• Simply Simpático New Mexico cookbook, 1981 7th printing. 351 pages of authentic Southwestern recipes. McIlhenny Hall of Fame winner. Cover image
  • Simply Simpático New Mexico cookbook, 1981 7th printing. 351 pages of authentic Southwestern recipes. McIlhenny Hall of Fame winner. Recipe Huevos Rancheros
  • Simply Simpático New Mexico cookbook, 1981 7th printing. 351 pages of authentic Southwestern recipes. McIlhenny Hall of Fame winner. Veal Piccata Recipe
1 3

Wimmer Cookbooks

Simply Simpático: A Taste of New Mexico – Junior League of Albuquerque | McIlhenny Hall of Fame

Simply Simpático: A Taste of New Mexico – Junior League of Albuquerque | McIlhenny Hall of Fame

$16.00 USD
$16.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Low stock: 1 left

AT A GLANCE

Title:
"Simply Simpático"
Style:
Community & Fundraising Cookbooks; America's Southwest Cooking
Author:
Junior League of Albuquerque
Era:
Late 20th Century (1970–1999)
Date:
1981 (7th printing)
Origin:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dimensions:
6 ¾" × 9 ½"
Condition:
Very good-excellent (VG-EX)
Location:
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
Cover:
Softcover comb-bound
Pages:
351
ISBN:
9780960927807
Book genre:
Community & Junior League
Notes:
McIlhenny Hall of Fame
🏆 Walter S. McIlhenny Hall of Fame Inductee

Simply Simpático: A Taste of New Mexico, published by the Junior League of Albuquerque, is a beloved regional classic celebrating the rich heritage, cultural warmth, and congenial way of life that define New Mexico. This 1981, 7th printing softcover, comb‑bound edition features 351 pages of authentic recipes rooted in the state’s diverse culinary traditions. This cookbook was honored with the McIlhenny Community Cookbook Hall of Fame Award,

The Walter S. McIlhenny Hall of Fame honors exceptional community cookbooks that have achieved enduring popularity and long-term success. Reserved for select titles within the Tabasco Community Cookbook Awards program, this distinction is typically awarded to books with proven sales record of 100,000 copies or more.

For collectors, this designation represents a proven classic—elevating the cookbook beyond initial recognition to one of sustained relevance and broad appeal. Examples retaining original award seals or stickers are especially desirable.

The turquoise blue cover features a striking Southwestern design, framed by a Native American–inspired geometric border in red, black, and white. A stylized bird motif anchors the lower corner, and the title appears diagonally in bold black script — a vibrant, unmistakably New Mexican presentation.

The collection includes regional favorites such as Huevos Rancheros, Tortilla Soup, Indian Fry Bread, Enchiladas Verdes, and Homemade Tamales, alongside inventive dishes like Jezebel (a spicy fruit‑jelly topping), Indian Blue Cornbread, Italian Zucchini Pie, Barbeque Brisket, and Celebration Crepes.

This copy is in very good to excellent condition, clean and bright with only minimal signs of handling.

Browse our complete Community & Junior League Cookbooks collection for more fundraising cookbooks and recipes.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.

View full details

The Legacy of Community Cookbooks

Community cookbooks are valued for their historical significance, their role in fundraising, and their ability to preserve culinary traditions. Often passed down through families with handwritten notes on time-worn pages, they reveal an intimate look into American culture and social norms—particularly the role of women.

Naming conventions like "Mrs. John A. Smith" reflect the hierarchy and identity of women during an era of limited societal power; while the recipes reflect food trends, kitchen technologies, and patterns of cultural assimilation. These cookbooks trace the larger story of America as it was reshaped by immigration, urban growth, and industrial change.

The tradition began during the Civil War with Maria J. Moss's, A Poetical Cookbook (1864), which raised funds for soldiers' families. Junior League organizations are major publishers, first publishing The Junior League Recipe Book (1930). Many have maintained popularity through the generations—like Charleston Receipts (1950), the oldest community cookbook that is still in print today.

More culinary classics ...