South Texas Citrus: Bold Flavors from Both Sides of the Border (Homesteading Harvest)

South Texas Citrus: Bold Flavors from Both Sides of the Border (Homesteading Harvest)

Taste the sunshine and fire of South Texas — one zesty bite at a time. From the groves of Eagle Pass to backyard barbecues along the Rio Grande, South Texas Citrus: Bold Flavors from Both Sides of the Border brings the borderlands to your kitchen with 70 recipes that celebrate everything citrus. Author Marisol Vega , a proud daughter of South Texas, believes there’s no better citrus anywhere on earth — and after one recipe, you’ll agree. This isn’t a sterile “lemon cookbook.” It’s a love letter to the land, the people, and the fruit that defines them — lime, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, and more — all captured in vibrant, flavorful dishes that glow with border heat and heart. Inside, you’ll discover: 🌞 10 Full Chapters of Citrus-Driven Recipes From sunrise breakfasts to smoky grilled meats, zesty cocktails, and handcrafted preserves — every page bursts with the brightness and balance that define South Texas cooking. 🍊 70 Recipes That Celebrate Border Life Each recipe is built around the Sunlight & Smoke format — an immersive way of cooking that engages all five senses. You’ll smell, taste, touch, and see the border kitchen come to life as you cook. 🔥 Citrus Meets Heat in Every Form Learn how the perfect squeeze of lime transforms steak, how orange balances chile, and how grapefruit tames smoke. Discover the flavor chemistry that makes citrus and spice inseparable. 💛 From Grove to Gift Jar You’ll make marmalades, salts, syrups, vinegars, and even a citrus sugar scrub — proving the grove gives generously when you know how to preserve it. 🥄 Stories, Tips, and Border Wisdom Each chapter blends heartfelt storytelling with practical kitchen insight, passed down from generations who cook by feel, not by measurement. Every page reads like sitting at Marisol’s kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a bowl of sunshine. Highlights from the Grove: Grapefruit-Jalapeño Jam – sweet fire in a jar - Orange-Habanero Wings – the taste of Friday nights - Lime & Cilantro Tamales – family tradition with a twist - Tangerine Flan – soft, golden perfection - Spiced Citrus Syrup – bottled sunshine for pancakes or cocktails What Makes This Cookbook Special Unlike most citrus cookbooks, South Texas Citrus isn’t about precision or pretense — it’s about soul. It teaches you to cook intuitively, to trust scent and taste, and to see citrus not as garnish, but as a guiding ingredient that transforms everything it touches. Whether you’re a home cook craving fresh inspiration, a grill lover chasing smoky perfection, or someone who just wants their kitchen to smell like happiness, this book will brighten your table — and maybe your day. About the Author Marisol Vega was born and raised in Eagle Pass, Texas, where the citrus trees grow close enough to hear the laughter from both sides of the border. A lifelong home cook and storyteller, she believes citrus is more than flavor — it’s identity. South Texas Citrus is her celebration of family, sunlight, and the land that gives both.