New Tastes from Texas

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Summary: Suddenly, My Favorite Cookbook
Review: As a fairly serious cook who moved to Texas from the Midwest a couple of years ago, I've been intrigued by the "New Tastes" experienced in the better Texas or Tex-Mex restauarants I've visited. Trying to figure out how to prepare and blend ingredients I wasn't very familiar with has been complicated and time consuming. Stephen Pyles "New Tastes From Texas" has done more for my grasp of New Texas Cuisine than any other cookbook or resource I've read. In this book, Chef Pyles provides not only the basic preparations (pure chili powder, chili pastes, etc.) but also some of his very best recipes. Having recipes for Star Canyon's "Cowboy Ribeye", "Rock Shrimp Taquitos" and "Heaven and Hell Cake" are alone worthe price of the book. Buy it . . . you'll love it!

Rating:
Summary: This is a GREAT book!
Review: I finally received my copy of this book and immediately made some home made chili powder and had friends over for dinner the next weekend. Although some have made statments on how complex the recipes are, he is famous for a reason. AND, he has chosen to share some of his recipes that have made him and his restaurant famous.

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Summary: I can't wait to try-out Stephan's wonderful recipes !
Review: I got this book for Christmas, I have wanted it for months. Watching Stephan's cooking shows have inspired me to create some SouthWestern magic of my own. There are great recipes, pictures & very interesting background information...well rounded. I bet the dinner party I'm having in a few weeks will go off without a hitch, thanks to Stephan.

Rating:
Summary: I can't wait to try-out Stephan's wonderful recipes !
Review: I got this book for Christmas, I have wanted it for months. Watching Stephan's cooking shows have inspired me to create some SouthWestern magic of my own. There are great recipes, pictures & very interesting background information...well rounded. I bet the dinner party I'm having in a few weeks will go off without a hitch, thanks to Stephan.

Rating:
Summary: Captures the flavors of Texas
Review: I have enjoyed watching the PBS series and this companion cookbook really helps. The diverse recipes allow me to prepare the dishes for friends and family --- all with a real Texas taste. Chef Pyles provides all the detailed instructions needed for each recipe. The pictures are fabulous.

Rating:
Summary: Great recipes if you are in the mood to cook for a day.
Review: I really enjoy watching chef Stephan Pyles show on Public television, but this book has recipes that are just to intricate. There are some that are somewhat simple but the majority are not. Great photography in the book.

Rating:
Summary: Creative food with flavor to spare.
Review: If you like bland, ordinary food...keep going, cause this is not the book for you. Stephan Pyles, award-winning chef of Star Canyon and Aquaknox restaurants in Dallas, explores his entire home state's cuisine in a book that makes you wish you lived in Texas. This is the companion volume to his public television series, and dishes like jalapenos stuffed with chorizo and goat cheese, deviled crab cakes with lemon-horseradish mayonnaise, and margarita mousse are examples of why Stephan's food has been so widely acclaimed. On a personal note, Stephan is one of the nicest individuals you would want to know, and generously gives of his time to various charities, particularly Share Our Strength, the country's largest hunger relief organization.Everyone here at Clarkson Potter and Crown thinks both Stephan and his book are amazing.

Rating:
Summary: Go-To Cookbook for Texas Spectacular Food
Review: This is just an outstanding cookbook, filled with info, unique recipes and sources for ingredients, and spectacular shots of finished dishes.

I keep making one new recipe after another for guests and compliments are on the high side of all fare I prepare and serve. Tried such creative dishes as: Cajun Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole (becoming demanded regular at Thanksgiving);Honey-Glazed Apple-stuffed pork chops on black-eyed pea-sweet potato hash; Vine-Ripened Tomato Salad (served in a unique tower fashion) Grilled Snapper with black bean - roast banan mash, coconut serrano broth and mango-tortilla salad; Stacked Banana-Creme' Brulee Tostada.

But a few of the marvelous stuff in this volume. Listed a few to show how tempting they sound and their accompaniments. Not exactly quick or easy to make (most of them in this category) but for the medium to experienced home gourmet, these will give you that extraordinary zip to your dining experience.

Make these and you'll return to this one over and over as I continue to do.