Tex-Mex beef and bean stew, aka Lakemont chili
My family has a dear friend who moved from Houston to Georgia when she and her husband retired. She’s an excellent cook and…
Shepherd’s pie with chipotle-Cheddar mashed potatoes
Recently I heard one woman’s cooking described as “mom food.” When asked to explain, it was said that her food was simple and…
Chicken-fried steak with red chile gravy
One summer day, while driving along the Rio Grande from Laredo to McAllen I began to get hungry. As I passed through the…
Crazy nachos
Whenever I fly into Dallas, my first stop is Herrera’s on Sylvan. It’s a family-owned Tex-Mex restaurant that I’ve been eating at almost…
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 cheeseburgers
Roasted long green chiles, such as Hatch or Anaheim, make for a spicy topping for juicy smashed cheeseburgers. A Southwestern favorite!
Ancho chile and cocoa-rubbed flank steak tacos
A rub of ground ancho chile and cocoa powder brings an earthy, fiery flavor to flank steak tacos, best served in flour tortillas with guacamole and pico de gallo.
Green chile Frito pie
This New Mexican green chile Frito pie is a tangle of corn chips topped with a green chili instead of the usual red.
Aaron Franklin’s pinto beans
A big pot of creamy pinto beans fired up with lots of black pepper, ancho chile, and smoked brisket. Can serve as a side or in a bowl on its own.
