Get a Special Gift for a Texas Newbie
Looking for a holiday gift for a Texas history buff or one of your Texas newbie neighbors? The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is pleased to share its online holiday gift guide to assist. It features a curated collection of products inspired by Texas history. For more information go to TexasHistoryStore.com
One of the unique gifts offered is the first of a limited-edition ornament collection. The 2024 Christmas ornament features The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, located in Rockport, Texas.
The tradition will continue with ornaments highlighting one of the THC historic sites each year.
The Fulton mansion is a classic example of Second Empire-style architecture and has been well preserved over the decades. It is recognized as one of the most important historical landmarks of its period and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Another novel gift idea, especially for Texas newbies, is a subscription to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Get the best of the Texas outdoors dropped into their mailbox 10 times a year. Just $2 a month includes full access to the digital app library featuring more than 800 stories behind the things visitors will see at the state parks.
Visit one of the parks
During the holiday season enjoy themed guided walks, crafting events and more. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for details on special events happening at parks across the state
Check Out Texas State Historical Sites
To see a full list of holiday events, visit the full events calendar at thc.texas.gov/events.
Serve Up Some Chili
Chili became the official dish of the Lone Star State back in 1977. However, the ingredients and best recipe has been the subject of debate. The only thing all Texans can assent to is that Texas chili does not include beans, say the folks at Perini Ranch. It should, says Perini, include some of our state pepper—the jalapeno, and be cooked in our official state cooking implement, the cast-iron Dutch oven and be accompanied with cornbread. And it’s very important to get the right texture for the chili. “Chili-grind” beef is more coarse than meat ground for burgers.
For about eight years, Tom Perini served as the national spokesperson for Pace Picante Sauce. He knew the Pace family in San Antonio going back to the early 1960s and his time at Peacock Military Academy. From 1996 to 2003, he travelled coast-to-coast sharing his knowledge of chuck wagon history and Texas food and sharing this recipe:
Tom Perini’s Texas Chili (Serves 8 or more)
4 pounds chili-grind beef with 20% fat content
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
Pace Picante Sauce (preferably media heat)-1 cup
diced tomatoes (about 1 large) or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juice
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 jalapeno, minced
Combined the beef, onion and garlic in a large Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until evenly browned. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, picante sauce, tomatoes and juice, and 2 cups hot water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for one hour, stirring frequently, until the chili thickens.
Add a last 1 teaspoon of salt, a few grinds of pepper and the jalapeno and cook for 15 minutes. Taste again and if needed, add a bit more salt or pepper, and cook for another few minutes.
Get the Goodies to go with the Chili and More
Shop the Perini website to order Southern Sweet Cornbread Mix or order a 5.5 quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven from Smithey Ironware to make your chili in. And while you’re there, order a Perini Ranch Steakhouse cookbook and a Mesquite Smoked Peppered Beef Tenderloin. You can have your tenderloin delivered to your doorstep or pick it up at the 7th Annual West Texas Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 8 at Miron Crosby Studio in Highland Park Village. There, you can taste tenderloin appetizers and sip on Ranch Water cocktails.
Since 1983, Perini Ranch Steakhouse has preserved the legacy of Cowboy Cooking with authenticity and elevated the experience with the highest quality beef, unmatched setting, and outstanding service.
Did You Know?
Tom Perini catered events for George W. Bush while he was Governor of Texas and after he became president.
If you’re ever making a trip through Abilene as you head west on Interstate 20, plan a stop in Buffalo Gap to visit Lisa and Tom Perini’s Perini Ranch Steakhouse.
Visit and Support The Dallas Historical Society
Photo by Danny Campbell.
This article appeared in the Holiday 2024 Issue of The Savvy Life. For our many newcomers to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this issue is designed to inspire them to get involved and explore all that the North Texas community has to offer. And if you’re a native or longtime resident, the content inside will remind you how fortunate we are to be part of a community that embraces humility, passion and kindness. North Texans place a high value on preserving and promoting our history, architectural treasures and culture. We encourage you to spread the word about it.
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