Rick Bayless

What an enticing cookbook! It makes even an introvert like me contemplate having a big party! (OK, to be fair, I have organized a few such.)

SO many delicious variants of guacamole, for instance- and these are reasonably sized for the most part for fewer than a huge party. Many of the other dishes are, too- a party made of a lot of small plates can work for a smaller party by choosing among the options.

And- a recipe for cheese! Not to mention chocoflan, which- as a mix of chocolate cake and show more flan- may be my Platonic ideal of a dessert.

I was amused to see rosettes- albeit with a Mexican twist; I am ethnically Scandinavian, and these were a Yuletide staple for us.

I have 2 other Bayless cookbooks, both of which I love. I am glad to add this one to the mix. show less

This is getting tattered and torn, with stains on almost every page. I cook from it at least once a week. Not just good Mexican food, good food period. The ONLY thing I'd change is in the recipe for pollo pulquero (which is addictive) in the slow cooker: use ATK's recipe for chicken vesuvio. In other words, microwave the sliced potatoes for 5 minutes to get them cooking, then cook the whole thing in the slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours -- the texture of the chicken is MUCH better. The show more only other trick is to find a brand of chorizo is that not too spicy for your and your family's tastes. show less

I began this book with a chip on my shoulder, because I'm not fond of most celebrity chefs, and I didn't understand the layout of it when I was looking in it for recipes. However, now that I've read it, I'm inclined to think that Rick Bayless has earned whatever celebrity status he has. It all makes sense, and in fact, is very useful and informative. The recipes are inspiring in that they seem practical for the home cook, yet authentic. There is a lot of insight into the whys and wherefores show more of Mexican cuisine. I love the little photos of the Mexican food and markets which are inserted throughout. Very helpful glossary and mail/online sources in the back. I look forward to cooking with this book; it has already inspired several great dishes in my home. The lessons and techniques alone are worth the price. show less

This Rick Bayless guy sure knows his way around a kitchen. This chef is extraordinary! I've been to Mexico on several occasions and tried the local fare. But Rick puts his own unique spin on many traditional Mexican dishes that are fantastic. If you love cooking (or like me like to dabble around in the kitchen), then you should give this book a try because you will definitely become the wiser. Highly, highly recommended!