A and a gifted culinary instructor, Gaby Melian is an native of Argentina. This, her first cookbook, is also America's Test Kitchen's first collaboration with an outside authority. The result is a friendly, enthusiastic book which takes the interest of young cooks seriously.
Melian has gathered recipes from throughout Latin America for all three main meals of the day, as well as snacks, drinks, sides, sauces, and desserts. Each one is accompanied by notes on where the dish comes from and how it fits into local culture. Many also includes step-by-step photos to help explain preparation. Young cooks will also learn Spanish-language vocabulary for dishes, ingredients and other culinary terms.
Addressed to kids who are 8 years or older, Gaby's Latin American Kitchen includes recipes for well known dishes such as quesadillas and ceviche which are widely popular throughout the region. But there are also specialties such as Venezuelan cachapas (corn pancakes made with both cornmeal and fresh corn kernels), licuado de banana, an Argentine drink which resembles a smoothie, and gallo pinto, a rice and bean dish from Costa Rica.
We were lucky enough to be with Melian as she promoted her book at the Union Square Greenmarket here in NYC. She often told people, "it's for kids, but it's good for anyone who wants to learn Latin American cooking." And we agree.
Hardcover. Color photographs throughout.
