Barbecued nuts

KC Masterpiece makes a barbecue seasoning and works it into a candied pecan recipe to top sweet potatoes. Melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a skillet. Stir in three tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of the barbecue seasoning until sugar is dissolved, in about a minute. Stir in a 1/2 cup of pecans and cook over medium-low heat until mixture turns a rich, golden brown, about 4 minutes. Pour mixture onto foil and cool. Break into small pieces.

C A K E glo

The mineral makeup craze seems table ready. Green Tea & Jasmine, Honey and Sugar Butter and Citrus Lavender are GloSpa blends. GloMinerals’ gloSheer tint contains signature antioxidants, vitamins C, A, K and E plus green tea extracts, but my favorite part is that it has UV absorption that smells faintly of sunscreen, putting one in the mind of travel and adventure. GloMinerals is the first line to launch a tube-like liquid formula for lips; the dabber applicator is inside and this won’t melt in your summer makeup bag. A Champaign rose GlowShadow trio offers a sweetly smooth rose with brown and beige that looks as good on the eyes as in the package. The product has ties to Denver and Amsterdam, Nederland.

Amsterdam spirit

Speaking of Nederland, did have any idea Holland was noted for vodka production? Know it now, in Texas, as Bong Spirit is being introduced to Texas. This is good stuff, and I’ve tried it in White Russians, which maybe should be named Hollanders with this product. Those who collect bottles have got to be drawn to this one: a long, clear neck on a rounded base with a tint of green. Bong spirit looks like … well, use your imagination with this conversation starter. “The art is in the bottle” is the slogan. You might not have gotten in invite, but the vodka premiered in North America at parties in Miami’s South Beach.

Are you hot yet?

Julia Conover promotes trendy herbal Tazo teas that are marketing genius. Just holding the box makes you feel peaceful. She just reminded readers that these colorful teas are good over ice, too, for summer months. Thanks for that tip, Julia, though we here in Texas have long known that.

I slipped Zen, a panfired Chinese green tea, to Carly in advertising and she called to tell me it was “goooooood!” My favorite is the purple-packaged Passion with hibiscus, but the orange and lemon Citron is no slouch of a blend.

Texas etiquette

It’s always proper to laugh at oneself, and you’ve got to admit, some of us Texans have a reputation. Here are some culinary highlights reader Rhonda Omberg sent. They are, of course, tongue-in-cheek, so hope you get a giggle:

• Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a social no-no, and they tend to detract from a woman's jewelry and alter the tastes of finger foods.

• When decanting wine, make sure that you tilt the paper cup, and pour slowly so as not to "bruise" the fruit of the vine.

• A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.

• Do not allow the dog to eat at the table...no matter how good his manners are.