“Texas crabgrass” (or “Texas crab grass”) is a dish that consists of spinach (the green “grass”) and crabmeat. It is not known when or where the dish originated, but it is first cited in the 1970s, when spinach dishes and dishes with unusual names appeared. Some people insist that “real Texans” don’t eat spinach!
The Recipe Link
TEXAS CRAB GRASS
1/2 cup butter
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (10 oz pkg) frozen chopped spinach, cooked and drained
1 (7 oz) can crabmeat
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Melba rounds or crackers (to serve)
Slowly melt butter in heavy saucepan. Add onion and saute until soft.
Add spinach to onion mixture. Add crabmeat and cheese.
Transfer to chafing dish and serve with Melba rounds or crackers.
Source: Newspaper Clipping
Wikipedia
Digitaria texana Texas Crabgrass
2 April 1978, Syracuse (NY) Herald-Journal, pg. 28:
MEET THE COOK: Sue Kranwinkle offers her recipe for California style Texas crabgrass, a spinach, onion, crabmeat and green chili salad, tomorrow at 10:35 a.m. on WFBL.
12 July 1985, Syracuse (NY) Post-Standard, pg. D1:
My partner’s Texas crab grass held its flavor. Served in a glass custard cup, it was a blend of crab meat and spinach served in a soupy au gratin sauce, topped with cheddar cheese. My partner spooned out every drop.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
•“Do not honk at me. My life is worthless. I will kill us both” (bumper sticker) (4/18)
•Entry in progress—BP16 (4/18)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
This site is edited by Barry Popik. These are the Cookies and Privacy Policies.