Texas Independence Day is celebrated on March 2nd each year, marking the day in 1836 when Texas declared its independence from Mexico. The story of Texas independence is a fascinating one, full of daring and heroic acts by both Texian (as Texans were known at the time) and Mexican forces.
Background and History:
Before Texas became a part of the United States, it was a part of Mexico. In the early 19th century, Americans began settling in Texas, which was then a part of Mexico. These settlers were primarily farmers and ranchers who sought to take advantage of the rich farmland and abundant natural resources.
As time went on, tensions between the settlers and the Mexican government grew. The Mexican government had outlawed slavery, which was a contentious issue for many of the settlers who relied on slaves to work their farms and ranches. In 1835, these tensions erupted into a full-scale rebellion, led by figures such as Sam Houston, William Travis, and James Bowie.
After several months of fighting, the Texian forces achieved a stunning victory over the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. This battle is considered one of the most decisive victories in American military history, and it marked the end of the Texas Revolution.
Celebrations:
Today, Texas Independence Day is celebrated throughout the state with parades, re-enactments, and other festivities. The day is also an official state holiday in Texas, meaning that government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed.
To celebrate this historic day, Texans come together to organize various events and activities that showcase their state pride. Festivals, parades, and other events are organized to commemorate the day and honour the brave men and women who fought for Texas's independence.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Texas Independence Day is by attending a parade. Many cities throughout Texas organize parades featuring floats, marching bands, and dancers dressed in traditional Texan attire. The parades are a great way to connect with other Texans and show off state pride.
Festivals are also a popular way to celebrate Texas Independence Day. These festivals feature live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. They offer a great opportunity to enjoy Texan culture and honour the state's independence.
For those who prefer a more laid-back celebration, hosting a Texas-style BBQ with friends and family is a great way to celebrate. BBQ is a Texan staple, and there's no better way to celebrate Texas Independence Day than with some delicious brisket, ribs, and sausage.
Many Texans also choose to decorate their homes with Texan-themed decor like the state flag, cowboy hats, and boots to show their state pride.
Texas Independence Day is not just a day of celebration, but also a day to reflect on the significance of this historic event. The bravery and determination of the Texans who fought for their independence should be remembered and celebrated every year. Texas Independence Day is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the state and its people.
Overall, Texas Independence Day is a celebration of Texas' unique history and culture. It is a chance for Texans to come together and celebrate their shared heritage, and to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for Texas' independence.
Recipes:
This holiday is the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate pride in this great state.
Some of the famous dishes that are prepared on this day are:
- LONE STAR CHILLI
- PICADILLO TACOS
- STEAK FAJITA
- TEXAS BBQ BLOODY MARY
- TEXAS T-BONE STEAK
- KING RANCH CASSEROLE
So, today we will share one of the most most famous dishes which is usually cooked on this special day.
- LONE STAR CHILLI:
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Lbs. ground beef
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion (medium size)
- 1 big clove of garlic
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp whole cumin
- 1 can of tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 and a half cups of Lone Star beer
- 2 tsp cornmeal
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt to taste
METHODS:
- At first, take a chopper board (you can use a Texas chopping board from Kitchen Board Maniacs), mince the garlic with the knife, chop an onion and a few green chilies and dice the tomatoes and keep it ready.
- Now heat a large non-stick skillet on medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tsp of olive oil and golden brown the ground beef. Let it get half-cooked in its own juice and set aside to drain.
- Add the remaining olive oil and chopped onion and cook it until nicely browned. Now add the beef back along with minced garlic, sweet paprika, cayenne, cumin, and salt and stir to combine.
- Now add in the beer, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring it to a low simmer. Cover with the lid and allow to bubble till the sauce reduces and thickens and the flavors get well boosted, for 1 hour.
- After an hour, add the cornmeal and stir, this will help to thicken the sauce. You can add a little water if the sauce gets too thick. Once it comes to desired consistency, pour it into a bowl and garnish it with shredded cheese and serve it with tortilla chips and red bell pepper on the side.
In conclusion, using Kitchen Board Maniacs state shaped TEXAS Butter Board & Cutting Board is a great way to add a touch of Texas pride to your kitchen while preparing delicious Texan dishes to celebrate Texas Independence Day. Try out these recipes and share your love for Texas with your friends and family.
Happy Texas Independence Day!
Join us as we celebrate this historic day with great pride and joy. Indulge in some delicious Texan cuisine on our state-shaped cutting board and relish the taste of freedom. Let's honour the spirit of Texas and commemorate the bravery of those who fought for our independence.