Foods of the Maya: A Taste of the Yucatán

By Jeffrey Gerlach and Nancy Gerlach

Book Overview

Pompano tamales. Shrimp enchiladas. Candied sweet papaya. These are some of the foods whose recipes reside in the pages of Nancy and Jeffrey Gerlach's Foods of the Maya. The authors have spent years traveling throughout Mexico, familiarizing themselves with the cultures and cuisines of the people they have encountered. They created this cookbook to bring the flavors of the Yucatán to tables north of the border. In an easy-to-follow format, Foods of the Maya provides handy background and travel information about the region and some of its ruins before dipping into the ninety-one recipes included here, organized according to meal course. There are recipes that will suit most everyone's palate, from sauces and salsas to soups and sausages; from vegetarian and meat appetizers and main dishes to simple drinks and desserts. Each section begins with a brief description of the course and the types of food involved. The recipes are clear and easy to understand--one need not be a trained chef with a vast kitchen to create a tasty Yucatecan meal. Foods of the Maya incorporates an array of cooking tips and techniques and a brief glossary of terms to help in food preparation--the authors have ensured that ingredients for their recipes are readily available at local food stores. This edition also includes an introduction by historian Jeffrey Pilcher which helps familiarize readers with the history and cultures of the Yucatán peninsula. So the next time you get a hankering for something different, you might consider cooking up a platter of Yucatán ribs or preparing a bowl of chayote pudding. Take a short trip to the Yucatán--without leaving your kitchen.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826328768
• ISBN13: 9780826328762
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A highly recommended sampler of Yucatan cuisine

Foods Of The Maya is a highly recommended sampler of Yucatan cuisine that will intrigue any who enjoy regional cookbooks. Foods Of The Maya focuses on local versions of Mayan cooking, from Garlic Pork with Rice and Black Beans to an orange juice/allspice seasoned Motul Chicken. No photos, but the recipes don't need them.