Tex-Mex is a highly spiced and vibrant style of
cooking that was created as an extension and adaptation of
Mexican cuisine to suit
United States (specifically, Texan) tastes. The name is is derived from
Texas and
Mexico, whose joint culinary heritage it is. Tex-Mex cuisine is characterized by its heavy use of
meat
(particularly
beef),
beans, and
spices.
The ingredients used are often common in Mexican cuisine, although ingredients unknown in Mexico are often added. For an excellent example of a traditional recipe adapted in a very nontraditional manner, see Crab Quesadillas with Mango Salsa.