Havana Hospitality English-Español. Prepared Under the Direction of the St. Rita Guild

Havana, 1950. Good.. 389pp., plus [33]pp. of ads. Original red publisher's cloth, stamped in black. Dampstained at edges and spine, extremities worn; rear cover soiled. Contemporary inscription on front pastedown. Foxed, some scattered soiling. An interesting bilingual Cuban cook book, with recipes in English and Spanish on facing pages. The introduction explains that this is not a volume of recipes for the beginner bride or a how to guide, but rather "the compilation of favorite recipes hitherto unpublished, yet well-known and highly regarded in important Cuban-American circles and other parts of the world where men and women of taste and discernment throughout the years have succeeded in regaling the palates of intimate friends and distinguished gusts." Each recipe lists its contributor -- some of whom are noted as "Mrs." and some of whom are denoted as "Sra." Recipes range from Hot Grapefruit Cocktail to Sweet and Pungent Shrimp to Italian Spaghetti (California Style), and more. The St. Rita Guild is a Catholic parish organization designed to foster community. Fewer than ten copies in OCLC. A wonderful slice of domestic and social life in Cuba just before the Communist revolution.