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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

cookbook review: The Homesick Texan by Lisa Fain {The Homesick Texan Cookbook Spotlight & Cook-Off}


Author:  Lisa Fain
Publisher:  Hyperion
Hard Cover: 358 Pages
Photos: YES

Chapters/Sections:  The Larder: A Homesick Tean's Pantry, Pickles and Preserves, Salsas, Sauces, and Gravies, Morning Food, Appetizers, Chilis, Soups, and Stews, Tex-Mex Classics, Beef, Pork, and Fowl, Seafood, Sides, hot and cold, Breads, Sweets

Fun Features: This book begins with a fantastic introduction in which it feels as if Fain welcomes you into the state of Texas, wraps you in a blanket, tells you an inspiring story, and then sends you running straight for the kitchen.

(a few of the many) Recipes Destined for my Kitchen:  Strawberry Guajillo Jam, Chipotle and Bacon Cream Gravy, Chorizo Empanadas, Green Chorizo, Smoky Tortilla Soup, West Texas Stacked Enchiladas, Fried Chicken Livers, Ancho Cream Corn, Chorizo Asadero Bread, Kolaches, Apple Cheese Scones w/ Jalapeños, Apple Fried Pies, Mexican Coffee Ice Cream w/ Ancho Chile Fudge Sauce

My Thoughts/Review: Well, if I'm being honest {channeling my inner Simon Cowell}, I have a huge crush on this book!  Like I said earlier, from the moment I sat down and read the introduction, I knew this book was special.  Fain's wonderful storytelling continues throughout the book and is welcomely deposited in front of each recipe.  Fain says "This book aims to enhance this passion and interaction with a collection of stories and over 125 versatile recipes that highlight the state's rich food traditions, appropriate for both Texans and non-Texans alike."  It's true.  I've never even set foot in Texas, and the food left me feeling homesick.  From one of my favorites, Tex-Mex to the classic comfort food of the South, I don't think that there's anything I don't want to make in this book.  After a while, it became clear that my little strips of paper were futile.  Listed below are all of the dishes I've tried from this book thus far.  I found myself swooning over each and every meal...loving it more (at the time) than the last.  The Homesick Texan Cookbook has moseyed right in and taken up residence on my working bookshelf (that's the one that is right in the kitchen next to my computer).  If you don't have this book already, I recommend you RUN to the nearest bookstore...or click on the link below (that's much simpler) and buy your very own copy to love.  NOW!

Recipes I have already tried:
Pork Tacos, Dallas Gas Station Style
Austin-Style Black Beans
Poblano Macaroni and Cheese
Sopapillas
Pasilla Garlic Shrimp
Breakfast Rellenos
Fried Catfish & Hushpuppies

about the author:  (from Hyperion) When Lisa Fain, a seventh-generation Texan, moved to New York City, she missed the big sky, the bluebonnets in spring, Friday night football, and her family’s farm. But most of all, she missed the foods she’d grown up with.

After a fruitless search for tastes of Texas in New York City, Fain took matters into her own hands. She headed into the kitchen to cook for her friends the Tex-Mex, the chili, and the country comfort dishes that reminded her of home. From cheese enchiladas drowning in chili gravy to chicken-fried steak served with cream gravy on the side, from warm bowls of chile con queso to big pots of fiery chili made without beans, Fain re-created the wonderful tastes of Texas she’d always enjoyed at potlucks, church suppers, and backyard barbecues back home.  In 2006, Fain started the blog Homesick Texan to share Texan food with fellow expatriates, and the site immediately connected with readers worldwide, Texan and non-Texan alike.

For more with Lisa, please check out my interview, 5 Questions with Lisa Fain!



*I received a free copy of this book to review from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions stated in this post are 100% mine.

*This post is part of The Homesick Texan Cookbook Spotlight and Cook-Off sponsored by Hyperion and hosted (right here!) at girlichef*
The Homesick Texan Cookbook Spotlight and Cook-Off Banner


I am also sharing this post with:
foodiesreadingchallenge weekend cooking

Would you like to comment?

  1. Heather - I have a crush on the book too! I love everything you made and I'm seriously drooling over the breakfast rellenos - wow!

    Thanks so much for including me in the cook along. It was probably my favorite blogging event all year. I met some new friends, found a new favorite book, and got to make some wonderful food! Thanks :)

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  2. I echo Kim--this was a wonderful event and I loved the cookbook. Seeing the round up of all the amazing things you made makes me drool. Thanks for the opportunity to join in! ;-)

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  3. This looks like a great book. My friend is a Texan and she is always talking about their food. This would make a great gift book for her.

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  4. Everyone did such an awesome job reviewing this book and I can't wait ot make some of the recipes you sampled!

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  5. I clearly just need to go to Texas and eat my way through the state, haha!

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  6. I love your book reviews, Heather, and all the great recipes you share with us.

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  7. I had a blast cooking along!! Heather your review was awesome!!

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  8. How funny, two of my best friends are from Texas and I know they'd both get a kick out of this cookbook! Good thing Christmas is coming up ;)

    -Lizzy

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  9. This is some seriously gorgeous food. I am so excited to cook from this book!

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  10. This is probably one of my favorite cookbooks! Thank you so much for including me in this awesome cookbook spotlight.

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  11. I love cookbooks that feature a good amount of text as well as recipes, and it sounds like this one has wonderful stories along with the recipes :)
    Those pictures are fabulous.

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  12. Wow! You made lovely pictures of your dishes!

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  13. Yummmmmm. Everything looks great, and thanks for sharing the video. I don't do very much frying, so the broiler jalapenos look like a good alternative.

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  14. Wow - this books excellent! I really like that you have already tried so many of the recipes. They sound and look delicious. What also appeals to me is that is sounds like it's also a good book to read.

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  15. I've been to Texas twice for only two weeks, but the feeling I had when I was there has never gone away. Homesick is a perfect word. There is something about it that is like no other place.

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  16. Your photos make me want to come over for dinner for like a week. I've sadly never been to Texas but am now ready to give the state a try! Thanks for the review.

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  17. Drooling! Those pork tacos look mouth-watering but everything looks amazing.

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