Presents a narrative history of Mexican cuisine in the United States, sharing a century's worth of anecdotes and cultural criticism to address questions about culinary authenticity and the source of Mexican food's popularity.

"In Planet Taco, Jeffrey Pilcher traces the historical origins and evolution of Mexico's national cuisine, explores its incarnation as a Mexican American fast-food, shows how surfers became global pioneers of Mexican food, and how Corona beer conquered the world. Pilcher is particularly enlightening on what the history of Mexican food reveals about the uneasy relationship between globalization and authenticity. The burritos and taco shells that many people think of as Mexican were actually created in the United States. But Pilcher argues that the contemporary struggle between globalization and national sovereignty to determine the authenticity of Mexican food goes back hundreds of years. During the nineteenth century, Mexicans searching for a national cuisine were torn between nostalgic "Creole" Hispanic dishes of the past and French haute cuisine, the global food of the day. Indigenous foods were scorned as unfit for civilized tables. Only when Mexican American dishes were appropriated by the fast food industry and carried around the world did Mexican elites rediscover the foods of the ancient Maya and Aztecs and embrace the indigenous roots of their national cuisine"--

Mexican Food: The Ultimate Cookbook is a beautiful and thorough collection of recipes drawn from the many rich traditions of Mexican cuisine and inspired by contemporary influences. This comprehensive guide takes you on a tour of Mexican cuisine. From Indigenous traditions to colonial influence and beyond, Mexico has absorbed different local and foreign influences for generations, which is what makes the country’s food so delicious and varied. With these recipes, you can enjoy dozens of bold entrees, sauces, salsas, sides, beverages, and desserts, alongside tips and techniques that help you extract maximum flavor from each ingredient. In this collection you will find: - 300+ easy-to-follow recipes that utilize regional authenticity and modern flair. - Stunning original photography and illustrations that will inspire you to make these mouthwatering meals. - Insights and recipes from industry insiders. - Comprehensive breakdowns of elemental ingredients like masa, chile peppers, epazote, and mezcal. - A fascinating history of this culture’s cuisine. This cookbook captures the spirit of this cuisine and provides a detailed look into the diverse approaches that shaped Mexican tradition over the centuries. Spanning coastal delicacies, hearty mountain dishes, and delicious street tacos, the recipes in this cookbook reflect the many types of Mexican food. Explore the rich flavors of this region with Mexican Food: The Ultimate Cookbook.

This unique culinary history of America offers a fascinating look at our past and uses long-forgotten recipes to explain how eight flavors changed how we eat. The United States boasts a culturally and ethnically diverse population which makes for a continually changing culinary landscape. But a young historical gastronomist named Sarah Lohman discovered that American food is united by eight flavors: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and Sriracha. In Eight Flavors, Lohman sets out to explore how these influential ingredients made their way to the American table. She begins in the archives, searching through economic, scientific, political, religious, and culinary records. She pores over cookbooks and manuscripts, dating back to the eighteenth century, through modern standards like How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman. Lohman discovers when each of these eight flavors first appear in American kitchens—then she asks why. Eight Flavors introduces the explorers, merchants, botanists, farmers, writers, and chefs whose choices came to define the American palate. Lohman takes you on a journey through the past to tell us something about our present, and our future. We meet John Crowninshield a New England merchant who traveled to Sumatra in the 1790s in search of black pepper. And Edmond Albius, a twelve-year-old slave who lived on an island off the coast of Madagascar, who discovered the technique still used to pollinate vanilla orchids today. Weaving together original research, historical recipes, gorgeous illustrations and Lohman’s own adventures both in the kitchen and in the field, Eight Flavors is a delicious treat—ready to be devoured.

Delectably steeped in tradition, a living culinary heritage

Fresh, authentic and delicious recipes appealing to lovers of Mexican food. From the sea-influenced dishes of the beaches of Baja and Cancun, to the cowboy/vaquero influenced cuisine of the El Norte region, Mexico has an amazing variety of vibrant flavours to offer. All of this rich culinary culture has inspired Benito's Hat's delicious burritos, tacos, soups and salads. This cookbook, created by Ben Fordham and Mexican chef Felipe, offers not only their favourite dishes, but many more delights from Felipe's own collection of family recipes. These dishes cater for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, as well as both the newcomers to Mexican food and the seasoned veterans. You'll find Starters; Soups & Salads; Main Dishes; Side Dishes; Salsas; Desserts; and Drinks. Mouth-watering recipes include guacamole with homemade corn tortilla chips, chicken quesadillas, tofu tacos, pork tamales, refried pinto beans with paprika, Mexican flan, ice cold margaritas and refreshing non-alcoholic juices.

After twenty years of traveling throughout Mexico, Chef Ivy Stark became enchanted by the colorful, tasty native foods and was determined to bring them to America. From stylish couples enjoying beef tacos at a café to day laborers standing at a counter over a paper plate filled with carnitas, everyone loves this delicious, accessible cuisine.While the bright, robust flavors of Mexican cooking have tempted taste buds north of the border for decades, only recently has the country’s lesser-known street food made its way onto the American table via California and the Southwest. Versatile and simple, these dishes can be enjoyed as a quick nibble or as part of an elegant meal. Stark introduces both beginners and skilled cooks to such traditional foods as Mexico City corn, smoked fish tostadas, plantain croquettes, and much more. Stark offers time-saving techniques and make-ahead suggestions, as well as tips for working with Mexican seasonings and produce like chilies and plantains.