OUR LATIN TABLE: Celebrations, Recipes, and Memories

This collection of non-threatening Latin-influenced recipes also doubles as a photo album for the engaging Saralegui family. Author Saralegui is one of seven children whose grandfathers emigrated from the Basque country in Spain to Cuba; the family then left Cuba in 1960 for the U.S. Chapters are arranged by holidays and occasions, with a menu of Spinach and Queso Blanco Empanadas and Caesar Salad suggested for a christening lunch (Saralegui and his siblings have produced 13 sons and daughters) and a Fourth of July Latin Clambake that consists of Grilled Oysters with Chimichurri, Corn on the Coals with Lime and Cayenne, and Grilled Pineapple with Summer Berry Compote. Some of the recipes, such as Tati's Natilla, a simple custard, are family favorites; others, such as La Floridita Sandwiches have specific Cuban roots, but most are modern pan-Latin creations, like Guava-Basted Ribs. Saralegui (who owned now-defunct New York restaurants Alva and L-Ray) maintains a pleasantly upbeat tone, and family photos—particularly those of the Saralegui family in the 1960s and '70s—add a light personal touch. This is in no way a comprehensive or particularly authentic cookbook, but it is fun. Its spirit is perhaps best exemplified by a page listing music to cook by. The suggestions, which range from David Byrne to Tito Puente, are "not all Latin, but to us they have the right vibe." The same could be said of this entire project. (Oct.)