Favorite style of Texas Cooking (vs., gardens, food)

[TexasReb]

Ok, y'all...

I haven't started a new poll in quite a while, so am going to today!

It concerns what MAJOR style of cooking/food associated with Texas is your personal favorite.

By definition, the catagories are broad, so I will explain just a bit. Realizing that some of the spheres may overlap, and that the opinions expressed on the same are not necessarily those of the Texas Forum Regulars!:

1. Southern/Soul/Country: This would be the "comfort food" catagory. The stuff grandmaw and momma used to cook, and of Sunday dinner-on-the-grounds. Fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, fried okra and squash, black-eyed peas, cold sliced homegrown tomatoes, cornbread, greens. Fried catfish could also easily be part of this.

2. Tex-Mex: Mexican food, essentially, but with the Texas twist on it. Chili, I would say, is part of it...because Texas chili is usually without beans and is different from that of most other states. It is really more of a "Texas thing" than truly Southwestern (see below).

3. BBQ: Beef or Pork or whatever, doesn't make any difference. In some ways, it could be considered part of "Southern" cooking...but Texas style is really too diverse and the affinity for beef puts it in a class all its own.

4. Southwestern: This is a tough one to define. But I would say the distinguishing characteristic is the absolute Mexican and Native American influence on it. Here is a good link on it:

Cuisine of the Southwestern United States - Allrecipes

IMHO, pinto beans, chilies, tomatoes, spanish rice, fajitos, etc, all reflect the influence in Texas.

5. Other (Please define): Well, define as you please! LOL

[Canine*Castle]

I have to go with #1. There is nothing better than home-cooked chicken fried steak or fried chicken with mashed potatoes, creamed gravy, all the trimmings and topping it off with home-made ice cream and chocolate cake. Yum! Mind you, I do not eat like that or I would weigh 200 pounds or have the potential of acquiring coronary artery disease.

[TT Dave]

#1 gets my vote, although #2 and #3 are very close behind! I chose Southern/Soul/Country as my overall favorite because there are so many different foods that I love that fall in that category..yumm!

[TexasReb]

I too picked Southern/Soul/Country as my favorite.

Oh man, in addition to just how GOOD it tastes, is just how GOOD it smells! My gawd and high cotton, I will maintain forever that, short of rose gardens of the angels, NOTHING compares to the heavenly scents of a cookin' country kitchen on a Sunday afternoon back when grandmaws and mommas tended that gas stove with such sweet, loving, care...

*breaking out of spell here* BUT...gotta say the thought of Tex-Mex made me hungry. In fact, gonna go order some enchiladas! LOL

[TexasHorseLady]

I'm guessing that German falls into "other"?

This was a toughie, because they are all part of Texas cuisine.

I chose #2, but, really, I guess I should have chosen "other" because it's not any one, it's all of them. (Sorry, I'm a foodie, I don't play favorites!)

I also wouldn't say that BBQ falls into Southern, because the BBQ that we have here is vastly different from the BBQ in Southern states.

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

I chose #2, but, really, I guess I should have chosen "other" because it's not any one, it's all of them. (Sorry, I'm a foodie, I don't play favorites!)

I also wouldn't say that BBQ falls into Southern, because the BBQ that we have here is vastly different from the BBQ in Southern states.

That is the reason I did put BBQ is a different catagory, THL. And did not include it under "Southern". Because there is a definite difference in Texas BBQ and most other Southern states. Mainly, beef vs. pork. The style of "preparing" is mostly derived from the influence of southeastern settlers, but not the meat! And of course, there are other ethnic influences with the Texas BBQ tradition which differentiate it from the rest of the South. All in all, that is why I classified BBQ as a seperate "Texas food group"!

[love roses]

I was wondering where you've been Reb I put Southern/Soul but could just have easily put other because I have favorites in all of the categories.

[Dangerfield]

#1 due to southern/country/soul foods offer a wider selection for me. Wouldn't be too upset if any of the other choices were placed in front of me though.

[TexasGirl@Heart]

I was ready to send out the search party for you, TexasReb! I love them all, but will have to go with #1 as my favorite and you are correct...nothing beats that smell!

[TXNGL]

Tough decision! I chose Tex-Mex.