by: Rachel Slaiman
Every cook finds a new recipe while every storyteller finds a new way to talk about traditions of his or her time.
The tradition on Thanksgiving for most of us is a group of people in the kitchen cooking, some on the couch watching football, and some playing in the yard. Then everyone sits down to eat the wonderful meal that has taken half the day to cook and gives thanks for what they are grateful for. Afterwards, some do the dishes, while others watch a movie and the rest decide where to go for Black Friday. Finally, the evening approaches and the house becomes quite. So what do some people do? Well for those “early bird” shoppers, they hit the bed, setting their alarm really early to go the stores. But through all that madness, there are traditional men and women that like to teach younger people about the culture of Latin America. Below are some books that can be added to your Thanksgiving tradition and might even become regulars for years to come.
Debuting November 2011, a book sharing traditions, culture influence and history, is Caribbean Central & South American Cookbook: Tropical cuisines steeped in history: all the ingredients and techniques and 150 sensational step-by-step recipes by Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippelli.
Another book for the food lover is The New Southern-Latino Table: Recipes that Bring Together the Bold and Beloved Flavors of Latin America and the American South by Sandra A. Gutierrez. This cookbook brings together Latin American food and Southern food in several recipes.
Released in April 2011, this timeliness book, Tamale, Comadres and the Meaning of Civilization: Secrets, Recipes, Holiday, Anecdotes, and a Lot of Fun by Ellen Riojas Clark and Carmen Tafolla gives those people a fun way to learn about culture, food, family stories, recipes, and artwork all at the same time. One traditional Latin American dish is tamale. Tamale is a dish usually made with corn starchy dough that is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper.
Sharing these recipes with the traditional thanksgiving dinner could bring on a new tradition in the family.
