D'Lish Dish

Tamales: What Real Texans Eat for Christmas and the New Year

by Ana Gomez Montalbano on 12/21/15

Our 5-month sabbatical on blogging our favorite Texas dishes lead us into the holidays with the wonderful Texas tamale. This Texas favorite goes with beer or margaritas and a delight for holiday entertainment. The great tamale dates back to 7,000 B.C. the Aztec and Mayan Empires.
No one could out-do my late mother's recipe of the mouth watering tamale. So forward I pushed tirelessly in search for the next best tamale.

While shopping at HEB, the little frozen refrigerator stood separate in an aisle of the frozen section. Stacks of a dozen nicely packaged dinner-in-a-bag tamales, from the Texas Tamale Company poked my curiosity. Sorted beef, chicken, pork, black bean, and spinach tamales pilled high. I broke down and decided a taste test was in order.

Looking forward to cracking the sealed bag, I sped home to slap on a plate of tamales fast into the microwave. Anticipating the minute and 25 second that it took to heat up 2 tamales, I expected a dried and brittle masa and a stingy portion of meat inside.

Into my pie-hole, a forkful tamale flew, moist, meaty, and a mild spicy flavor. To my surprise, a close-to-perfect taste and quick serving size was enough for me give Texas Tamale Company a 9.9 out of 10(perfect) score. Why not a 10? Come on! Only mom gets a 10.

Visit Grande Tamales- Pinehurt, Texas (rated 9) a newly established family owned and operated cafe for gourmet tamales and margaritas!

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BBQ: Sauce or Method?

by Ana Gomez Montalbano on 06/22/15

Barbeque is a summer-time staple in Texas. When in Texas, a barbeque is not a barbeque without the proper meat. Rooted to the cattle industry during the taming of the west beef is a pit-master favorite.

A popular outdoor cooking method whether in the back yard, on the beach, or in a park consists of meats slapped onto a flaming grill and smoked to perfection. But when it comes to the delish in the dish, masters of the pit can agree lip smacking, sauce-drippin', real Texas barbeque is in the technique, the rub, and most certainly, the sauce:

1. Stubbs, Austin Tx

2. Goode Company, Houston, Tx

3. Riscky's Barbeque, Fort Worth, Tx

4. Two Bro's BBQ Market, San Antonio, Tx

5. Nathan's BBQ, Brenham, Tx

6. McKenzie's BBQ/Burgers, Conroe, Tx

The Hefty Price of Beef (TxMonthly)

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The Margarita, A Summer Time Staple...But Celebrated in February

by Ana Gomez Montalbano on 05/05/15

Thanks to the millions of margarita fans, Margarita Day is now celebrated in February. Where else can the Margarita stir a fuss of its origin? By far,we know this cocktail needs no introduction when our palate calls for a sweet, salty, sour, and bitter combination.

The legend of the Margarita was first poured in 1938 while another inventor for the title whipped up the concoction in 1948. Whomever takes credit, Tex isn't Mex without the summer-time favorite, the Margarita.

On May 5th, also known to Texans, as Cinco de Mayo, the celebrations are in full motion. No other day can we find a better excuse for mixing our own Margarita recipe, as the center of enjoyment.

Every eatery serving the Margarita has its own specialty. Being a CONNOISSEUR of only the finest, the blend of the best tequila and triple-sec are the most important ingredients. Fresh lime juice is a must. And don't expect the waiter to bring you top-quality tequila. You must ask for it. Usually the slushy frozen margarita from the machine is already mixed with the lowest grade of tequila. I enjoy on-the-Rocks as the best option for top shelf tequila because it has to be shaken by hand. For a sweeter twist, adding flavors such as mango or raspberry is just perfect, especially if the fruit is combined.

Whatever your desire, the Margarita is hands-down the Texas martini that goes well with all Tex-Mex cuisine.

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"Mudbugs", A Texas Cuisine

by Ana Gomez Montalbano on 04/30/15

Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe - Saveur.com for SWARDFEST '13!!!

Louisiana may have the title for the best crawfish boils and celebrations but Texas can't get enough of the short "mudbug" season. The famous cuisine goes back to Cajun roots.

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Romance Begins in the Food

by Ana Gomez Montalbano on 02/08/15

Love is in bloom and there is no better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than a romantic dinner. Natural aphrodisiacs such as oysters and chocolate have been all-time sophisticated edibles. But did you know these common foods are known to be quite seductive in stimulating your system and add more power to the punch?

1. Avocado: The Aztec's dubbed the tree, ahuacuatl, (testicle tree), because of the manner in which the fruits dangle low in pairs from the branches.

Avocados deliver nutrients essential for sexual health.

2. Asparagus: Defined as the aphrodisiac since ancient times. Once a delicacy for the wealthy and a sign of elegance. Asparagus is packed with vitamin A and C and a known stimulus for the reproductive system.

3. Figs: Ancient Greeks offered the fig as a precious gift. Known as a powerhouse in nutrients, its high in protein, calcium, iron. This precious fruit was also used by the Egyptians as a laxative. The fig tree is the symbol of fertility and abundance.

4. Almonds: Known to improve the blood flow, almonds have been known as a libido enhancer since ancient times. High in vitamin E and Omega 3 fats, its has amorous inducement.

5. Chili Pepper: Have a history of many uses but in modern times, the chili culture is about pushing the limits. Peppers have been created for the heat increase.. Want to add spice to your love life? Start here. The chili pepper's aroma has been known to "create a stimulating environment". Many ancient handbooks for stimulation have described spicy foods to increase romance, passion, and of course, sexual desire.
Capsaicin is located in the seeds and the membrane. It triggers the brain to produce endorphins. An increase of endorphins make you feel good. The heart rate increases, the blood circulates and the body begins to sweat similar to the act of ...well, you know what I mean.

So this Valentine's, pick your stimulus...romance begins in the food.

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