Is Margarita Carrillo Arronte the Julia Child of Mexican Food?

A new cookbook from cook and author Margarita Carrillo Arronte is making big waves. Mexico:The Cookbook, as Voguereports, is set to transform American misconceptions about Mexican cuisine in the same way Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking did for French cuisine when it was published in 1961. It’s a little early to make such a huge proclamation, especially given that Arronte’s latest was only just published on October 28. Even so, the recetas held inside — ranging from ceviche to tacos de maiz y poblano — are authentic in a way very, very few cookbooks claiming to teach this family of Hispanic foods are, and that could mean big things for the new tome.

The Line Between American-Hispanic and True Hispanic Foods Have Become Too Blurred
It’s no secret that Hispanic food, particularly Mexican food, hasn’t really been treated properly, not by popular food culture, anyway. As Business Insider details, most of what Americans are exposed to isn’t truly Mexican food, but Tex-Mex food mixing American flavors with classic recetas de cocina from Mexico. The most popular eateries in the country offering these foods — Taco Bell, Chipotle, Moe’s — all serve Tex-Mex versions of empanadas, tacos, and other classics. Arronte’s Mexico:The Cookbook, with its authentic flavors and easy to follow directions, is thought to have a real shot at being the game-changer here.

Five Decades Later, Julia Child’s Seminal Work is Going Strong
Just as Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking approached French cuisine head-on, Arronte’s cookbook is a no holds barred approach to Mexican cooking. You won’t find any recetas calling for canned refried beans or over-cheesed everything here. Instead, you get authentic recipes from someone who is clearly very passionate for and proud of her culture’s culinary wealth.

Only time will tell whether or not Arronte’s highly praised work will have the staying power of Child’s. As of 2009, according to The New York Times, Child’s classic culinary work was still a best seller. That’s nearly a half century as one of the most beloved cookbooks in the world. While there is no guarantee Arronte’s Mexico will enjoy the same enduring success, if flavor and authenticity count for anything, she just might have a shot.

Have you used Margarita Carrillo Arronte’s newest book? Tell us what you think about it in the comments below.