On Food & Culture
Everybody loves marranitos, those piggy-shaped cookies that almost taste like ginger but no ginger here, it’s the piloncillo that you’re tasting. They are a Mexican bakery icon. They are also a sweet memory, childhood and adult, in Mexican American families of Texas. This cookie recipe […]
Turcos are a vintage, delicious treat, part of the Texas Mexican culinary tradition but almost becoming extinct. Rooted in Texas Pecan and also Arab flavors, it’s still found in San Antonio all the way south to the Rio Grande Valley and del otro lado (on […]
FROM MY ARCHIVES: A pecan pie for Thanksgiving. This pecan pie, with piloncillo and a bit of bourbon in it, tastes of celebration and abundance. I wrote about this on Thanksgiving day, and I share the recipe now in preparation for the new year. It’s […]
Holiday Mexican sweets are all about memories for me. Whether you bake alone or with your siblings and friends, I recommend that you make at least one of these holiday sweets. It’s a part of life that you’ll enjoy now, and you’ll take those memories […]
When I was growing up, new year’s eve was always festive, exciting. Amá would celebrate every new year by making buñuelos. They’re crisp and light. I serve them with no-dairy chocolate. I recall having a sense of wonder at how she made ribbons out of […]
Hojarascas are the iconic cookies from the culinary region that I call “Texas Mexican” and that includes the states of Texas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. It’s a culturally cohesive region that shares the same history and food that is often called “Norteño” because […]
Empanadas de camote are a traditional treat, and they’re just right for winter weather. This recipe adds an anise flavor to the dough, and I bet you won’t be able to eat just one. Mexican pastries, pan dulce, have become a strong culinary tradition over […]
Mazapan Mexican peanut candy is lush and delicious, and it’s the perfect weekend recipe because it requires no cooking. I suggest you call up some friends and have fun making Mexican mazapán. Make a big batch, like I did, and you will also make memories. […]
There are certain dishes that remind you of love and comfort. They conjure intimate, loving memories of mother and father and brothers and sisters, and just good times at home. Arroz Con Leche is one of those dishes. It’s comfort food for the soul, and […]
My mom Dominga, regularly made dulce de leche quemada (aka Texas pecan caramel) for us kids. We had four pecan trees in our backyard, so the lush candy was laden with plenty of roasted pecans. The trick is to roast the pecans before adding them […]