Fried mushrooms
My friend Wendy was full of surprises. For instance, take the time we met for a college reunion. Wendy and I had been freshman roommates at Austin College, a small…
Appetizer recipes
Rosemary candied bacon bowties
A friend asked if I was familiar with bacon bowties. Not sure what they were talking about, I asked for more explanation. She said it was an old Southern snack…
Parisa: Medina County beef tartare
The first time someone told me about parisa, I have to admit that I was dubious. Raw ground beef mixed with cheese, jalapeños, and lime juice? Um, no thank you!…
Hatch chile hummus
When I graduated from college in 1991, I took an internship at the Houston Press. One day, the art director sent me to pick up lunch and she placed a…
Squash blossom quesadillas
I was on the hunt for a cowboy hat in San Miguel de Allende’s outdoor market. As my friends and I weaved our way through the various stalls, we spied…
Jalapeno beer cheese
Beer, Cheddar, cream cheese, and pickled jalapeños come together for a cool and creamy dip that goes well cold beverages, pretzels, and crackers.
Jalapeño crab dip
Jalapeño crab dip is no stranger to a Texan’s table. The aromatics, creamy base, and citrus all lift the delicate sweet seafood to new heights.
Mom’s curry dip
My mom has a secret weapon to get folks to eat raw vegetables–her incredibly simple yet addictive curry dip.
Boudin-stuffed jalapeno poppers
Boudin-stuffed jalapeño poppers are simple to make, and the combination of sausage, peppers, and bacon is one savory and smoky bite.
Pickle queso
Pickle queso is a zesty, tangy cheesy concoction of molten cheese and tangy, crunchy cucumbers flavored with dill and garlic.