Miami has developed a style of cooking all its own. The integration of cultures has made its way into our food, giving us a unique blend of traditional American, Cuban, Jamaican, Haitian and other styles of Caribbean cuisine. Try these resources for cooking Miami in your own kitchen- bueno appetito!
1. Miami Spice: The New Florida Cuisine
This Julia Child Cookbook Award winner shows how Miami cuisine combines the flavors of Latin, Caribbean and Cuban cooking to make something completely unique. The recipes are interspersed with handling and preparation of somewhat unfamiliar ingredients (like yuca and boniato) and even includes addresses to obtain difficult-to-find ingredients.
2. mmmmiami: Tempting Tropical Tastes for Home Cooks Everywhere
From Kathy Martin, food editor of The Miami Herald, and Carole Kotkin, a cooking school instructor, comes this compilation of recipes of down-home Miami cookin'. Influenced by Cuban, Jamaican and Haitian cuisine, there's also evidence of Jewish infusion- Potato and Black Bean Pancakes, anyone?
3. The Food of Miami: Authentic Recipes from South Florida and the Keys
This book not only contains traditional Miami recipes, but also submissions from chefs at some of the area's most popular restaurants. Author Caroline Stuart is a Florida native.4. Cuba Cocina!: The Tantalizing World of Cuban Cooking
Nothing says "taste of Miami" like good Cuban food! This book covers both traditional dishes and nuevo cubano. It also gives a complete glossary of Cuban ingredients, cooking terms and cooking techniques.5. Tropic Cooking: The New Cuisine from Florida and the Islands
If the term "Floribbean" doesn't mean anything to you, just wait- this blend of Caribbean and South Florida cooking has a flavor all its own. Try the exotic Starfruit and Peach Soup, or maybe Charbroiled Tuna with Tarragon Papaya Sauce. If you're having trouble getting up the nerve to try these recipes, there's 35 pages of island drinks to get you started!
