The South American Table: The Flavor and Soul of Authentic Home Cooking from Patagonia to Rio de Janeiro, with 450 Recipes

I recently took this book out on loan from my local libary, but love it so much, I'm going to buy a copy for myself. I am half-Colombian and grew up in New York where South American cuisine, particularly Colombian, was plentiful (from homecooked, family meals to countless restaurants in Queens). I've been living in California for ten years and often long for an authentic sancocho, platanos, arepas, empanadas, aji piques, etc, but have never had any luck. Now, with these recipes and the wonderfully informative glossary of South American ingredients - and where to get them - I can make the meals I love so much myself and discover so many others. I especially enjoyed the brief history of the South American cuisine.

An elaborated acomplishment it deserves praise for such an acomplishment. A great reference and guide to foods from Latin America. Maria Kijac presents a complete and extense set of recipe with simplicity.Definetly a must for the food lover that likes to cook every day something nutritious and diferent.So far the best recipe book ever made for the Hispanic Market

World cuisine is with us, and here is excellent volume to enter into world of SA cuisine. Helpful is the opening chapter which delves into the geography and food history of this continent.Grouping of recipes follow into normal categories of appetizers, soups, salads, main dishes, etc.Especially fond of Quinoa Soup with Pork, made with delicious peanut puree with milk finish. Also, the Uruguayan Beef Stew with Vegetables and Fruit is tasty offering which utilizes fruit in this savory dish.Excellent section on Basics and Essential Methods as well as Source recommendations and a unique "Dictionary of South American Ingredients" which provides chart of english, spanish/portuguese and scientific names.

I am thrilled with this book. Here are 3 recepies I tried for our Spanish dinner party at home last week, which was a real success!The "Torta Pascualina de Verduras" or Vegetable Pie worked out great since I was able to make it the day before. Everyone loved its taste, texture, and richness in color. It was the perfect dish for our vegetarian neighbors!The "Papas Chorreadas" or Potatoes with Tomatoe and Cheese Sauce are absolutely delicious. This was my husband's favorite dish that evening."The Pechugas de Pollo al Cilantro" or Chicken Breasts with Cilantro Sauce were excellent and very easy to prepare.I like this book so much that I have ordered 5 of them to give to my closest friends as Chistmas presents.

I have discovered, through reading this book, a renewed love for my South American culture that has been long left behind. I came to this country 15 years ago and ever since then have been longing for the exotic tastes which i so vividly remember from my birthplace of Venezuela. I recently came across this book after hearing continuous praise from my many South American friends who have bought and fallen in love with Maria Baez Kijac's delicious recipes and well written historical tidbits relating to South America. I recomend The South American Table to anyone who is looking to discover something new about the South American culture and also to those looking for the delectable and exquisite recipes found in this wonderful book.