Hi Listers, My daughter checked out a wonderful non-fiction book from the Los Angeles Public Library. I feel it relates directly to the research many of our members are conducting. The book is: Encarnacion's Kitchen Mexican Recipes From Nineteenth-Century California Edited and Translated by Dan Strehl University of California Press, 2003 Briefly, Ruth Reichl, a food writer for the LA Times, researched the cuisine of Encarnacion Pineda, crediting her with writing the first cookbook written by a Hispanic in the United States, as well as the recording of Californio food---Mexican food prepared by Spanish-speaking peoples born in California. Dan Strehl translated and edited the text, compiled and organized the original recipes. The kitchens, food supplies, methods of cooking are discussed. There are over three-hundred recipes, offering a glimpse into the culinary history and Latino culture of early California. But, I feel the glimpses into life in early California are the best parts of the book. The Introduction briefly discusses the political climate in California at the time of the Bear Flag Revolt, the take-overs of the Spanish land grants and the social and political status of the Californios. There are mentions of the Berreyessa and Pineda families, the Mission Santa Clara, and the early history of the City of Santa Clara. Some photographs from the era are included. The chapters are footnoted and the book indexed; and sources credited---ie: the Huntington Library supplied some of the photographs. This book is an amazing resource for many of us on the Lists. Perhaps it may be tracked down through your local library or the publisher. I am returning it today. Nancy Howard Studio City CA