FERGUSSON, ERNA — Mexican Cookbook

Santa Fe, NM: Rydale Press, 1940. Hardcover. Illustrated by Valentin Vidaurreta. B & W ; 5 3/8 x 8\"; 109 pages; SCARCE, IMPORTANT COOKBOOK. Hard cover is yellow with red lettering on the spine. Light rubbing, scuffing, sunning, edge wear and bumping to covers. DJ has sunning, scuffing, edge wear, rubbing and some small missing pieces; in a mylar cover. Illustrated with b/w pictures. Pages are clean and tight; no mystery food glops or sticky finger prints. Appears as if unused, the wear is from moving it around. Cover of the book is 'washable.' 'Early Preservation of Authentic Recipes: At a time when regional Mexican cuisine was not well documented outside of Mexico, Ferguson's book served as one of the earliest efforts to preserve and share these recipes with a wider audience in the United States. This was crucial in helping to introduce and popularize authentic Mexican dishes beyond the Tex-Mex variations that were more commonly known. Celebration of New Mexican Cuisine: While the title is \"Mexican Cookbook\", the book has a strong focus on the cuisine of New Mexico. It captures the unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican culinary influences that define this regional cooking style. In doing so, it helped to solidify the identity and importance of New Mexican food as a distinct culinary tradition. Cultural Insight: Beyond just recipes, the book offers insights into the cultural context of the food, including traditions, ingredients, and cooking methods specific to New Mexico. It paints a picture of the culinary landscape of the time, reflecting the daily lives and customs of the people. Influence on American Cooking: The book's popularity contributed to the growing interest in Mexican food in the United States. It provided a gateway for home cooks to explore and recreate these flavors, influencing the broader American culinary scene. By making these recipes accessible, it helped to shape how Americans perceived and appreciated Mexican cuisine. Enduring Legacy: The Mexican Cookbook has remained in print for decades, a testament to its lasting value. It continues to be enjoyed by cooks and food enthusiasts interested in both authentic Mexican recipes and the culinary history of the Southwest. It stands as a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of Mexican cuisine in the United States. 'In essence, Erna Ferguson's Mexican Cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes. It is a cultural document that captures a specific time and place, preserving and celebrating the culinary heritage of New Mexico and contributing to the broader appreciation of Mexican cuisine in the United States.. Very Good+ in Very Good- dust jacket .