🏡 Spicing Up Supper & Settling Into Home: Panko-Crusted Chicken Medallions Stuffed with Chorizo

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

In West Texas, we like our homes like we like our meals—warm, welcoming, and just a little bit spicy. Whether it’s the crunch of golden panko or the bold kick of chorizo, there’s something deeply satisfying about combining simple comforts with rich flavor. The same goes for real estate: the perfect home should feel just as comforting as your favorite recipe and just as exciting as your next big dream.

If you're searching for the perfect space to create meals, memories, and more—I'm here to help you find it.

🍴 Panko-Crusted Chicken Medallions Stuffed with Chorizo

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 6 oz Mexican chorizo

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

• Olive oil for frying or baking

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally (butterfly style), then gently pound into thin, even medallions. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Stuff the Filling: In a small pan, cook chorizo until fully browned. Let it cool slightly, then mix with shredded cheese.

3. Roll & Secure: Place a spoonful of the chorizo-cheese mixture in the center of each medallion. Roll up and secure with toothpicks.

4. Bread the Rolls: Dredge each roll in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.

5. Cook to Crisp Perfection:

• To pan-fry: Heat oil over medium-high and fry until golden and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side).

• To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

6. Serve with flair: Plate with a drizzle of chipotle crema or ranch and a fresh avocado salad on the side.

🏠 Real Estate with a Kick

Just like this flavorful dish, your home should be the perfect balance of comfort and spice. Whether you're hosting family dinners or backyard fiestas, I’ll help you find a place where you can truly savor the moments—and the meals.

🔍 Real Estate Tip:

Kitchens sell homes - A well-designed kitchen with updated appliances and functional flow can significantly increase home value. Buyers often fall in love with the kitchen first—especially here in West Texas where food and family go hand-in-hand.

🌵 Why West Texas is Always on the Menu

There’s something special about West Texas living. Maybe it’s the sunsets, the friendly folks, or the way we gather in kitchens and backyards to share what matters most. It’s a region full of flavor and opportunity—and I’d be honored to help you find your place in it.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these incredible West Texas towns: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Explore More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group

🔹 LainieEilenberger.com – Find real estate listings, tips, and inspiration.

🔹 Key & Slate on Keller Williams – Browse homes for sale and meet the team.

🔹 One Ford Road Community – Explore Lubbock’s most luxurious neighborhood.

🔹 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Real estate guidance from our South Plains expert.

🔹 Lainie on YouTube – Watch home tours, real estate tips, and more!

🥘 Your Next Chapter Starts Here

The best recipes start with bold ingredients—and so do the best homes. Whether you're ready to buy, sell, or just explore, I’m here to help you stir up something amazing in the Lubbock and West Texas real estate market.

📞 Call or message me today. Let’s get cooking—on your next move!

Lainie Eilenberger brings West Texas flavor to the table—stuffing and searing chorizo-filled chicken medallions in the heart of her home kitchen.

Planting Trees That Grow Home Value

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

In West Texas, trees are more than just pretty—they’re prized. With wide open skies, sunny days, and occasional dust storms, a well-placed tree can provide shade, privacy, curb appeal, and serious real estate value. But planting a tree isn’t as simple as digging a hole and dropping one in.

Let’s dig into how to properly install a tree, what mistakes to avoid, and how that little sapling can grow into a feature that boosts your home’s comfort and resale value!

Why Trees Matter for West Texas Homes 🌳💚

In a region where temperatures soar and winds roll strong, trees offer beauty, function, and long-term benefits. They’re a natural upgrade that keeps on giving—year after year.

🌿 Boosts Curb Appeal – A mature tree can frame your home and make it stand out.

💰 Increases Property Value – Homes with healthy, mature trees sell for more—up to 15% more in some markets.

🌞 Provides Shade & Energy Savings – Trees reduce cooling costs by blocking harsh sun.

How to Properly Plant a Tree (The Right Way!) ✅🪴

1. Choose the Right Tree for Your Location 🌵🌳Pick a tree that fits your yard, soil, and sunlight.

• In West Texas, opt for hardy, drought-tolerant species.

• Great options: Texas red oak, cedar elm, Chinese pistache, lacebark elm, or desert willow.

• Think about the tree’s mature size—not just how it looks today.

2. Avoid Planting Too Close to Your Home 🏠🚫Big mistake!

• Keep large trees at least 15–20 feet from your home.

• Roots can damage foundations and pipes.

• Allow space for limbs to grow without threatening your roof or siding.

3. Dig a Wide, Shallow Hole 🕳️🛠️It’s not about depth—it’s about width.

• Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball.

• The top of the root ball should be slightly above ground level.

• Avoid compacting the soil under the root ball—it should drain well.

4. Remove Burlap, Wire, or Plastic from the Root Ball 🪢Let your tree breathe and grow.

• Carefully remove any wrap that could strangle roots over time.

• Gently loosen roots before planting to encourage spreading.

• Always handle the tree by the root ball—not the trunk!

5. Backfill & Water Thoroughly 💧Help your tree settle into its new home.

• Use the same soil you removed to fill in around the tree.

• Water deeply right after planting, then 1–2 times per week for the first year.

• Mulch in a donut shape around the base, keeping it off the trunk.

What Not to Do When Planting a Tree 🚫🌳

🚫 Don’t Plant Too Deep – Burying the trunk invites rot and disease.

🚫 Don’t Skip the Water – Even drought-tolerant trees need help establishing.

🚫 Don’t Over-Mulch – Avoid the “mulch volcano.” Keep mulch 2–4" deep, away from the trunk.

🚫 Don’t Forget to Stake (When Needed) – In windy areas, support young trees—but remove stakes after 1 year to avoid trunk damage.

🚫 Don’t Crowd Utilities or Driveways – Know where lines and concrete are before you dig.

Trees & Real Estate Value 🌿💰

When done right, tree planting is one of the most cost-effective upgrades for homeowners. They grow in beauty, usefulness, and value year after year.

🔹 Enhances listing photos – Trees give homes a welcoming, lived-in feel.

🔹 Inspires buyers – Shaded yards, privacy, and mature landscaping are high on buyers’ wish lists.

🔹 Saves buyers money – Energy-efficient landscaping is a bonus in West Texas heat.

Communities We Proudly Serve 🌾

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these vibrant West Texas communities: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group 🏠

📌 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock & West Texas real estate listings, tips, and resources.

📌 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – Learn about our team and view homes for sale.

📌 One Ford Road Community – Discover upscale homes in this exclusive Lubbock neighborhood.

📌 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized real estate services for Lubbock & South Plains.

📌 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Virtual home tours, market insights, and expert tips.

Let’s Plant Something That Lasts 🌳💫

A single tree can offer shade, beauty, comfort—and value—for generations. Whether you're selling, settling in, or just dreaming of a prettier yard, the right tree in the right spot makes all the difference.

As your trusted Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, I’m here to help you grow something that lasts—from roots to results.

📞 Contact me today and let’s turn your yard—and your real estate goals—into something strong and beautiful.

Planting more than just roots—Top West Texas Realtor Lainie Eilenberger adds value one tree at a time, helping clients grow beauty and equity in every home.

Finding the Perfect Home & The Comfort of Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

What makes a house feel like home? Maybe it’s the rhythm of a cast iron skillet on the stovetop, the scent of cream gravy filling the air, or the familiar sound of laughter around the dinner table. A home—like a good plate of chicken fried steak—is meant to bring comfort, create memories, and satisfy the soul. Whether you’re searching for a space to grow your family or a cozy kitchen to serve up Southern classics, West Texas has a home waiting for you—with the charm and flavor that only this part of the country can provide.

Classic Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 4 cube steaks (tenderized round steak)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup of reserved pan drippings

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 to 2½ cups milk

• Salt and plenty of black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Steaks:

1. Pat steaks dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. In one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk.

4. Dip each steak into the flour, then the egg mixture, then back into the flour, pressing gently to coat well.

5. Heat oil in a deep skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat.

6. Fry steaks for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.

   
   

Make the Gravy:

1. Carefully pour off most of the oil, reserving 1/4 cup of the drippings.

2. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.

3. Gradually whisk in milk and continue to stir until thickened.

4. Season with salt and a generous amount of black pepper.

   
   

Plate up your chicken fried steak, ladle on that warm, peppery gravy, and you’ve got a taste of Texas tradition that’ll stick to your bones and warm your heart.

Real Estate & the Flavor of Home

Just like a plate of chicken fried steak, the perfect home is rich in comfort, full of personality, and made to be shared. Whether you’re dreaming of a spacious farmhouse kitchen, a cozy breakfast nook, or a place with just the right porch for watching the sunset, I’ll help you find the home that feels like it was made for you.

Real Estate Tip:

Buying a home is a lot like cooking—start with quality ingredients (great location, solid construction, local insight) and follow a trusted recipe. The secret to success? Partnering with a Realtor who knows the local market like the back of their hand and keeps your goals front and center every step of the way.

Why West Texas Feels Like Family

There’s something about West Texas that makes everything taste better and feel warmer. Maybe it’s the pride we take in hard work, or the way neighbors become lifelong friends. It’s a place where memories are made and traditions are passed down—just like that secret family recipe.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these beautiful West Texas communities: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group

🔹 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock and West Texas real estate listings, tips, and resources.

🔹 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – Meet our team and browse current homes for sale.

🔹 One Ford Road Community – Discover luxury homes in one of Lubbock’s most desirable neighborhoods.

🔹 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Real estate with heart and hustle in Lubbock and the South Plains.

🔹 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Tour homes, learn about the market, and get expert advice.

Your Home, Your Comfort, Your Future

A home should be like a warm, home-cooked meal—comforting, fulfilling, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating, or looking to upgrade, I’d be honored to help you find the perfect place to call home in West Texas.

📩 Reach out today—and let’s get cookin’ on your real estate journey!

There’s no place like home—especially when it smells like chicken fried steak cooking in a West Texas kitchen. At Key & Slate Real Estate Group, Lainie Eilenberger helps you find a home full of charm, comfort, and the kind of kitchen where Southern traditions are passed down and shared.