Introduction

Did you know that Tex-Mex cooking is the oldest regional cuisine in America? Tex-Mex cooking consists of recipes and foods native to Mexico, updated with tastes imported from Texas, Europe, and the rest of America. The fifty delicious recipes collected here range from burgers to flan, from barbecue to ceviche, and everything in between!

If you are following a special diet, Tex-Mex cooking can fit into your lifestyle. If you are controlling carbs, most of the meat and vegetable dishes are made for your diet. For low-fat devotees, any vegetarian or salad recipes would be a good choice. The special foods of Tex-Mex cooking, especially chiles, add flavor and variety to any diet and can jumpstart your metabolism, without adding any additional calories.

Tex-Mex also offers a high degree of versatility. Recipes can be radically changed by simply adjusting the spice and seasoning. The food can be complex and subtle or truly searing and obvious, depending on your mood. If your family doesn’t like spice, replace the chiles with black pepper. If you want to really feel the burn, add another cayenne or chipotle. It’s all up to you! Learn about the heat and flavors of chile peppers and spices and you will always be able to control the taste of the food you serve.

These fifty recipes will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about the foods, cooking techniques, and tastes of Tex-Mex cooking. Here you’ll find everything from hearty breakfasts and easy suppers to elegant appetizers and good-enough-for-company dishes to show off at your next party. You’ll also learn about calcabacita, nopales, picadillo, and more, expanding your knowledge of the world along with your kitchen repertoire. After all, there’s no better way to travel without leaving your home than to learn a new cuisine!