A native Texan, I grew up in a family that loves great Mexican food. But I grew up with other regional culinary influences too. My father’s mother was from New Orleans. My own mother is from Charleston, South Carolina. It was her father, my maternal grandfather, who taught me to love the many influences of Mexico in Texas – and especially Mexican food. He was an Irish American who spoke Spanish and wore a guayabera every day. He grew a good variety of chilies and insisted that I should be willing to try everything. And the truth is, I like most everything.
Over time though, I became more conscious of how I was feeding my body. I began to try to increase the vegetable content of my daily meals. I became a pescatarian and then nearly vegetarian, and, at times, nearly vegan – and around again – I have even tried ‘leaning in’ to macrobiotic cookery. But in any case, I always come back to the flavors of favorites I grew up with.
I know my family and others are surprised at how tasty and hearty vegetarian cooking can be. Even my dad says, “you don’t miss the meat!”
I look forward to sharing my adaptations of Tex-Mex family favorites with you.
Vegetexican In Austin 