Lifestyle

Celebrate fall with Bruce Lesman’s light, fluffy pumpkin pancakes, made with pumpkin purée, buttermilk, warm spices, and finely chopped walnuts. Cooked until golden, these indulgent breakfast or brunch favorites are stacked high and finished with crushed walnuts, warm maple syrup, and whipped cream. This comforting recipe serves four to six and is perfect for seasonal gatherings.
This Ultimate Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup combines tender chicken, roasted Hatch green chile, corn, black beans and fire-roasted tomatoes in a richly seasoned broth brightened with lime. Served with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, Mexican cheese, cilantro and crema, this hearty New Mexico-inspired recipe delivers comforting textures and bold Southwestern flavor in every bowl.

Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake with Mexican Hot Chocolate Crust

There are pumpkin cheesecakes—and then there is this one. Rich, silky pumpkin cheesecake gets a Southwest-inspired twist with a Mexican hot chocolate crust, a whisper of cayenne, and ribbons of buttery caramel. Finished with billowy whipped cream and a generous caramel drizzle, this is a dessert designed to make an entrance.

Heavenly Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Biscuits

Here, lightly sweetened shortcakes are baked until golden, then layered with strawberries macerated in sugar, vanilla, and lemon. As the berries rest, they release a luscious syrup that soaks into the warm biscuits—the heavenly combination that gives this dessert its name.

Southwest Stuffed Pork Chops with Hatch Chile, Fennel and Red Cabbage

Thick, juicy pork chops become a memorable Southwest dinner when filled with a savory stuffing of Hatch chile, peppery cheese, herbs, and crisp breadcrumbs. Served alongside sweet, sautéed fennel and vibrant red cabbage, this is colorful comfort food with a restaurant-style presentation. Serves 4.

Caramel Apple Torte with Cinnamon Apples and Golden Caramel Glaze

A beautiful, old-fashioned dessert featuring tender cinnamon apples layered over a buttery cake and finished with a rich, golden caramel glaze. This Caramel Apple Torte is perfect for fall entertaining—or anytime you want the irresistible combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel.

Pet of the Week: Meet Leviathan, a Gentle Husky Mix Ready for Adventure

Leviathan is a 3 year old husky mix with a heart full of wonder and a tail that seems to have its own rhythm. At 55 pounds, he’s the perfect size for adventures, cuddles, and politely supervising snack time.

Southwest Charcuterie Board: Bold Flavors for Effortless Entertaining

Create a Southwest charcuterie board that turns simple ingredients into an elegant centerpiece for gatherings. Smoked cheeses, cured meats, artisan breads, roasted Hatch chiles, pickles, olives, fresh fruit, and flavorful dips deliver a balanced mix of creamy, savory, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.

Culinary Confidential: The Best Southwest Street Corn Pasta

Bruce Lesman’s Southwest Street Corn Pasta brings Mexican elote flavors to a hearty, colorful dish with roasted corn, smoky Hatch green chiles, Cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, and a creamy dressing. Served warm or chilled, it makes a versatile main course or side, with optional additions including bacon, avocado, black beans, chicken, or pepitas.

Culinary Confidential: New Mexican Shrimp Gumbo

This New Mexican Shrimp Gumbo puts a Southwest spin on a Louisiana classic, blending Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, the Cajun holy trinity, and roasted Hatch green chiles in a rich dark roux. Served over rice with cornbread, it delivers hearty, smoky flavor with a distinctly New Mexico twist.

Culinary Confidential: The Ultimate Southwest Mashed Potato Bar

Mashed potatoes are one of the ultimate comfort foods, but they become something truly special when transformed into an interactive Mashed Potato Bar. Perfect for entertaining, this build-your-own feast lets guests customize their potatoes with colorful toppings, savory gravies, and bold Southwest flavors.

Chaves County Commissioners to hold meetings about GRT proposal 

People at the meeting will be permitted to provide public comment on a proposal to put a countywide 0.125% local option gross receipts tax for economic development on the ballot in the Nov. 3 general election. 

Culinary Confidential: Southwest Stacked Cobb Salad

The Cobb salad was born in 1937 at Hollywood’s famed Brown Derby Restaurant. Legend says owner Robert H. Cobb assembled a late-night meal from kitchen leftovers for showman Sid Grauman.

Culinary Confidential: Cherry Dessert Chimichangas

A Crispy, Creamy Southwestern Dessert Worth Celebrating.

Recent articles