On Food & Culture
It was in Peru where I enjoyed a Pastel de Papa that was earthy, flavorful, no pretensions. A potato (papa) and meat dish that you want to eat all day long! La papa (not the Catholic pope) was first cultivated up in the Andes about […]
Squash Blossoms abound here in Spring and Summer. Not surprising since the squash is native to Mexico where the flower, Flor de Calabaza, has many delicious uses in tamales, quesadillas and soups. The Europeans fell in love with them and were delighted that this little […]
This french onion tart is a must just plain delicious.Though the French lost out to the Spaniards in their efforts of empire-building in Texas, we nonetheless enjoy their lasting influence on our cuisine. Our traditional wheat roll, bolillo, is French, as is of course the […]
Ejotes Con Achiote is a beautiful way to prepare green beans or haricots verts. The achiote brings out the sweetness and astringency of the orange juice and Jalapeño infused into the green beans. Again, here is an example of how chiles are used not because […]
This Mexican Salad, Ensalada de Bodas, has the beautiful flavor and aroma of Serrano (probably my favorite chile flavor) enveloping the tang of cabbage and radishes. Surprised that the vinaigrette has rice vinegar? Think about the Asian influence in that region. The Mexican salad is […]
Gazpacho is a must in this Texas heat. It’s Spanish, not Mexican, although it uses Mexican ingredients like bell pepper (chile dulce) and tomatoes. I bought tomatoes from the Atkinson Family Farm, a 4th generation family farm. Hurray! Jeni, wife of grandson, Bob, sold them […]
Bruscheta is a crisp and refreshing appetizer for these hot summers. This morning I pinched off some beautiful plump Basil leaves for some Tomato and Basil Bruscheta I’m serving at lunch. I find that in Houston the basil plant has to be in the shade […]