Everything's bigger in Texas, or so they say. A Texas Hold 'Em poker party features big, bold, Texan-style BBQ flavors to treat your guests to some down-home cooking.
Texas Hold' Em poker is overwhelmingly popular. Flip through the channels on television almost any night of the week, and you'll find celebrity tournaments, World of Poker showdowns, ladies' poker ... you get the picture.
If you're the type of person who likes to throw "just because" parties (you know, we need to have a party "just because" the weather is nice and I found a great recipe for coleslaw), then a Texas Hold 'Em party might be just the thing you're craving. The theme is wide enough that decor should be simple - use either playing cards or a cowboy motif, or combine them both - and the entertainment portion of the party is already settled. Set up some tables, stock up on poker chips and decks of cards, and let the fun begin!
The food for this party is simple too: big ole Texas-style BBQ. I've been to Texas, and enjoyed some of the best down-home cooking I've ever tasted there. Think slow-cooked ribs, smoked sausage, beef brisket, and lots of barbeque sauce.
For an appetizer, how about stuffed jalapeno peppers? These little bites are just spicy enough for a bit of kick, but removing the seeds and membranes ensures that the fire extinguisher won't get a workout while everyone chows down. These ones are baked rather than fried, reducing the overall fat content.
Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers
- 15 fresh jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz shredded Monterrey jack or pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cup crushed corn flakes
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
Cut peppers in half lengthwise; remove seeds and membranes with a small, sharp knife. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheeses, and mayonnaise. Mix well. Fold in the bacon bits and stir to combine. Fill pepper halves with the cheese mixture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dip each jalapeno half in the egg mixture, then roll in the cornflake crumbs to coat. Arrange coated pepper halves on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until evenly browned. Serve warm from the oven with a creamy ranch dipping sauce, if desired.
Makes 30 stuffed jalapeno pepper halves.
For the main course, a Texas-style barbeque beef brisket is both easy and tasty. You can whip this up on the barbeque, in a rotisserie, in the oven, or even in the crock pot. The key is to season the meat well with garlic, BBQ sauce, and diced green chilies. If you're doing this in a pan or slow cooker, add a can of beer or even cola to act as a tenderizer.
Cook the beef over low heat for several hours until the meat is cooked throughout, then slice the brisket thinly and pile it high on white rolls. Make sure there is plenty of sauce to go with the sandwiches. Yum!
Invite a crowd, play some Texas Hold 'Em poker, and then dig in to some genuine Texas cookin' - the Kenny Rogers soundtrack is completely optional.
