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Book Review of Dishing Up ® New Mexico: 150 Authentic Recipes from the Land of Enchantment

Dishing Up ® New Mexico: 150 Authentic Recipes from the Land of Enchantment
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Tex-Mex is a staple around our house; we love the foods and flavors. However, I've visited New Mexico enough to really enjoy their spin on South-of-the-Border cuisine. Where we emphasize chili and jalapenos in Texas, the foods of New Mexico seem to put the accent on cumin, anaheim peppers, and chilis. I've been trying a variety of the recipes from this book and have enjoyed them all. Be prepared for chilis everywhere -- even in pecan pie!

This book tries to be more than a cookbook. Dave DeWitt, often called 'the Pope of Peppers,' has a huge following. I remember taking his Peppers Magazine for years. DeWitt doesn't just offer recipes, he often tells the story behind the recipe. He also showcases various independent restaurants and businesses in the New Mexico region. He likes to showcase 'farm-to-table dining options in New Mexico. Thus, this is a travel guide and cookbook. He also lists the farmer's markets and the food & beverage events in the New Mexico area.

Rest assured, this is not rehashed Tex-Mex. Southwest Shredded Chicken Tamales sounds just like the ones I had in New Mexico and they are doable with DeWitt's unique directions (I've always heard they were a hassle and difficult to do).