A MID-CENTURY INTRODUCTION TO MEXICAN COOKING: FIRST EDITION OF LA COCINERA POBLANA

CALLEJA, Teresa and SESTO, Gloria. La Cocinera Poblana. 300 Recetas de Entremes, Sopas, Pescados, Carnes, Aves, Ensaladas, Salsas, Pasteles, Dulces. Mexico: El Libro Espanol, [1950]. Octavo, original pictorial paper wrappers, uncut. $220.

First edition of this well-written and authentic Mexican cookbook, featuring 300 recipes, in fragile original pictorial paper wrappers. Text in Spanish.

Unlike many American cookbooks showcasing Mexican cuisine, this cookbook, published in Mexico in 1950, shows the diversity and ease of cooking typical middle-class Mexican food. Here, the ingredients are simple and accessible, yet the results are wholly authentic. The recipes featured reflect European influences and more traditional serving preferences, shying away from the type of street food that has come to be associated with Mexican cookery in recent years.

Mild toning and small edge-stain to interior, light wear mainly to extremities of fragile paper wrappers. An extremely good copy.