Poblano mashed potatoes
The first Thanksgiving that my brother attended with his new wife was a big occasion. They live in Oregon, and while she’d visited…
Hopkins County stew
In Northeast Texas, there’s a county called Hopkins that is famous for its stew. The tradition of making Hopkins County Stew harkens back…
German potato salad, Dallas style
Back in June 1969, the Dallas Morning News featured a German potato salad from a restaurant on Lovers Lane called The Rib. It…
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…
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…
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…
Texas potato salad with nasturtiums
A mustard-based Texas mashed potato salad recipe from the 1800s. The interesting addition of peppery nasturtium flowers, while optional, adds both color and kick.
Sausage, potato, and cabbage skillet fry
When I was growing up, you could count on several suppers happening that week—our weekly visit to the cafeteria, a trip to our…
Carne asada stuffed potatoes
In Southern California, there’s a dish called carne asada fries. It’s a pile of French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, and a…
Buttermilk potato soup with bacon and roasted jalapeno
My grandma calls me her good cook. She’ll say to her friends when I visit, “I don’t have to be in the kitchen…