Havana Salsa, though it is getting a spot as a cookbook of the day, is not just a cookbook. It is a collection of stories from the childhood of author Viviana Carballo, who grew up in Cuba in the 1940s and 50s and fled to the US in 1961, where she put all her passion for food and life into her cooking. The book begins with a story of how her parents met and vivid descriptions of some of the characters in their lives both before and after they were married. Viviana continues on to share her own experiences as a young woman, from her time in a Catholic boarding school in the US to meeting boys and attending parties at the Tropicana when Havana was at its peak. And before you start to think that the book isn't a cookbook at all, know that every character, place and event is accompanied by a much-loved recipe.
Caribbean Pumpkin Soup and Mango Pie are at the top of my "to-try" list of recipes, but the recipes in the book cover everything from drinks to salads, main courses and desserts. There is also a brief lesson on how to cut and light a cigar, which some will argue is not a recipe, despite the fact that many others feel it is a satisfying way to end a meal. The only potential drawback to the book is that there are no illustrations of the tempting-sounding dishes, though there isn't too much need for them after being inspired by the stories.
You can read an excerpt of the book here and, if you're going to the Miami Book Fair from November 12-19, you can meet Viviana in person.
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