Since ancient times, the most important foods in the Mexican diet have been corn, beans, squash, tomatillos, and chile peppers. The role of these ingredients in Mexican food culture through the centuries is the basis of this volume. In addition, students and general readers will discover the panorama of food traditions in the context of European contact in the sixteenth century—when the Spaniards introduced new foodstuffs, adding variety to the diet—and the profound changes that have occurred in Mexican food culture since the 1950s. Recent improvements in technology, communications, and transportation, changing women's roles, and migration from country to city and to and from the United States have had a much greater impact. Their basic, traditional diet served the Mexican people well, providing them with wholesome nutrition and sufficient energy to live, work, and reproduce, as well as to maintain good health. Chapter 1 traces the origins of the Mexican diet and overviews food history from pre-Hispanic times to recent developments. The principal foods of Mexican cuisine and their origins are explained in the second chapter. Mexican women have always been responsible for everyday cooking, including the intensive preparation of grinding corn, peppers, and spices by hand, and a chapter is devoted to this work and a discussion of how traditional ways are supplemented today with modern conveniences and kitchen aids such as blenders and food processors. Surveys of class and regional differences in typical meals and cuisines present insight into the daily lives of a wide variety of Mexicans. The Mexican way of life is also illuminated in chapters on eating out, whether at the omnipresent street stalls or at fondas, and special occasions, including the main fiestas and rites of passage. A final chapter on diet and health discusses current health concerns, particularly malnutrition, anemia, diabetes, and obesity.

Cultural and historical background information accompanies over one hundred ninety authentic recipes for gazpacho, garlic soup, steak with bananas, clemole, cocktails, punches, and other Mexican dishes and beverages

This exciting volume brings to life the food culture of Mexico, detailing the development of the cuisine and providing practical information about ingredients and cooking techniques so that readers can replicate some of Mexico's most important traditional dishes. Mexican food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the United States, with noted dishes ranging from tacos and enchiladas to tamales and guacamole. What are the origins of Mexican food culture as we know it today? Written with an educated—not specialized—audience in mind, the book includes descriptions of traditional and high cuisine, regional and national foods, everyday dishes and those prepared and served on holidays and special occasions. It also discusses ancestral eating habits and the way the food has been transformed under the pressures of globalization. Specific chapters examine food history, important ingredients, typical appetizers, main meals, desserts, street foods and snacks, dining out, and food issues and dietary concerns. Recipes accompany every chapter. Rounding out the work are a chronology of food history, a glossary, sidebars, and a bibliography. This volume is ideal for any students learning about Mexican food and culture, as well as general readers who would like to learn more about international cuisines.

This is a little book with a big purpose: to put Mexico City on the map as one of the great food capitals of the world. Written by a resident gastronome who knows the city inside and out, this guide takes the reader to out-of-the-way market stalls, taco joints, as well as fashionable high-end dining spots. Included are chapters on bars and cantinas, cafés, food shopping and short essays on various aspects of Mexican cuisine and its history. Clear maps of the city, as well as an extensive glossary of ingredients, dishes, and cooking terms, make this an easy-to-use guide to great food in a grand city. Nick Gilman's book is a treasure, an insider's guide through the super-cool, super tasty side of Mexico City. Don't miss the section on street stalls and markets - you'll have some of the best food of your life, from the wacky Chupacabras taco stand wedged under a highway, to the truly hip Contramar in fashionable Condesa. There's no guidebook like this. - Rick Bayless, author of Authentic Mexican host of PBS' Mexico: One Plate at a Time Finally! The book I have been hunting for: a foodie's guide to the culinary wonders of one of the largest, most culturally diverse cities in the world. - Ceci Connolly, The Washington Post If you can't have the knowledgeable Mr. Gilman as your personal guide, this book is the next best thing. - Meredith Brody, food journalist Nicholas Gilman's recent release...is a must - The San Francisco Examiner

You can spice up any meal with a hint of Mexican flavor. From avocados to beans and cheese, combine fresh ingredients with a few chili peppers, and you're set for a delicious meal. Explore traditional Mexican recipes and learn how to cook authentic dishes in this title for young chefs.

Eat Mexico is a love letter to the intricate cuisine of Mexico City, written by a young journalist who lived and ate there for four years. It showcases food from the city's streets: the football-shaped, bean-stuffed corn tlacoyo, topped with cactus and salsa; the tortas bulging with turkey confit and a peppery herb called papalo; the beer-braised rabbit, slow-cooked until tender. The book ends on a personal note, with a chapter highlighting the creative, Mexican-inspired dishes - such as roasted poblano oatmeal - that Lesley cooks at home in New York with ingredients she discovered in Mexico. Ambitious cooks and armchair travellers alike will enjoy Lesley's Eat Mexico.

An award-winning chef presents street food recipes that represent the best of traditional Mexican cooking, including octopus cocktail, deep-fried fish tacos, and empanadas stuffed with shrimp.