Recipes and Essays

“Tortas De Camarón Molido”- powdered shrimp cakes

“Tortas De Camarón Molido”- powdered shrimp cakes

When the Catholic religion arrived in Texas in the 16th century, it gave rise to recipes that are in tune with the Catholic Church’s liturgical year.  Today being “Good Friday” (commemorating the ignominious torture and death of Jesus Christ) I’m making one very traditional and […]

Hibiscus Drink, “Agua De Jamaica”

Hibiscus Drink, “Agua De Jamaica”

Here’s a recipe from my archives.  It’s one of our traditional aguas frescas and perhaps the most famous.  I’m re-posting it in honor of the beautiful, warmer spring weather we’re starting to enjoy here in Texas.It’s simple to make and a delight when you are […]

Finalist, “Book Of The Year”- Truly Texas Mexican

Finalist, “Book Of The Year”- Truly Texas Mexican

Just Announced: Foreword Reviews note: “Recipes and personal anecdotes illuminate the role that cuisine plays in identity and community.” Texas Mexican Cookbook Is Finalist, “Book Of The Year” Chef and author, Adán Medrano, has been named a finalist in the INDIEFAB Book of the Year […]

Fried Chile Serrano Salsa

Fried Chile Serrano Salsa

Chile Serrano is my favorite chile.  I eat it raw at lunch or dinner,  biting into the green chile, herbaceous and refreshing.  A large variety of salsas feature Serrano and here, it’s fried, so the taste is rustic.  The tomatoes are also cooked.Chile derives from […]

Red Enchilada For St. Valentine’s Day

Red Enchilada For St. Valentine’s Day

Enchiladas are delicious and delicate.  This red enchilada is perfect for romance and to say I love you. I’ve blogged before that to understand an enchilada is to understand our history and community.  The tortilla is not a wrap for filling.  It is the thing itself:  […]

CIA Class: Texas Mexican Cuisine Points  To The Future

CIA Class: Texas Mexican Cuisine Points To The Future

In preparation for my class presentation tomorrow, I’m posting these food ideas. I’ll present the class at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.  Dr. Maureen Costura teaches the course on ancient foods and this class will deal with indigenous culinary practices of Texas […]

“Chili” – Carne Con Chile

“Chili” – Carne Con Chile

Chili, the Tex-Mex version, is different from the original “Carne Con Chile.” What’s Carne Con Chile you say?  It means “Meat With Chile” and it’s one of the oldest and most common Texas Mexican dishes whose technique is shared with all the other regions of […]

“Hoja Santa” Salad

“Hoja Santa” Salad

Let’s start this new year with an innovative use of the wonderfully aromatic herb, Hoja Santa. It’s traditionally always served cooked, but here I make it into a salad, paired with equally aromatic fennel seeds and cold-weather greens. I think that Hoja Santa will become […]

Buñuelos For New Year’s Eve

Buñuelos For New Year’s Eve

Amá would make these every New Year’s eve. I recall having a sense of wonder at how she made ribbons out of tortillas. When I make these now I recall happy times with amá, apá and all my brothers and sisters. These are as “party […]

Cranberry Holiday Cocktail With Rosemary

Cranberry Holiday Cocktail With Rosemary

I served this at a party cranberry holiday cocktail last night…..it was a hit!  It’s a very appropriate cocktail because cranberries are Native American. This holiday cocktail combines tart cranberry flavor with the woodsy, herbal, rosemary.  Based on last night’s tasting, it’s gives a sparkling […]