cowgirl in the kitchen

Bursting with flavor and freshness, these delicate-yet-sturdy marshmallows are bound to draw oohs and ahhs, especially when you provide a sampling of scrumptious add-ons to up the ante. Shown here, along with the standard graham crackers and chocolate, are toppings of homemade caramel, sea salt, sliced strawberries, chopped pecans, and crunchy peanut butter so each...

Whether you’re a longtime lamb aficionado or an adventuresome beginner, this elegant-yet-easy rack of lamb is bound to delight both you and your guests.  Organic, pasture-raised lamb is incredibly nutrient dense—high in protein and healthy fats, with a wide range of minerals and micronutrients—and a refreshing change of pace if beef is the only red...

FUGAZZA CON QUESO WITH FENNEL AND RED ONION Make a nod to National Pi Day on March 14th with this rustic Argentinian-style cheese-and-onion, pizza-style pie known as “fugazza.” Fugazza traditionally has no tomato sauce, but heaps of onions; this one is enhanced with fennel and fresh herbs. The preferment method for the dough helps achieve...

The end of the Vietnam War brought waves of Vietnamese and Thai immigrants to Texas, beginning in the mid-’70s with an influx of well-educated professionals, former military officers and politicians, and war brides of American soldiers.  Droves of war refugees soon followed, and many took up crabbing and shrimping along the Gulf Coast. These hardworking...

Recently, I toured the High Plains around Brownfield, Texas, as a guest of the Texas Peanut Board, renewing my delight in this nutritious groundnut.  And although Georgia is the top peanut-producing state in the nation, Texas is currently the No. 2 peanut-producing state and New Mexico comes in at No. 10, so why not, I...

Get in touch with your inner cavegirl and dazzle your guests with this bomb-proof preparation for the dramatic tomahawk steak. Sure, it’s a mite intimidating at first to work with a roaring-hot fire and a chunk of pricey beef, but, hey, you’re a cowgirl.  You got this, gal. Mango/Habanero Dipping Sauce: Preparing this a day...

New Year’s diet resolutions need be neither a bore nor a chore with this immensely colorful dish that’s bound to lift any cowgirl out of the winter doldrums at the first eye-popping glance. It tastes even better than it looks and better still, it’s a super-easy supper after a day of chores, showy enough for...

Tamales are signature Southwest fare for the holidays, and what could be more fun that to muster your best cowgirl pals for a festive “tamalada”—a traditional tamale-making party! Start here with classic pork tamales, but the variety of fillings is limitless, and includes vegetarian options, cheese, chicken, and beef. When it comes time to make...