From Independent Publisher
Many cookbooks have been written on the cuisine indigenous to the innumerable regions of the world. For some reason, however, Baja California, the area south of San Diego that is anchored by Tijuana, Mexico, has been seriously overlooked. Thankfully, a third-generation "Baja Rat," Ann Hazard, decided to right that wrong with Cooking with Baja Magic, a delightful new cookbook of more than 170 easy to prepare recipes that represent the best of Baja's unique cuisine. So what exactly is that? As author Hazard presents, it's a take-no-prisoners mesh of salsas and sauces, soups, salads, seafood dishes, tacos, burritos, tostados, desserts and drinks that are long on heat and flavor and short on the fuss. It's food that's as colorful and festive as the region it comes from, and, Hazard says, is less of a style of cooking than an attitude. From appetizers like Drunk Shrimp and Blue Corn Quesadillas through main courses of Lobster Tacos and Sesame-Chili Chicken and desserts like Margarita Pie, the book is a joyous romp through a thoughtful collection of mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing dishes. It is also something of a travel guide, for Hazard serves up several generations of Baja adventures and travel tales from her family along with the recipes that were collected and created on those trips. Adding to the flavor are the vibrant and dazzling illustrations of Bob Bonn of grinning cats, laughing bulls, dancing cacti and other wild west Baja characters that simply explode with color and whimsy and capture the fiesta quality of the food. Be forewarned! If you haven't visited the Baja area, you'll be intrigued to do so after reading this delightful cookbook. If a trip to this region, where good friends and good food mean good times, isn't in the immediate travel itinerary, "Cooking with Baja Magic" might be the next best thing to being there.
Hugh Kramer, President of Discover Baja Travel Club
"Celebrate life with Ann Hazard's long-awaited Cooking With Baja Magic! This collection of 175 mouth-watering recipes contains favorites from 20 of the most famous restaurants in Baja. Read about the author's travels and savor the beautiful, colorful illustrations by Bob Bonn."
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