Tex-Mex cuisine

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.