Spanish cook book with more recipes than you can shake a paella pan at.

If you want to prepare truly authentic Spanish dishes, from paella to patatas con chorizo, there is only one book you need - the traditional bible of Spain that contains 1,080 recipes from the mother and daughter team of Simone and Ines Ortega now translated into English for the first time.

This is a faithful portrait of what Spain's food has always been about: good ingredients and simple cooking... The book's beautifully presented and, considering the sheer number of recipes, very reasonably priced.

Spanish food is fast growing in popularity with more and more Spanish restaurants emerging all over the world and a tapas-style revolution happening in the way we eat out. "1080 Recetas De Cocina" is a comprehensive collection of traditional and authentic Spanish recipes, covering everything from tortilla to bacalao. This title has been a bestseller in Spain since it was first published, and with over 2 million copies sold it can be found in most kitchens across the country. The book's author, Simone Ortega is considered to be the doyenne of cooking in Spain and has written about food for numerous years, including for magazines and in books. Since its first publication, over 35 years ago, "1080" has undergone several updates to keep it relevant to modern living while still preserving the integrity of the original book. For the English and American editions, the recipes have been adapted to suit readers in these countries and their kitchens, and include alternatives for local ingredients where necessary, but the authenticity of the original recipes has been carefully maintained.

Divided into 14 chapters, and including menu plans from celebrated Spanish chefs, cooking tips and a glossary of terms and ingredients, "1080" is presented in an approachable and user-friendly format. In addition, the no-fuss, encouraging style of the recipes makes this a book for everyone who has ever wanted to cook authentic Spanish food. "1080" offers readers the opportunity to take their first steps in Spanish cooking, or expand their repertoire of recipes, with one of Spain's best loved cooks.

Simone Ortega has been writing about cooking for over 50 years and three generations of Spaniards have learned to cook through her books on gastronomy, which have sold millions of copies nationwide. She is considered one of the foremost authorities on traditional Spanish cooking, and has contributed articles and recipes to countless newspapers and magazines. 1080 is her most famous and best selling cookbook.

Inez Ortega has worked with her mother, Simone, for many years and is an established and highly regarded food writer in her own right.

2008-03-06 Outstanding - comprehensive, practical, beautifully printed.

I bought this book after reading a review in one of the Sunday papers. It is a gem. It presents the authentic face of modern Spanish cooking and it's influences, as well as a comprehensive selection of older classics. In addition, in this English edition, it takes time to explain terms and techniques that you might not be familiar with.

It makes a great present in that not only is it beautifully written, but also features some great illustrations.

Above all, it contains recipes that are "do - able". Think not of Roux/Ramsey/Blanc, but more Delia Smith and above all Nigel Slater.

Overall, a superb introduction to Spanish cooking presented in a stylish way, which I cannot find fault with.