Gran Cocina Latina: The Food of Latin America Cookbook
Gran Cocina Latina: The Food of Latin America is Maricel E. Presilla’s wide-ranging cookbook covering Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin America. Its 500-plus recipes span dishes from adobos and sofritos to empanadas, ceviches and desserts, with contextual writing for readers who want more than a recipe collection.
At a glance
- More than 500 recipes from the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Americas.
- Coverage ranges from Mexico to Argentina and Spanish-speaking Caribbean countries.
- Includes recipes for foundational preparations, savoury dishes and desserts.
- Designed as a cookbook and an informative read, with historical and cultural context.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad regional scope makes it useful as a single reference across many Latin American cuisines.
- Customer feedback praises the recipe selection, depth of information and readability.
- The listing says ingredients are generally not too difficult to source.
Cons
- At 912 pages and a listed weight of 1.05 kg, it is a substantial book rather than a compact kitchen reference.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | W. W. Norton & Company |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 26 Nov. 2012 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 912 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0393050696 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0393050691 |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.08 x 5.59 x 26.42 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Cooks seeking a broad collection of Latin American recipes in one volume.
- Readers interested in the history and context behind regional dishes.
- Experienced cooks and curious beginners looking for recipes across multiple countries.
Less suited to
- Anyone seeking a short, lightweight cookbook focused on one country or cuisine.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
83% 83% - 4 stars
11% 11% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback highlights the book as an extensive recipe reference, with praise for the recipes, detailed information, broad coverage and readability. The listing’s 500-plus recipes and wide regional scope fit those reported strengths, while the substantial 912-page format may suit reference use better than quick browsing. Rating feedback is strongly positive overall, but ratings alone do not explain individual experiences.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the breadth of the content and recipe selection.
- Feedback describes the book as thoroughly researched, readable and easy to follow.
- Customers report that ingredients are generally manageable to source.
Frequently asked questions
What cuisines does Gran Cocina Latina cover?
The listing describes recipes from Mexico to Argentina and the Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean, within the broader Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Americas.
How many recipes are included?
The listing states that the book contains more than 500 recipes.
Is this mainly a recipe book or a reference book?
It is presented as both: a large recipe collection and a volume with writing and information about Latin American food.
Is the book easy to use for home cooking?
Customer feedback describes the recipes as easy to follow and says ingredients are not too difficult to source. Individual recipes may still vary.
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