Victoria County Master         Gardener Association

August 3, 2020

Article by Matt Bochat, VCMGA Advisor

Who does not like a great plate of tasty food prepared from a recipe that may have been handed down through the generations?  Isn't it better when those recipes come from a trusted and dedicated group of volunteers?

The Victoria County Master Gardener Association (VCMGA) was initiated in 1997 by Mr. Joe Janak, County Extension Agent.  The organization has flourished in the twenty-three years since inception, providing thousands of hours of volunteer service and working on various community service projects throughout Victoria and surrounding counties.  Historically, the VCMGA has averaged 16,000 volunteer hours in various service areas valued at over $30,000,000 during the years.  Victoria County has established itself as the regional training hub for the Coastal Bend and has since added various educational service projects in multiple counties.

The scope of the project work over the years of the VCMGA is extensive.  I am proud to say that this group of enthusiastic volunteers has made huge impacts in youth and adults in many areas related to horticulture.

Plenty of changes have occurred in the past twenty-three years as it comes to community project work.  The umbrella organization's name was changed in 2012 to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (see figure 1).  Additionally, the logo of VCMGA has also changed to bring it into a more cohesive statewide master gardener brand (see figure 2).  The master gardener volunteers continue to work on multiple educational projects simultaneously.  We currently have a list of thirty standing committees working toward bringing a quality and exemplary educational experience to all exposed clientele.

The reprint of this magnificent cookbook on the cookbook's tenth anniversary is another project of the VCMGA.  In this book, there is a wealth of topnotch, tasty and creative recipes from VCMGA volunteers.  Many of the dishes listed I can personally attest to being superb.  They are often served at group gatherings we continue to host.

Many thanks and sincere congratulations to all the Victoria County Master Gardeners past and present who have impacted the tens of thousands of persons through their volunteer spirit, dedication and relentless pursuit of education.  It is a sincere privilege to lead this group.

Matt Bochat (bo SHAY), M.S.

County Extension Agent - Agriculture/Natural Resources-Victoria County

Victoria County Master Gardener Associaton Advisor

VCMGA is a non-profit educational organization coordinated through the Victoria County Texas AgriLife Extension Service.  Its mission is to increase the knowledge of gardening.  Under the cooperation of The Texas A&M University System, the County Commissioners Courts of Texas and the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Texas extension programs, it serves people of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or origin.

Those who wish to purchase through mail must add $5.00 for shipping and handling.  Sales tax is included with price. 

Please contact us and we'll work out the details for payment and delivery. Call 361-935-1556.

COOKBOOKS!!

VCMGA is asking for your support at this time!  We have VCMGA Cookbooks available for purchase. It has lovely photos of Victoria Educational Gardens, delicious recipes contributed by our members, and lots of gardening tips and goodies.  $25.00.  Please call nancyk at 361-935-1556 and we'll get the books to you.  GARDEN CLUBS, this would make a nice gift for speakers.  SCHOOLS or CHURCHES, this would be a great addition to your library.  BOUTIQUES & NURSERIES, offer this lovely cookbook to your customers and promote gardening. MASTER GARDENERS, support other master gardeners by purchasing this book and sharing with someone you care about.

***********************

Just a little sample of one of our delicious holiday recipes.

TOFFEE CANDY –

by Virginia Ruschhaupt

1 c. butter

1 c. sugar

3 T. water

1 tsp. vanilla

4-5 Hershey chocolate bars

1 c. chopped pecans

Melt butter in heavy saucepan, add sugar and water.  Cook to hard-cracked stage (300◦), stirring constantly to prevent burning.  Watch closely after 250◦.  Add vanilla and pour into a buttered 9x9” pan.  Lay the chocolate bars on top and spread them evenly as they melt.  While still hot, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top.  Cool thoroughly and break into pieces.