Favorite Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Tart
I grew up in Louisiana where, as in most of the South, pecan pie is a staple. This tart variation is extra good because it includes chocolate. I decided to up the decadence even more by adding bourbon and drizzling some caramel on top. —Amber Needham, San Antonio, Texas

Texas Twinkies
This appetizer is similar to jalapeno poppers, but the recipe calls for meat and barbecue sauce, making the dish a bit more hearty. Texas Twinkies are a great tailgate snack, cookout app or even a side dish if you like to add heat to your weeknight dinners.
Chicken-Fried Steak & Gravy
As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New YorkPressure-Cooker Easy Pork Posole
Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, sliced sausage. hominy and more. It all goes into the pressure cooker, so you can come home at night and dinner is ready in a flash. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, TX
Texas Toast Garlic Bread
Why have regular garlic bread when you could have buttery, herby Texas toast instead?
Green Chile Brunch Bake
It’s easy to make this ahead of time in a 13×9-inch pan. It is filling, is perfect for a crowd and helps out busy parents. —Trista Thinnes, Fort Worth, TexasSlow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
Chuck roast makes delicious shredded beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Make Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites at home with this easy recipe that uses just a few simple ingredients.
Dr Pepper Sheet Cake
When we visited the Dr Pepper museum in Dublin, Texas, I bought a Dr Pepper cake mix. It was so delicious that I decided to come up with my own sheet cake version. It’s become a family favorite. —Karen Daigle, Burleson, TexasQuick Tacos al Pastor
We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, TexasFavorite Barbecued Chicken
Is there a place better than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, GeorgiaDaughter's Apple Crisp
My mom’s apple crisp is the best in all of Texas, honest! I tweaked it slightly, though, and now I spend less time in the kitchen and more time catching up with my spry 92-year-young mother. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TexasChili con Queso
Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Texas Roadhouse Butter
Hold the steak, hold the loaded baked potato and hold the Cactus Blossom. The real reason we go to Texas Roadhouse is for their fresh rolls and creamy whipped Texas Roadhouse butter.