True Confessions of a Mid-Life Cook

There's a definite correlation between my profound love of music and how and what I've taught myself to cook. My favorite music to listen to and to perform is soulful, sensual, sometimes funky and always bluesy in nature . . . and that's exactly how I cook. I like to get my hands in the food. I chop, I knead, I stir with my hands. Sometimes I wear my big rimmed cowboy hat, nightie and Old Gringo boots in kitchen, sometimes a coonskin cap when the mood strikes and sometimes just an apron and a smile. Using the freshest of ingredients, I love to bringing a new spirit to old favorites. I am so to drawn dishes seeping in both Texas and Southern tradition,with a special affinity for those authentic old jewels found in South Louisiana.
Because they, too, are so powerfully soulful?

I've discovered being a good cook is a journey and not a destination. (Yes, I stole an over-used corporate slogan and made it my own--but it's still the truth) Every time we screw up, we learn. And in part, that's what this blog is about. Cooking fearlessly. With heart, with soul -- and with some damn good music to inspire. (If your three layer chocolate cake ends up looking like a Jerry Springer rerun or you cut the tip of your thumb off while making New Year's Day gumbo, WHO CARES?Proclaim Francine Reed's "I'm a Handful" your theme song. She would like that.)
We cook because we find ourselves kinda empty if we don't.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The Davy Crockett

 Today is the day I raise my glass to Texas Independence and pay homage to my favorite Alamo guy and the other brave souls who served this great state at Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1836.

I created this drink using Texas' premium vodka from Austin, juice of a fat pink grapefruit and lime from the Rio Grande Valley, sea salt from the Gulf of Mexico, and a jalapeno from Abbott's grocery store around the corner.

I call it The Davy Crockett.  Although Texas was declared a Republic today, the actual attack on the Alamo didn't begin until the evening of March 5 after a two week siege.  On March 6, 1836  . . .well, we all know that my Davy met a tragic fate. Rumored to be one of the only survivors of the Battle, I hear that the dastardly Santa A ordered him to be slain.

Remembering calamities such as this, ladies and gentlemen, is just one of the many reasons why we drink, is it not?

1 1/2 oz. Tito's Premium Vodka, ice cold
1/2 oz. fresh pink grapefruit juice, cold
Dash of green Tabasco (optional)
Good squeeze of fresh lime
Dash of sea salt
Rub the rim of the glass with a slice of jalapeno and use for garnish

After a few of these, it is doubtful that you will 'Remember the Alamo!' or much of anything else.

Suggested listening: The Ballad of Davy Crockett by the Kentucky Headhunters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLNmvaACJno


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