Pati Jinich, readily recognizable from her cooking programs on PBS, is also the official chef at Washington, D.C.'s Mexican Cultural Institute--and a very busy wife and mother of three boys. She understands what it means to be able to cook well for your family when time is precious and has put her expertise on the page in Pati's Mexican Table.
"Mexican home cooking is beautiful in its simplicity, tremendously convenient, and wholesome," she writes, and it's these qualities that make her cookbook universally appealing, while her energetic and honest writing keep the reader engaged. The recipes in Pati's Mexican Table are arranged in a traditional format with chapter headings such as Soups, Seafood and Sides--including a special chapter of vegetarian dishes inspired by requests from friends, family and fans. There's even a "Drinks" chapter that is no afterthought (be sure to try the creamy peanut and vanilla apéritif).
Jinich's recipes are nicely presented with detailed introductions, bolded ingredient lists and numbered steps. Many are accompanied by an additional "Mexican Cook's Trick," and readers won't want to ignore these helpful hints. Other sidebars provide more information about Mexican ingredients and cooking techniques; these are also always worth reading. Most everyone will find a traditional Mexican recipe to enjoy in Pati's Mexican Table, as well as new renditions of old favorites, like the Mexican Thanksgiving turkey with chorizo, pecan, apple and cornbread stuffing. --Roni K. Devlin, owner of Literary Life Bookstore