, add your cranberries and a pinch of salt.
Stir your cranberries frequently for about 15 minutes. You will hear a popping sound as they cook. This is normal (and fun!). Once they are mostly popped, you can add your cinnamon stick. When finished, the cranberry sauce will be thick and lovely.
Balsamic and Herb Cranberry Sauce
This is one of the best variations on the classic cranberry sauce recipe if you love fresh herbs. Just like the classic cranberry sauce, it’s super easy to cook and can be ready in a matter of minutes.
You’ll love the amazing fragrances that will fill your home when cooking up this herbal cranberry sauce.
Be sure with all cranberry sauce recipes to rinse and strain your berries first. Be sure if using frozen berries that they are thoroughly defrosted before rinsing.
For this recipe you’ll need:
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
¾ cup water
¾ cup sugar (or ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar)
¼ cup red wine or cooking sherry
12 oz. cranberries
1 tbsp. chopped rosemary (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp. fresh sage (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp. fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
Lemon zest, about one teaspoon
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in your pot over medium heat, stirring well to combine. Once everything is combined, turn the heat to low. Stir occasionally for 15-18 minutes until all cranberries have “popped.” The sauce will be thick and hearty when finished.
Use leftover herbs to create a beautiful garnish once the cranberries have cooled and are ready for plating.
DIY Canned Cranberry Sauce
If you can’t live without the texture of the jellied cranberry sauce from a can, this is the recipe for you. Granted, this recipe isn’t nearly as fast to make as the others, so you may want to create this masterpiece a day ahead of time.
You will not only need a pot to create this family favorite, you will also need a high-quality blender or food processor and a silicone mold.
For this recipe you will also need:
12 oz. cranberries
2 cups orange juice
1 cup honey
8 tsp gelatin
½ cup cold water
First, blend your cranberries, juice, and honey in a blender or food processor until the mixture is smooth. Then, pour the mixture into a pot, bringing it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove it from the heat and set it aside. Then, mix together your cold water and gelatin, letting it set per package directions, for about a minute or two. Then, mix it into the cranberry mixture until it’s dissolved. Then pour it into your mold, and cover your mold loosely with plastic wrap, letting it set up overnight.
Super Fruity Cranberry Sauce
So many beautiful fruits taste amazing mixed together with cranberries. But my personal favorite is pineapple. There’s just something about the sweetness of pineapple mixed with the tartness of cranberries that makes me smile.
You can add extras such as raisins, chopped apples, mandarin oranges, coconut flakes or walnuts to make it even more special.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice
12 oz. cranberries
2 tbsp orange juice
¼ tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
Strain your pineapple juice from the can right into your pot. Then, add the cranberries, orange juice, cinnamon, and sugar. Bring the mixture just to a boil until the cranberries start to pop. Then, turn the mixture down to medium heat, and continue to stir frequently for 10-12 minutes or until thick and smooth. Then, add your crushed pineapple into the mixture and any extras you might enjoy. Serve and smile.
Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce
This one is a great, simple way to enjoy some beautiful fall flavors. The ingredients are inexpensive and simple. And the flavor will complement your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner perfectly.
For this variation you will need:
Two large navel oranges, a juicer and a zester
12 oz. cranberries
¾ cup honey
¾ cup water
A pinch of salt
One cinnamon stick
Zest one orange all around onto a napkin or cutting board until the rind is thoroughly zested. Then, cut the zested orange in half and juice it into a bowl so you can easily remove any seeds that may come out.
Add cranberries, honey, water, orange juice, orange zest, salt and cinnamon stick into a pot and cook over medium heat until all the cranberries have popped. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Remove your cinnamon stick once it’s cool and rinse the cranberry mixture off of it with cool water.
Pour your cranberry mixture into a serving bowl. Then, cut your remaining orange into thin slices to make a beautiful garnish. Place the cinnamon stick on top. And enjoy!
And for a bonus:
Cranberry “Sauced” Moscow Mule
You can make this beauty with or without the spirits, and it will taste just like the holidays.
For this fun mocktail/cocktail you will need to do the following:
Glop one heaping spoon of your favorite cranberry sauce, already made to perfection, into a cocktail shaker. Add two ounces of lime juice, fresh or bottled, into your shaker. Add one spoonful of honey to sweeten. Then, add vodka if you’d like, 1.5 oz. to be exact, or omit. Fill your shaker with ice to the top. Shake up your cranberries, honey, and lime (and vodka) until it’s well combined.
Strain the contents of your shaker into a mule mug or a festive goblet filled with fresh ice. Then, add your favorite ginger beer (which is non-alcoholic, by the way) and enjoy!
If you’re planning ahead to make this fun cocktail, keep several of your cranberries intact, and uncooked. Slice a whole lime into pretty circles, then place your circle of lime on top of your mug or glass and a skewer of pretty cranberries on top for a stylish garnish.