Chili Queens chili
The first time I heard about the San Antonio Chili Queens, I was on a plane. A friend wanted to make a documentary…
Classic crispy tacos
If you think of iconic American tacos, the crispy taco what most often comes to mind. This style, which also goes by the…
San Antonio bean burger
The first time I had a San Antonio bean burger was on a hot summer day. I was wandering in my car outside…
South Texas barbacoa
On weekend mornings in South Texas, people stop by their local taqueria or market to pick up a container of beef barbacoa and…
Tostadas espadas
When I pulled into Rio Grande City, I was hungry. I’d been driving all morning and after a hearty breakfast taco in Laredo,…
Fideo loco
A few years ago, I was enjoying breakfast tacos at Pete’s in San Antonio and I spotted a sign advertising fideo loco. In…
Caldillo, West Texas beef and green chile stew
The first time I heard about caldillo, it was in a comment from a reader. The discussion was on how best to use…
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…
