Memories of a Cuban Kitchen

A native-born Cuban, Mary Urrutia Randelman has collected more than 200 classic recipes, fragrant and aromatic with traditional spices and herbs, vibrant with the colours of the tropics, and true to the cuisine, sensible and easy to prepare. Overlaid with reminiscences and black-and-white photographs of Randelman's childhood in cuba, "Memories of a Cuban Kitchen" presents a luscious picture of the cuisine, a fusion of Spanish, Indian, African, Chinese, and Portuguese influences. Starting with explanations of unusual Cuban ingredients, Randelman moves on to the best-known appetizers and snacks like Green Plantain Chips and Black Bean Soup, and then the classic main courses like "Ropa Vieja", which translates to Old Clothes, but is a delicious steak hash in tomato sauce, or Roast Leg of Pork Creole and Grilled Fish Steaks with Vinaigrette, Moros y Christianos, also known as Black Beans and Rice, and Chick Peas with Chorizo are just a couple of the most popular Cuban combinations included, as well as desserts, ranging from flans, puddings, and custards to Crispy Coconut and Baked Ice Cream and the tropical dark rum-based drinks like Havana Beach and Flying Tiger are there too.