Pickled black-eyed peas
When Helen Corbitt, the famed Texan chef, arrived in Texas from New York in 1931, she was presented with the state’s love for black-eyed peas, a field pea that is…
Appetizer recipes
Felix queso
So, first things first. I never had the famed Felix queso at its original home, a Southeast Texas regional chain of restaurants owned and operated by the late Tex-Mex pioneer…
Chili parlor queso
Texas red chili and chile con queso make fine companions in this addictive Tex-Mex dip. Top with onions and pickled jalapeños and serve with tortilla chips. A welcome appetizer for any gathering.
Green chile creamy avocado salsa
This avocado-based green salsa is found on many Houston Tex-Mex tables. Cool and bright with just a hint of heat, it goes well with tortilla chips but can be spooned onto tacos or grilled meats, too.
South Padre shrimp ceviche
Gulf shrimp along with tomatoes, garlic, onions, jalapeños, avocado, and a generous splash of lime juice are the foundations of this classic South Texas ceviche.
Salsa verde ranch wings
Jalapeños, tomatillos, and garlic come together in a tangy salsa verde ranch dressing that livens up these crisp, broiled wings.
Baked jalapeño pimento cheese dip
Jalapeno pimento cheese is baked in a skillet, making for a hot, creamy, and spicy cheese dip perfect with tortilla chips. Chile con queso’s Southern cousin has arrived!
Chipotle cranberry sausage balls
Behold the sausage ball. It’s not the prettiest treat on the appetizer table but it’s certainly one of the more popular. This one is livened up with cranberries and chipotle chiles.
Jalapeño bean dip
Homemade bean dip is a cinch to make. This one is gussied up with bacon and jalapeños and best served with corn chips.
West Texas roasted salsa
Green chiles, jalapeños, tomatoes, and garlic are broiled until blackened then pureed until smooth in this earthy, fiery salsa inspired by those found in West Texas.
