Southwest Feasting

Food in the Southwest to me was great. Good steaks and good Mexican and Tex-Mex food.  Lower transportation costs is perhaps why the food is much cheaper. One of our bargains was an all you can eat buffet at Sirloin Stockade in Kingsville, Texas. For only $8.59 you could you fill your plate from 4 tables of vegetables, salads, fruit salads, desserts, meats, including sirloin. The food was very tasty.

At the Lodge in Big Bend National Park, the view was spectacular.

I was really happy with their Huevos Rancheros. The eggs were served on a tortilla, scrambled perfectly with green chile sauce, and garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese and salsa.

 

Huevos Rancheros at Chisos Mountain Lodge in Big Bend Narional Park

Recipe coming soon.

Weird Name for a Town, Good Green Chile Apple Pie
The specialty in Pie Town, New Mexico is Green Chile Apple Pie, made with green chiles and piñon nuts.

               Green Chile Apple Pie

 

         Green Chile Apple Pie at Daily Pie

Apples
4 large granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1 c. sugar
4 T. flour
2 t. cinnamon
3/4 t. nutmeg
2 ounces of New Mexican (Hatch) green chili, hot or mild (canned or frozen chiles are okay)
2 ounces of pinon (pine) nuts (toasted in a skillet)
1 T lemon juice
Peel, core and put apple slices into large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients mix well. Set aside to blend flavors while the crust is being prepared.

Crust
3 cups of flour
1/4 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/2 c. salted butter
1/2 c. shortening
1 egg
1 T. white vinegar
1/2 c. ice cold water

Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter and shortening to pea sized pieces with pastry knife or fork and knife(do not use your hands yet). In separate bowl, mix egg, vinegar and water. Add wet mix to flour mixture small amounts at a time and blend with spoon or pastry cutter until dry ingredients are moist and form a ball (more or less water may have to be added depending on moisture content of flour).
Roll into a ball wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour. Divide dough into four sections. Roll out one section on a floured board to fit 9” pie pan. Put crust into pan. Place apple mix, mounded in the center. Top with one rolled section of crust. Flute edges, cut vent holes into top crust. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle natural sugar on top (optional). Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, turn, then 400 degrees for 45 minutes to an one hour. Pie is done when golden brown and juices bubble thickly around the outer edge. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Source: Daily Pie in Pie Town, New Mexico
posted at http://northernnewmexicoranchito.blogspot.com/2011/04/pietowns-new-mexican-apple-pie.html accessed December 21, 2012

Supermarkets!
Shopping all over the Southwest was a joy. So much first class produce at very low prices. They had good sandwich shops in the stores too. If you wanted to practice your Spanish, go ahead, the friendly (and patient) clerks all speak Spanish!

Prices are low and the produce is fresh and top quality in the Southwest.

 

Learning more: Boquillas del Carmen on the border

Although for years I have been reading about the border situation with Mexico, it never impacted as much until we drove along it for a few weeks. This is post is my research into more about the border. I will update as I learn more.

 

Rio Grande 

Absolutely scary is the fact that Mexico, and consequently the border, has become very dangerous. This, along with the possibility of terrorists entering via Mexico, has made necessary current border policies. There are many news articles on the net documenting the violence along the border. Here is one sad account "The Deadliest Place In Mexico: Who's killing the people of the Juarez Valley?" from The Texas Observer published on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

Boquillas del Carmen and Victor
We were right across from Boquillas del Carmen, a Mexican village traditionally connected to Big Bend National Park, which essentially died when the border crossing was closed in 2002. Most of the residents had to move away because the nearest town to them in Mexico is extremely far away and they could no longer shop at the camp store in Big Bend and they lost income from visiting tourists who crossed over the Rio Grande to visit them to buy tacos and hand-crafted souvenirs. Most of the young people, especially families, have left to find work either in Mexico or in some in the states (some of the villagers are US citizens).

It is an easy trek into the canyon. You will probably meet some of the villagers. The scenery is well worth the walking. I overcame my fear of the possibility of meeting the Mountain Lion, because he is more common at the higher altitudes, like where the Lodge is located. However, locals will tell you that the Mountain Lion can be found anywhere.    

 

Overlooking the Rio Grande near Boquillas del Carmen 

Among the few trying to save Boquillas del Carmen is Victor. We met him and listened to rendition of "Cielito Lindo". 

  
Listen to NPR's radio interview with him "Rio Grande Town Fights for Survival" (November 23, 2007) to get a real feeling of what the situation is in Boquillas del Carmen. Alternately read transcript.
To see what it was like before the border was closed see Texas State Senator Jim Bates' YouTube video "Boquillas Boat Ride" Crossing the Rio Grande/Bravo from Big Bend National Park to Boquillas, Mexico in November of 2001. Technically the vid is not good, but I found it very interesting. Comments are interesting too.
For more information, photos, videos, blogs about Victor Valdez, the singing Mexican of Boquillas del Carmen, google  "victor valdez" boquillas. 

For in depth articles about the border and Boquillas del Carmen, search The Texas Observer for articles about Boquillas. ---

Who Is Coming Across the Border Illegally?
For the most part the illegals are crossing to work. Because the US economy is in such a slump, less Mexicans are coming. Less than half the illegals are Mexican. However Central Americans continue to come at great risk. See Washington Post article  "Non-Mexican migrants make up slight majority of Border Patrol apprehensions in Texas" dated December 21, 2012.



Learning More - cougars, recipes and border

Questions upon return home

I learn so much from traveling. Unfortunately, I don't really digest everything until I get home and have time to research all the notes and questions I scratch on my notepad when we are on the road or waiting for dinner at a restaurant. So many questions. I want to learn about cougars, recipes, border, and so much more.

Just a few questions:

1. What is really going on at our border?
2. Just how dangerous is the Mountain Lion?
3. What's the story on all the "ghost towns"?
4. Where have all those old Windansea surfers gone?
5. How do I get the ingredients for making the real southwest cuisine?

Flags USA and Texas

I already miss Texas with its wide open spaces, Mountain Lion, dramatic sunsets, mild climate, South of Border graciousness and good food. And I miss the flags in Texas. They are proud of their own flag which to me is the best state flag.

It has been said that Texas is the only state which is permitted to display the USA and Texas flags side by side equally. This is not true. All states are allowed to display at the same height their flag side by side with the American flag.

What I believe is true is that there are more flags displayed in Texas than in any other state. American and Texas flags are everywhere: over every state and town building, in shopping malls, outside every car dealership,  outside of restaurants and other businesses, outside homes and ranches. Small flags, big flags, huge flags!

Town, Texas and American flags outside a ranch near Del Rio

Christmas shopping in Kingsville, Texas

We walked around downtown Kingsville Here's the enlargement of the store marquee below.

Then we took a tour of the enormous (larger than Rhode Island) King Ranch.  Our guide was terrific so we learned a lot about the cattle industry.

From sea to shining sea

On this trip we have gone from one side of the country to the other and back again. A short time ago I was watching the surfers at La Jolla in California. Now we are tracking the flight of pelicans over the Gulf of Mexico in Riviera, Texas.

No Fence and no crossing

Today on our way of Big Bend we stopped at an over look to the Rio Grande. The river is shallow and narrow here and the nearby villagers come across in small boats and on horseback. Because the border entry point has been closed since 9/11 these people are isolated. Tourists can't visit them anymore and they can no longer shop at the camp store in the park. We chatted with them. Most of the people in their small village have had to move away. Sad.

Bye Bye Big Bend

Today we leave this magical park. I already miss gazing at "The Window" from the dining room during breakfast. I never saw the Mountain Lion, but it is OK. I feel privileged to have shared his habitat even for such a short time.

No Fence

Looking across the Rio Grande at Mexico from the American side at Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. We are allowed to hike along our shore and even to canoe or kayak in the river but it is strictly forbidden to set foot on the Mexican shore. There is no fence because the nearest civilization is about 125 miles away on both sides. Rugged mountains, cougars and bears discourage incursions.

Watch Where You Go!

In Big Bend it is a good idea to pay heed to the warning signs. For more information Google "mountain lion" "big bend" attack or similar key words. Our gorgeous American big cat is alive and well and about. I meanwhile stick to the information center and the car.

We never saw the Mountain Lion, but we did see a Bobcat.

Here Kitty Kitty

View from the restaurant at Chisos Mountain Lodge in Big Bend National Park along the border with Mexico. There seems to be very few border guards here. Perhaps because included among the fauna in this park are Mountain Lion. They are regularly sighted and they have attacked. About 6 months ago an older female attacked a tourist from Spain. She made the mistake of running away from the cat. I hope I am one of the lucky few to spot him from the car or the window of our room. He is spotted from cars, from the lodge windows and on the trails. Best way to see him is to get a job in the park.

Carlsbad Cavern National Park

The largest cave in North America takes well over an hour to walk through. It is of course cold, dark, and damp.

Don't want to be there.

"I'd love to see the Mountain Lion, just don't want to be there when I do."  The ranger laughed. I am obsessed with seeing animals in the wild. Mountain Lions do live in Quadaloupe Mountain National Park, but they are rarely seen. I am still afraid of them as I  tread warily up the rubbly trail. Lots of birds, like the pretty Western Scrub Jay.
Later we went to Carlsbad Caverns, the biggest cave in North America.

Feliz Navidad in Douglas, Arizona

At McDonalds in Douglas, Arizona, right next to the border.

Walls

Hadrian's, China, Berlin, Gaza, Nogales

Looking over at Nogales, Sonora, Mexico from the Arizona side.

In Nogales, most signs are in Spanish and the people speak much more Spanish than English. The lady making  our sandwiches at the Safeway deli section asked us what we wanted in Spanish, so did the man forewarning  me that the ice machine was broken. Cars have Sonoran license plates. Nogales is 88% Mexican. Crime surprisingly is not high. Actually lower than the national average.

Border Patrol Everywhere

The officer who drives this vehicle told me that there are definitely incursions. Traffickers and illegals slip over. Generally they do not bother tourists, but it is a good idea to be cautious. The officers are sympathetic to the Mexican people and feel sorry that they have to undergo such ordeal to satisfy America's drug appetite.

Christmas Coming in the Southwest

A Jo, Arizona, about 25 miles north of Mexican border.

Guarding the Border

I swear there are more border police than there are tourists.

Border police on patrol.

Hugging the Border

Left San Diego and drove south back to Arizona. Visited Pipe Organ National Monument  and trekked among the cacti. This park abuts Mexico. We have seen many white and green Border Police vehicles and have been stopped often at the many check points. Where the road lies close you can see the fence.

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Windansea in La Jolla, San Diego

One of the wold's most famous surfer beaches at sunset. Wish I could stay here for a long time.

San Diego Zoo

Some pretty scary critters here!

Beautiful

California scenery in Anzo Borrego Desert State Park east of San Diego.

Dunes in California

California has everything: cattle, sheep, vinyards, citrus groves, Hollywood, Apple computers, and on and on ..... and California has dunes, far as the eye can see dunes, like in the Sahara. But one big difference. Californians ride their dunes in their dune buggies.
North Algodones Dunes Wilderness

Seeing Terry and Nancy in Phoenix

A really fun time with Bruce's childhood buddy Terry and his wife Nancy. We ate Mexican food and chatted about everything: food, electronics, family, our hopes and dreams. And we looked at old photos. The best was seeing the video their son David produced for their 50th wecding anniversary.

Cousin Molly

A trip highlight was seeing Bruce's cousin Molly in Chandler, Arizona. Their shared ancestor Adoniram Judson was one of the early settlers of Wisconsin. Molly brought us up a mountain where we could see Phoenix surrounded by mountains. Lunch complete with authentic Sonoran Mexican food and Margarita too was a real treat. Lots of good stories with of course genealogy tidbits. We can't wait to see Molly again.

Rita in Globe

Had a very nice visit with Chicago friend Rita who has been living a long time in Globe, Arizona. Rita is a nurse. Her daughter is a film maker. It was so hard to say goodbye. We had so much catching up to do.

Hello Arizona!

Endless golden prairies and those "purple mountain majesties".

Goodbye New Mexico

Telescope in the desert. Desolate roads.

Beautiful Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge

A must see - Sandhill Cranes and Snowgeese and Mountain Lion too!

Sandhill Cranes

Overwhelming

The beauty of the American southwest is  absolutely overwhelming. I took this shot early this morning on the road from Moriarty to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Later we visited my friend Mary Carol and her son Chris in Albuquerque.

Santa Fe

On our way to Santa Fe then Albuquerque.

Abilene on the way to Albuquerque.

Up early and on the road from Abilene to New Mexico. Distances are vast here in Texas. What? We're still in Texas? !

Swedish Pancakes recipe

3 large or jumbo eggs
1/4 cup sugar

1 cup sifted flour
2 cups milk

Beat the eggs and sugar
Add the milk, then the flour and beat with an egg beater until foamy.

Heat a Teflon fry pan.
Swipe the pan with butter. (use a stick of butter)
Immediately ladle about 1/3 - 1/2 cup of batter into the pan.
Tilt to spread batter all over pan so it covers the whole bottom and comes up a bit on sides.
Cook pancake until it sets and is getting crispy on sides.
Lift up with a table knife to check on browning and flip over and cook on second side.
Serve with lingonberries and / or sugar.

Video coming soon.

Swedish Pancakes

We leave today headed to New Mexico. First we will have Cynthia's Swedish Pancakes with pumpkin coffee.