"The Austin-American Statesman" news and stories

Chiles, Cakes and Confections - The Austin-American Statesman in 60 Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Oct 1st 2009 @ 12:00PM

Bushels of chiles.
Photo: alex.lines, Flickr.

In Central Texas, pepper season peaks with spicy bites like poblanos and green chiles -- plus vodka, soup and quick-fix recipes.
Austin Cake Ball is making a splash with their unique round and tasty confections.
Austin winemaker Ross Outon survives the first round of PBS vino-centric reality show, "The Winemakers."
Food Matters looks into chicken-friendly recycling, the Alamo's new diner/bowling alley/karaoke bar, in-season veggies, Cake Wrecks, openings and closings and food/drink briefs.
Bacon is not the only goodness that comes from the wildly diverse pork belly.

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Aug 27th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Chard. Photo:
La Grande Farmers' Market, Flickr

Delighting in chard with history, love and recipes.
Texas State prof James E. McWilliams discusses the flaws of locavore living in his new book, "Just Food: Where Locavores Get It Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly."
New York chef Tom Valenti, diabetes and his new book, "You Don't Have to Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook."
One more tome to ponder: Martha Stewart's new book, "Cupcakes."
Food Matters in Austin: the Hot Sauce Festival, new restaurants on the horizon, Hudson's Sausage Co., outdoor movies, wine and food fests, free kids' meals at IHOP, 24-7 food at Twenty Four, June-Ann Rodil's title as Texas's Top Sommelier and Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef co-op.

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Jul 24th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Harry Potter Licorice Wands.
Photo: foodistablog, Flickr

Harry Potter mania is rampant. When there's a magical world full of unusual food, there are foodies who figure out how to make it!
The ins and outs of summer tomato mania -- the different types, how to store them, and how to prepare them.
Are grocery brands worth it? The Statesman investigates and finds out which are best for mac and cheese, waffles and orange juice.
Houston's Max's Wine Dive hits Austin with a super-casual wine and dining experience, while El Chilito snags a second location on Barton Springs Road.
"The Next Food Network Star" held a casting call in Austin, and several hundred food fiends descended upon the city's Hyatt Regency.
Eggplant rolls from Michal Haines' "The Spice Kitchen."
Foodie highlights in central Texas.

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Jun 18th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Sliced Mango Photo: Hojusaram/Flickr

Did you know that June is National Mango Month? The Statesman takes part in the fruity celebrations with a bunch of mango-centric recipes, plus a dairy-free ice cream.
A local cancer survivor shares a bean-free recipe for Chicken and Rice.
Grilled pizzas are definitely the new fad. Now Austin jumps on the bandwagon.
Annie's Cafe and Bar gets a makeover, moving from boxed lunches to catering and breakfast, lunch and dinner, farm-to-table-style.
Recipes: Golden Summer Corn Soup and Creamy Mexican Cheese Dip.
News bites from Nawlins grains to Father's Day dining, plus everything from Rockstar Bagels to burger recipes.

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted May 14th 2009 @ 12:00PM

A profile of P. Terry's (pictured above), Hill-Bert's and Mighty Fine, three storied burger joints united in their "appetite for construction."
The FDA really doesn't like raw milk, but could it be the next miracle drug?
In local dining news, Fabi and Rosi brings pan-European cooking to Austin; Max's Wine Dive offers "haute" dogs and a 180-label wine list; a fully organic Natural Grocers opens; and numerous local businesses offer a free breakfast to cyclists who bike to work.
74-year-old Herb Butler shares his Mom's Cornbread recipe.
One meat-eater talks about her efforts to eat local beef -- and less of it -- to save both money and the environment.
Drinks as fashion statements? Click here for a list of drinks and the wedding colors they match.