5 comments about Frida's Fiestas: Recipes and Reminiscences of Life with Frida Kahlo.

1. The book is very nice. It has a lot of photos. It also tells the story about Frida and Diego. It's the perfect gift. There is also a Spanish version, which I have been unable to locate.



2. The recipes are authentic- to die for! And the life stories are told with compassion from Frida's step-daughter. This is a good read- and better eat!



3. Written by Frida's stepdaughter, you might as well have been there with her during her stay with Frida & Diego Riviera. Absolutely gorgeous pictures and insight in the culinary life of Frida Kahlo describing social reunions during holidays and festivities, along with some day to day pampering Frida gave to Diego & her loved ones. Whether you agree or not with Frida's life & beliefs is irrevelant in this wonderful book. It is about how Frida treated her family and friends in her culinary world. Seems Frida's stepdaughter loved her dearly and I felt this was a tribute in such a positive light to this creative and multi talented woman. What a wonderful read and truly authentic Mexican cuisine to add to the splendor of Frida's Fiestas!



4. Since everyone has raved about this book, perhaps I'm looking at an old edition (1994). I agree that the photos are beautiful and the stories wonderful, but in the version of the book I have the instructions for the recipes are in the wrong order. For example, for Chiles en Nogada, the first sentence of the recipe's instructions are "Rinse the chiles and pat them dry. Spoon some of the filling inside each one..." Well, you have to go down the the second to last paragraph to get the instructions for making the filling. Obviously, the recipe should first tell you how to make the filling. Also in this recipes, it tells you to pour the walnut sauce over the chiles, BEFORE it tells you how to make the walnut sauce.
   
   I have published a cookbook and these type of errors mean one thing: an editor who has not read the recipes and thought them through! (Much less tried to follow the recipes.) I noticed that in several of the recipes I've used, I have, with my editing pen, moved paragraphs around with arrows so that the instructions are in the right order.



5. This is a fascinating book with gorgeous photographs of fiestas which would have been prepared by Frida for parties at home in Mexico. We all know that Frida was an extraordinary artist, but it's quite an eye-opener to find out that she was also an outstanding cook!

5 comments about Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen: Capturing the Vibrant flavors of a World-Class Cuisine.

1. Every recipe I have tried has been a hit with family and friends. People keep asking for "my" recipes.
   
   I even got someone to bring me a large bag of dried peppers from Mexico so I could try all the recipes.



2. Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen cookbook is chock full of fabulous recipes that are easy to prepare with step-by-step instructions accompanied by mouth-watering pictures. It is clear that the author has experience with mexican dishes. His commentary is insightful with a touch of humor. I recommend the book for anyone interested in the culinary delights of the Southland.



3. This is my new favorite cookbook. In addition to the wonderfully flavorful comfort food that is explained step by step as if he is a friend sitting across the table from you, Bayless offers a variety of tips covering types of chiles, where to purchase them, illustrations of each (in case there is no label), what to look for in a mortar and other tools of the trade one might find of interest. Following each recipe are sections that are real time savers: Advance Preparation, Other Chiles You Can Use, Traditional Dishes That use This Essential As A Starting Point, and Simple Ideas From My American Home.



4. Wonderful book from a tiredless advocate of authentic Mexican food. This book is a must have for anyone looking into cooking Mexican. Rick is the only author I trust when learning Mexican food basics. This book flows wonderfully while giving valuable insights into the less familiar ingredients. I think it is important to note that many of the recipes may have hard to find items, but may not be critically important to the end result. Rick Bayless also gives many alternatives methods or suggestions for convenience and for adaptation. For Example: He'll give you the traditional griddle method for cooking tortillas and a more convenient method by way of steaming. I feel privileged to have someone as knowledgeable and thorough like Rick Bayless teach me the basics of the Mexican kitchen. I grew up in a Mexican household and have traveled throughout Mexico. Rick's book is unquestionably authentic.



5. I bought this book as a present and the meals made from these recipes turned out fantastic. It helps if you happen to have a good Mexican grocery store to buy from.

5 comments about The Art of Mexican Cooking.

1. My idea of heaven is a meal with savory black beans, fresh tortillas, a couple of chile rellenos in a tomato/garlic/cinnamon broth, finished off by a curdy sweet flan for dessert. Diana Kennedy steps you through the processes of each dish, and adds all the little touches to get it JUST right! Some will dispute my choices, I suppose, and prefer a turkey breast and thighs in a chile/ chocolate mole sauce, or maybe the traditional September treat of chiles en nogada (ground pork inside freshly roasted green chiles, covered with a white walnut sauce, sprinkled with persimmon seeds). She has all the recipes, they're all great.



2. I keep renewing this book from the library...can't wait until it's in stock so I can finally own it. I lived in Mexico for a year, fell in love with the food, and now have discovered that I never even ate as well as Diana Kennedy must cook. Now I'm obsessed and force my boyfriend to eat homemade Mexican every single night (not really a punishment.)



3. This is not a book for beginning cooks. Most of the recipes are arduously complicated, but I've been using it for years with great results. I use Mexico the Beautiful more because it's a little more realistic in terms of how long one is willing to spend making a "simple" dish.

   Mrs. Kennedy reminds me a lot of Rose Bernbaum of The Cake Bible in slavish dedication to detail.

   Apart from the time required to make some of these dishes, they are indeed quite authentic. I've lived in Mexico for years and all my Mexican friends enjoy these recipes. If you're serious about graduating from Taco Bell sludge, get this book. It will make an expert out of you.




4. I have owned this book for several years. Some ingredients are hard to find but can be adapted. Everyone loves the chorizo rice recipe when I make it for work and my kids love the mexican rice recipe. My husband loves all of them. I enjoy the introductions about the recipe and where she found it. Out of the many cookbooks I have, this one is often used.



5. A classic. Excellent book with recipes from around Mexico. Very informative sections on basics of authentic Mexican cooking. If you're ready to move beyond gringo burritos and enchiladas, this is the book for you.

5 comments about The Tex-Mex Cookbook: A History in Recipes and Photos.

1. For years I've been looking for this type of book that will give the reader an understanding of the history and background of the blending of Tejano,Texican and Anglo-Texan food and cultures that has produced the wonderful cuisine that we in Texas enjoy today. This cookbook helps with the sharing of this cuisine with everyone else who is not lucky enough to live in Texas and does enjoy Tex-Mex food as much as we do! TexasBill



2. Very good information of the real way it is done and not the new age style of southern cooking . Nice bits of history on Tex-Mex. Recommended addition to your library.



3. The Tex-Mex Cookbook is an invaluable source of Tex/Mex cooking fact, folklore, history and recipe content. I highly recommend it.



4. I have lived in the southwest for years and enjoy eating all the TEX-MEX food from the western states. This little recipe book give a lot to local food in different regions. The end results of the food I have prepared is very good...sometimes I have had problem finding certain item that the recipe calls for but if you understand Mexican cooking and what goes with what you can find different ingredients to use.



5. This book is the epitamy of south Texas history PLUS cuisine. I admit to being biased for more authentic Mexican cooking, thus a big fan of the likes of Diana Kennedy and Ray Bayless's books, but nonetheless my south Texas husband and his family are avid Tex Mex diners. I needed to brush up on the Tex Mex cuisine and came across this little gem, because not only am I a foodie, but I'm also a history buff. Filled with old pictures and history from over a century ago, and finding the recipes to be quite authentic (of what I've seen in south Texas), I couldn't put this book down. This is probably one of the best Tex Mex cookbooks that I have seen, and I have seen plenty. To those that are biased true Mexican cuisine enthusiasts, just know that I am with you in sentiment, but this is still a great read with plenty of recipes that will please our stubborn palates. Enjoy!

5 comments about A Gringo's Guide to Authentic Mexican Cooking (Cookbooks and Restaurant Guides).

1. This is absolutely the best, the most entertaining and authentic Mexican cookbook ever. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.



2. Great little book, its easy,fun, makes you want to get cookin' for yourself and friends. Forget Taco Bell, this is the real deal.



3. We love Mad Coyote Joe's Chicken Tacos! The sauce, Mad Coyote Joe suggests, is so good, but it does not have a long staying power. Last time I made only half a batch for a double batch of chicken tacos. This recipe book is very good!



4. I based my purchase of this book on previous reviews & I am not disappointed. However, this is really what the title says: it is a book for gringos. I have some experience with Mexican food & I was hoping for a few more recipes but it really is exactly what the title promises.



5. This book is awesome. From this book I made the best enchiladas I have ever had. The only suggestion I would make to the author is to supply similar ingredients for substitution if the ingredients are not found in your area. Many of the ingredients are specific to Mexico and the very south Southwest.

5 comments about Mexico One Plate At A Time.

1. There is a great deal of information in this cookbook, both concerning cooking and concerning Mexico in general. It is both interesting and informative. The recipes are varied (both traditional and contemporary), easy to follow, and delicious. I personally find it difficult to obtain a great many of the ingredients he calls for, but then I live in a very rural area far north of Mexico. All in all, if you have an adventurous palette and enjoy Mexican flavors, you will enjoy this cookbook.



2. My parents are both from Mexico and I lived there as a child, so I always look for authenticity in my food. I've loved this book. All the recipes I've made turned out great and very true to what I would expect.



3. Growing up in Los Angeles, as well as being a well-traveled student of Mexican culture, I was lucky to been exposed to fairly authentic Mexican food for most of my life. I never attempted to cook it myself because it was so readily available down the street or around the corner. Then we moved to Las Vegas...
   
   ...the town where Taco Bell, yes TACO BELL, was voted by the readership in the local papers as "Best Mexican Food". Yikes.
   
   Lucky for me, I just found Rick Bayless' Mexico One Plate At A Time at a local used bookstore (for less than half price for a mint copy). Tonight I made a three-course dinner - Shrimp Ceviche, Arroz Rojo, and Creamy Enchiladas with Chicken, Tomatoes, and Green Chile - all of which were fairly simple (albeit time consuming), and restaurant quality!
   
   Bravo.



4. This is a wonderful book for those wanting to learn about true authentic Mexican gastronomy. Its just so well done. My only reason for not giving this 5 stars was the fact that some recipes did not come out as well as I hoped even though they were still good. I had to tweak them for heightened flavor. For research this is great, but for the actual recipes you might want to try Diana Kennedy's versions instead.



5. Bayless knows his Mexican food. I bought this book for delivery to my daughter's in the States prior to a visit. Lots of local Mexican supermarkets. I thoroughly enjoyed cooking every one of recipes I tried and the assembled company were very appreciative on being served authentic Mexican cuisine. And this is Mexican cuisine NOT simply Mexican cooking. The problem in the the UK (at least outside of London perhaps)is sourcing the ingredients. If you can find a source, this book and a little application will provide appreciative guests and hours of fun experimenting with a much neglected source of culinary excellence.

5 comments about The Best of Mexico (The Best of ...).

1. The dishes in this book are delicious. And without a doubt they are as authentic as my abuelita's cooking. I have already tried the dishes for the pozoles and enchiladas, and also several salsas. So far my favorite dish is the Pescado a la Veracruzana. I am really looking forward to trying some of the other dishes in this book.



2. Don't be fooled by the small size of this cookbook. It packs many great recipes between it's covers. From beverages to desserts with everything in between this is a gem for delicious mexican recipes, yet is feasible with a moderate level of culinary skills. I bought the first book in this series several months ago and have been consistently pleased with each new addition.



3. A little book of traditional recipes. They are simple to follow and the lovely pictures almost make this a coffee table book.



4. It was not as through as I had anticipated, however, I did find the recipes that I was looking for and the instructions are very well written.



5. I was a little sad when I opened the box & this little tiny book fell out-I was expecting something bigger with more recipes. But the recipes that were in there are authentic & the book is nice with all the pictures and such. So I would still recommend it.

5 comments about Simply Delicioso: A Collection of Everyday Recipes with a Latin Twist.

1. The recipes are well presented and the pictures are very pretty!
   She made adaptations to "tradicional" latin recipes to be prepared by Americans or latins in USA.
   Well done!



2. Ingrid Hoffmann is right on trend with one of the hottest eating trends in American - delicious foods with a Latin American twist. Her dialogue throughout the book is bubbly, fresh and conversational. Her detailed explanation of the various foods in her pantry will be very helpful for people who are not as familiar with Latin American ingredients. If you are looking for a true authentic Latin American cuisine then you may want to choose a different cookbook, but if you are looking for a fun Latin American fusion cookbook, Simply Delicioso is a excellent choice.
   -Jenna
   www.TheUndercoverCook.com



3. I am not a cookbook buyer/owner. After watching many of Ingrid Hoffmans' shows, I was waiting for her cookbook to come out. I was very pleased, as well as my husband with the tasty combinations of food. Some unique combinations for the Flavor Packed Peppers were mind boggling at first: Green Olives, apples, tomatoes?!? - But WOW, now my husband and families' favorite. I will never make stuffed peppers with rice again!
   
   Some recipes are simple food prep, others a bit more work. I just simplified all of them and used the food processor for most of the recipes. Her recipes were simple enough to omit items and/or substitute items. I didn't have some of the items and improvised easily. Remember cooking is supposed to be fun.
   
   Her recipes were totally health conscious! Most seasonings for the food were vegetables and fresh/dried herbs. I was so pleased with this, I bought the cookbook for my father for Father's Day. I wrote in notes and comments about all the recipes I already tried. Wish she had another cookbook out already.



4. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R39AHDTIYSEX6P Simply Delicioso - Simply great!Simply Delicioso: A Collection of Everyday Recipes with a Latin Twist



5. I love the recipes from this book is so easy to cook latin food with Ingrid Hoffman. i cannot wait to buy the complete collection..i will recommend you to buy it if you like latin cuisine.

5 comments about Mexican Everyday (Recipes Featured on Season 4 of the PBS-TV series "Mexico One Plate at a Time").

1. Excellent resource to get one past generic mexican fare, deeper in to the flavors of mexican foods.



2. I actually bought this book and Rick's authentic Mexican book for a gift to my MIL. I previewed the books before shipping them to her, and had to buy this one for myself. I would like the other one also, but this is the one that would get used the most. I have made a few things from this book, and got rave reviews. I love the way his book is set up with his "rifts" on recipes, being able to have alternatives helps out with everyday meals. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants good mexican food. Simple, easy, a real everyday cookbook with stuff you have on hand, or with alternatives if you don't.



3. I really like Rick Bayless on TV. Though I cook everyday and enjoy cooking his recipes seem a little time consuming. So, when I saw he came out with a "Mexican Everyday" cookbook I thought he had a book of simply or simplified recipes. I haven't found it to be true. Quite a few recipes require a day ahead planning unless you want to be in the kitchen all day long. The couple recipes I've made are very good, but I think the title of the book is misleading. You can't just open this up and cook dinner. You need to open it up and plan ahead.



4. I cannot say enough positive things about this cookbook! I have made recipe after recipe from it since I first saw Rick Bayless on Emeril Live make the Trout with Macadamias recipe and I was hooked! These dishes are not only wonderfully complex in flavor and utterly delicious but they are also healthful and beyond simple to prepare. My husband has loved every meal I have made from this book. I am working my way through the whole thing and have happy taste buds as a result! If you love a variety of flavors and foods, are short on meal making time most days and are concerned with maintaining a healthy weight, buy this book, you won't be disappointed!



5. This may be an excellent book but it just wasn't what I was looking for. I was looking for a basic mexican food cookbook with ideas and variations for your standard tacos, burritos etc... This is not it. Many of the ingredients cannot be found at our local market. I am returning book.

5 comments about Authentic Mexican 20th Anniversary Ed: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico.

1. While I was born and raised in the Southern US on grits and fried catfish, my husband was raised in Mexico City on pozole and pombazos and anything picosa.
   
   We've been together for almost six years, and he hasn't been back home at all in that time, not even for a quick visit. We still live in the south, so our choices as far as authentic Mexican are quite slim. There are some taquerias around that cater to the local Mexican community, but they're usually overpriced and carry only the most basic dishes (tacos, tortas, huevos, etc). So when my sister gave me this book for Christmas, I couldn't wait to try it.
   
   I've been cooking "Mexican-style" for a while. That involved adding a lot of salsa to things, or making things like tostadas or tortas or mole (out of the can! for shame!) or milanesa. And I'm no stranger to most of the ingredients in the book, but I just haven't ever had anyone to show me how to cook actual dishes that aren't considered Mexican take out.
   
   The first dish I made was Chilaquiles Verdes and the salsa I made for it, according to my husband, was as good as his own sainted mother's salsa--which, if you can imagine, is quite the compliment.
   
   For me, this book has allowed me to bring a little of Mexico to our table and to help my husband a little bit in his homesickness. He's also very proud of the fact that his gabacha wife can cook authentic mexican food.
   
   As for those who wonder about the availability of the ingredients, most of them are available in your local grocery store. I live in a medium sized college town, and I can obtain Chiles Guajillos dried in bags at Walmart, as well as a plethora of fresh chiles (poblanos, verdes, jalapenos, serranos, etc). I would say if you have a noticeable Mexican immigrant population, the ingredients can be found in your area--try different grocery stores and the local tiendas (Mexican grocery stores).
   
   Provecho!



2. A truly wonderful book: lots of great, carefully explained recipes (drinks, moles, fish, etc.), interesting information about ingredients, cookware, south-american agricultural history etc. Not too many photos, but that means more space for recipes and information.



3. I like cookbooks to have lots of pictures showing the finished product. I find it not only appetizing, but it's nice to know how it looks when a master chef like Bayless prepares it. His presentation on the PBS show is beautiful, yet simple. It doesn't look like ma's home cookin'.
   
   The recipes I've tried from this, and his other books, are wonderful, however I recommend tripling (at least) the hot spices. I guess being from Texas, I don't like Mexican food as bland as a Yankee.
   
   Great book. I highly recommend it. The book has necessary details, but watch the PBS show. It's even better than the books! You will catch a few tips he never puts in print.



4. After I watched Rick Bayless cook Mexican food on Public TV, and listening to him talk about living in Mexico, I knew that I wanted to get his book, "Authentic Mexican Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico." Lo and behold, my husband went online to Amazon and ordered not only this book but another of Rick Bayless' books. When they arrived, I was thrilled and started looking up recipes to prepare. I made the Chicken-Filled Enchiladas with Tangy Tomatillo Sauce. The Tomatillo sauce and the enchiladas were easy to make and were very good. I will be preparing more and more of his recipes.
   I recommend Rick Bayless' cookbooks because having lived in every region of Mexico, he knows how to prepare authentic regional Mexican food and understands and introduces - to the reader - the essential ingredients to achieve the rich, spicy and flavorful foods of Mexico.



5. I was very disappointed when I got this book. The dishes are not exactly what I was looking for. All the recipes have not-so-easy to find ingredients, then they all look so "involved," like you will be cooking all day for one meal. A lot of the recipes call for the never-ending page jump, for example: One or more of the ingredients will include a previous recipe found on page ??. Then on that page, you'll need something from page ??. Way to much work. I was also disappointed with the wordiness of the book, and the lack of recipe description and real photos. Nutritional info is always a nice thing to find in a recipe too, but not many books have them. Oh well, I'm going to find a Mexican book that's work load is more reasonable.