Cookbook Profile: Fiesta Latina

Fiesta Latina
Fabulous Food for Sizzling Parties

by Rafael Palomino with Arlen Gargagliano

Fiesta Latina

There is nothing like una fiesta latina. You feel the warmth as soon as you walk in the door. You are greeted with festive music, the animated conversations of good friends, and the irresistible aroma of tamales, empanadas, and grilled meats.

All the little plates in this colorful cookbook are perfect for throwing your own party—Latin-Style. Set the scene with a few pasabocas (appetizers) including homemade guacamole on sautéed corn cakes and spicy chipotle flavored crab cakes. Throw in some finger foods such as spring rolls of tuna, coconut, and rice or cumin-scented empanadas stuffed with steak. For a more sit-down celebration, treat your guests to roasted chicken with fabulously flavored mashed potatoes (secret ingredient: lobster!) and a drizzle of creamy peanut sauce. Or maybe some Crispy East Coast Oysters with a beautiful saffron aioli.

A party isn't a party without a sweet or two. Semisweet Chocolate Churros will surprise and delight with every bite, not to mention the cool Mango and Caipirinha Sorbet. Top it off with a refreshingly original drink such as: Pomegranate Margaritas; Coconut Mojitos; Watermelon Martinis; and many more. With Fiesta Latina you'll want the party to last forever.

About the Authors

Rafael Palomino, born in Bogota, Colombia, and raised in Queens, is the owner and executive chef of the Sonora and Pacifico restaurants in Port Chester, NY, Pacifico in New Haven, CT, and Palomino in Greenwich, CT. He is the author of Bistro Latino, Viva La Vida and Nueva Salsa. He lives in Bedford, New York and in cyberspace at www.latinochef.com.

Arlen Gargagliano is the co-author of Viva La Vida and Nueva Salsa and the author of Mambo Mixers, as well as other books. She has traveled extensively in Spain and South America and currently lives in New Rochelle, New York.

Buy the Book!

Fiesta Latina
Fabulous Food for Sizzling Parties
by Rafael Palomino with Arlen Gargagliano
Chronicle Books
Hardcover; $19.95
143 pages; full-color illustrations throughout
ISBN: 0-8118-4410-2
Information provided by the publisher.