Jose Garces is on top of the world; he owns various critically-acclaimed restaurants throughout the United States, was named one of the Best Chefs in America by the James Beard Foundation, is one of Food Network's Iron Chefs, and he isn't even halfway through his thirties yet. In this book, part travel memoir and part recipe book, he shares his stories and travels from five different countries with amazing photography and a moving narrative. This is what cooking is all about and we bet it's why mama spends so much time in her kitchen.
Gran Cocina Latina: The Food of Latin America by Maricel Presilla
Encyclopedic in scope and appropriate for all levels of cooking experience, it would not be amiss to call La Gran Cocina Latina a new classic in the world of cookbooks. Both the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the James Beard Foundation recognized Presilla for her work on La Gran Cocina Latina, as have the countless individuals that have purchased this book already. This compendium includes over 500 recipes from throughout Latin America, ranging from basic sofritos to extensive holiday recipes, not to mention detailed serving suggestions and equipment notes. Mama will find plenty of the classics she grew up eating and cooking and some new recipes to challenge her.
Next up, Mexican and Puerto Rican drool-worthy essentials!… [pagebreak]
My Mexico: A Culinary Odyssey with More Than 300 Recipes by: Diana Kennedy
Sometimes referred to as the "Julia Child of Mexican Cooking", Kennedy has received awards from the James Beard Foundation, the International Association of Cooking Professionals, and the Mexican Association of Gastronomy, among many others. The Essex native made the study of classical Mexican cooking her life's work ever since she first moved to Latin America in the 1950's. In My Mexico Kennedy chronicles her experiences with each recipe and imparts the kind of historical and cultural knowledge that any Latin mom would appreciate.
You might know her from her food network show Viva Daisy! or her PBS series Daisy Cooks!, but you might not know that this powerhouse chef is also philanthropist, columnist, mother of four, and an award-winning cookbook author. In her very well received 2010 cookbook Morning, Noon, And Night, Martinez combines tried and true recipes she learned from her mother and grandmother in Puerto Rico with new ones she developed while traveling throughout Latin America. This compilation is easy to navigate and contains 150 recipes for a myriad of occasions; from everyday breakfasts and casual lunches to impressive cocktail hour snacks and dinner party courses; it's all in there, making this a great gift for new moms and seasoned veterans alike.
Cocina Tropical: The Classic & Contemporary Flavors of Puerto Rico by Jose Santaella, Foreword by Eric Ripert
After years of training in Barcelona, New York, and San Francisco, Puerto Rican chef and restauranteur Jose Santaella returned to San Juan a star. His anticipated new book, Cocina Tropical, will, much in the spirit of the quintessential Puerto Rican cookbook, Cocina Criolla, explore the island's culinary landscape: an amalgamation of Taino, African, and European flavors. With the promise of classical Borinquen staples, Caribbean-inspired contemporary creations, a foreword by Eric Ripert, and a cover shot of sizzling tostones, this book has all the makings of a new literary authority in the circle of Puerto Rican cuisine. Cocina Tropical, though slated for release in October, is already available for pre-order. Let's hope mami can wait 'til then!
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