Rick Bayless, Jeanmarie Brownson, Deann Groen Bayless - Rick Bayless Mexico: One Plate at a Time

Pros: Color photos, detailed instructions for traditional and contemporary recipes, descriptions of cultural significance.
Cons: Time consuming- no shortcuts on tradition! Can make a messy kitchen. Hardcover (can be expensive)

I married into a Mexican family, and Mexico: One Plate at a Time is the only cookbook I've found that helps me impress my in-laws! In the introduction, Rick Bayless tells us that the primary focus of the cookbook is to bring true Mexican cooking to ...

Pros: Authentic recipes, well-written, clear instructions, unique recipes, recipes turn out as pictured, delicious!!
Cons: Very involved cooking - not simple, may having trouble finding a few ingredients

Ok, so I love it because my husband spoils me with exquisite Oaxacan cuisine every weekend, but really, this cookbook is excellent. The recipes are a wonderful treat for those who are a little tired of bean burritos and taco salads, but love true Mexican regional fare. Not a whole lot of recipes, but much information about each one. You will need to have access to a decent farmer's market to get some of the ingredients, but he does give some alternatives. We are lucky enough to live near the border, so it's not difficult to find the ingredients, but those in North Dakota may have a bit more difficulty. The instructions are well-written and clear, but warning - cooking these recipes are definitely a commitment. The kitchen will be a mess and plan to start early in the day. However, the results are WELL worth it. Definitely something different and every single recipe we've tried (and we've tried almost all) has been wonderful -just like the pictures.