Texas - The Lone Star State

Official Slogan: “The Friendly State”

Anti-littering campaign everyone assumes is their slogan: “DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS”

Two Truths and a Lie

• The Six Flags Theme Parks originated in Texas. The name is an ode to Texas history -- Spain, France, Mexico, The Texas Republic, The Confederate States, and The United States, have all ruled over Texas.

• The state capitol building in Austin is a gray granite behemoth that covers three acres of ground and reaches more than 300 feet high at its dome. It is larger than any other capitol building in the country, including the national one in D.C.

• Texans have a lot of state pride and a lot of official state symbols. They have pass legislation to officially recognize a: State 10K, State Caricature Artist, State Cooking Implement, State Epic Poem, State Hashtags, State Molecule, a State Large Mammal, a State Small Mammal, and a State Tall Ship.

The Recipe - Chipotle Sheath Cookies

This recipe is personal. My family adores Chocolate Sheath Cake. The name is confusing, many people call this same treat a ‘Texas Sheet Cake’. We always mix it by hand and immediately after baking, pour on a fudgelike frosting and dig in while it is still warm. This simple cake has graced the table of many picnics and birthday celebrations.

Annoyingly, I can’t bake this cake half so well as my mom can; so I’ve adapted the recipe into a cookie. For a twist, I added ground chipotle to my batter. (Why? Because chipotles are dried jalapenos, and jalapenos are the state pepper of Texas) The spiced, chocolatey dough rested in the fridge overnight before baking. I topped them with a coat of milk chocolate ganache. Also, I made these twice the size of normal cookies, because everything is bigger in Texas.

The first tray was slightly overbaked, chocolate dough is tricky that way. By the second tray, I had it sorted and the cookies were perfect -- just set on the edges, soft in the middle, and packed with warm, rich flavors.

Want to experience Texas for yourself? Then Teresa recommends ...

The San Antonio Riverwalk blew me away. I loved the stone bridges, ironwork sculptures, and vibrancy of the setting. Yes, it’s full of tourists, but for good reason, it’s a unique and lovely place. I spent a long weekend in Houston and delighted in exploring its art museum. I frequently enjoy the state’s official dish: chili con carne. A great YA novel set in Texas is “Holes” by Louis Sachar.

Time for the whole truth

The Texas state capitol building is made of pink granite, not gray Also, while it is taller than the national building, it is not larger.

(By the way, you can click on any of the 2 truths and a lie statements to visit the source of the trivia)