Treasures of the Mexican Table: Classic Recipes, Local Secrets

Mexico City–born, Maryland-based chef Jinich (host of the James Beard Award–winning, Emmy-nominated PBS show Pati’s Mexican Table) offers an extensive collection of regional Mexican recipes, with a focus on lesser-known flavors and techniques. Recipes include a variety of soups, salsas and sauces, rice and pasta dishes, entrées using a variety of proteins, salads and vegetables, and desserts. Some of the recipes have lengthy ingredient lists, for which Jinich often suggests substitutions, as she does on her show. Note that while definitely intended for the home cook, these are not generally fast weeknight dishes. A single recipe often calls for several kinds of chilies, and a blender is a key piece of equipment. Extensive headnotes contextualize each recipe and create the sense that Jinich is conversing directly with readers. The gorgeous close-up photography is a bonus.