So diverse are the foods of Spain that author and Spanish culinary expert Teresa Barrenechea refers to her subject as the cuisines of Spain. A single cuisine is just not large enough to handle such diversity of styles and ingredients.

This book is the next best thing to actually traveling to Spain and tasting your way through the country. In some respects, it's better, for it would be difficult, if not impossible, to know where to find all these dishes, well prepared, in your travels. But now, you can cook the culinary treasures of Spain at home.

In addition to recipes, there is a lot of history and character in these pages, as well as over 150 full color photographs that will have running to the store to buy ingredients, and calling your travel agent to book a trip. This is a gorgeously produced book, equally at home on the coffee table as it is in the kitchen and, as such, it makes a wonderful gift for anyone who loves Spain, Spanish cuisine or ethnic gastronomic adventures.

Chapters include: From Iberia to Espana: A Glimpse Into Spain's Past and Its Regions; The Spanish Kitchen; Tapas; Cold Soups and Salads; Vegetable Dishes and Other First Courses; Bread Pies and Pastas; Warm Soups and Legume Stews; Rice Dishes; Fish and Shellfish; Poultry, Meats, and Game; Desserts and Other Sweets and Beverages; Basic Recipes; Sources; Bibliography.