Texicureans

Shelly Spivey  Daisy Dukes BBQ 300 TX-21, Caldwell, TX 77836 From renowned and seasoned, I visited an “up and comer” hard working, young woman pitmaster in Caldwell, Texas.  Shelly Spivey, blonde, blue-eyed, and “5 foot nothing”, is the owner and pitmaster of Daisy Dukes BBQ. “Here at Daisy Dukes, we… Read more

The grand finale to a night of GerTexican fusion includes decadent chocolate cake, whipped cream, and tequila infused cherries. Yum! What at evening at Krause’s Cafe with Alex Meixner and Chef Boomer Acuna. Thank you Chris Snider for hosting us. What a night!  P.S. Get your own apron here. “Everything… Read more

For the culinary curious, something exciting is happening in New Braunfels. Think you’ve seen (and tasted) it all? Well, have you ever had cilantro and sauerkraut in the same dish? Accomplished musician and now New Braunfels local Alex Meixner, along with executive chef Boomer Acuna are selling out “GerTexican” experiences… Read more

If you like black-eyed peas, you will probably love purple hull peas!  A southern grown delight, they are actually classified as a bean, are high in protein and fiber, and are raised here in Texas.  I found fresh frozen purple hull grown from Sides Pea Farm in Canton, Texas at… Read more

Strawberries – just the very mention of this delectable, soft, red berry conjures up sweet thoughts. Good News: April is the peak season for this Texas delight. Poteet is the strawberry capital of Texas, and with over 20 growers in the area, you have the option to pick your own… Read more

I’ve always wanted to cover this food genre. So what did I need? Well, first a Farm. Second, a friend who appreciates ingredients and wants to have some fun. Cue Megen Litzenberger. Come along as we travel to Cielito Lindo Farm in Johnson City and connect back in my kitchen… Read more

If you’re looking for a single side dish to add to that Guinness Reduction Pork Roast recipe from last week – here’s your answer:  Colconnan Potatoes.  Potatoes are an Irish specialty and incorporating cabbage into them, creates a  tastefully beautiful dish.  Of course, a little bacon and a little butter certainly… Read more

St. Patrick’s Day is a feast with deep cultural and religious roots. Like many other holidays, secular culture has taken it for a ride. Green beer and green beads does not an Irish make. But who doesn’t want an excuse to cook, pour a Guinness, and transport to those verdant… Read more

Many times, the simple things in life are the best things in life.  I think this is particularly true with children. Celebrating Valentines as a family when you have young children around creates a beautiful memory.  Why not make it special by designing a meal in the form of a… Read more

My niece, Emily Williams, and I started Texicureans because of our mutual love of the foods and cultures that make Texas like no other. During the last three years we have joined friends in many Texas home kitchens and ventured to their culinary cultural destination counter parts. We learned how… Read more

This month we are celebrating Texans who made it to the White House.  Lady Bird Johnson, Texan, and wife of the 36th President of the United States served this yummy lemon pound cake at her daughter Luci’s wedding in 1966.  She probably baked it in a bundt pan, but we took… Read more

It’s tough to find a more place-based culture than Texas. Evidence of that can be found in the comradery akin to family when you meet another Texan in a different state or especially abroad. Simply put, a fellow Texan can make you feel home. It’s no surprise that when President… Read more

Texas pecans are supremely the very best!  Add dark chocolate, and you have a healthy, satisfying treat.   I like to buy at least 60% dark chocolate chips for that rich strong element.  Buying your pecans at the grocery store is ok, but if you can purchase from a local… Read more

This is where the creaminess of pumpkin filling meets the crunchy sweetness of pecans in one dreamy slice. I actually tell you how to prepare a fresh sugar pumpkin – those small couple-pound pumpkins sold specifically for this purpose.  The freshness of roasted pumpkin pulp can’t be beat.  You can… Read more

My friend M’Lissa Steel has deep roots to Fayette County. Her Great-Grandfather, William Loessin was Sheriff of Fayette County from 1925-1946. Even before that, her Great Great Great Uncle, August Loessin, was the Sheriff. My own Dad spent some time at the historic courthouse as a Federal Social Security Claims… Read more

Spaetzle – its a celebration of all things Octoberfest!  Join me as we examine the many possibilities of this versatile German pasta.  Think of it as your side dish instead of potatoes, pasta, or rice.  It also can become a main by adding sliced sausage.  My daughter-in-law adds sautéed mushrooms… Read more

Mac ‘n Cheese – It’s classic; it’s comforting; kids as well as adults love it!  By simply swapping out cauliflower for the pasta, you add nutrition as well as cut carbs.  The cauliflower actually gives it a little crunch and it will still satisfy that melted cheesy craving.  In true… Read more

You may think of potato soup as a quintisential German dish, but did you know Asparagus soup (which typically includes potatoes) is also popular?  Asparagus gradually made its way to Germany in the 1500’s.  Currently the Deutsch are the 4th largest producer in the world.  When you are in Germany… Read more

We still have warm days that call for a refreshing drink.  For a change of pace, try Jamaica or Hibiscus tea. It’s healthy for you, has a lot of vitamins and its a beautiful, refreshing drink. Simply add the dried hibiscus flowers to boiled water with a little sugar, a… Read more

  Chiles en Nogada Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 45 minsCook Time 30 mins Servings 6 Ingredients  Base Ingredients8 medium poblano peppers1 pomegranate fruit1 small bunch of finely chopped parsleyPicadillo Ingredients (meat filling)2 lbs extra lean ground beef1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil1 red or white onion, finely chopped3 garlic cloves, finely chopped5 roma rip tomatoes, blended into a smooth… Read more

If you have ever raised zucchini you have probably had this happen:  You walk into the garden and discover the gargantuan of all zucchini that was previously hidden under a leaf! So, what to do?  Here’s an idea that is a crowd pleaser and healthy at the same time:  Zucchini… Read more

Texas is a plethora of adventures waiting to be explored. Rivers, lakes, hills, forests, and trails all await our discovery. Being physically ready to tackle a hike, navigate a river in a kayak or enjoy a day walking the beach, simply makes it more enjoyable. Below  Jessi Oehler shares with… Read more

Megan Traeger, an experienced RV’er spent 6 weeks last summer with her family of four traversing the US National parks. Lucky for us, she is sharing her hacks for meal planning on the road. When traveling, she likes to have the ingredients handy and easy to snag. So, she packs… Read more

This tangy Cole slaw can be used as a side dish or you can add protein for a complete lunch. I use local Texas honey, Texas olive oil, and a good apple cider vinegar with the “mother”. A huge plus of this salad is that it will last two weeks… Read more

In 1690, the Spanish headed to East Texas after news of La Salle’s French settlements. Here they encountered the Caddo Indians, who they called “Tejas”. This was derived from the Caddoan word for friend and pronounced: “Tay-yas” Spain forever left its mark on Texas. Tortilla Española, or Spanish omelet, is… Read more

Click here to watch the video! This simple piece of tape says so much – I pulled out this pie plate and there it was: My Mom’s name on the bottom of the pie plate. This means she brought a pie to our house at one time. (and I forgot… Read more

Spanish Mission Trail and Soup This next Texicureans adventure is full- out-fun. We biked the Spanish Mission Trail, stopped at a brewery, and topped it off learning how to make authentic Spanish soup from Maite Aguirre-Ortega. Our loyal readers may have noticed a trend in these articles. Texicureans’ mission is… Read more

Spring just calls for a coconut cream pie! Until you’ve enjoyed a homemade version – you really haven’t tasted a true coconut cream. The coconut outshines the sugar to leave you satisfied without that sweet bite. This recipe doesn’t really take long: I buy the shells that you unroll and… Read more

When is the last time you stood outside, boots digging into the earth, and soaked in the colors all around you? Gardening is grounding. Literally. There is beauty in the dirt. It’s that time of year when sunshine warms the air, and our thoughts turn toward new beginnings. It’s a… Read more

  Braised Greens Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 5 minsCook Time 10 mins Ingredients  1 bunch greens – Kale, Collards, Chard, Spinach1-2 tbsp EVOO – Texas brand preferred for freshness1 Leek or 1/4 cup chopped onion2 tsp garlic Instructions Wash greens. Remove tough stems if desired. Cut into 2 inch lengths.Heart a pan over high heat; reduce heat… Read more

Roquefort cheese is considered the “King of Cheese” in France. It was the first cheese to actually have an AOC designation. Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, or AOC, is a French food-labeling term that protects the style, ingredients, and origin of a product. The milk has to come from a certain breed… Read more

Texas Sheet Cake with a little spice take the form of cupcakes for an easy grab an go serving at a get-together. This is a classic staple in Texas kitchens and at events with family and friends. Lady Bird Johnson was even known to serve Texas Sheet cake to guests… Read more

My friend Jean Tellkamp is the queen of hospitality. My husband and I have been guests for dinner at her and her husband Scott’s home a number of times, and every occasion is a special event. Her carefully thought-out menu, pulled from her extensive collection of cookbooks, is always complimented… Read more

If you would like to really “wow” your guests or fellow revelers on New Year’s Eve, this savory cookie is the answer! My friend Sandi Mueller, former educator turned baker extraordinaire – turned me on to this delight. She piqued my interest when she said she had never served anything… Read more

Certain holidays have their lists of “expected” dishes. The green bean casserole is one of those that appears every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Green beans are a crown pleaser from children to adults, but the traditional recipe is not exactly the healthiest. This recipe takes a small bite out of tradition,… Read more

Whether preparing appetizers for your family gathering, or for literally 500, these stuffed grape leaves are the ticket! I have always loved them, but considered it an abominable task to make them. Join me with Jo Ann Andera as she demystifies their fairly simple preparation and learn about the Lebanese… Read more

Texas pecans make just about anything great. And when you toast them, it’s amazing. This chicken salad has the requisite celery and onions, but then you add green grapes, toasted pecans and a sprinkle of dill – Yum is the word! I especially like the combination of sour cream and… Read more

They do not get nearly the attention of the jalapeno , but poblano peppers are super charged with flavor. The poblano (or also called Ancho) pepper is my favorite pepper because they have that great pepper taste but are much milder.  They are great for adding just a touch of zing to… Read more

Ahhhhh, just the mention of meatloaf conjures up a happy experience. In this New Braunfels cemetery, a woman is given the best compliment even as a memorial! Enjoy this healthy version that promises to comfort you in all your earthly problems – in the first few bites. Colorful Meatloaf Print… Read more

Charles Salsman, who spent his childhood years in El Paso, shares this simple Saturday morning brunch recipe. Typically using items found in the fridge, this is a super recipe to turn left-overs into a spectacular presentation. And did I mention that it is super yummy? El Paso Migas Print Recipe… Read more

This recipe comes as a request from my fitness coach, Jessi Prochaska at Lokal Strength. Her dedication to whole body health extends to the “fuel” with which we regenerate. This recipe checks many of the boxes for healthy eating and basically is a meal in a bowl.Here’s to Jessi and… Read more

Even though our winters are fairly mild in Texas, the fragrance of a slow cooked meal on a dreary January day is heavenly. Veggie-loaded Slow Cooked Osso Bucco is one of those dishes that is easy to prepare and full of slow roasted veggies. I especially like this Italian inspired… Read more

The pecan tree was declared the state tree of Texas in 1919. It is native to Texas and produces the state’s only commercially-grown nut. Infuse these pecans with a late-comer Texas bourbon whiskey and you have a delectable dessert. I chose Rebecca Creek Bourbon Whiskey for this bourbon-infused pecan pie,… Read more

“Absolutely best chocolate cake you have ever made” resonated around the birthday celebration table for my son.  For his birthday every year, I have the pleasure of making my youngest Son’s favorite desert – German Chocolate Cake.  This year, he has gone gluten-free, so I was forced to experiment with… Read more

slath·er Meaning: To spread or smear (a substance) thickly or liberally. This word says it all for this recipe! No need to say more except that its a lot of bang for your time. Gruyere-Slathered Cauliflower Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minsCook Time 15 mins Servings 6 Ingredients  1 head cauliflower3 tbsp butter3 tbsp flour1½ cups half-and-half… Read more

The exotic soup that will feel right at home in your kitchen: Pho. Hear me out on this one. The broth is one of those “all day”, one lazy Saturday endeavors that pays in big flavor. And, it’s really an enjoyable dish to serve your family or to share a… Read more

Although we may not have a tremendous amount of Fall Color in Texas, the cooler weather conjures images of haystacks, pumpkins, and chrysanthemums. A sweet culinary rendition of these musings are “Haystacks”. This chocolate version (if its not chocolate, it’s not desert, right?) has a spicy element. You can leave… Read more

It’s that “tweener” time of year – from repressively hot to intoxicatingly cool: The fresh aroma of mornings with a cup of coffee in hand, donning a hoodie when headed out for a morning workout, and basking in the sun over the noon hour: early autumn in Texas means sunny… Read more

Maybe its some long lost connection to my Italian roots (Pace – my maiden name is originally an Italian surname) but I adore Gorgonzola – actually crave it.  So, this beet recipe that uses this yummy of all cheeses fulfills healthy and cheesy cravings.  Beets are in my CSA right… Read more

In Texas, the trees got lost……. Lost Pines, Lost Maples – where did they come from????? Near Lost Maples State Park is the quintessential Texas town of Utopia. Recently my husband, I and our friends the Hurleys played 9 holes at the Utopia golf course – made famous by the… Read more

Probably one of my most memorablehigh School teachers was Mr. Chris. Thiswas short for a much longer Greek name, but his preferred name as he said wewould probably never be able to pronounce his whole surname. Mr. Chris taught High School WorldHistory with all the nuances and secrets that made… Read more

This slice of heaven recipe comes from a childhood neighbor in Austin. Diana and Doyle were high school sweethearts from Wink, Texas. I loved hearing about their life in this far west Texas oil boom town. What I loved even better was her walking over with this heavenly pie!  It’s… Read more

Spicy Peach Jam Take a beautiful Texas Fredericksburg peach, add some sugar and a little heat in the form of hot peppers and voila:  sweet and spicy combine into a full burst of flavor.  The wonderful thing about this canned spicy confection is that it can be used a variety… Read more

Rosemary Peach Preserves Rosemary is one of those perfect plants to have in your Texas landscape:  Deer will typically leave it alone, it survives with less water than other plants, and it’s a ready herb for cooking.  Try it infused in a white wine; sprinkle it on roasted potatoes or… Read more