Like Water for Hot Chocolate – Laura Esquivel-

“Like a Water for Hot Chocolate” was the first book related to cooking I have read that isn’t a cookbook. It made such an impression on me that I have started observing how my mood while cooking affects those you eat the food I made.

This is a magical and above all a charming story about family life in Mexico.

Tita, the youngest daughter of the house, has been forbidden to marry, condemned by Mexican tradition to look after her mother until she dies. But Tita falls in love with Pedro, and he is seduced by the magical food she cooks.

She is very emotional, lively, sexy and creative and all that’s reflected the dishes she prepares. Her feelings simply flow into her dishes. For example, all the guests got sick after eating the cake that Tita flavoured with her tears. Or everybody who ate Titas chilli began to search for a soulmate.

The film based on the novel was awarded 11 prizes by the Mexican Film Academy.

I warmly recommend you read this book, no matter if you’re 17 or 77 years old. You will enjoy all 12 chapters, each named after a month and beginning by describing a recipe.