Texicureans

Spring time just says it is the season for coconut pie! I love anything coconut and well, a coconut cream pie – that is just the ultimate.  This recipe uses coconut milk and unsweetened shredded coconut for a beautiful creamy but not too sweet desert. Also, any fear of making… Read more

Sometimes a good tuna salad is just what your palate is yearning for!  It’s great to have on hand for lunches and the possibilities are endless for ways to enjoy it.  My favorite is to quarter a large tomato and place a scoop right in the middle of the tomato.… Read more

Every Monday in the small Lee County community of Serbin, Texas, four ladies of Wendish descent gather to prepare 200 pounds of noodles that will be sold locally and all over the United States as a fundraiser for their beloved Texas Wendish Heritage Museum. You may say, “Who are the… Read more

The fresh lemon juice and zest brings this linguine alive.  Sprinkle in some fresh basil, garlic and EVOO and you will just say, “Yum”! Great alongside baked fish or chicken, or you can throw in some shrimp or crab meat. I like to buy imported Italian pasta due to the… Read more

Chocolate Truffles and Texas Justice Who would have thought that a Texas District Judge would be a hobby Confectioner?  Well let me introduce you to The Honorable Judge Stephanie Bascon! Judge Bascon worked for a candy confectioner in college and has honed her skills through the years as an avocation. … Read more

This complete meal in a slow cooker will warm you up!  You can even throw it all together over the noon hour, slow cook on high, and have ready for dinner.  I love the Italian sausage and Italian flavorings that lend just enough spice.  You can also double the sausage… Read more

This time of year calls for finger foods – and here’s one that is quick to prepare, is yummy, and could actually fall into the healthy category. You simply slice celery into 4″ lengths, stuff with cream cheese, and top with a thin slice of smoked salmon.  A sprinkle of… Read more

Fruitcake of the Future Fruitcake —- the controversial culinary dessert that conjures up more divided opinions than politics. Some find it tasty, colorful and a requisite for a truly nostalgic holiday. The other side? Well, they see it as dense, too sweet, and only a byproduct of yesteryear’s limited food… Read more

Texas State “Star Mushroom” and a Chef Inspired Risotto What do the Bluebonnet and the Pecan tree have in common? Well, if you grew up here you know they are official Texas state symbols. Bonus points if you also know the Mockingbird is the official state bird. Like many of… Read more

Pumpkins are everywhere right now!   You’ve probably noticed the small sweet “pumpkin pie” ones and thought – well it’s not quite time for a pumpkin pie.  BUT, hold on tight – this salad is a tasty way to enjoy all the nutrients that pumpkin has to offer in a… Read more

A Soup for the Soul    Here comes Fall! The illusive cooler breeze, evening fires, and hearty recipes we look forward to every year. October also signals that more family time is near as we approach the holiday season. As Texans, the only thing that can come close to matching… Read more

Let’s talk fast food.  Then add a gourmet touch.  Fish is your answer! Thawed quickly by placing in a bowl of hot water, fish is one of the fastest main dishes you can prepare.  You literally can’t hop in your car, get in the fast food restaurant line, and be… Read more

Sometimes I just like a one dish meal in the Summer.  OK, and what if that one dish could help you escape to the hills of Italy? I always recommend Texas products as much as possible, but I truly love to buy pasta that is from Italy.  The ancient grains… Read more

If you are like me, I gravitate to Orange chicken or Orange “anything” at an Asian restaurant.  You may not have thought of substituting tofu as your protein in this dish – I certainly had not before tasting this fabulous recipe from my friend, Victoria Sears. Tofu has no taste… Read more

This pie brings back great memories for me!  My mom made it quite often – she always had fresh mint on hand.  I literally thought the recipe had become lost, but I found it at the very back of her card file. When I made it for my family, it… Read more

I love this cocktail for many reasons – always good to get blueberries in your diet, it makes two servings, AND it is fresh and simple. The color is beautiful – a rich hue that just says “chillin out in summer”! Quite frankly – you can use a muddler  (I… Read more

Cool, refreshing, and literally lunch in a bowl – this chilled soup will make your warm summer days happy! Cucumbers combined with dill and tarragon give depth of flavor.  The yogurt is full of protein.  And throw in some Texas olive oil – YUM! Fresh dill is amazing in this… Read more

Biscuits: Yum.  Biscuits with a herb butter: Amazing! A food processor and simply dropping the biscuits make prep super easy.  And melding the herbs into butter is a fragrant gift. For brunch you can add an egg dish.  For lunch – a salad.  And for dinner – well that Soul… Read more

Elegant, rich, and definitely fit for a special occasion: This recipe was passed down through the Sam and Margaret Houston family.  It has been published many times – the first thought to be in the 1941 Blue Bird Circle Cookbook.  The Texas Imperial Sugar Company also featured it in several of… Read more

A tasty recipe from the tough and legendary Margaret Lea Houston  Texas women are strong. That’s no secret. Don’t think so? Well, have you met one? As Texicureans, we love to blend our curiosity of history and food together to give you a good story. We went to Burleson County… Read more

Are you celebrating the eclipse with friends or family? Emily has created a board that is easy and thematic! Using a round of brie to represent the moon with a round of cheddar sticking out in partial eclipse of the sun fashion – you can use your creativity or follow… Read more

“Good Morning!” says this quiche! A great make-ahead dish for Easter morning, you can bake it, freeze it, and pull it out the evening before just to pop it in the oven for a quick warm up. Since it has ham, eggs, and veggies – you’re covered for breakfast or… Read more

Celebrating Texas Independence Day Many people have attempted to identify what exactly makes Texas, well Texas? At Texicureans, we celebrate all of the unique cultures that contribute to our state’s culinary pallet. We like to say Texas is much more than BBQ and Tex-Mex. But this month, we are going… Read more

Sometimes you just need a good casserole recipe.  Some obvious reasons are to make and take, to make and freeze, or to make and consume the next day with little preparation. Someone brought this to my bible study and the raves were through the roof!  I’ve modified it to include… Read more

Sissy Preston – WSET Level 3 Certified Wine Consultant, generously shares her vast knowledge of wine with Texicureans and YOU!  Enjoy and thank you, Sissy! “Valentine’s day is around the corner and the city will be filled with lover’s holding hands and strolling the streets, sipping wine in corner booths… Read more

Today, I’m going to ask you think “bright orange”.  (Aggies – stay with me!) When it comes to food preparation, simple can be amazing.  Today’s recipe fits that mode, while being packed with nutrition. Acorn squash is a beautiful, nutritious complex carbohydrate.  That bright orange meat is full of vitamins… Read more

Chinese New Year Sui Mai Recipe  It’s January in Texas. By now, you’ve probably stored away your twinkle lights and New Years hats. Not so fast, a dragon is approaching February 10, 2024 to herald the Chinese New Year! Specifically, the first day of the Chinese lunisolar calendar is also… Read more

  Eggnog is readily available during the holidays at HEB and other grocers in Texas.  But if you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting home made eggnog – I challenge you to try this recipe.  It’s fresh, light and of course you can control the ingredients. My grandmother always pulled… Read more

Crunch, moist, with a little tang – I love this pie!  So many times cranberries are the accompaniment, but in this pie they are the unadulterated STAR! Cranberries provide sweet and slightly tart flavors while Texas pecans give this pie a delightful crunch! So easy to assemble since there is… Read more

Sometimes a friend shares a recipe that just becomes a season favorite!  This is it for me! A few years ago, my husband, Barry and I were hunting on the 5F Ranch and the owner just happened to mention she was looking so forward to making her favorite fall soup… Read more

  Chili and cornbread, pinto beans and cornbread:  What could a be better pairing?! Texas Ranger, Retired, Frank Malinak’s Chili or Pinto Beans, Instantly both call for cornbread as the perfect accompaniment.  On the trail, a Texas Ranger would have most likely used a cast iron skillet, and quite honestly… Read more

This month, we are celebrating 200 years of Texas Rangers history! Retired Texas Ranger Frank Malinak shared his chili recipe.  He made it “sans” the beans.  But on the trail, dried beans were easy for early Texas Rangers to carry and prepare in a large dutch oven over a fire.… Read more

Wine, mushrooms, and thyme combine for a meal worthy of your family or company! Another Tyler Junior League cookbook rendition, I’ve prepared this dish for my family for many years and it always pleases.  Here’s a hint, if you haven’t finished a bottle of wine in a couple of days,… Read more

Spicy with cayenne, these crispy cheese crackers boast only five ingredients.  And they freeze well to pull out for quick wine accompaniment. Another Tyler Junior League cookbook recipe, this traditional southern fare is worth revitalizing when you have left over cheese that needs to be used.  Or simply snag a… Read more

I spent a lovely afternoon with Tyler native daughter, Anna Katheryn Schultz.  A 5th generation Texan, her great-grandfather in the 1920’s was one of the founding members of the Rose industry in Tyler.  The sandy, acidic soil on their land was perfect for roses and he began shipping roses world-wide… Read more

Colorful, easy, and with only three ingredients – this salad will stand the test of a shower, luncheon, or dinner party.  And its just an easy recipe for your home meals. When my Mom was running the wedding shower/bridesmaid luncheon circuit with her friends, this salad was a mainstay.  It… Read more

“North to Alaska” I can hear the 1960’s movie theme song setting the background for this iconic western.  Sam McCord along with George and Billy Pratt hear the call to adventure and cross the Yukon river in 1892 in search of gold below a mountain southeast of Nome. In true… Read more

What tastes better in the summer than peach cobbler?  This recipe makes use of a couple hacks to simplify prep. Hack #1: Buy H-E-B bag of frozen sliced peaches – a 5 pound bag is perfect for this recipe Hack #2:  Use 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, roll out… Read more

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 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes 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… 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 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes 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;… 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 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes mins Servings… 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