COOKING THE GUATEMALAN WAY A GUIDE FOR NEOPHYTES

This beautiful book is part cooking class and part recipe collection, written by one of the most beloved and respected culinary historians in Guatemala. In this ode that pays homage to a cuisine rich in culture, history, and tradition, Carole Wilson writes with reverence for the past, marvel of the present, forethought for the future, and deep respect for the traditions of Guatemalan foodways (both old and new) that encompass them. Historical facts are plentiful, as are culinary insights and instruction. Yet, hers is not only a compilation of recipes, but Wilson’s personal commitment to rescuing dishes that span time back to the era of the Ancient Maya, through the creolization (mestizaje) of the Colonial Period under European conquerors, and all the way to modern-day Guatemala. These are recipes that otherwise stand in danger of being forgotten by new generations of cooks who are not privy to the lost tradition of oral history by which most of these dishes are typically taught. Ever the consummate cooking teacher, Wilson writes in a conversational style that makes it appear as if she is standing right next to us, cooking and guiding us through each step of a recipe. Cooking the Guatemalan Way: A Guide for Neophytes, is a delicious read that will both touch you deeply and inspire you all the way to your kitchen.

--Sandra A. Gutierrez, award-winning journalist and author of LATINÍSIMO:Home Recipes from the 21 Countries of Latin America