Tag Archives: Texas

Recipe: Mandram (Chopped Vegetable Salad)

Mandram is a chopped vegetable salad that may have originated in the West Indies, according to Mandrang or Mandram | The Vintage Cookbook Trials. I learned about it from my friend Judy Cromwell, who provides her own history with the … Continue reading

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Recipe: Carrot Pineapple Jello

I was going to share my family’s Southern recipe for carrot pineapple jello, until I found this version which really is superior. I’ve only made minor tweaks for better management of proportions. Serves 8. Ingredients: 1 3-oz package jello, lemon … Continue reading

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Recipe: Mamo’s Carrot Raisin Slaw

Carrot raisin slaw is a very good and very simple recipe that often made its appearance at holiday buffets when I was growing up in Dallas. Serves 8-12. Ingredients: 4 c grated carrots 1 c raisins/currants/golden raisins in any combination ¼ … Continue reading

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Jake’s Famous Barbecue Sauce… good enough to pour on my meat!

Of the hundreds of products I tasted at last month’s Winter Fancy Food Show, Jake’s Famous barbecue sauces really stood out. His Asian-inspired Blue Oak reminded me of the complex espresso sauce provided at the legendary Franklin’s in Austin. It … Continue reading

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The burger rant (it’s all about the bun)

Behold the perfect burger*, from Jack’s Burger House on Hillcrest in Dallas, TX. Notice how the meat is a thin yet cohesive layer that curves around a much thicker strata of condiments (sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, coarsely chopped onion and … Continue reading

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Recipe: Texas-Style Greens

My prep for Texas-style greens is very similar to black-eyed peas in that the secret to flavor is starting with a rich broth that has a good amount of fat. Unlike some, I don’t like to drown my greens in broth … Continue reading

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Recipe: Texas-Style Black-Eyed Peas

The key to good black-eyed peas is a flavorful cooking liquid, ample allium components, and a generous amount of fat. I use dried beans (vs frozen or canned) unless fresh are available. Serves 6-8. Ingredients: ½ lb dried black-eyed peas … Continue reading

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How to rate Texas BBQ

I’ve been spending a lot of time in Austin, TX recently which means a lot of trips to Texas BBQ places. Most of it was good, some great, though I still believe nobody approaches Snow’s as the best barbecue in … Continue reading

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Recipe: Funny Bryan’s Texas BBQ Sauce

It ain’t Sonny’s, but it’s in the ballpark. And this cumin-infused Texas barbecue sauce super easy to make. If you’re going to sauce your meat, this is as good a choice as any. Adapted from this but don’t follow their advice … Continue reading

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Recipe: Texas-Style Potato Salad

A Texas-style potato salad is definitely going to have eggs and yellow mustard in there, and probably some chopped up pimentos. Tastes better the next day, so plan ahead. Makes enough for a neighborhood barbecue (around 12 servings). Ingredients: 3 … Continue reading

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