Everything is bigger in Texas!

That’s what they say. I have family in Texas and they tend to live a different life. People eat unhealthy everywhere, but I have been told that some of the dietary choices in Texas may be labeled, ”extra unhealthy”. Here are some big Texan recipes to show you just how big things can get in Texas!

The Big Texas Bourbon-and-Grapefruit Cocktail

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/big-texan-bourbon-and-grapefruit-cocktail

The best meals start off with a great cocktail! This one is very popular in Texas and should definitely be tried and shared!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
• 1/2 tablespoon simple syrup
• 2 basil leaves
• Ice
• 1 grapefruit slice and 1 preserved cherry, for garnish

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, combine the grapefruit juice, bourbon, simple syrup, and basil. Fill a chilled rocks glass with ice. Add 5 ice cubes to the shaker and shake well. Strain the drink into the ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with the grapefruit slice and cherry.

Big Texas Cinnamon Rolls

This cinnamon roll recipe is one of the best I have seen. I cannot wait to make them for my husband and my son!

Ingredients

Dough

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup + 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 7 teaspoons active dry yeast (3-1/4 oz packages)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 5 large eggs
• 8½ to 9½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour

Filling

• 5 cups dark brown sugar packed
• 1 1/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

For the dough

1. In a small saucepan add butter, milk, 3/4 cup of the sugar, and the salt. Heat until the butter is melted, remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add warm water, sugar, and salt, stir to dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over the water mixture, stir, and set aside in a warm place for 10 minutes to proof, until the mixture appears foamy.
3. In the same mixing bowl, add the lukewarm milk/butter mixture to the yeast mixture
4. In a small bowl, beat the eggs then add the mixing bowl and beat until well combined.
5. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring and using enough flour to form a stiff dough. Either use a dough hook on a mixer or turn out on a floured board and knead until smooth and satiny, about 10 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a very large bowl that has been buttered, turn to butter the top, and allow to rise, covered loosely with a kitchen towel, in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

For the filling

1. Add brown sugar, room temperature butter, and cinnamon. Beat until well combined.

To Assemble

1. Punch the dough down and divide in half.
2. Take one half and roll out to a large rectangle, about 24 x 12 inches. Tip: Use a pastry mat printed with measurements.
3. Butter two 9 x 13-inch glass baking dishes or two baking sheets with a lip
4. Spread half the filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
5. Starting on a short side, roll the dough up into a log, then cut the log crosswise at 2-inch intervals
6. Place the rolls in one buttered dish spacing them at least 1 inch apart
7. Repeat steps 2-6 with the other half of the dough
8. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
9. Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
10. Bake the rolls for 20 to 30 minutes, or until puffed and browned. Cool to room temperature in the pans on racks.

For the frosting

1. Add cream cheese, whipping cream, and vanilla in a medium bowl beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
2. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
3. Frost the cooled rolls with the cream cheese glaze

Texas Style Smoked Brisket

https://pitboss-grills.com/recipes/texas-style-smoked-brisket

This big Texan recipe just screams classic texas to me. Barbecued and smoked meats are huge in the southern states and nobody does it bigger than texas! See the included link for notes and tips about this recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 (any brand) beer, can
• Pit Boss Beef and Brisket rub
• 10-12 Pound Whole Beef Brisket
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions

Texas BBQ is famous for making the meat the star of the show and keeping sauce to a minimum and on the side. Following that tradition, this smoked Texas Style brisket recipe keeps things to a minimum, allowing the beefy flavor and texture to shine. Rich, tender, and full of natural flavors, this recipe is one that will be well worth the smoke time.