Nanny's Texas Table at the Houghton Ranch

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Description: In her part of the world -- the Texas Panhandle -- Martha "Nanny" Houghton was known and loved for her high spirits, her tough-mindedness, and the generosity and quality' of her table.

The Houghton Ranch, a working cattle ranch and truck farm, is one of the region's oldest and largest. Practically everything served at the Ranch was raised there. Even a passing good cook could excel with such splendid products. In Nanny's hands they became meals powerful in the memories of those who shared them -- metaphors almost for the Ranch itself, and now the inspiration for this book. 

Nanny's cooking was country at its core, Southern in nuance, spiked by the Tex-Mex style favored along the border, and embellished by whatever in her travels or her reading happened to catch her fancy. The result was a way of cooking, dining, and entertaining that was at once one talented woman's creation and an accurate reflection of a strong, regional American foodstyle. 

Here, then, are Martha "Nanny" Houghton's specialties -- Sagebrush Soup; Green Tomato Mincemeat; preserves, pickles, and relishes; Cowboy Biscuits, Spoon Bread, and White Com Bread. Here is barbecue, too -- spare ribs for one, shrimp for another -- and Tex-Mex specialties as served up at the Ranch -- Unc's Texas Red chili and Nanny's Enchilada Stack. Nanny was particularly innovative with vegetables, and her Eggplant Fritters, Onion Pie, and Squash Souffle are but a sampling; and her Venison Burgers and Grilled Mallard are just two of the special game dishes included here. 

Desserts were practically in a class by themselves at the Houghton Ranch, and among the favorites gathered here are Alva T.'s 7-Up Cake, Fudge Cake, Sweet Potato Pie, Peach Ice Cream, and "Fat Farm" Peanut Brittle. In Nanny's Texas Table, Martha Houghton's favorite recipes are presented with a first-hand account of life at the Houghton Ranch and photographs from family albums. 

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Condition: Good condition. Light shelf wear.