Growing up among the Latino population of Santa Ana, California, Esteban Castillo was inspired to create the blog,Ā Chicano Eats, to showcase his love for design, cooking, and culture and provide a space for authentic Latino voices, recipes, and stories to be heard.
Building on his blog,Ā this bicultural cookbook includes eighty-five traditional and fusion Mexican recipesāas gorgeous to look at as they are sublime to eat. Chicano cuisine is Mexican food made by Chicanos (Mexican Americans) that has been shaped by the communities in the U.S. where they grew up. It is Mexican food that bisects borders and uses a group of traditional ingredientsāchiles, beans, tortillas, corn, and tomatillosāand techniques while boldly incorporating many exciting new twists, local ingredients, and influences from other cultures and regions in the United States.Ā Chicano EatsĀ is packed with easy, flavorful recipes such as:
- Chicken con ChochoyotesĀ (Chicken and Corn Masa Dumplings)
- Mac and Queso Fundido
- Birria (Beef Stew with a Guajillo Chile Broth)
- Toasted Coconut Horchata
- Chorizo-Spiced Squash Tacos
- Champurrado Chocolate Birthday Cake (Inspired by the Mexican drink made with milk and chocolate and thickened with corn masa)
- Cherry Lime Chia Agua Fresca
Accompanied by more than 100 bright, modern photographs,Ā Chicano EatsĀ is a melting pot of delicious and nostalgic recipes, a literal blending of cultures through food that offer a taste of home for Latinos and introduces familiar flavors and ingredients in a completely different and original way for Americans of all ethnic heritages.