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Seasonal Southwest Cooking - Contemporary Recipes & Menus for Every Occasion
by Barbara Pool Fenzl
Northland Publishing
ISBN 0-87358-882-7
Published August 2005 - Hardcover - 190 pages - $35.00

Another beautiful book from Northland Publishers laden with recipes you can use anytime.  I had no idea the seasons played such an important role in the southwest as Barbara Fenzl shows us.  In her introduction to this exquisite book, she gives us a smidgen of her devotion to her craft and she presents us with not only her recipes, but workable calendar menus too, featuring seasonal fare.  And, Ms. Fenzl says her recipes will not require you to be chained to the stove, and, "And even though they are innovative and contemporary, they honor and preserve the past".  Fortunately, if you can't get certain ingredients locally, there's always the Internet.  Categories include Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Entrees, Vegetables, Breads, and Desserts so there's ample to choose from.  I also didn't know about the Mexican cheeses she discusses on page 19.  The Layered Mold on page 25 is spectacular and would impress the socks off any guest.  Recipes that jumped out at me are: Chilled Red Pepper Soup with Basil Cream; Santa Fe Slaw with Caramelized Pecans; Grilled Shrimp Salad; Apricot Chicken; Boneless Leg of Lamb with Potatoes and Jalapeños; Gratin of the Three Sisters; Caramelized Onion Tart; Zucchini Fritters, and Frozen Lime Pie.  There are many delectable food photos which hugely add appeal to this fabulous gourmet wonder.  No nutritional guides.  This book is well worth its price if only for the stunning scenic illustrations of the southwest.  Who knew such visions as the ones on pages 44, 78/79, and 142/143 could be found in this part of the world!
Conclusion - Loved the book!  Oh how I'd love to have a meal at Barbara's, in the desert and under the stars.

"I loved your review of Seasonal Southwest Cooking, and I'm delighted you liked the book.  Writing it was pure joy because of my passion for the Southwest and its colorful, flavorful cuisine.  Northland Publishing and their designer, Katie Jennings, envisioned that passion and put it on each and every page of a truly breathtaking book.  I am so fortunate to live in this beautiful place and be able to share it's rich culture with the rest of the world."  Barbara Pool Fenzl