The Homesick Texan Cookbook has finally arrived!
Life is funny. If you had told me 16 years ago when I moved to New York that someday I’d be writing a cookbook about Texan cuisine, I would have just laughed. Sure, I loved to cook and I also wanted to write books—but never did I think I’d be pairing the two passions into one.
Today, all that changes. While I’m still a little shocked that my the past few years on this blog has turned into a book, I do have to admit that I’m over the moon that The Homesick Texan Cookbook is finally published, and I hope it brings many people happiness as it makes its way through the world.
Of course, this book would have been nothing without you, my readers. Please accept my deepest gratitude for helping this book come to life. Your support, your friendship and your enthusiasm have made writing and photographing both the blog and the book a true joy.
Now, a little about the book. The Homesick Texan Cookbook has over 125 recipes that aim to capture the essence of Texan cuisine. As Texas is a large and diverse state, my goal was to showcase all of our state’s bounty, from the beef dishes found in the arid West, to the fresh seafood found along the Gulf; from to the Eastern-European influences found in Central Texas, to the Deep South influences found in the East.
Some of the recipes in the book have appeared on the blog, like Texan classics such as chicken-fried steak, migas and King Ranch casserole. But there are plenty of new dishes as well. Some of my favorites include Dallas gas-station tacos, fried shrimp, poblano macaroni and cheese, crawfish rolls, salpicón and Mexican chocolate chewies. And of course, there are color photos and stories, too.
While I’ve been in New York, cooking the Texan foods I grew up with has helped me feel closer to my loved ones back home. I used to think I missed only the food, but what I truly missed was my family and friends. Fortunately, cooking these dishes has given others and myself a way to connect with those that we love. Though, you certainly don’t have to be a homesick Texan to enjoy our state’s warm and comforting dishes. As I like to say, everyone’s welcome at the Texas table!
I feel very blessed to have been given this opportunity, so thank you again for reading and responding throughout the years. Sharing recipes and stories with you has been a genuine pleasure.
But enough about the book—let’s get cooking!
Lisa – My mother in-law, Marilyn Stewart, is good friends with your Grandmother Jernigan. I saw your cookbook on her coffee table yesterday and she told me that she had ordered me one! I'm SO excited! My husband (Bill) told me that I've met your grandmother at the Chambersville Thanksgiving dinner. She should be proud. She has a VERY TALENTED granddaughter!
Blessings,
Melanie Stewart
My book has a defective binding. Pages from my book were falling out the second time I looked at it; the damage does not appear to be a shipping problem. To my eye, the stitching was too tight or too close to the edge of the folio. I photocopied all of the recipes I thought I'd want to try over the next month before sending the book back. 🙂
Over the weekend I made the salsa fuego which I mixed with a fresh tomato salsa and served with grilled ahi; it was very good and I love the charred tomato flavor.
Next I made the tomatillo jalapeno preserves. I am tomatillo challenged. But a half pound of them were in my CSA box last week. I knew JUST how I wanted to use them when I found them in my box. The jelly is fabulous! I'm going to take some chicken wings, dredge them in flour and a lot of black pepper and fry them up. Then I'll serve them with the tomatillo preserves. I think the black pepper, lime, jalapeno, tomatillo and chicken combination will be pretty dang good.
Kristen–First let me say how sorry I am that you received a defective book. I believe the problem has been sorted out now, and I hope you receive your new copy soon. That said, I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the salsa fuego and the tomatillo jalapeno preserves–those are definitely two of my favorites. I also love that you're going to serve wings with the preserves–what a great idea! I hadn't even thought of that!
I have been reading your blog for a couple years now, but never commented. I have made many of the recipes on your blog and my husband got me your cookbook for my birthday. It is great, and everything I would have hoped for from a book of yours. I love your storytelling style and read the cookbook front to back before deciding what to make first. For dinner tonight we had corn chowder and biscuits. Both from your book. So good! I have never been or really had a desire to visit Texas until I came across your blog, but now, I keep thinking that I just have to go and see this place for myself! Thanks for doing what you do!
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! I can't wait to get your cookbook. 🙂 I'd be more than willing to pimp review it for you if you do that sort of thing. YAY FOR REFRIED BEANS!