Cajeta: A Mexican sweet treat
I looked out the window today and saw that it was raining—a good sign as grey skies, umbrellas and brightly-colored slickers mean one thing: it’s March. It’s not my favorite…
Condiments
What do you know, it’s papalo!
There’s a certain scent I associate with Mexico that I’ve always assumed was laundry detergent. It’s overly pungent and heavy, with hints of citrus and mint. It’s the kind of…
A badly burnt bird, but great giblet gravy
One of the best things about Thanksgiving dinner is the leftovers. But since I’m traveling to Texas for my feast, I sadly won’t have pounds of turkey calling on my…
No story, just habanero peach salsa
I’m going off the grid! First, I’m flying to Austin to be a preliminary judge at the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival on Sunday, and then I’m headed to North…
Cream gravy recipe, the cream of the gravy crop
1. In Texas, what is the correct topping for mashed potatoes? 2. In Texas, what is the correct topping for biscuits, besides butter, honey or jam? 3. In Texas, what…
Classic pimento cheese recipe
“I dearly love the state of Texas, but I consider that a harmless perversion on my part, and discuss it only with consenting adults.”—Molly Ivins We’re all consenting adults here….
On mole and matrimony
My dear, food-loving friend Monica recently announced that she and her fiancé John eloped to Oaxaca, Mexico. How appropriate, I thought, as Oaxaca is the land of seven moles. Mole…
Salsa salvation: Ninfa’s green sauce
When I was a small kid in Dallas, my parents and I often ate Mexican at Herrera’s, a charming hole in the wall where you had to walk through the…
Cranberry poblano salsa
Cranberry sauce for many means this: a tubular, red, gelatinous substance that slithers out of a can, shiny ridges included free of charge. You’d think with so many people interested…
Uncle Richard’s salsa
A few years ago, salsa became the number-one selling condiment in the U.S., knocking out ketchup. And for good reason: salsa is spicy, light and fun whereas ketchup is plodding…