Recipes and Essays

Crab Cakes with Yerbaniz Mayo – Tortas de Jaiba con Mayonesa de Yerbaniz

Crab Cakes with Yerbaniz Mayo – Tortas de Jaiba con Mayonesa de Yerbaniz

From time to time I scan my archives for dishes that I like to “reheat” and share again.  I think you’ll like this recipe because the cakes are super light and crispy.  Last Fall the chef at the Abilene Country Club prepared this for one […]

Chile Dulce Con Queso – Pimento Cheese Spread

Chile Dulce Con Queso – Pimento Cheese Spread

This is a hearty, delicious chile con queso, chile-cheese spread. Yes, it is another of the “chile con queso” variations.  It’s common all across the southern US, known as Pimento Cheese, and it is so beloved that folk get into nasty fights and feuds about […]

Guacamole: from Avocado, from Aguacate, from Aguacatlán

Guacamole: from Avocado, from Aguacate, from Aguacatlán

In Texas, guacamole is omnipresent.  There are as many recipes as there are bragging-prone hermanas and hermanos. I myself not being one to brag,, Ahem.., my recipe is based on 3 simple rules. 1.    Purchase them Green and Hard. Rodolfo Fernandez is the top […]

For All Fathers Anyday: Red Snapper – Huachinango A La Veracruzana

For All Fathers Anyday: Red Snapper – Huachinango A La Veracruzana

I used to cook at a Houston shelter for homeless men and women called Casa Juan Diego.  The shelter is a project of “The Catholic Worker” movement, and it includes a residence for homeless refugees and immigrants, men with advanced cases of AIDS.  One of […]

Frijoles Borrachos, Frijoles Charros – Drunken Beans, Charro Beans

Frijoles Borrachos, Frijoles Charros – Drunken Beans, Charro Beans

Dishes have provenance and memory. The most mouth-watering and delicious ones evoke family, context and relationships. The recipe was initially told to me by my sister, María, when both of us were in our twenties.  It was a delight to have entered the grown-up world […]

“Huevos Indios”- Curried Deviled Eggs

“Huevos Indios”- Curried Deviled Eggs

Serve these at a barbecue as appetizers, and make sure to make plenty.  They’re also great for an evening party because you can store them in the fridge until you’re guests arrive.  The zing comes from not just the curry but also from the capers.  […]

The Texas Mexican Table–5 Reasons Why It’s Ancient, and Also New

The Texas Mexican Table–5 Reasons Why It’s Ancient, and Also New

Texas Mexican cuisine is at the heart of our community.  Like us, it has roots going back 10,000 years, and also like us, it is ever evolving, ever new. “Camarón Con Tomate y Chile” is an example.  I made this with ingredients that are native […]

Hispanic Women’s Network Of Texas hosts “Truly Texas Mexican” Reception

Hispanic Women’s Network Of Texas hosts “Truly Texas Mexican” Reception

A Reading from the book, “Truly Texas Mexican: A Native Culinary Heritage In Recipes”, followed by a Chef’s Tasting Menu featuring dishes from the recipes in the book. All proceeds benefit the HWNT Scholarship Fund. Click here for Info  [pdf_attachment file=”1″ name=”A Reading and Tasting […]

“Fideo” Is A Texas Mexican Classic

“Fideo” Is A Texas Mexican Classic

Fideo is a delicious family favorite and one that emphasizes our native tomato.  I first wrote about this some years ago, but decided to post this recipe again because I suddenly realized that our “Fideo” probably predates the Italian dish,  spaghetti with tomato sauce.This realization […]

Sandía Con Campari- Watermelon Campari Sorbet

Sandía Con Campari- Watermelon Campari Sorbet

Looking through my archives, found this delicious, refreshing dessert for your next dinner party. The watermelon is native to Africa.  We call  it  “sandía,” and consider it  a Texas Mexican staple, as any Mexican-American family will tell you.  Africa figures prominently in all Latina, Latino […]