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

The Homesick Texan Cookbook

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*

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