Foods of the Maya: A Taste of the Yucatán [Paperback]

Geographically isolated from the Mexican mainland, the Yucatan has also retained its Mayan identity, which includes a distinctive cuisine. The Gerlachs provide a brisk and informative traveler's guide to the region as an introduction to their fresh and zesty recipes. The first section features an extensive selection of salsas and seasonings. As the Gerlachs move on to appetizers, salads and soups, and a lively assortment of main dishes, drinks, and desserts, the use of nuts, seeds, chiles, and fruits and the pickling, or "sousing," of foods emerge as common denominators. Aromatic and colorful, these dishes are made with challenging but not intimidating cooking techniques. Indigenous ingredients are identified, but more readily available substitutes are always suggested. Donna Seaman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Pompano tamales. Shrimp enchiladas. Candied sweet papaya. These are some of the foods whose recipes reside in the pages of Nancy and Jeffrey Gerlach's Foods of the Maya. The authors have spent years traveling throughout Mexico, familiarizing themselves with the cultures and cuisines of the people they have encountered. They created this cookbook to bring the flavors of the Yucatán to tables north of the border.

In an easy-to-follow format, Foods of the Maya provides handy background and travel information about the region and some of its ruins before dipping into the ninety-one recipes included here, organized according to meal course. There are recipes that will suit most everyone's palate, from sauces and salsas to soups and sausages; from vegetarian and meat appetizers and main dishes to simple drinks and desserts. Each section begins with a brief description of the course and the types of food involved. The recipes are clear and easy to understand--one need not be a trained chef with a vast kitchen to create a tasty Yucatecan meal.

Foods of the Maya incorporates an array of cooking tips and techniques and a brief glossary of terms to help in food preparation--the authors have ensured that ingredients for their recipes are readily available at local food stores. This edition also includes an introduction by historian Jeffrey Pilcher which helps familiarize readers with the history and cultures of the Yucatán peninsula. So the next time you get a hankering for something different, you might consider cooking up a platter of Yucatán ribs or preparing a bowl of chayote pudding. Take a short trip to the Yucatán--without leaving your kitchen.

A trip to the Yucatan in your own kitchen.

Nancy Gerlach is a registered dietitian, editor, and writer.

Jeffrey Gerlach is a writer and photographer.