Wild About Texas is a keepsake bouquet, picked from a varietal garden of delicious recipes, wildflowers and Texas wines. (from the Introduction)

{HISTORY}

Fundraiser cookbooks always hold a special joy all their own in the kitchen. Oftentimes, they tell deeper stories then that of just recipes and cooking preparations. This Wild About Texas cookbook, published in 1989, was written by the women of the Cypress Woodlands Junior Forum, a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, senior citizens, and the disabled within their Texas communities. 

Combining three elements that make the Lone Star state unique among all the others in the country is their natural abundance of wildflowers, their burgeoning wine industry and their dynamic range of recipes that include Tex Mex, south of the border, southern cooking, southwestern, cowboy cooking and creole. 

Where some regional cookbooks offer lots of storytelling regarding the history of a particular area, or educate their readers on the unique flavors of the foods that lay at the heart of their community, Wild About Texas offers storytelling in the form of colorful botanical illustrations. Not only do they beautify the book but also they highlight fun facts about each flower,  enhancing the spirit of warm hospitality that Texas has always been known for. 

Interesting recipes abound in this book and offer both contemporary (1980s!) creations based on unique flavor pairings (Caviar Pie, Pineapple-Horseradish Spread, Asparagus Buttermilk Soup) as well as classic heirloom recipes that have been long-time favorites of both the Forum ladies and Texas residents alike (Hillbilly Soup, Lady Bird Johnson's Spoon Bread, Chili Peanuts, seven different recipes for chicken salad, Texas Brisket, Cowboy Cornbread, Green Chili Casserole, Guacamole, multiple gamebird recipes and seven different types of cheesecake). 

Rounding out the rest of the book are international favorites, party pleasers, and convenience recipes that pack a big punch for minimal effort.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- First edition, first printing published in 1989

- 246 pages

- Illustrated throughout by Austin TX artist Rosario Baxter

- In addition to cooking there is also information on gardening, how to press wildflowers, and a chapter on Texas wines and food pairings

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. Very clean both inside and out. There are no cooking spots, stains, splatters or notations. The watercolor flower illustrations are bright and colorful. The spine is tight and all pages are intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 7.5" inches (width) x 9.5" inches (length) x 1.5" inches (thickness) and weighs 1.12lbs