Of all the Basque traditions, one of the most delightful is the pride all Basques have in their food. Every Basque considers himself an epicure. And there's a world of difference in Basque cookery - the extraordinary things they do with ordinary foods and their imaginative combinations of simple food... (from the Introduction)

{HISTORY}

Beginning with the Abaurrea's immigration from the Basque region (between Spain and France) to California in the early 1900's, A Basque Story Cook Book traces one family's true epicurean journey from their homeland, across the ocean to America, to the inner workings of hotel and restaurant life in San Francisco in the first half of the 20th century. Mixed in with recipes for each meal of the day and a plethora of anecdotes and stories that highlight the spirit of the Basque culture, this cookbook is an authentic taste of a country that often gets overlooked by both French and Spanish cuisine. 

The author, Ann Rogers, who spent much time in the kitchen with members of the Abaurrea family, is quick to point out that Basque cooking is its own completely individual style. Highlighting unusual flavor combinations and innovative ingredient pairings, this cookbook illustrates the niche cuisine that the Abaurrea family managed to build among the fish shops and farm vegetable restaurants of 1960's California. It is a story of American dreams, hard work and ultimately a proud culture's celebration of food and family.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

 - Published in 1968

 - Contains 222 pages, 12 chapters and over 200 recipes

 - All recipes utilize fresh, easily accessible ingredients

 - Illustrated throughout by Marian Ebert 

- Interesting dishes include; Eel Soup, Halibut in Sherry Sauce, Potatoes in Mushroom Sauce, Marinated Cornish Hens, Homemade Chorizo, Zuarez-Style Eggs and Basque Stew

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. Dust jacket contains no rips, tears, holes or stains. Previous owners name written in pen on the inside cover. The interior of the book is in great condition with a tight spine and clean bright pages. There is one pen mark located next to one of the recipes, otherwise this cookbook is free from notations. All pages intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 6.75" inches (width) x 8.75" inches (length) x 1" inch (thickness)

{WHY IT IS ESPECIALLY MARVELOUS}

For anyone who is interested in heritage cooking and authentic recipes from provincial Europe, this cookbook will be a delight. Simple foods prepared with simple techniques always produce the most fantastic results. This book brings the best recipes from the exotic borders of the Pyrenees Mountains home to your table. Whether you are a beginning cook or an experienced professional you'll find recipes of value suitable for all skill levels here. The only thing you need to bring  to this cooking collaboration is a passion for enjoying delicious food. Cheers to the good life (or Osagarria) as they like to say in Basque country!