Frito Pie

Frito Pie memories and recipe discussed here. ( The writer seems to have grown up in New Mexico and now lives in the Philadelphia area. ) Your blog host grew up in the Philly area and now lives in NM.

Last weekend I photographed a Santa Fe woman taking a break from Indian Market to eat a Frito Pie served out of an actual Frito package. She told me that though the old Woolworth's on the Plaza was gone, they still make Frito Pies at the rear of the old store.

The recipe for Frito Pie may originate with Teresa Hernandez who worked at the Santa Fe Woolworth's counter in the 1960's. Other food historians contend it was a popular dish in Texas for generations. Elmer Doolin was so inspired by his frito pie lunch one dayin San Antonio that he paid $100 for the recipe. He experimented with mass producing the frito corn chip base of the dish and started the Frito part of what became Frito-Lay Corporation in Dallas in the 1930's.

Basically, you spread three cups of corn chips in a baking dish. Sprinkle a half cup of chopped onion and and half cup of grated Cheddar cheese, pour 3 cups of chili over that, and top with another cup of chips and onions and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Now as to the Santa Fe version which comes in the Frito bag? Stay tuned.

What are your minor food passions or occasional food indulgences....possibly stemming from your childhood?

Comments

[David Earhart]

The frito pie in the bag was a popular food item at football and basketball games at high schools here in Texas back in the 60's.

[Dave Hughes]

...What David Earhart said!
That was always the favorite halftime treat at games!

Dave Hughes
Richmond, Texas

[Larissa]

It's not a Frito Pie unless it's from the Five and Dime in Santa Fe. I have dreams about that taste!!! No matter where it came from, Teresa Hernanadez's is the only Frito Pie

[Chris Caraway]

I have proof that Frito Pie originated in Texas back during the depression. My great-grandmother won a frito lay contest, where you had to come up with a recipe using frito lay chips. My family has the newspaper clipping that pre-dates all other claims on the frito pie recipe.

[Cynthia]

How fabulous to have that piece of family history -- the newspaper clipping to show the dates and names. Do you have your great-grandmother's recipe still? Does it match fairly closely that which is described in the original post?

[Jibrelle]

I remember ordering Frito Pie at school in Farmington, New Mexico. It was made a bit different there though. Just the Frito's, chili, and cheese. no onion..

[gary c.]

i would like to sell frito pies .do you know if their is a pantent o0n..the name or reciept? //

[LAUREN SCHWARTZ]

frito pie goooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LAUREN SCHWARTZ]

hey Frito Pie lovers i have a project in school on santa fe's favorite foods and i was wondering i any of u have a great reasipy for frito pie if u do just add anouther comment . :) <3

[LAUREN SCHWARTZ]

frito pie rules