The Homesick Texan Cookbook

For the next 4 weeks I will be highlighting recipes from a new cookbook, The Homesick Texan by Lisa Fain, published by Hyperion. How new is this cookbook? Well, it's not even out on the shelves at your favorite bookstores. Not yet! This book will be released September 13, 2011.



Hyperion generously released advance copies to a small group committed to cook, taste and write about Lisa Fain's book (by the way, she has a blog by the same title).

The Homesick Texan is a brilliant collection of stories, photos and recipes from Lisa's home state. I could identify with the thought process here.....you move away from your home state where generations of your family lived. And you miss the food. Alot. A taste of home can evoke powerful longings and memories. Well, Lisa put her memories to work and found there were homesick Texans all over....and they shared her longing for Texas style chow.

For week one I chose to make the Austin-style Black Beans and paired it with my modified version of Lisa's picadillo. (Page 177 of this book has a great recipe for Gorditas with Picadillo - recommended!)




Here is an advanced taste from The Homesick Texan.

"It was in Austin that I first saw black beans served on a TexMex plate, instead of the usual refried pinto beans found elsewhere throughout the state"

Austin-Style Black Beans has cumin, lime juice, tomato paste, cilantro, garlic and chipolte chiles, carrots, onion and...black beans of course! I think the addition of the cilantro and cumin really bring an unique flavor. I have used lime with my version of black beans before but...this one is different and definitely going to be a repeat side on our table.



Don't you just love the aroma of onions, garlic and spices melding together in your pan........and black beans...one of my favorites!



I did not prepare the Gas Station Pork Tacos but chose picadillo.......pairs well.




Served up with a good bread and great company.......we enjoyed this meal.




*This post is part of The Homesick Texan Cookbook Spotlight and Cook-Off sponsored by Hyperion and hosted at girlichef*

Check out the cooking group next week and see another preview of this book.



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