Recipes and Essays

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 

“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