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A Taco Testimony: Meditations on Family, Food and Culture

Acclaimed author/actress Denise Chavez explores the history, lore, and preparation of tacos — and other art forms — in a warm and exuberant memoir, with recipes.

"Tacos are sacred to me," writes Chavez, who's set many a fictional scene in a Southwestern restaurant or around a dinner table. And here are her special recipes, including her mother's Tacos a la Delfina ("I swear these tacos are really good cold!") and Granma Lupe's Pasta (not macaroni but a savory mincemeat-like taco filling). Here, too, are tips on shopping, cooking, and serving: "Offer up the meal with gratitude and remember: Tacos are one of life's greatest things!"

"We live in chile country," she adds. "We are "blessed" to be here. Food is more than food; it's a culture. And tacos are more than tacos."

Chile country is the setting for Chavez's magical, tragicomic fiction. And in "A Taco Testimony" she also tells wonderful stories that connect literature with culture and food with life along the Mexican-American border.

"Time and love are the essence of all Mexican cooking," Chavez says — including her spicy, juicy writing, and this feast of a book.

  • Format
  • paperback
  • Pages
  • 207
  • Language
  • english
  • ISBN
  • 9781887896948
  • Genres
  • food, autobiography
  • Release date
  • 2006