Following the opening of two successful Latin-Asian fusion restaurants, lawyer turned chef Garcia takes her rich international culinary background and channels it into her latest venture: a debut cookbook.
For the author, a home-cooked meal is an expression of love. With this as her compass, Garcia offers a collection of her favorite Latin dishes spiced with a modern twist. Her experience working as an apprentice chef around the world is evident in her selections. She begins with “The Indispensable Despensa,” a guideline of ingredients readers are advised to have in their pantry, and her philosophy is practical and refreshing: “One major goal of mine was to not give people a huge grocery list and pantry full of ingredients that wouldn’t be used again.” Thoughtfully organized, the cookbook features more than 100 recipes broken into categories: recipes to prepare in 30 minutes; home-style favorites; restaurant-style meals at home; cooking outside; and “dishes to celebrate.” No true cookbook would be complete, of course, without desserts, and Garcia’s pack a punch, playing with contrasting flavors and temperatures. Her final chapter concentrates on basic Latin dishes everyone should know how to prepare, such as salsitas, herb tortillas and black beans. Modern Latin recipes ranging from stylish dishes to classic comfort foods in an easy-to-follow format.
Pub Date: June 30, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-345-52543-7
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Ballantine
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2011
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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