What You Need to Cook Like a Texan
May 4th, 2012 | By Cecilia | Category: cooking tips, show tips, the show
Grilling: A Texas tradition
Like any distinctive cuisine, to cook with a Texas flair, you have to have the proper ingredients and gear to make flavors come to life. In this case, you want your food to speak with a Texas–or even TxMex–accent.
Below find an incomplete list of staples to consider having on hand to help you put a Texas twist on most anything you prepare. These are in no particular order:
| Pantry/Cupboards/Counter | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Dried and canned pinto beans | White vinegar | Ice cream |
| Dried chiles | Lard | Ice |
| Cumin powder | Vegetable shortening | |
| Chile powder | Fresh salsa | |
| Kosher Salt | Queso Blanco | |
| Black Pepper | Avocado (ripe) | |
| Garlic powder | Cilantro | |
| Masa harina | Buttermilk | |
| Coffee | Fresh chiles | |
| Honey | Jalapenos | |
| Cornmeal | Limes | |
| Canned tomatoes | Corn tortillas | |
| Canned chipotle | Flour tortillas | |
| Beef broth and chicken broth | Yellow and white onions | |
| Baking powder | Bacon | |
| Sugar | Eggs | |
| Vegetable oil | Cheddar cheese | |
| Tea | Monterrey Jack Cheese | |
| Paprika | Pecans | |
| Dried or canned black beans | Ketchup | |
| Fresh garlic | Prepared yellow mustard | |
| Dried oregano | Worcestershire sauce | |
| Cayenne pepper | Butter (salted and unsalted) | |
| Cloves | Beer | |
| Bourbon | Rice | |
| Olive oil | Sour cream | |
| Fresh tomatoes (DNR)* | Pickled jalapeno slices | |
| Avocado (unripe) | Pickled okra |
* Do Not Refrigerate
Some gear and utensil that may be helpful to you include:
| Large stock pot with lid | Gas grill |
| Tortilla press | Charcoal grill |
| Seasoned cast iron skillet | Smoker |
| Griddle | Mesquite wood |
| Comal | Oak wood |
| Mortar and pestle (or molcajete) | Heat resistant gloves |
| Dutch oven | Apron |
| Large cutting board | Mop bucket |
| Instant read thermometer | Sauce mop |
| Sharp knives | Heavy duty aluminum foil |
| Blender | Long handle tongs |
| Food processor | Large platter |
| Blender | Long handle tongs |
| Food processor | Large platter |
| Lighter fluid | Matches |
| Oven mitts or thick towels | Fire extinguisher |
