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Diana Kennedy MBE, who died at the age of 99 in 2022, was a British food writer and a primary English-language authority on Mexican cuisine.
Her cookbooks, which are some of the best Mexican cookbooks, are based on her fifty years of travelling in Mexico, interviewing and learning from several types of cooks from virtually every region of the nation, have significantly shaped how American people perceive Mexican cuisine.
Kennedy wrote nine books on the subject, most notably The Cuisines of Mexico which is widely recognised as a pioneering work in the field.
Kennedy’s books are filled with stories about her travels across Mexico and recordings of recipes passed down through generations.
They provide detailed instructions for preparing traditional Mexican dishes that range from simple home cooking to elaborate feasts fit for special occasions like weddings or other important festivities.
In addition to teaching readers how to prepare classic Mexican dishes, her cookbooks also offer insight into the cultural context surrounding them – something that can often be missed when attempting to recreate regional dishes far away from their place of origin.
Her books also provide an abundance of stories about her travels across Mexico – something that helps bring the recipes alive and makes them even more enjoyable to read.
Diana Kennedy Helped Shape How American People Perceive Mexican Cuisine
Thanks to her writing, Diana Kennedy MBE has had a significant influence on how American people perceive Mexican cuisine.
Before Kennedy wrote about traditional recipes from Mexico, many Americans only had access to Tex-Mex dishes that had been adapted from authentic flavors, ingredients, and techniques.
By introducing readers to true Mexican cuisine through her books, Kennedy helped open up the world of authentic Mexican flavors and cooking methods – something that has become increasingly popular over the past few decades as more citizens become interested in exploring different types of cuisines from around the world.
Diana Kennedy’s Cookbooks
Through her nine published books on the subject – most notably The Cuisines of Mexico – she provided detailed instructions for preparing classic Mexican dishes and offered insight into the cultural context surrounding them.
Thanks to her pioneering work in this area, many people now have access to true Mexican flavors – something which has led to increased interest in this type of cuisine throughout America over recent years.
If you’re interested in learning a little more about the cookbooks written by Diana Kennedy and her legacy, here are 6 of her cookbooks to explore.
The Cuisines of Mexico – 1989
The Cuisines of Mexico is an incredible resource for learning about traditional Mexican cuisine.
The book dives into regional dishes and delves deep into their origins and the unique recipes they contain.
The book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding Mexico’s various culinary influences and ingredients.
From corn-based moles in Oaxaca, to flavorful stews from Yucatan state, The Cuisines of Mexico offers a wide range of delicious Mexican dishes that readers can recreate in their kitchens.
The Art of Mexican Cooking – 1989
The Art of Mexican Cooking offers a true insight into traditional Mexican cuisine, with over 200 recipes and detailed explanations of regional dishes and ingredients.
Kennedy worked tirelessly to research, collect, select and test these recipes over the years to produce the ultimate encyclopaedia of Mexican cooking.
In her book, she delves into the country’s diverse regional culinary traditions to bring flavorsome and interesting dishes that will liven up the cooking repertoire of home cooks everywhere.
My Mexico: A Culinary Odyssey with Recipes – 1998
Diana Kennedy’s My Mexico: A Culinary Odyssey with Recipes is a nostalgic trip down memory lane where Diana shares not only her own personal stories with us, but also her knowledge and passion for Mexican food culture.
From the pre-Columbian culinary heritage to the hacienda kitchens that Diana visited during her exploration, readers can easily let themselves be transported to each destination and appreciate all that makes Mexican cuisine so special and cherished.
The Essential Cuisines of Mexico: A Cookbook – 2000
The Essential Cuisines of Mexico – A Cookbook celebrates Mexican cuisine using traditional holiday recipes passed down through the generations and modern takes using recipes from previous books.
This cookbook offers more than just tamales and tacos, it celebrates with dishes such as pork shoulder in chili colorado, rabbit enchiladas, honey chipotle longaniza sausages and machaca.
Every recipe is an ode to the vibrant ingredients, techniques and cultures that contribute to the diverse flavors of Mexico.
From My Mexican Kitchen: Techniques and Ingredients – 2003
From My Mexican Kitchen: Techniques and Ingredients is a comprehensive guide to the tastes and flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine.
This book offers an in-depth look at Mexico’s culinary culture with pages filled with tips and advice on preparing ingredients, as well as recipes for traditional dishes from all around the country.
Oaxaca al Gusto: An Infinite Gastronomy – 2010
Oaxaca al Gusto: An Infinite Gastronomy is a comprehensive culinary guide that explores the diverse cuisine of Oaxaca, Mexico.
A combination of pre-Hispanic and colonial influences creates unique flavors unlike anything else in the world, making this region one of the most colorful and flavorful destinations for every foodie.
More information about the complete collection of the Diana Kennedy Cookbooks, ratings, and prices can be found on Amazon here.
