Recipes and Essays

Buñuelos for New Year’s Eve

Buñuelos for New Year’s Eve

Want to wish you a new year full, “llenísimo de lo bueno que nos da dios,” of health, love and safe surround.  I awoke early and made these buñuelos, remembering my younger days with amá, apá and all my brother and sisters. These are as 

An Evening of Texas Mexican Food, Film and Meaning

An Evening of Texas Mexican Food, Film and Meaning

If you are near Houston, Texas we hope you will join us for an art happening that integrates film and food.  Hosted by The Aurora Picture Show, this evening event explores and celebrates the aesthetic ways in which both film and food serve to promote 

Chorizo Tacos

Chorizo Tacos

Sometimes you just feel like indulging.  These chorizo tacos  are weekend festive events, a taste that bursts with tang, spice, no-fuss enjoyment. Be sure to add Jalapeños en escabeche (pickled jalapeños) to continue the vinegar of the chorizo and add a piquant lift.  This recipe 

Tamales De Frijol, Texas Mexican Bean Tamales

Tamales De Frijol, Texas Mexican Bean Tamales

Hello, fellow Vegans, welcome to traditional vegan cuisine, an oft-overlooked dimension of Texas Mexican cuisine.  These bean tamales are in every Mexican American home in Texas.  Well I can’t make such an absolute statement, but I can say that  they were definitely in my home 

Puerco en Chile Colorado, Red Chile Pork

Puerco en Chile Colorado, Red Chile Pork

Puerco En Chile Colorado is one of the iconic Texas Mexican dishes that is shared with other regions, especially the northern regions of Mexico, each region of course having its slight variations.  I grew up with this on our table, whenever we could afford meat, 

Chalupas, Interactive Party Food

Chalupas, Interactive Party Food

Chalupas are made even more delicious when you can compose them yourself, satisfying your taste urges and personal preferences. You deserve to get what you want, so interact with the ingredients, live it up!  Caveat: refried beans always form the bottom layer of the chalupa. 

Guisado de Maíz, Fresh Corn Sauté

Guisado de Maíz, Fresh Corn Sauté

“Do the Basics Brilliantly!” That was the constant mantra of my chef instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Hinnerk Von Bargen. It was also the oral and lived tradition at home: “pon atención!” I learned care and technique from the “práctica” at my 

For Christmas, A delicious book about Tamales secrets, recipes

For Christmas, A delicious book about Tamales secrets, recipes

A delicious read, this little book comes out of San Antonio, renowned center of Texas Mexican cuisine.   The title is apt and humorously intriguing: “Tamales, Comadres, And The Meaning of Civilization.”   A brilliant publishing move by award-winning Bryce Milligan’s WingsPress (www.wingspress.com), this unique and 

Salsa, Chile de Arbol

Salsa, Chile de Arbol

When you want an aromatic salsa on the table, use this Chile De Arbol. Native Mexican, of course, its flavor is similar to that of the Serrano.  But unlike the Serrano, chile de arbol is used mainly in its dried form.  The name “chile of 

Mushroom & Gruyère Omelet

Mushroom & Gruyère Omelet

This morning I woke up slowly, had my coffee in bed, then strolled into the kitchen to find Cremini mushrooms and a bit of that wonderfully melting, subtle-tasting Gruyère cheese (Swiss). That’s a winning combination for an omelet that will make you feel like you’ve