A Little Spice in Your Life: Southwestern Cooking

By Marianne Salina

Where can you find a recipe like Corn Tamales Huitlacoche with blackened Jalapeno Tomatillo Sauce or Wild Mushroom Risotto with Mint and Pearl Onions? The answer is New Mexico, where Mark Miller's restaurant Coyote Cafe serves food inspired by the deep culinary traditions of Mexican, Native American, and Spanish cultures.

Mark Miller has studied and crafted Southwestern cuisine since 1979 and is committed to inspiring others to learn his cooking techniques by authoring a variety of cookbooks. Using a multitude of vegetables, beans, meats, spices, and chilies, Southwestern food has flavor and passion and the mouth-watering results are leading many folks to cooking school.

History Lessons in Cooking School

Mark has found tremendous success cooking traditional Southwestern food largely because his studies of the histories and techniques native to this region enable him to create honest, authentic dishes. His devotion to understanding the origins and reasons behind specific ingredients enhance his culinary skill, reminding all aspiring chefs that history lessons in cooking school are just as relevant as the technical instruction. Cooking school can explain differences in Southwestern spices, roasting techniques, and the correct selection of diverse meats.

Southwestern Cuisine: One Tequila, Two Tequila

Mark Miller has also discovered one of the best compliments to traditional Southwestern cuisine--tequila. Just as wine has been praised for its role in enhancing the flavor of Italian or French meals, the many tequila options help pull out the rich tones of a warm and spicy Southwestern dish. Whether you use a cookbook or learn the ropes through cooking school, the rich, ancient culinary traditions of Southwestern cuisine ultimately satisfy the need for something new.

Sources

Coyote Cafe Plans Tequila Dinner (http://www.tequilaaficionado.com/article.php?sid=152)

Southwest Cuisine is Hot, Hot, Hot (http://www.foodproductdesign.com/archive/2001/0401cc/html)

Coyote Cafe (http://www.coyotecafe.com/mm.htm)

About the Author
Marianne Salina is a freelance writer in Spokane, Washington. She writes about pursuits in education and degree opportunities.