Tanji Patton

Passionate wine & food enthusiast. Emmy Award-winning journalist. Host & executive producer of Goodtaste TV at #recipes #restaurants

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

The same coffee maker I rely on for my daily quiet moment can whip up a decadent #dessert. My first one lasted 10 years, so it's earned its spot on my counter. Not sponsored, just something I love and had to share! Watch the full episode at the link below.
https://t.co/USSh5Jx5bY

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

Every shoot @blacksbbq comes with a side of laughter! 🎬️❤️ #behindthescenes

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

The walk and the wait — we’re never alone in either. I was reminded of that this week from my talented artist friend Bill Nichols, author of the beautiful new book Parables in Pencil.

As I told you all recently, I’m in a waiting mode right now — waiting for healing and waiting and hoping to hear some encouraging words from my surgeon when I see him Monday.

So yes, I'm waiting but I’m also walking — getting back to work, moving forward and earnestly seeking God’s will. I am praying for wisdom and strength and frankly, I’m trying to understand the ever present tears that keep popping up. They aren’t sad tears, in fact, they often start flowing when I least expect.

Today, it happened in a grocery line at Central Market.

I had made a special trip to pick up all kinds of organic produce so I could keep going with my new “juicing” program that a dear friend from church suggested I try. So, I’m standing there unloading colorful beets, carrots and all sorts of things when a woman in front of me with earnest eyes stops what she’s doing and says, “I’ve been following your story.”

She introduced herself as Jessica and told me she is also being treated at MD Anderson. She has a form of leukemia.

And then she told me something I never expected to hear.

She said that after nearly six years (if I heard her correctly), she finally found the courage this week to tell her son about her cancer. She had kept it a closely guarded secret. He was young when she was diagnosed, and after everything they had gone through with the pandemic, she didn’t want to put anything else on him.

Then she said, “Your sharing your story gave me the courage to tell my son.”

Wow. That’s when the tears started!

I actually thought twice about sharing this, because even though Jessica thanked me, it wasn’t me--It was God, working in his mysterious wonderful ways to heal us, to unburden us. He loves us so much! Her sharing that story encouraged me as I wait on this healing process. I am grateful to her and in awe of Him.

What are the odds that I would have gotten in the line right behind a woman with a story like that to share.

Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

As you all know, praise music has been a HUGE part of this journey. There’s a song called Way Maker and the lyrics say, “Even when I don’t see it, You’re working. Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working. You never stop working.”

Today reminded me again not to give up on God - He never gives up on us.

BTW, Cheers to juicing. I am lovin' it!

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

Mark your calendars, Houston! Southern Smoke Festival, presented by @Sysco, returns to Discovery Green on Saturday, October 3! Nearly 100 top chefs and beverage pros, live music, and delicious bites, all benefiting a great cause. See the full lineup and get tickets at the link below. 📷️: Daniel Ortiz and Huge Galdones @SouthernSmokeTX
https://t.co/6ytAvU8v7D

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

This Weekend: Get to the Gap!
https://t.co/MUy2S4gvKC

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

Dealing with picky eaters at home, or just not a veggie fan yourself? These 7 sneaky ideas can help you pack more nutrients in without sacrificing flavor, including a naturally sweet cake that's healthy enough to eat for breakfast. Link below. 📷️: Wholefood Soulfood Kitchen
https://t.co/32wz9W3QPS

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

In case you missed it, Tanji stopped by @HoustonLifeTV yesterday with a full pumpkin roundup! She brought pumpkin empanadas from @GoyaFoods, pie, croissants, and cake balls from @HouseofPiesTX and @PieintheSkyPie, and a massive pumpkin cheesecake from @KennyandZiggys. Fall flavors were definitely served. Good luck choosing just one! Watch the segment HERE.
https://t.co/0cgC1DD249

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

During this period of waiting, I'm finding so much joy in the "little things." Mornings have become incredibly important to me, and part of my morning routine includes coffee.

In this week's podcast, I'm sharing my favorite coffee maker (not sponsored, just my honest pick), a simple way to give your cup of coffee a boost, and an easy dessert too.

Listen to the new episode HERE.
https://t.co/YG1Q7bmlrm

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

@jcreidtx Your post just made my day!😀

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

You don’t need a fancy grill to make great brisket! The fourth-generation pitmaster @blacksbbq shares a game-changing technique to help you get the best smoked meat out of the simplest grill. Watch the full segment HERE.
https://t.co/1myyQE2VG5

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

This Weekend: Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue!
https://t.co/ZpXNXAckFp

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

Who doesn't enjoy a weekend stroll at a #farmersmarket, especially in the fall?! It's always a good idea to shop small, and you'll come home with the freshest seasonal picks around. We've rounded up 12 markets across our great state to put on your list. Details at the link below. 📷️: Alamo Heights Farmers Market
https://t.co/X4b194zmr5

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

Street food inspiration meets @GoyaFoods magic. @CheffDesa is serving up a sensational #appetizer — homemade sope shells, seasoned flank steak, avocado, and beans. One bite and you'll understand the hype. Watch the full segment HERE.
https://t.co/kQ7Fbgkext

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

What if the secret to a better life is learning to do... nothing?

Francesca Montillo, better known as The Lazy Italian, is living a little bit of the "Under the Tuscan Sun" dream. When I first met her, she was working on the project under the radar. After years of working, saving and planning in Boston, she finally made her dream of owning a home in Tuscany a reality.

And along the way, she discovered something Italians call "the sweetness of doing nothing." It's more than simply slowing down—it’s about savoring life, enjoying good food, lingering around the table, and making time for the things that matter.

Francesca takes us inside that Italian way of life through simple recipes, authentic food experiences and tours that offer a very personal look at the culture and traditions of Italy.

And wait until you hear about some of the regional specialties she introduces her travelers to - including grape cake and grape risotto!

Listen to the new podcast episode HERE.
https://t.co/bEm6biF02s

Learn more about Francesca HERE.
https://t.co/aRwch9SmdZ

📷️: Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

We think of first responders as the people who run toward danger when everyone else is trying to get away. But what happens when the call is over and they have to live with what they saw?

For some, those memories aren't just difficult moments on the job. They're experiences that stay with them for years.

In our latest podcast episode, we talk about the emotional and mental toll of being a first responder with people who've experienced it firsthand.

It's a candid, and at times heavy, conversation about their profession - including the final straw that led them to get help.

The good news is there's hope - a wonderful group offering confidential, free counseling.

Listen to the episode HERE.
https://t.co/J5gdjNdOOn

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

This Weekend: Season 11 is Foodie Heaven!
https://t.co/wxEsusEFiH

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

Right before my first surgery, Mike and I attended an event for first responders that made a lasting impression on me. So much so that as soon as I was able, I reached out to the founder in hopes of interviewing the gentlemen who spoke so honestly and candidly about the mental health challenges that come with being a first responder and how difficult it can be to get help.

My first day back at work on our podcast was speaking with these folks. Hearing their stories brought back a lot of memories from my days as a reporter.

Back when I was a street reporter, I knew a lot of first responders. I’ll never forget an overnight ride-along with SAPD that included a domestic violence call—the raw emotions were tough to witness. And, of course, there were plenty of violent crime scenes. But even though we were physically there at the scene, it was the first responders who had to go in, get up close and deal with the aftermath.

It’s hard to comprehend what these men and women see, what they deal with, and what they protect the rest of us from.

After witnessing hundreds of horrific human events, it takes a toll. And often, these folks don’t reach out for help. Instead, many turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the pain.

The good news is that confidential, free counseling is available to first responders throughout the state of Texas. The wonderful faith-based organization providing this help is Hope for Heroes Texas... https://t.co/Pu3FOPxb9i

You can learn more about the organization and hear firsthand from first responders about what they experience and the challenges they face every day on our recent episode of @GoodtasteSoul on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You should know they are very candid about their profession-- and the final straw that led them to get help.

If you or a family member is a first responder, I hope you'll take a few minutes to tune in here: https://t.co/6kTlxYx3bf

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

25 years later, we remember not only the tragedy, but also the courage and compassion that followed. To the first responders, volunteers, and everyday heroes then and now, thank you.

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

It may be a while before we see true "fall" temperatures here in Texas, but that doesn't mean we can't welcome in the season a little early with #coffee (iced, if you prefer). These local spots are standouts, and with National Coffee Day coming up September 29th, there's no better time to check them out. Link below! 📷️: What's Brewing San Antonio Coffee Roasters
https://t.co/WeRhPoixts

[Tanji Patton @TanjiPatton]

With a crispy coating and tasty filling, these croquettes from @GoyaFoods transform canned chickpeas and mashed potatoes into an easy appetizer or side dish. Watch the full segment with @CheffDesa HERE.
https://t.co/cbO1PIlC9a