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🌍 Regional & Cultural

Complete Book of Mexican Cooking: A Cookbook

✍️ Ortiz, Elisabeth
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$7.99
Backordered — usually ships in 1–4 weeks
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A prize-winning guide to 340 traditional Mexican recipes and ingredients by Elisabeth Ortiz.

This volume functions as a practical manual for preparing authentic dishes rather than a narrative history. It bridges the gap between theory and practice by listing where to buy tools and spices. The inclusion of specific drink recipes like the Margarita expands the scope beyond food. Readers gain insight into the Corn Kitchen concept which underpins many staple items. The text avoids vague generalizations by naming exact dishes such as Bunuelos and Red Stew with Mountain Chiles. This specificity helps cooks visualize the final result before starting. The store list addresses a common hurdle for American home cooks attempting regional cuisine.

Key Themes
Corn Kitchen Bebidas chapter Mountain Chiles
Literary Context

Published in 1985 by Random House, this mass market paperback reflects the mid-eighties American interest in regional ethnic cuisines. Ortiz focuses on traditional ingredients and methods available to US shoppers at that time. The book captures a specific moment when Mexican cooking was becoming more accessible through specialized store listings.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Jill Norman · Diana Kennedy · The Joy of Cooking
🌍
Regional & Cultural
🏛 Random House Publishing Group 📅 1985 📔 Mass Market Paperbound ISBN: 9780345325594
📚 This Book in Collections

📝 Description: Complete Book of Mexican Cooking: A Cookbook

Elisabeth Ortiz presents a comprehensive guide to Mexican cuisine in this prize-winning volume. The text organizes recipes by ingredient and dish type, beginning with the Corn Kitchen to explain tortillas before moving to tacos, tostadas, and quesadilla fillings. Readers will find instructions for Green Chicken with Almonds and Red Stew with Mountain Chiles alongside classic desserts such as Bunuelos and Flan. A dedicated chapter on Bebidas covers drinks including the Mexican grasshopper, Margarita, and chocolate preparations. The book includes explanations of basic ingredients and cooking methods to help home cooks understand the foundations of the cuisine. Ortiz also provides a list of stores where readers can locate specific ingredients and necessary cooking utensils. This practical approach makes the 340 recipes accessible to those who may be unfamiliar with regional Mexican flavors. The work suits individuals interested in learning traditional techniques and sourcing authentic components. It does not cater to readers seeking modern fusion trends or quick one-pan meals. The focus remains firmly on established methods and ingredients. Ortiz qualifies as an authority through the prize-winning nature of this publication. The mass market paperback format ensures the content is portable for frequent reference in the kitchen. The structure allows users to move from staple grains to complex stews and sweet finishes with ease.

💎 Expert review

“
🍳
Eatbook Family editorial team
Cookbook desk
Ortiz provides a prize-winning guide to 340 traditional recipes, focusing on concrete details rather than abstract theory. The Corn Kitchen concept and specific dish names like Bunuelos help cooks visualize outcomes clearly. The store list is a valuable asset for sourcing hard-to-find items. However, this book will not suit readers seeking modern fusion cuisine or those who prefer digital formats. It is strictly a traditional resource for serious home chefs willing to hunt for specific ingredients.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Eatbook Family —
⭐ eatbookfamily.com editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
Home cooks seeking authentic Mexican dishes without vague instructions. Ideal for those wanting to master specific regional flavors and ingredients. Perfect for readers who appreciate practical guides over historical narratives. Suitable for kitchens ready to explore traditional techniques and…

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Eatbook Family editorial team

Ortiz provides a prize-winning guide to 340 traditional recipes, focusing on concrete details rather than abstract theory. The Corn Kitchen concept and specific dish names like Bunuelos help cooks visualize outcomes clearly. The store list is a valuable asset for sourcing hard-to-find items. However, this book will not suit readers seeking modern fusion cuisine or those who prefer digital formats. It is strictly a traditional resource for serious home chefs willing to hunt for specific ingredients.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Yes, the inclusion of specific drink recipes like the Margarita expands the scope beyond food.
Published in 1985 by Random House Publishing Group.
Orders ship from a US warehouse. The shipping cost is shown before you pay, and returns are accepted within 30 days.

📖 Who should read this

Home cooks seeking authentic Mexican dishes without vague instructions. Ideal for those wanting to master specific regional flavors and ingredients. Perfect for readers who appreciate practical guides over historical narratives. Suitable for kitchens ready to explore traditional techniques and exact spice blends for reliable results.

📜 Historical context

This 1985 paperback is a practical manual, not a history book. It bridges theory and practice by listing where to buy tools and spices. Drink recipes like the Margarita expand its scope beyond food, addressing common hurdles for American home cooks attempting regional cuisine.

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