“Eyes of Texas” (University of Texas alma mater)
"The eyes of Texas are upon you" was a favorite saying of Colonel William Prather (1848-1905), a president of the University of Texas. In 1903, John Sinclair wrote the song "The Eyes…
Lone Star Showdown (Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies)
The "Lone Star Showdown" is name for athletic competitions where the University of Texas Longhorns play the Texas A&M Aggies. The name "Lone Star Showdown" is trademarked…
Slang Jang (Slangjang)
"Slang Jang" (or "slangjang") is a dish from Honey Grove in Northeast Texas. The ingredients of this hot pepper relish vary, but tend to include oysters, onions, pickles,…
Dobe (also Dobie, Doby) Biscuit
"Dobe" biscuits (also "dobie" or "doby") are sourdough biscuits. The name was used by the 1870s and is largely of historical interest today. "Dobe" is said…
Texas Ranch Beans
Texas ranch beans (or just "ranch beans") are barbecue baked beans with a western name. TexasCooking.netreliefBarbecued Baked BeansBarbecued Beans are very similar to the so-called Ranch…
Texas Manhattan (cocktail)
A "Manhattan" cocktail is whiskey and vermouth. This "Texas Manhattan" is a little different. The Jamisons are given credit for this drink. Texas Home Cookingby Cheryl Alters…
Texas Potatoes
"Texas Potatoes" is a recipe that adds chicken soup and cheddar cheese to hash browns. The origins of the recipe are unknown. Recipes have been cited from the 1990s. Cooks.comTEXAS…
West Texas Sunset (cocktail)
The "West Texas Sunset" cocktail is not nearly as popular as the similar "Tequila Sunrise." Pomegranate juice is used rather than grenadine. Best of Minneapolis 2002 Bar…
Prairie Fire (Tabasco and tequila cocktail)
"Prairie Fire" is a hot cocktail of tequila and Tabasco sauce. It is not known where the drink originated. WikipediaCanadian Prairie Fire½ to 1 part Tabasco sauce 1 part Yukon Jack…
Prairie Fire (hot hors d’oeuvre)
"Prairie Fire" is the name of the hot hors d'oeuvre that was served by Helen Corbitt, of Neiman-Marcus fame, in the 1950s. Helen Corbitt's Cookbookby Helen CorbittBoston:…
Hopkins County Stew
Hopkins County, Texas created its famous Hopkins County stew sometime about 1900. There are many recipes for it and an annual competition is held. Sulphur Springs News-TelegramHOPKINS COUNTY…
Texas Popcorn (fried okra; stuffed jalapeños)
"Texas popcorn" can be either fried okra or crabmeat stuffed jalapeños. Or, it can simply mean popcorn that's made in Texas. Ashtray RecipesCrabmeat stuffed jalapeños (texas…
Pedernales River Chili (LBJ recipe)
Lyndon Baines Johnson of Texas was the 36th President of the United States, but this recipe was published when he was vice president in 1961. Pronounced "Pur-DIN-alice," the Pedernales…
Katy Kornettes
"Katy Kornettes" were cornbread nuggets that were served on the "Katy" (Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad) in the early 1900s. Cooks.comKATY KORNETTES 1 lb. white cornmeal1 tbsp.…
“Bigger than Dallas” (“Bigger ‘n Dallas”)
Dallas is big. Houston, however, is the most populous city in Texas. Dallas has long been nicknamed "Big D." The phrase "bigger than Dallas" ("bigger 'n Dallas")…
SoCo (South Congress Avenue, Austin)
SoCo is the nickname for the South Congress Avenue area of Austin. The name is reminiscent of SoHo in New York City. "SoCo" meaning Southern Comfort was used by the Austin Chronicle in…
“He ain’t fit to tote guts to a bear”
"He ain't fit to tote guts to a bear" is a disparagement of a cowboy cook. The origin of the phrase is uncertain. 3 October 1956, Burlington (NC) Daily Times-News, pg. 7:One Florida…
“Only a fool argues with a skunk, a mule, or a cook”
"Only a fool argues with a skunk, a mule, or a cook" is a popular bit of cowboy wisdom. The origin of the phrase is unclear. Harry Oliver's Desert Rat Scrap BookOnly a fool argues…
“Horse high, bull strong, and pig tight” (qualities of a Texas fence)
A good fence should be "horse high, bull strong, and pig tight." These qualities became associated with a Texas fence, but they applied to any fence. The phrase dates from the 19th…
“Wild as an acre of snakes”
"Wild as an acre of snakes" is said to be a Texas phrase (according to the Texas Monthly). Texas musician Stephen Bruton wrote a song called "Acre of Snakes." The phrase has…