I've had this wonderful book for months and just now realized that the pictures were made by one of my favorite artists (Kathy Murillo). I have to say I really enjoy this book so much, I don't consider myself much of a cooker or a crafter but these projects make me feel like I can do both. My favorite is the bottle of mango vinrgar (easy to make) with the wind chime hanging off of it.

what a fabulous book - the pictures are so colorful and bright. i dont even cook but this book makes me want to try just so i can make the crafts!

Another winning book from the team of Judy Walker and Kim Mac Eachern. "Gifts from the Southwestern Kitchen" is filled with easy to create and to prepare southwestern homemade gifts which will make even Martha Stewart turn guacomole green with envy. From Chili Beer Bread Mix, Chameleon Chocolate Sauce, Sloppy "Joses" Seasoning Mix, Copper Queen Rub & Champagne Mustard, to name a few, these recipes take only minutes of your time to prepare. In addition to 70 recipes to choose from, Judy & Kim provide easy instructions & pictures to show you how to package and present your gifts from the kitchen. Gifts from the Southwestern Kitchen belongs in everyone's kitchen library.

I struggled for quite some time trying to find a Southern cookbook that wasn't, you know, full of frou-frou recipes that no one in their right mind would actually use. This is it. This has that recipe for jalapeno cornbread you've been looking for. Jambalaya dressing, Jezebel sauce, praline pie and enough different chilis to start your own cook-off.

Stories and techniques accompany most recipes; shoot, I love just sitting and reading it. I may as well throw my Joy of Cooking away -- I'm never gonna touch it again.

Shortly after moving to Michigan from my home state of Texas I found Texas Home Cooking. I was doubtful that it would bring back the tastes of home I was craving. It has proven to be the only cookbook I pull out when seeking out a dish to wow my new family and friends. It truly is a reflection of Texas cooking from the Tex-Mex section (salsas, enchiladas, tamales and more) to the classic American home cooked favorites (B-B-Q, steaks, chicken fried steak, sweet potatoes) that are famous in the south. I use it for reference to recreate that dish I had and on a night when I want to try something new.

THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST COOKBOOK I HAVE EVER BOUGHT OR RECEIVED AS A GIFT. WONDERFUL VARIETY AND VERY TEX-MEX AUTHENTICITY.

Dr. Bedell's poetry is what inspires me to be a proud Louisianian and writer. I am a bit biased since I personally know Dr. Bedell, but his poems really do "speak" to me. This book and anything else by Jack Bedell is well worth the buy.

This book is full of engaging, accurate stories that bring to life the culture and landscape of south Louisiana. Bedell knows exactly when to pull back and let the story tell itself; he never forces preconceived or contrived emotions on the reader. Like it says on the book, I'd buy one and send one to a friend...

It is easy to forget the beauty and richness that real life - real people have to offer. Jack brings the reader home with him, offering beauty and reality with the wonderful trip.

I have been planning a dinner party and this book has been so helpful. It not only gives great recipes, but also decorating tips and ideas for having a mexican party. It will be a great addition to my cookbook collection.

Simple American cuisine with Mexican embellishments: that's the theme of Fiesta Mexicali, a collection of innovative dishes blending Californian with Mexican innovations. From a Raspberry Margarita to Margarita Chicken and Roasted Garlic Chicken Quesadilla, plenty of delightful dishes are packed into an inviting, easily reproduced set of recipes.

Fiesta Mexicali showcases fresh ideas and inventive recipes with an emphasis on light and healthy eating with a very special Mexican-American zest and flavor. From Margarita Rumba; Machaca Mini-Chimichangas; and Incredible Green Chile Stew; to Grilled Carne Asada Tortas with Caramelized Onions; Baja Tacos with Chipotle Ranch Dressing; and Firebreathing Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers, Fiesta Mexicali offers highly recommended dishes that would please even the most fervent Mexican cuisine enthusiasts. In addition to an outstanding section devoted to cocktails and fiesta meal time decorating ideas, Fiesta Mexicali is additionally enhanced with a list of resources and a "user friendly" index.

Being from Mannhattan NY. I am unfamiliar with south western style cooking as it is really supposed to be. I was recently given this book by a friend as a CHRISTMAS GIFT. I was'nt sure if I could achieve success in the kitchen with this book as I am adept at making matzaballs and corned beef and potatoes being of New York Jewish descent and all. After trying some of the recipies like Chile Colorado and Tortillas I felt like a pro. A regular Latina Kitchen sensation. The recipies are easy to follow and well written. The south western familiy history told by the author actually makes me feel like I am part of the culture as I read the tales that Mrs. Romero weaves about her heritage. Excellent book you'll love it.

I am a native of New Mexico and have loved the cooking of this region all my life. Having moved to Arizona as a young child, it was hard to find mexican food that tastes like "New Mexican" food. There is a difference and reading this book and using the recipes have allowed me to taste the original flavors in my own home. Not only are the recipes original and delicious, but the story of this family is especially interesting and in itself "flavorfull". Great book!

What a great book! Ms. Romero has included some fantastic, authentic dishes that are tasty and easy to prepare. I'm a guy and not all that gifted in the kitchen, but her book makes me look like a hero with all of my family and friends. I told my wife that my recipes are family recipes--I just didn't tell her whose family.

The family history in the book is extremely interesting, too.

You should buy this book and get cooking.

Whether you be "Gringo" or not, Mad Coyotoe Joe has written the "essential" guide to mexican cooking. This is the best cookbook on authentic mexican cooking I have ever come across and Mad Coyotoe Joe makes it so easy to prepare that you will be creating delightful dishes like Huevos Rancheros (Ranch Style Eggs), Rajas Con Limon (Chili Strips with Lime), Sopa de Limon Y Cilantro (Cilantro Lime Soup), Bistec Ranchero (Ranch-Style Steak) and Tamales Verdes de Maiz Tierno (Green Corn Tamales) to name just a few.

MCJoe begins with his usual opening "notes" to the reader which are always like a good friend come to gossip and then continues with the essential tools of the Mexican kitchen. Each recipe is always begun with a bit of history and commentary and before you know it you have completed making the delectable dish. MCJoe is a bigger than life character who shares his enthusiasm of creating & presenting good food with a southwestern flair. "A Gringo's Guide to Authentic Mexican Cooking" is his best cookbook yet and will have you cooking as though you were born south of the border.

A Gringo's Guide To Authentic Mexican Cooking will take Mexican cuisine out of the stamdardized, watered-down, Americanized imitations found in your local Taco Bell, and upgrade it in both authenticity, diversity, and flavor to a true Mexican dining experience whether at the family table or a celebratory and festive event. From Huevos con Machaca (Eggs with Dried Beef); Arroz a la Mexicana (Mexican Rice); and Salsa Colorada para Enchiladas (Red Sauce for Enchiladas); to Tacos de Camarones (Shrimp Tacos); Callo de Hacha con Aguacate (Scallop-Stuffed Avocados); and Galletas de Boda (Mexican Wedding Cookies), A Gringo's Guide To Authentic Mexican Cooking is a superbly, wonderfully illustrated compendium of mouth-watering and highly recommended recipes.

Mad Coyote Joe's way with Mexican cooking comes from his love of the culture and people south of the border. The pictures give you a great measuring stick when you try the recipes themselves and you can tell that his affection for the food is genuine. Buy the book, test out the recipes and then buy it for your friends. Like his first book "The Sonoran Grill" this one will be on your bookshelf and in your kitchen for a lifetime.

What an enchanting story, what beautiful illustrations, what a wonderful book! It's a great way to have fun with your children and introduce them to spanish at the same time! I look forward to the day when I can read it to my own children, over and over again!!

What an enchanting story, what beautiful illustrations, what a wonderful book! It's a great way to have fun with your children and introduce them to Sapnish at the same time! It delighted me from cover to cover and I look forward to the day when I can read it to my own children, over and over again!!

This is a great children's book with an introduction to Spanish and the Spanish culture. The illustrations are just delightful and thoughtfully done. The pictures and story will keep little ones entertained. The children and animals are so cute. Your children will just love all the animals and their costumes for the parade and blessing by the padre. This book will make a great gift for your children or grandchildren. A must buy for anyone with children.

I just bought Matt's book because of my intrest in great Tex Mex and outdoor cooking. I was not disappointed. Early results are very good. Not wanting to try anything too complicated (and nothing really is in this book) I threw together some spanish rice. Wow, result was fantastic and just as good as anything I tasted while living in So. California for 20 years. The stories of Matt's family are also entertaining and make the book more than the traditional glossy photos and excrutiating detail of some cook books. A great starter book for anyone wanting to learn about the basics of traditional Tex Mex. Highly recommend as a add to anyone's culinary library or gift selection. Pass the Guacamole!!! Viva La Matt!!!

I must confess that I bought this book for a gift, but kept it for myself! I live in the Dallas area and visit Matt's restaurants often. This book gives some of Matt's best recipes. This is the only Tex Mex cookbook I have seen where the recipes are simple to make and great to eat. The cookbook reads like a story with history behind some of the recipes. Yes, the Bob Armstrong dip and story are included in this book. If you are ordering this as a gift, you might want to also order one for yourself!

This is a simple to use, easy to read, enjoyable cook book that is not only a pleasure to work out of, but is intresting and fun to read.

The recepies are straight forward, Martha Stewart would hate this book.

For years I have been tring to make enchalidas for my family without them having the consistantly of tree bark. Matt has shown me how to share the recipies I enjoyed so much growing up in Texas to my family being raised in New York City.

Compiled by the collaborative efforts of The Junior League of Austin, Necessities And Temptations offers some 600 recipes designed to be "kitchen friendly" regardless of the family cook's level of culinary experience or expertise. Enhanced with a 45 page section of "Basics", Necessities And Temptations offers solid "how to" information on such basic issues as measuring, serving, substitutions, storing, freezing, herbs and spices, as well as a glossary of cooking terms. From Crunchy German Sandwiches; Flemish Beef Ragout; Crab with Gruyere Sauce; and Rich Sweet Potato Pudding; to Molasses Rye Bread; Butterscotch Custard Pie; Holiday Cranberry Jam; and Instant Russian Tea, Necessities And Temptations is a superbly presented compendium and meal planning reference for any and all occasions.

I stumbled upon this book while looking for a gift for a friend. It has a wealth of information and the recipes are the best. So easy to make and yummy. My husband and my very picky son love everything I make from this cookbook. Please reprint this book quickly. I want to get one for my sister-in-law.

Whether I am giving a large party or just cooking for one or two, I find myself turning to this cookbook first - all the recipes are excellent. Glad this Austin secret is now avaiable to a larger audience!!

I've tried many recipes out of this book and they've all been outstanding. The chili verde was excellent, the jalapeno poppers make those frozen things taste like dog doo. This is down home "comfort food" cooking at its best. Not only that, its well written, with mouth-watering descriptions of the foods, it inspires me to cook!

Coming from a true South Texan, I am constantly trying to re-create recipies from the eating establishments around us. I found this cookbook and so far believe the Green Chicken enchiladas can walk on water. I have also prepared the double spoon bread, chipotle-lime mayonaise and the smoke signals barbeque sauce. I usually work with serranos and jalapenos and this book opened up a whole new world of peppers. It is a must have.

After about twenty-five years of looking for a reliable guide to reproducing the tastes I remembered growing up with in El Paso, I found Park and Norma Kerr's book. My search is over. His meat recipes (and his methods) for pork or chicken deshebrada are outstanding, and typical of the entire book. Tamale pie for company and pot beans for home alone! He combines the basically simple (and timeless) ingredients of Border cuisine to yield results which will delight anyone who longs for home cookin' as it was yesterday and remains today from the Franklin Mountains to Houston. Instructions are complete and clear, a pleasure to read and execute. Keep 'em coming, Kerrs.