I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Argentina Cooks" for months, hoping to finally receive guidance in making those treasured meals.

I am pleased that the book does contain a good number of the dishes that I was anticipating, like milanesa, gnocchi, and alfajores. And, I almost broke into tears when I saw that it included a recipe for my beloved "pastelitos", a treat that I have not tasted in at least eight years.

However, I was a bit surprised to see that the section on Cordoba contained a large number of recipes for dishes that I had never tasted or heard of. While many of the dishes sound enjoyable, I can't help but point to the notable lack of recipes with an Italian influence. (About 40% of the Argentine population is Italian). Where are the recipes for ravioli, cappeletti, and cannelones? Not to mention the very tasty roasts (chicken and beef) that the Argentines prepare, arroz con leche (a childhood favorite), and pasta frola (cake with quince paste). These are all dishes that I found repeated over and over again in the homes that I visited, and would have expected to be included.

Though I am a bit disappointed by the lack of certain recipes, this is a wonderful and varied cookbook that reflects the tremendous diversity of the country, and is sure to appeal to just as diverse an audience!

22 of 24 found the following review helpful:

Finally, a cookbook devoted to Argentina!  Jun 14, 2001
By Julieta
I have searched for years for a book on Argentine cuisine. As a native of Argentina, all I have to help me cook this delicious cuisine is (1) an old Dona Petrona cookbook and (2)my grandmother's recipes-which my mother carefully wrote out on index cards the weeks before her wedding to my father 32 years ago. Don't get me wrong...I love those recipes, but its hard to cook from a recipe that asks for "some Argentine cut beef" and a "good amount of flour". With this book, I was able to get precise recipes with readily available ingredients. I had a birthday party at my house for my father in June and, as a surprise, I made several of the recipes in the book. Needless to say, he and my mom were thrilled and we all agreed the results were delicious! I would love to find another book just like this one!

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:

Argentina Cooks  Oct 27, 2001

This is a great collection of recipes from Argentine's
various regions. I had tried to cook the milanesa,
one of my favorite dish when I resided in Buenos Aires
back in the early 80's. It turned out delicious. This
book reminds me of how great Argentine cuisine could be.

However, this book lacks colorful pictures. I think that
with some colorful examples, this book can attract more
attention in the bookstores.

I have collected many good cooking books by Stellino,
Pepin, etc. I am glad that I purchased this book.
I can't wait to see Ms. Brook's next cooking book. This book
is definitely worth the price.

14 of 15 found the following review helpful:

ARGENTINA COOKS INDEED!  Dec 05, 2001
By robin bird
What a surprise and a delight this book is! The recipes have so far proved fool-proof and have pleased even the most jaded and widely-traveled of our friends. Far more than a cookbook, Argentina Cooks is a nice piece of travel writing. Ms. Brooks brings this country, which gets little press in the US, alive. As a person with an academic background in geography, I truly valued and enjoyed her descriptions of Argentina's regions and the ways that geography and culture have influenced each region's cuisine. She adds just enough info. to enhance the choice of recipes. The black & white illustrations are delightful. Color photos would have been nice, but her writing is so vivid and detailed that their lack takes nothing away. An unusual, useful book on many levels.

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