BOOK REVIEW
The Tex-Mex Cookbook:
A History in Recipes and Photos
by Robb Walsh
(Broadway Books - 2004)
 Ahhh,
Tex-Mex. The comfort food of Texas.
If
I were to be allowed only one Tex-Mex cookbook in my entire
cookbook collection, Robb Walsh's book on the subject would
be my choice.
Walsh, author of several other cookbooks and currently a
restaurant critic for The Houston Press,
has thoroughly captured the essence of the whole Tex-Mex
experience in the 268 pages of his book.
His narrative, stories, interviews with some of the
original Tex-Mex restaurateurs, photographs, illustrations
and the inclusion of
over 100 authentic recipes all come together to make this
much more than just a cookbook.
Tex-Mex is a regional cuisine, a form of Americanized
Mexican food whose origins are within the borders of Texas.
To it's many devotees, it means cheese enchiladas smothered
in a smooth chili gravy, crispy tacos with fried corn
tortilla shells, beef fajitas and refried beans.
The author explains the different dishes and the ways in
which Tex-Mex differs from other Mexican food. He
gives a great rundown on the different varieties of chile
peppers and provides a glossary of equipment and
ingredients.
In so many ways the story of Tex-Mex is the story of the
restaurants. In these pages you'll find some of the
history and insight from the restaurateurs and their
families whose establishments you know so well. Some of
those restaurants are gone and some are still here with
later generations continuing the tradition.
The recipes come from restaurants and home
cooks. If you've ever been stranded in the land of no
Tex-Mex, trying to prepare the dishes yourself, you'll know
they're difficult to duplicate exactly. Walsh covers
things in so much detail that you'll know exactly out how
to improve your own Tex-Mex cooking at home. You might
be surprised to find out that there are several brand name
processed foods that make a difference in the final taste of
some dishes.
You won't find recipes in this cookbook for burritos,
chimichangas or fish tacos. You will,
however, find recipes for Molina's Chili Gravy, Larry's
Cheese Enchiladas, Los Tios Mexican Rice, Refried Beans and
a wealth of other dishes that are enough to easily prepare
your own Combination Plates at home.
If you're looking for a Tex-Mex cookbook, get this
one--the author provides so many details about the cuisine,
you'll learn all you need to know to be a successful Tex-Mex
cook.
If you're looking for a trip down memory lane, a little
something to cure your homesickness, or for a memento of
your time in Texas, get this book.
If you're looking for a gift--for yourself or anyone
else--get this cookbook. Even if the recipient doesn't
cook it's worth it's weight in gold.
If you love Tex-Mex you won't be sorry. It's
definitely the real deal.
Get your own copy of
The Tex-Mex Cookbook and some for your friends--it's a truly wonderful
book!
You will find reviews of both new books and out-of-print
books.
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