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200 Years of Texas Rangers

In preparation for cooking chili with retired Texas Ranger Frank Malinak, I went on the trail to learn more about the history of the Texas Rangers. Turns out, the YO Ranch, founded by Captain Charles Schreiner has a history of hosting retired Rangers. The photo album above is courtesy of Darren Casey and YO Ranch. Thank you for giving Texicureans a glimpse of our Texas heroes.

Assembled in 1823 to protect the early settlers of Texas, Stephen F Austin was given command of this legendary law enforcement agency.  Drawing on their collective skills, Native Americans, Tejanos, Anglo-Europeans, and African Americans signed up to “range” and protect the colonies.  Hence it was said that a Texas Ranger could “ride like a Mexican, trail like an Indian, shoot like a Tennessean, and fight like the devil.”

Legendary Texas Rangers John Coffey Hays, “Bigfoot Wallace” and William McDonald helped form the enigma of the Texas spirit.  The Institute of Texas Cultures states that “Next to the Alamo, the Texas Ranger is the best-known part of the Texas Legend…”

This legacy continues with training that is considered second to none, for the 172 highly selected men and women who proudly wear the boots, white hats and pistol belts of their predecessors.  And of course, there is that iconic Cinco Peso badge.

“The Texas Rangers are among the most revered law enforcement divisions in the country for a reason.  The elite and storied Rangers are men and women of integrity and moral fortitude, willing to risk their lives in selfless service to the state of Texas”.  Steve C McGraw, Director, Texas Department of Public Safety

Organized into 6 companies: Company “A” Houston, Company “B” Dallas, Company “C” Lubbock, Company “D” McAllen, Company “E” El Paso, Company “F” Waco, and Headquarters in Austin.  The Rangers continue the traditional jobs conducting criminal and special investigations, apprehending wanted felons, suppressing major disturbances, protecting life and liberty, and rendering assistance to local law enforcement officials.

A Special Operations Group has been formed in recent years to counter terrorist activity, criminal threats, and drug trafficking organizations.

Explains Lacy Finley, executive director of the Texas Ranger Association Foundation, “We know these things about their service:  There is no time off, one Late-night call easily becomes many more, Rangers find themselves in difficult situations, they have a servant’s heart, and could easily have followed careers in the private sector.”

The enigma of the Texas Ranger has inspired novelists, actors, and film-makers.  The Lone Ranger, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Lonesome Dove have all dramatized the heroic mystic of the Texas Ranger.  In the 1936 movie The Texas Rangers, Fred Mac Murray who portrays a Texas Ranger is met by leading citizens who are alarmed that there is only one Ranger to clean up their town.  “Only one fight, ain’t there?” replies McMurtry in a paraphrase of the famous “One riot, one Ranger” line.

Texas Rangers are a seamless, selfless, ambassador for our way of life back to the earliest days. Can of beans and all. Thank you for your service, Frank, and reminding us what Texas cooking is really all about — the people you’re feeding.

For more Texas recipes, tips, and stories, sign up for our recipe club emails and follow Texicureans on all social platforms.

Chicken in Wine

Wine, mushrooms, and thyme combine for a meal worthy of your family or company!

Another Tyler Junior League cookbook rendition, I’ve prepared this dish for my family for many years and it always pleases.  Here’s a hint, if you haven’t finished a bottle of wine in a couple of days, place the remainder in the fridge to use in this dish.

One frying pan does it all – from browning the chicken to making the sauce.  Place the chicken in the preheated oven for about one hour while you relax with a glass of wine.  What could be better?

Enjoy!

Chicken in Wine - East Texas Style

Butter, wine, and mushrooms
3.36 from 25 votes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds cut chicken pieces with bone and skin
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 cloves diced garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Tbsp flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 - 3/4 cup red wine
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 oz sliced baby Bella mushrooms

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees
  • Salt and pepper chicken pieces
  • Melt butter in skillet and saute garlic
  • Add chicken and fry about 3-4 min on each side until brown.
  • Remove chicken to an oven proof dish
  • Add flour to butter in frying pan.  Stir until smooth.
  • Add stock, wine, thyme, and mushrooms and cook about 3 - 5 minutes.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and bake covered for 1 hour.

Notes

Secrets of Outdoor Photography in Texas 100 Year Old Parks System

100 Years of Texas State Parks

tips on capturing memories

We are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of our Texas State Parks!  Our family has so many memories of Guadalupe State Park, one of the 1980’s additions. Camping with friends, watching children splash in the shallow waters, and enjoying the night sky together around a campfire are etched in our memory.

In 1925, Governor Pat Neff described Texas State Parks as a place where people “might go and forget the anxiety and strife and vexation of life’s daily grind.” Still applicable today, we couldn’t agree more. You see, the Governor persuaded the Texas Legislature in 1923 to create the State Parks Board. The benefits of which have compounded over the years in both acreage and memories in the hearts of Texans.

History

With the availability of automobiles and a developing series of roads, the park system was originally seen as a series of roadside stops.  Although we still have some of the best roadside parks in the nation, the State Park system has far outreached this vision including historic sites and natural areas to serve millions of visitors every year.  Governor Neff would be proud.

Formation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) kick-started development for the Parks System.  Taking undeveloped land and building park’s infrastructure gave needed jobs during the depression years.  Palo Duro Canyon, Garner State Park, and Balmorhea directly benefited from this program.

Texas women kept the parks operating and open during WWII, setting the path for Texans to enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing after the soldiers came home.

The 1980’s saw its greatest expansion with the addition of over 30 parks.  A couple you may recognize are Big Bend Ranch and Enchanted Rock.

During this 100 year celebration, I encourage you to explore the Texas State Parks and Wildlife’s many locations.  You’ll see wildlife and native flora, discover Texas history, and most importantly “escape life’s daily grind” to create a memory.

In honor of the Texas State Parks, this month we aren’t giving you a traditional recipe, but rather a “recipe” for how to capture family memories.

Outdoor Photography Tutorial 

I recently returned to Guadalupe State Park with Callie Jacks, a friend who shared many of these experiences with our family.  It rang true that the laughter and happiness of vacations stay long in your memory!

Callie is a hobby photographer, trained in workshops in Big Bend and Southwest Craft Center and the experiences of many years of photographing friends and family. It is her joyful passion and she is sharing some tips you can use simply with your phone to capture those outdoor moments.

“Outdoor photography is an unpredictable and ever -changing space!  Working happily with whatever “cards you are dealt” is the key to capturing fun moments and memories”, shares Callie.

Here is Callie’s recipe for the three “L’s” of outdoor photography: Light, Level, Levity & Laughter

LIGHT: All the outdoor photos of me as a child scowling (so many!) were due to not being able to balance lighting! Our moms had us staring into the sun in mid-afternoon. (but I am very thankful they took photos!)
The optimum time for photos is usually an hour before sunset or an hour after sunrise. if those times aren’t convenient, and they rarely are for busy families, look for shady spots*
It is always helpful to have the sun at your back if possible. Or wait till the sun goes behind a cloud! Choose shade without speckled light- that tends to cast shadows.

Another tip: if it is too sunny, and the colors seem washed out, use your edit tools (built into your phone on your camera) to change the photo to a black and white shot. It is often dramatic and beautiful.

LEVEL: when photographing kids, it is key to position your body at their level somewhat – it usually makes for a more intimate and natural looking photo. and I get some great smiles from kids as they see the positions I have to get in…

LEVITY AND LAUGHTER: I love to capture kids at play. Be patient and wait for moments.  Often kids complain and don’t want to be in a photo because they have to stop their play and pose for you. That is so NOT fun!  There will always be time for “posed photos” later.

God has gifted children with joy and energy and movement. We took family friend, Sloane (5 yrs old), along to explore. Capturing life is more important than the perfect picture. But sometimes, magic can happen in the process. Skipping rocks, letting your bare feet hit the water and peeking inside the holes in the trees. Try using Callie’s tips to capture memories you will treasure.

When you do need that perfect photo, there are many talented professional photographers and I would encourage you to find one with a style compatible to yours. In the meantime, grab your iphone or camera and start photographing sweet moments with your family!

Go to www.texicureans.com to view a video about outdoor photography with Callie.

Callie also creates notecards from her photography.  You can find her on Facebook and Instagram @createdbycalliejo or email her at calliejo.jacks@gmail.com.

Perfect Summer Pasta Salad

Are you looking for that one dish accompaniment to your fave grill?  Here it is!  Full of veggies, a little meat for flavor, and wrapped in a light vinaigrette, this recipe covers it all.

The secret is adding the vinaigrette to the warm pasta. It  makes all the difference in flavor.

Best of all – if you’ve been following me for very long, you know I love to prepare as much a day ahead as possible.  The flavors actually meld together to enhance your tasting experience.

Leftovers?  This full meal deal is perfect to grab for a quick lunch.

Enjoy!

Perfect Summer Pasta Salad

The one-dish accompaniment to grilled meat
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box medium shell pasta
  • 12 oz shaved parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 16 oz artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 16 oz kalamata olives
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, cut in thin strips
  • 12 oz fully cooked uncured Canadian bacon, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Vinaigrette

  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1-2 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients of vinaigrette and whisk thoroughly.  Hint:  It helps to whisk while adding the olive oil.  
  • As soon as pasta is ready, drain and mix in  vinaigrette and 1/2 of the parmesan cheese.  Cool. pasta according to package
  • Add remainder of ingredients to cooled pasta.  Add salt and pepper to taste

Notes

Make this a day ahead to enhance the melding of flavors and declutter your entertaining day!

Happy Birthday Texas

Our annual celebration of Texas Independence Day features Texas food and wine, Texas products, and stories of Texas history. At the 2023 party, we asked a few guests to share stories of strong Texas women in their history. Watch the video below for a glimpse of inspiration. We featured wonderful Texas businesses and had some local sponsors to boost the culinary experience. Happy Birthday Texas…Sip, Shop, Munch!

We really celebrate all year at Texicureans. Subscribe to our youtube channel here.

 

Thank you to our sponsors:

 

 

 

Notes of The Nutcracker

For a recipe to work, the ingredients must complement each other and stick to a formula. Afterall, there are rules for how to make the dough rise and how to get a smooth sauce. But you and I both know the best recipes do not stick to the formula. The best recipes exude creativity and pull from decades of experience. This month, Texicureans is inviting you into the home of Haley and Easton Smith, both professional ballet dancers. They graciously shared their story, their labor of love shaping The Nutcracker Ballet San Antonio, and a recipe with a twist. Or pirouette?

The Smiths met in the ballet studio in a story measuring up to a movie meet cute moment. He saw her, knew she was the one, and they were on the fast track from there. The Smiths have each individually performed The Nutcracker since they were children and have taken this wealth of experience to choreograph The Nutcracker for Ballet San Antonio.

Haley shares, “Easton and I had such a wonderful time working together in the studio again during the creative process.  Our creative styles complimented each other, and we were always able to keep working and moving forward creatively, loving every minute of it.  We had to edit the musical score, create all the steps for every dancer on stage, choose the props and costumes, create the lighting design, set the music tempos with the conductor, and create all the production cues.  It was a monumental task, but we grew and learned so much through the process and now we get to enjoy seeing the beautiful dancers of Ballet San Antonio perform it every year.”

In the kitchen with them, Haley and Easton’s passion for ballet and their confidence and praise of everyone at Ballet San Antonio was palpable.

About Ballet San Antonio’s The Nutcracker

Ballet San Antonio’s The Nutcracker, originally commissioned by Ballet San Antonio for Ballet San Antonio, choreographed by Easton and Haley Smith and with its world premiere on Friday, November 23, 2018. In the 2021-22 season, Sofiane Sylve became the Artistic Director and Director of the School of Ballet San Antonio.

“The Nutcracker that Easton and I created for Ballet San Antonio was inspired by our favorite productions: the country’s oldest Nutcracker that we performed with Ballet West by Willem Christiansen and one of the greatest Nutcrackers made by George Balanchine. We have both performed in the Nutcracker every year since we were about 9 years old, and we also drew from those experiences to create an exciting, fast paced Nutcracker that would entertain children and adults alike. The classic story is retold clearly with exceptional dancing and mesmerizing lifts.   New digital sets create a spectacular setting for the dancers and a live orchestra returns this year as well. There are also 140 local children in the show, drawing in the community for a wonderful holiday tradition.”

Where: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

When: Full Length Performances December 2-4 and December 9-11

Dec 2, 2022 – 7:30 pm

Dec 3, 2022 – 2:00 pm

Dec 3, 2022 – 7:30 pm

Dec 4, 2022 – 2:00 pm

Dec 9, 2022 – 7:30 pm

Dec 10, 2022 – 2:00 pm

Dec 10, 2022 – 7:30 pm

Dec 11, 2022 – 2:00 pm

Sensory Friendly Performance

Dec 6, 2022 – 10:00 am (approx. 1 hr.)

Student Performances

Dec 8, 2022 – 9:50 am (approx. 1 hr.)

Dec 8, 2022 – 11:15 am (approx. 1 hr.)

December 9, 2022 – 10:00 am (approx. 1 hr)

Ticket Link: https://www.tobincenter.org/thenutcracker

Tickets can be purchased on the Tobin Center’s website (link above), by visiting the Tobin Center’s Box Office at 100 Auditorium Circle, or by phone at 210-223-8624. The Tobin Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday from 10 am – 6 pm, Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm and 2 hours prior to show time on performance days for in-person sales.

Bio: Sofiane Sylve was born in Nice, France, where she studied at the Académie de Dance. She was a Principal dancer with Germany’s Stadttheater, Dutch National Ballet, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Semperoper Ballett. During the 2020/21 season she became a ballet mistress with the Semperoper Ballet as well as the Artistic Advisor for Ballet San Antonio.  In the 2021-22 season, Sylve became the full-time Artistic Director of Ballet San Antonio and Director of the School of Ballet San Antonio. Sofiane Sylve’s full bio can be found at: https://balletsanantonio.org/dancers/sofiane-sylve/

Recipe

Did you know that the Nutcracker is an historical foodie’s ballet?  It is said that the 2nd act showcases the 19th century’s most precious confections.  At a time of the year when straying from nutrition is most apt – the Smith’s recipe for zucchini bread slips a little “green” into your diet! They also offer twists like a vegan option and a chocolate addition to enhance the appeal. Find the recipe on our website texicureans.com

For me, some of the most wonderful moments leading up to Christmas are baking with holiday music playing in the background. Absolutely one of my favorites is the soundtrack to the Nutcracker Ballet.  With every note of Sugarplum Fairy, can’t you just imagine throwing in a pinch of cinnamon and dancing around the kitchen? That’s what you’ll find me doing this holiday season. Ding ding ding ding ding…ding ding ding…

Zucchini Bread

Course brunch
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp soda
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • cup brown sugar
  • 3 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans.
  • Sift flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.
  • Beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla together in a separate large bowl with an electric mixer until combined.
  • Add flour mixture and beat well.  Stir in zucchini and walnuts until well combined.  Pour batter into the prepared pans
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 -60 minutes.  Cool in the pans on a wire rack for 20 minutes.

Video

Notes

To make the recipe vegan:  substitute organic flax seed for eggs - 1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for each egg.
Keyword bread, zucchini, sweet bread, brunch

Sour Dough Loaf

Few aromas in life match that of fresh bread cooking in the oven. And then to follow up, the crispness on the outside and tenderness on the inside of a loaf of freshly made sour dough bread is pure heaven.

Sour dough starter can be found from a friend or even the internet. At first glance, this recipe seems complicated, but once you’ve done it a couple of times – you’ll have it down, Sour dough bread is easily digestible, giving you a feeling of satisfaction but not stuffiness. With fresh butter – truly nothing is better!

Branch out, try it, and you will be hooked. It’s truly worth the organization of your time to make it work.

Sour Dough Loaf

Equipment

  • Large oven-proof pot with lid
  • Kitchen scale
  • Parchment paper
  • Glass jar with lid

Ingredients
  

  • 50 g (1/4) Cup active sour dough starter
  • 350 g (1 1/3 C + 2 tbsp warm water
  • 500 g (4 Cups + 2 tbsp) bread flour
  • 9 g (1.5 tsp) fine sea salt

To Replenish Starter

  • 60 g active sour dough starter
  • 60 g water
  • 60 g unbleached flour

Instructions
 

  • 1. 1. In the Middle of the day before wanting to bake bread: Take starter from the refrigerator. Using a scale with a jar set on top and set to “0”. Measure 60 g starter. Take scale to “0” again. Measure in 60 g water and stir. Take scale to “0” and add 60 g flour and stir. Loosely cover and set on counter until 6-10 PM. (I like to set under my under-counter light)

Make the Dough: 

  • 2. In the evening, set a 8 1/2” bowl on the scale and set to “0”. Add 50g starter. Set scale to “0”. Add 350 g warm water and mix together thoroughly. Set scale to “0”. Stir in 500 g bread flour and 9 g or 1 1/2 tsp salt. Finish mixing by hand to fully incorporate the flour. 
  • 3. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes. 
  • 4. Take this time to replenish your starter with fresh water and flour in a new jar. (I print the date on jar)
  • 5. After dough has rested, work into a smooth ball . Grab a portion of the dough and fold it over, pressing your fingertips into the center. Repeat, working your way around the ball until it tightens - about 15 seconds.

Bulk Rise: 

  • 6. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let rise overnight (8-10 hours) at room temperature - approximately 70 degrees. The dough is ready when it has doubled in size.

Shape:

  • In the morning, move the dough to a lightly floured cutting board. (I also flour my hands) Repeat the pull and press function from the previous night. Flip the dough over and let it rest 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile line a bowl with a towel dusted with flour (or use a proofing bowl) and lift dough into it, seam side up. 

Second Rise:

  • Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 - 60 minutes. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit the size of you baking pot, leaving excess room around the sides.

Score:

  • Place the parchment over the dough and invert the bowl to release. Sprinkle th dough with flour and gently rub the surface with your hands. Using the tip of a small, serrated knife or a razor blade, score the dough with an “X”. 

BAKE:

  • Cover dough with lid and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake an additional 30 minutes.Remove and let cool for 1 hour. Sourdough is best consumed on the same day it is baked. Store at room temperature in a plastic bag for one day. 

Notes

  • If we don’t consume in one day (which is hard), I slice and freeze. You can also make croutons and freeze. 
  • This may seem complicated at first glance, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it makes sense.

RV Kitchen Essentials

Being prepared makes hitting the trail so much easier and faster.  Whether you are a tent camper or RV’er, having a list of basic items assures you’ll be ready to take off for adventure!

Megan Traeger shares her list of staples she keeps in her RV.  If you are a tent camper – you might keep a plastic box  stocked with essentials.

Happy Exploring!

Must pack in the kitchen of the airstream:

  • S’mores ingredients (if you want to skip out on extra packing, buy the Keebler’s fudge stripe cookies. Chocolate and graham crackers in one.)
  • Kreutz Pancake mix (with mixin’s like fruit or pecans or chocolate chips)
  • H‑E‑B trail Mix (everybody can grab their flavor of choice and they come in resealable bags!)
  • Pasta (probably the most versatile thing I carry. I can add red sauce or just olive oil, or I can add cheese and taco seasoning. I can cook a cup of it or cook the whole bag and save the rest for leftovers.)
  • Cereal (for those mornings that we need to quickly pack up. Our kids will typically pour cereal into a cup, and some milk and a spoon and take it to the truck for on the go breakfast.)
  • Hot sauce and Tortilla chips (no further explanation needed. We do love grabbing salsas or queso when we stop at different places to try their stuff.)
  • Tortillas (another versatile item. I can make breakfast tacos, or quesadillas with leftover chicken or beef from the night before. Or I can heat them up, add some butter and sugar and call it dessert.)
  • Bread (I don’t skimp on my bread so I always buy Dave’s Killer Bread. I have yet to NOT find it when traveling!)
  • Fritos and bean dip (this is a don’t ask don’t tell snack.)
  • PB/J (sometimes you make sandwiches for your kids. Sometimes you just make them for yourself. I’m also a huge fan of packing Justin’s peanut butter packets for hiking snacks. And jelly will be used at breakfast sometimes too)
  • Granola (we buy the Bear Naked cacao and Cashew butter bag. I can eat this for breakfast, snack, or dessert. I typically will toss it with some Greek yogurt.)
  • Dried fruits (hours in the car can lead to useless snacking. Might as well eat some dried mango or banana chips!)
  • Pita chips (clearly can be used with some hummus. But the other day I had tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar. I used the pita chips as my base for all of it and they were perfect bite sized bruschettas.)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper grinders
  • Coffee (we love that when we travel we can find some really great and unique roasters throughout the country.)
Fridge:
  • Milk (for cereal and kids)
  • Creamer (for coffee to deal with kids)
  • Eggs (I usually only pack half a dozen for space saving.)
  • Peppered Bacon from Granzins (sometimes I’ll make this to go with pancakes, or in breakfast tacos. One time I threw it in cabbages that we were taking to a potluck. Or I can smear some Nutella on it for dessert. Best bacon I’ve ever eaten!)
  • Butter
  • Sandwich condiments 
  • Lunch meat and cheeses
  • Fruits (we eat a ton of fruits so this is a revolving door. It’s especially fun to get local produce that is native to an area.)
  • Hummus
  • Bell peppers (slice them up to throw in a omelet. Slice them up to dip in hummus. Or slice them up to sauté for dinner.)
  • Sparkling waters
  • Pound of ground beef 
  • Shredded Cheese (another thing that can be added to a ton of things.)
  • Sausage (use it for breakfast, snacks, or dinner.)
  • Large Greek Yogurt (at home I hardly buy the big containers of yogurt but on the road we always have one in the fridge.

Quick and fun breakfast
Banana split breakfast
Cut banana in half, scoop in yogurt instead of ice cream
Top with fresh fruits and granola
Sometimes I’ll add some chocolate chips or sprinkles to the girls.

On the run lunch hack
I always buy paper food boats. That way if we are in a pinch, I can throw a sandwich and some goldfish and some fruit gummies in a tray and call it lunch for the kids. In the adults trays I may cut up some bell peppers and scoop in some hummus to take in the car. Easy clean up.

Dinner suggestion
When planning your dinners be mindful of how many dishes you are getting dirty. I like to simplify and try to stick to one pot meals if possible. I’ll load the ingredients into a paper bag to keep them all together in the fridge. This then becomes my trash bag as I cook.

After dinner space saver
If I know I’m making chicken or beef and may possibly have extras, I’ll cook all of it and then put the remainder of the cooked meat in single compartment meal prep containers (from H‑E‑B) to keep in the fridge. I can reheat the meat the next day and add it to lunch as a quesadilla or to top a salad.

 



 

Cowboy Beans (Easy All Day version)

It’s a Texas staple – cooked pinto beans. Beans are easy to store in their dry mode, thereby making an ever ready item back in the chuckwagon days and before grocery stores were readily available in rural areas.

This recipe is simple, using only a few ingredients, but the absolutely secret is the salt pork! It provides a flavor that seals the deal on scrumptious beans. Add a little chili powder, and you have a mouth full of pure joy.

Throw the beans in a pot, cover with water, and add the salt pork. Turn the heat on low and go about your day!

Cowboy Beans (Easy All Day version)

Course Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pinto beans
  • 1 package salt pork (about ¼ pound)
  • 3-4 garlic cloves according to taste
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • salt and coarse cracked pepper to taste

Video

Zesty Turkey Salad

The decorations are packed away, the tree is down, but there may remain a remnant of the holidays, frozen in your freezer- left-over turkey. Here’s a recipe to take that ‘ol turkey to another level: Zesty Turkey Salad.

Spicy pickles, horseradish, and cumin come together in one taste sensation! And the recipe only has two steps! Ok, there is a little dicing, etc. but on the whole, its a snap.

You can serve it on lettuce leaves as I show here,or thinly slice a baguette and make mini sandwiches ready for lunch. I prepared this recipe for 8 so you’ll have plenty protein to munch on for the week. Watch it, though, it may disappear faster than you anticipate!

Zesty Turkey Salad

Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cubed, cooked turkey
  • cups diced onion
  • 3 microwaved eggs, chopped
  • cup zesty pickles
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp cumin

Instructions
 

  • Combine the turkey, onion, eggs, and pickles in a large bowl.
  • Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, horseradish, cumin, paprika, and black pepper together in a separate bowl until smooth.
  • Stir sour cream mixture into turkey mixture until evenly coated.
  • Let sit in fridge for an hour or so before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Video