Southwest : The Beautiful Cookbook

Rating:
Summary: More than just the recipes...
Review: As with the rest of the "Beautiful Cookbook" series, this is more than a cookbook full of wonderful recipes -- it is a book of wonderful pictures of food, of the stories behind the people and of the traditions of the culture.

I collect this series because:
a) The recipes are always incredible
b) The presentation is always unique & intriguing
c) The recipes are simple for beginning to intermediate cooks
d) The stories and information makes it more than just food, but an experience.

The only "watch-out" I give is that the recipes are authentic and on occasion I have found finding some of the ingredients very difficult. However, the book usually will suggest alternatives.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: Not only does this book include excellent recipes, it is of coffee-table quality for its beautiful pictures and history of the southwest. Definitely try the tortilla soup, the stuffed pork roast, the fiesta shrimp, etc., etc., etc.

Rating:
Summary: First Cookbook
Review: This was my first cookbook, and I loved it. I usually eat on the go, and I wanted to buy something for special occasions. Most cookbooks I saw seemed to be aimed at housewives or low-fat faddish consumers. When I saw this book, the huge pictures and great presentations convinced me to take it home, but the fun began when I began to use it. The glossary of ingredients at the end was very helpful for a beginner like me. I did my own variation of the Guacamole recipe and combined it with my own variation of the green salsa recipe for an office pot-luck. (I am a musician, I can't help but tinker with things). I even used the molcajete. (I think the variety of fresh vegetables combined with the non-blender approach really did it here). I never heard the end from everybody on how they loved the guacamole. (It was gone in about 10 minutes even though I made quite a bit). I also tried dishes I never had before, such as the jicama salad. That was great. Also, the smoked salmon enchiladas were awesome. I tried the chimichangas, but I think that was a little advanced for my level (especially since I tried to use tamale flour mix)....they did not hold together very well, although they were still delicious. I did better than most restaurants, and I've been to quite a few good ones. Too bad this book is out of print, and no, don't e-mail me 'cause I aint' selling it to ya.