Elena's Secrets of Mexican Cooking

Anyone who loves Mexican food will be impressed with this wonderful cookbook. Many old favorites featured here as well as some new ideas for delicious Latin food from south of the border...

I found this book at a Thrift store in El Paso, Texas while on a recent road trip with my friend Sophie and since we always tried to stay stay at a place with cooking facilities, and we found on in El Paso, I decided to try something from the book. When you're on the road one might think you'd be limited as to what you can prepare. One might think you'd be dining in restaurants, or much worse, eating frozen meals done in motel microwaves. One would be wrong if one thought that of me. I brought along a cooler full of stuff I might need. A chef on the road is still a chef. I checked out the Salsa Luisa on page 170 and since both Sophie and I are wannabe vegetarians, we fall off the wagon quite a bit, especially me, I decided to go shopping for the ingredients as Ms Zelayeta said her mother invented the sauce and that it was perfect to pour over vegetables. It was. It is. We had steamed cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts and the sauce really set them off. Then next night I did the Pollo en Jugo de Naranja (Chicken in Orange Sauce). It was simple and delicious. If you like Mexican and who doesn't, this is a nice book to have. There are a lot of traditional Mexican recipes here, plus a lot that Elena Zelayeta puts her own twist on.

This is a classic on Mexican cooking, with first and second printings in 1958. Recipes and instructions are succinct, and there is little or no commentary on the dishes or their background. I give this 4 stars, as Diana Kennedy's "The Cuisines of Mexico", published in 1972, has become a more definitive source of Mexican recipes. Kennnedy's book also has simple recipes, and also has superb hints on cooking, and gives a wonderful running commentary on the origin of the dishes, and suggestions on how to serve the dish. Kennedy's also has photographs. Newer books by Bayless and others have come forth since 1972, however both Zelayeta's and Kennedy's books have stood the test of time.

Take it from someone who has spent time searching for Mexican Cook Books that offer simple authentic Mexican recipies. This book offers anything from the familiar dishes, holiday pastries and breads, to the more exotic dishes. Each recipe includes comments from the author, providing tips and background on history of the recipe. I only wish this book were more accesible.

This book was my first Mexican cookbook almost 30 years ago. I've used it so much that it's in tatters. I'm sorry to hear it's out of print - can anyone do anything about that?

Sorry to hear that this book is not currently available! It's a wonderful introduction to Mexican Cooking. All of the recipes are incredibly simple, authentic and delicious! This book makes a great wedding/ housewarming gift.