Non-Fiction Review: Queso

Queso!: Regional Recipes for the World's Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip by Lisa Fain, September 26, 2017. Published by Ten Speed Press. Source: Blogging for Books.

A fun, full-color look at everyone's favorite cheese dip, with history, tips, facts, and 50 recipes from beloved food blogger Lisa Fain, "the Homesick Texan." 
Queso (aka chile con queso) is a spicy, cheesy, comforting cult favorite that has long been a delicious addition to any party, barbecue, or family gathering. This appealing and accessible book features a mix of down-home standards and contemporary updates, from historical, regional, and Mexican quesos to vegan and dessert quesos, including Chile Verde Con Queso, Squash Blossom Queso Fundido, Fajita Queso, Cactus and Corn Queso Poblano, Frito Salad with Queso Dressing, Pulled Pork Queso Blanco, and Sausage Queso Biscuits. Whether you're relaxing with friends, having a few people over to watch the football game, or entertaining a hungry crowd, queso is the perfect party food for good times.

You may be wondering if I've lost my bookish mind with the strange books popping up for review lately here on the blog (kids almanac and now a cookbook), but rest assured, I have not lost my mind. I just could not resist featuring some different books here on the blog. 

• While I have not had a chance to attempt making any of the recipes (yet) in Lisa Fain's (otherwise known as The Homesick Texan) book on queso, but I definitely plan on trying to make a couple of them because they look simply delicious! The reason I took on reviewing a cookbook is that is because a)  queso is so good and b) because I miss Texas and c) because it is nearly impossible to find a descent queso recipe.

• Not only does Lisa Fain include some scrumptious sounding queso recipes, there's some history to the different quesos separated by region and background. I really liked how this was more than a cookbook; it was more like a history appreciation of cheese. For those unfamiliar with making chili con queso, there's a short guide and explanation to the various chilies and cheeses that one can/will use when cooking. 

• Mouthwatering looking dishes aside, this book is really very beautifully put together with delightful colored pictures that really highlight the different dishes. It just a really well put together cookbook...and now I'm starving and totally in need a serving of chili con queso; even more homesick for Texas!! 

Final Verdict: Queso!: Regional Recipes for the World's Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip - Not only is it pleasing to the eye, this cookbook makes me want to be more adventures with cooking!!

A copy of this book was received through the Blogging for Books program for review consideration. All thoughts are my own.