Texicureans

Fall just calls for apple dishes.  When adding oatmeal, you give it another dimension from a health perspective. You can play with the sugar according to your tastes.  I’ve actually cut the brown sugar in 1/2 with positive results. How do you choose the best apple for baking?  I like… 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

Game Day in Texas   We love our football here in Texas! College game day conjures pictures of tailgates, packed stadiums, and reunions of alumni who shared a common experience at a University.  Even high school football games are revered – what other state had a show like “Friday Night… 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

Nutrition – it is a broad subject that encompasses numerous ideologies and beliefs.  Our culture and heritage dictate many of these customs,while others are formed from intensive research.   My personal story was distinctly formed by my Mother’s lifelong interest in nutrition.  A Registered Nurse by vocation, she had a deep… 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

What’s the buzz all about, Charlie Bee? You may have met Charlie Agar and his wife Kaye behind a table laden with local honey at the farmer’s market in New Braunfels.  Charlie is the proverbially smiling, friendly face, supported by his sweet wife, behind the Charlie Bee brand of honey.  … 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

Lemon curd is a time-honored filling for a layer cake.  A layer cake creates the WOW in the dessert arena.  They are really not much trouble, and an occasion becomes even more special with this spectacular filling. Another of Margaret Lea Houston’s recipes, and a  southern favorite.  You can look… 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

Sometimes it’s just the simple recipes that bear repeating for our everyday dinners.  Broccoli is by far the most commonly consumed cruciferous vegetable in America.  Studies have established a link between cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention. And it’s just good!  I love this recipe because the broccoli is first sautéed… 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

Are you headed on a road trip this Spring Break? Here’s an easy snack to keep the kids happy or the “kid in you” happy!  Pinwheels have been around for quite some time, but we generally think of them as an appetizer. Throw them into a soft-sider ice chest that… 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 have to take it up a notch!  And that is exactly what I did with this recipe! Sweet potatoes are so healthy and work just as well for gnocchi as a white potato.  Factor in a heart shape – and there you have it:  a romantic addition to… 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

Who doesn’t love a drink that is tasty, makes you feel good, and can kick a cold to the curb! Emily brings us this citrus immune booster cocktail full of orange, lemon, ginger, turmeric, and mint.  Easy to make in your blender, It also has the added benefit of pulp… 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

Potato Latkes – A Family Tradition    December conjures images of tradition, great food, and the holiday season.  We may not normally have snow here in Texas, but we never fall short of celebrating our family, friends, and the cultural heritage we hold close to our hearts.  One of the… 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

This is the season where food truly ties us all together. Family recipes at Thanksgiving. Grandma’s special way of prepping the food. How you cook your turkey matters – brined, stuffed, fried, or roasted?  Better yet, who is in charge of the turkey? Maybe y’all don’t even have a turkey,… 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

A cowboy and a word slinger walk into a test kitchen in Giddings, Texas. Frank Malinak III and Lorie A. Woodward, respectively. They are equipped with a pound of Lee county’s finest ground beef and wild game meat from a medium size Nilgai (also known as a South Texas Antelope).… 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

They are pretty, They are chocolaty bites of goodness. Silicone molds are a game changer for pretty individual cakes.  Spray the mold with an oil, fill, and pop in the oven for a quick, attractive presentation. Once they cool from the oven, you can push the cakes out from the… 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

It’s Hot!  But this is COOL! Add Roasted Corn Salad as a side dish to anything – chicken, fish, or beef.  It’s also great for a quick lunch with a slice of luncheon meat. You may hesitate starting up the grill, but here’s a hint – roast a dozen or… 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

Whether you are headed on a day trip or for a few days – its nice to have a snack that’s healthy, satisfying, and just plain yummy. I give you “Travelin’ Ranger Cookies”!  My mom always made these for our family trips, I made them for my family and now… 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

And the fusion of German, Mexican & Texan cuisine continues! This delicious recipe is from Boomer Acuna, Executive Chef at Krause’s cafe. Texas pecans rubbed on fresh trout, served over German potatoes and topped with a chili lime sauce! Truly a taste sensation of its own. You only need a… 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

A few months ago, I took out on a hike with some friends to Lost Maples State park.  My friend Susan provided the lunch, which consisted of egg salad sandwiches crafted from her neighbor’s fresh laid eggs. I had forgotten how much I loved egg salad! Last week, my friend… 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

And here it is!  The finale to the Irish Pub meal consisting of the yummy Guinness Reduction Pork Tenderloin and Colconnan potatoes:  Apple and Mixed Berry Crumble with Custard Sauce.  It’s a mouthful to say and a mouthful of flavor! I love to incorporate fruit into deserts – its a… 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

When I was in High School Band, my director always said, “your audience at a concert will best remember the first song and the last song, so make it your best”! This tastefully decadent desert  – smooth, cool, and a delight to consume will do just that!  It’s the finale… 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

John Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner is another Texan that made it to the White House.  Starting his political career as a county judge, he then moved to State politics to serve in the House of Representatives during the session Texas was choosing its state flower.  He fought for the prickly… 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

Jalapeno Pie Tasty, Quick, Appetizer Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes mins Course Appetizer Servings 10 Ingredients  2 Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese2 jalapeños, seeded and sliced into slivers2 Cloves garlic, chopped6 eggs, beaten until frothy Instructions Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Oil the bottom and sides of a pie pan.Place cheese… 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

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition.  We all have our fave dishes!  What if you could take one of the expected dishes and turn it into an unexpected burst of flavor?  That’s exactly what Roasted Sweet potatoes and Cranberries accomplishes. Once roasted, the cranberries release their juices in little pockets… 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

Few aromas in life match that of fresh bread cooking in the oven. And then to follow up, the crispness on the outside and tenderness on the inside of a loaf of freshly made sour dough bread is pure heaven. Sour dough starter can be found from a friend or… 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

Mexican Flan Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes mins Course Dessert Servings 8 Ingredients  2 tbsp water1 cup sugar1 can condensed milk1 can evaporated milk1 8oz package cream cheese6 eggs1½ tbsp Adams Extract Vanilla Instructions Preheat oven to 325.Place the 1 cup sugar and 2 Tbsp water in a saucepan and bring to a boil until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and stir until… 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

Love tomatoes, colorful peppers, and cucumbers? Gazpacho is the combination of all those combined in an iconic Spanish cold soup. Try it for a great way to chill on hot summer days at lunch or supper. This recipe elevates the spicy, bright and rich soup with coffee glazed bacon and… 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

It’s Summer in Texas, Y’all! One of the first crops in the garden in cucumbers. This recipe holds a special memory of staying with my Grandma on her farm and walking out into her huge garden to pick veggies for supper. (Dinner is the term for lunch on the farm).… 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

Feeding a crowd? Have a day to slowly cook a beautiful piece of meat? This may be the recipe for you! Shoulder Clod is typically one of the least expensive cuts of meat and when a tasty rub is applied and it is slowly smoked all day long – you… 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

  This is the perfect spring salad! I love it when 2 seasons collide – when you can still buy Texas ruby red grapefruit and blueberries are abundant. Add mint, a little honey, and you have a colorful, flavorful salad. This is as easy as slicing 2 grapefruits 6 ways,… 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

You’ve always heard about Meatballs and you think about that being an Italian dish. But, guess what: there’s a Tex-Mex version! And guess what else: It’s a one skillet dish! So, make this recipe, make a salad and you have dinner. As long as I’m messing up the kitchen, I… 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

Cindi Anthony, Dallas resident, and lover of all thing’s French shares this recipe. Cindi and her husband have spent part of the year in the southwestern corner of France for several years. This is not a soup you would find in Paris or other large cities, but in the countryside… 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

This time of year I buy 5 lb and 10 lb bags of Texas oranges and grapefruit to enjoy a multitude of ways. So, when I saw this recipe for Texas Citrus Rustic Cake in Texas Monthly, I had to try it. Kevin Wenzel of Wiseman House Chocolates in Hico,… 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

Of course we all love Mac and Cheese. Add slightly sweet butternut squash and viola! The love goes to obsession. This is a great dish to make for your Christmas meal, but it also is wonderful to have around during the holidays when you are reduced to snacking and trying… 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

This is the time of year that my garden Abounds with peppers I planted yellow, green and red peppers on purpose and now the beauty of the various colors is in full throttle!Peppers can make a lovely and wholesome side dish especially when coupled with some mushrooms and onions.  Flavorful,… 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

Freedom Isn’t a Straight Line    Would you be surprised to hear that Juneteenth has a deep connection to Texas? As Texicureans, our journey is to learn and share history through food. Sometimes it is as simple as Grandad’s cornbread. But other times, there is a deeper cultural significance 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

St. Patrick’s day makes me yearn for Corned Beef! I learned this recipe from my parents’ 40+year dinner club.Every March dinner club this dish celebrated the luck ‘o the Irish. The very nature of it says “let’s gather & share a cold mug”. So, don some green, turn on an… 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

From the Texas Gulf coast comes an appetizer that can be prepared several days ahead and pulled out to quench hunger before that time that all dishes come out of the oven (for me always a little later than planned).  Enjoy Billy Meek’s Ceviche family recipe from her time in… 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

What began as a Rotary exchange student/host family relationship has turned into an “adopted” mother/daughter love.  Barbara and I have retained close contact, visiting each other for special occasions, and thus creating a close bond.  Recently accepted into the University of Frieburg’s Doctoral Program, she also has raised an outstanding… 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 Texicureans team had an exciting day in the kitchen with Lou Ann Smith and her family. We explored some of her favorite family recipes, including her dad’s chili and her nanny’s cornbread, and talked Texas traditions in her beautiful kitchen in the family home in the Texas Hill Country… 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

Today is the official first day of fall and it calls out to prepare a dish with fall colors.  This dish was inspired by our neighbors who raised healthy basil plants this summer, and had dried the bounty in a dehydrator. They graciously shared a baggie with me and that… 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

It was a chance meeting that lead to love. HEB had an endcap display that caught my eye: “Voted Texas Best” Homemade Vanilla Wafers. So, into my cart they went – if they are voted Texas best, then they must be good, right? True confession – I opened the bag… 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

Pepper Poppers Cindy Williams Banana peppers are prolific in my garden right now.  One of my favorite ways to use them is stuffed as an appetizer or even a meal accompaniment.  This recipe is easy and attractive.  For a colorful rendition, purchase a bag of mini sweet peppers. True to my… 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

FRESH PEACH PIE Peach season is in full swing in Fredericksburg!  My happy place is to buy a ½ bushel, lay them out in the kitchen to ripen, and take in the fragrance that fills the air.  Yummy! I visited Zenner’s Orchard in Fredericksburg and purchased a bushel-and-a-half. Not sure… Read more