3 Fun Facts about the History of Tex-Mex - Guest Post & Giveaway

I'm pleased to turn over the blog to Rebecca Adler today. Rebecca writes the Taste of Texas Mystery series. Cinco de Murder, the third book in the series, will be released April 3rd.

 3 Fun Facts about the History of Tex-Mex

By Rebecca Adler

Cinco de Mayo!

I don’t know what’s going on in your neck of the woods—but trees are blooming like crazy here in Texas! And there’s nothing that makes my heart sing like the beautiful white blooms of the dogwood tree and the soft purple blossoms of the redbuds. (Even though the name is redbud, the purple variety runs rampant in my neighborhood). A few flower varieties have begun to peek their heads out too. But I’ll know that spring has definitely sprung when the lovely lavender, pink, white, red, and deep purple blooms of the crepe myrtles appear…just in time to celebrate the Mexican and Latino traditions of Cinco de Mayo!

As you probably know, Cinco de Mayo literally means the fifth of May. On that day in 1862, against all odds, Mexico defeated the French forces led by Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla. Here in the U.S. it’s a celebration to show pride for the wonderful Mexican culture with dancing, bright colored costumes, parades, traditional music, and eating lots of yummy Tex-Mex.

We’re all familiar with the term Tex-Mex; but did you know the word entered our American lingo in 1875 as a term that referred to the Texas Mexican Railway, which was abbreviated as TexMex? In the 1920s, a hyphen was added to describe not only the railroad but the people of Mexican descent that were born in Texas. Gradually, the term became synonymous with the Mexican food of the area.

The cuisine developed out of the Rio Grande Valley in the southern part of the state; but soon came into its own in San Antonio. Back in the 1870s wonderful cooks known as chili queens started becoming famous throughout the U.S. and internationally. That’s when Americans first became aware of the delicious, fun-filled eating experience we know as Tex-Mex.

In Cinco de Murder, the third book in my Taste of Texas mystery series, reporter-turned-Tex-Mex-waitress Josie Callahan, her feisty abuela, and even her spunky Chihuahua Lenny are polishing their traditional folklórico dances for Saturday’s big Cinco de Mayo parade. Not to be outdone, Uncle Eddie is adding his own spicy event to the fiesta menu: Broken Boot’s First Annual Charity Chili Cook-off.

But Uncle Eddie's hopes of impressing the town council go up in smoke when a cantankerous chili cook is found dead in his tent. And when Josie's beloved uncle is accused of fatal negligence, she, Lenny, and the steadfast Detective Lightfoot must uncover who ended the ambitious chilihead's life--before another cook kicks the bucket.

If you don’t live in Texas or have a local Cinco de Mayo celebration, why not follow my motto? Life is short. Eat more Tex-Mex. That’s why I made sure to include more delicious recipes in the back of this book. You’ll find some recipes a bit more Mex and some a bit more Tex, like Uncle Eddie’s secret nontraditional chili recipe as well as Josie and Senora Mari’s favorite appetizers and desserts.

May you have a beautiful spring, wherever you call home. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty, fun-filled mystery, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Cinco de Murder.

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The Good, The Bad, & The Interview

I'm pleased to welcome Rebecca Adler to the blog today. Rebecca writes the Taste of Texas Mystery series. THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE GUACAMOLE is the second book in the series and will be released November 1st.

Kathy: I lived in Texas for 10 years and one of the things I miss most is Tex-Mex food. What is your favorite Tex-Mex dish?

RA: Obviously, I'm a huge fan of Tex Mex. My new favorite is chile rellenos. Ah, the sweet savory flavor of chiles and oaxaca cheese fried in a light batter. Delicioso!


Kathy: In THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE GUACAMOLE, Broken Boot is hosting the annual Homestead Days Music Festival. Is this festival based on a real one or is it purely a product of your imagination?

RA: The Homestead Days Music Festival is loosely based on Waco's Homestead Fair at Homestead Heritage and Kerrville's Texas Heritage Music Day; but, yeah, it's mostly a product of my imagination.


Kathy: Do you enjoy country music? Who sets your toe a-tappin'?

RA: I listen to all kinds of music including country. When I'm writing, it's instrumental bluegrass and the legendary Chet Atkins. Driving in the car, I'm inspired by Ricky Scaggs, Rascal Flats, and the great Willie Nelson.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

RA: I love to write in what I call a first person, chatty voice. And I prefer writing stories light on romance and violence. A cozy style fits my personality.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

RA: My first novel was a sweet contemporary romance published by The Wild Rose Press called PLAY IT LOUD. Plus I have more sweet romantic stories published in Texas-themed anthologies.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

RA: The Taste of Texas Mysteries are centered around Josie Callahan, her long-haired chihuahua Lenny, and her family in Broken Boot, Texas. After a broken engagement and a lay off, Josie's left the big city with her tail between her legs looking for a place to regroup. Her family's restaurant, Milagro, provides both the safety of home and a surprising number of narrow escapes.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

RA: It's like choosing your favorite child...impossible. I will say that in this particular book Lenny, the long-haired chihuahua grew in my esteem.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

RA: I'm inspired by the breathtaking vistas in the high desert of Texas' Big Bend Country and the surrounding communities of Alpine, Marfa, and Fort Davis. When it comes to books, Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn mysteries are favorites. And I never miss Longmire on Netflix.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

RA: I need to write with an end goal or deadline in mind. If I didn't have a series of publication deadlines, it would be difficult for me to find time to write.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

RA: Alan Bradley, Mary Stewart, Elizabeth George, and Dick Francis.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

RA: Just finished reading A TRAITOR TO MEMORY by Elizabeth George. That woman can plot!


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

RA: I'm a middle school theatre teacher who loves to direct musicals and plays...and write books.


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

RA: Guacamole. (Seriously.) Popcorn. Humus. And cheese.


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

RA: The third book in this series, CINCO DE MURDER, comes out next November. Josie and Lenny will take us on another adventure as they hunt down the villains out to ruin the good name of Broken Boot, Texas.


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

RA: I started out as an actress; but you can't hold a performance in your hand. I love knowing that I can find my work online, in libraries, and in bookstores. It's a bit nerve wracking that my mistakes will always be on view, but gratifying as well.


Kathy: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

RA: I loved spending time with you, Kathy. Hasta la vista!