Meet Homesick Texan...and her Queso!

Queso recipe by The Homesick Texan
I used Hatch chiles this time.

Is there any way to make REAL queso from REAL cheese?  Once you've developed a palate for a GOOOOOD queso, there's no turning back.  You set yourself up for disappointment.  I had to find a good Non-velveeta-like composition but velveeta-like flavor recipe for queso.  I knew if I tried to develop the recipe myself, it would turn into an oily, lumpy mess.  I wasn't about to trust myself to make this recipe.

That's how I discovered Homesick Texan. Blogger and cookbook author, Lisa Fain, keeps Tex-Mex alive for her fellow New Yorkers.  And if you've ever been away from the southwest for longer than a week, you don't want a cheese-tortilla sandwich - a sorry excuse of a quesadilla.  Your tummy aches for a good roasted salsa, creamy queso, chunky tableside guacamole, hearty breakfast tacos, perfectly sauced enchiladas, etc. 

Lisa was born in Dallas and raised in Houston, but also well-versed in Austin, College Station, and all places Texan, big and small.  I was pleased to peruse her blog and see mentions of places like the Czech Bakery, Lonesome Dove, Chuy's, and Kerbey Lane.  Meanwhile, enthusiastic, nostalgia-driven readers comment and hunt for copycat recipes dropping names like Casa Ole, Ninfas, and Pappasitos. 

For non-Texans, consider yourself fortunate to have this resource.  She trims the fat by sharing only the best of the best and allows everyone to enjoy the flavors of the southwest, particularly Texas without having to be in Texas.

Lisa kindly took the time to tell us more about herself here on rabbit food rocks.  Thank you, Lisa!

What part of Texas are you from?

My family has been in the Dallas area since the 1840s (and my grandma
still lives on a farm outside McKinney that’s been in the family since
then), but my family moved to Houston when I was nine. I consider
myself from both places.

Can you recommend 3 of your favorite meatless dishes from your new cookbook
or your blog?

My favorite vegetarian dishes from my blog are
Summer squash enchiladas
http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-squash-enchiladas.html
Austin-style black beans
http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/2009/03/austin-and-basic-black-beans.html
Texas potato salad
http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/2009/07/texas-potato-salad-what-is-it.html

What do you miss most about Texas?

I miss my family, friends, big skies, country roads, Friday night
football and spring wildflowers, especially bluebonnets.

Any plans to visit Texas to get our Homesick Texan cookbooks signed by you?

Yes, I’ll be in Dallas at Le Creuset Store on Lovers Lane on October 20.

Other stops in Texas are:

October 24, Bookpeople, Austin, signing
October 25, Twig Book Shop, San Antonio, signing
October 26, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, signing

Mark your calendars!