Recipes and Essays

Smoking A Thanksgiving Turkey, “Guajolote Ahumado”

Smoking A Thanksgiving Turkey, “Guajolote Ahumado”

Karla McLaughlin continues a practice that began here in 800 B.C., the domestication of turkeys.  I’m grateful to Karen who drove all the way from Montgomery to my home in Houston to deliver this 15 pound organic-fed, free-roaming turkey and two pork loins.  She generously 

Crockpot Carne Guisada – Guacamole Salsa

Crockpot Carne Guisada – Guacamole Salsa

You can make crockpot carne guisada at night or in the morning.  In the morning I place all the ingredients in a crockpot, low heat. When it’s ready at suppertime I make a quick, fresh salsa that has bits of avocado, giving this taco a 

Fried Chile De Arbol Salsa

Fried Chile De Arbol Salsa

The variations are many for developing flavor in chiles for adobos, moles or salsas. In this salsa, the flavor of the Chile De Arbol is deepened by frying it together with onion and garlic. When it is served, the black flecks in the salsa make 

“Truly Texas Mexican” Dishes Help Raise Money For Libraries

“Truly Texas Mexican” Dishes Help Raise Money For Libraries

One of the pleasures, honors really, that this book has brought me is to be able to help raise funds for libraries.  Last month the L3 committee of dedicated volunteers raised funds for the San Antonio Library Latino Resources Center. The glittering evening was amazing 

Fricos With A Touch Of Chile

Fricos With A Touch Of Chile

Serve these little curved wafers with sparkling wine. The lace-work texture is crispy, light, and perfect for enjoying the subtle flavors of wine. Parmesan cheese and black pepper are a natural combination, and I add a little chile de arbol to brighten things a bit.  

Camarón y Calabacita – Shrimp with Squash Noodles

Camarón y Calabacita – Shrimp with Squash Noodles

Sometimes, when you want a break from wheat and gluten, you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes that harken back to the days before wheat was grown in the Americas. This is one of them:  Shrimp with Tatuma Squash Noodles, “Camarón y Calabacita.”  The 

Texas Mexican Breakfast:  Migas con Chile

Texas Mexican Breakfast: Migas con Chile

Migas is a traditional Texas Mexican breakfast.  I’d like to see more kitchens preparing it because it’s 1.  zesty and delicious, 2.  high in easily digestible protein1, 3. low-fat, and 4. rich in vitamins and minerals. The word means crumbs and it refers to the 

Agua de Jamaica, Hibiscus

Agua de Jamaica, Hibiscus

 Agua de Jamaica is as colorful as it is refreshing.  I love the delicious tart taste. It is enjoyed all over Mexico and Central America.  Hibiscus flowers boiled in water with a little sugar, that’s all it is.  I suggest you make and taste this 

Mayonesa Texana – Chipotle/Yerbaniz Mayonnaise

Mayonesa Texana – Chipotle/Yerbaniz Mayonnaise

This mayonnaise has a pinkish color from chipotles and a robust aroma that comes from yerbaniz, an herb that is sometimes called Mexican mint marigold.  I think “Mayonesa Texana” is an apt name because the chipotle and yerbaniz together give it a Texas Mexican profile.Southern 

Chile Relleno – Stuffed Poblano Chiles

Chile Relleno – Stuffed Poblano Chiles

This is a dish for dinner parties. The picture was taken by my dear friend, renowned visual artist Cesar Martínez, during a dinner at the CIA Nao Restaurant in San Antonio. Chef Gerónimo López and his CIA staff prepared a full dinner, with appetizers, featuring