Pigs in jalapeño-cheddar pretzel blankets
Many years ago, a friend from Austin and I were taking the train from New York to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to see another friend in a play. When we stopped in…
Jalapeños
Jalapeño cheese grits
I did not grow up in a grit-eating family. I’d beg and beg my mother to make grits, but she’d always say, “We don’t eat grits in this family. Now…
Borracho black-eyed peas
Every December, I begin to think of new ways to prepare my pot of black-eyed peas. For the past few years, the phrase “borracho black-eyed peas” had been running through…
Jalapeño dill potato salad
Last weekend I attended my first outdoor gathering of the season, and I brought one of my usual potluck standbys, my pinto bean and hominy salad. The cool combination of…
Soft cheese tacos
My friend was confused. She had heard me order a soft cheese taco plate, but when it arrived, she pointed at it and said, “What’s that? Those are enchiladas not…
Jalapeño cheese dog mac & cheese
Hot dogs and jalapeño potato chips are added to a creamy macaroni and cheese. A bit uncouth, perhaps, but also hearty and delicious. Crunchy, creamy, snappy, and hot!
Black-eyed pea and hominy casserole
A comforting, cheesy Tex-Mex casserole made with black-eyed peas, hominy, and bacon. Terrific for cooler days and New Year’s Day!
Salsa verde ranch wings
Jalapeños, tomatillos, and garlic come together in a tangy salsa verde ranch dressing that livens up these crisp, broiled wings.
Black-eyed peas with bacon and jalapeños
Black-eyed peas are slowly cooked until tender in a smoky, spicy broth rich with jalapenõs and bacon. A delicious side dish that’s also perfect for celebrating the New Year.
Jalapeño bacon Brussels sprouts gratin
Brussels sprouts are nestled in a creamy sauce spiked with jalapeños and bacon, then topped with cheese that’s broiled until bubbling and brown.