Lorena Garcia's New Latin Classics: Fresh Ideas for Favorite Dishes

From Lorena Garcia, one of the country's most popular Latina chefs and the co-star of NBC's "America's Next Great Restaurant, " comes a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves the bold, fresh flavors of the New Latin Cuisine.

What's the secret to great Latin-inspired food? Create layers of flavor that unfold with every bite. That's just what Garcia does in this debut cookbook, serving up easy-to-make, irresistibly delicious dishes that taste "exotic"--though their ingredients can be found in your local supermarket. Here you'll find classic Latin favorites like Nuevo Arroz con Pollo, while homey American classics are given a modern Nuevo Latino twist. From succulent Snapper Taquitos with Jicama-Apple Salsita to versatile arepas, the fluffy corn flatbreads that are to the Venezuelan table what baguettes are to the French, more than one hundredrecipes in this volume lead lovers of Latin food far beyond tacos and empanadas.

Lorena Garcia takes one of America's hottest cuisine trends out of the restaurant and into the home kitchen, where everyone can enjoy it. Working from a base of standard pantry items that make replicating and extending these meals a snap, Garcia shows everyday cooks how to add a Latin accent to just about any dish, from meatballs to marinara. Want comfort food with flair? Who can resist such flavorful go-to dishes as

- Smashed Guacamole

- Creamy Roasted Corn Soup

- Salmon Taquitos with Roasted Habanero Salsita

- Mango BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Still have room for dessert? Garcia's are as simple as they are satisfying: Sticky Arroz con Pollo de Leche, Caramelized Vanilla Figs with Goat Cheese and Grilled Papaya, Spicy Chocolate Mousse--sweet finishing touches to a perfectly prepared meal.

Dedicated to the timeless concept of cooking as an expression of love--an idea that transcends all cultures--"Lorena Garcia's New Latin Classics" is a delightful book to be shared around the table with family and friends.

Lorena Garcia was born and raised in Venezuela, where she completed her law studies. She later moved to the United States to study culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University. After working as an apprentice alongside such world-renowned chefs as Pascal Audin and Gennaro Esposito, she opened two successful Latin-Asian infusion restaurants in Miami, where she currently lives. In spring 2011 she appeared alongside celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Curtis Stone and Chipotle CEO Steve Ells as a panelist/investor on NBC’s new series America’s Next Great Restaurant. Additionally, she has taken on the challenge of combating childhood obesity with Big Chef, Little Chef, a comprehensive program to help kids and families take control of their eating habits and lives. Garcia opened Lorena Garcia Cocina in February 2011 in the American Airlines terminal at Miami International Airport.

From the Hardcover edition.