María José García-Pelayo, the mayor of Jerez, has praised local chef Javier Muñoz for his cookbook ‘Cocina con Jerez’, which was unveiled on Tuesday at the Julián Cuadra room of the Archaeological Museum after five years of research and development.
The mayor expressed her gratitude for the creation of this work, describing it as "a very special book for a very special year as Jerez holds the title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, adding to the important legacy of this designation." She further noted that "this work preserves recipes and helps transmit our culinary culture to new generations, as Javier Muñoz is one of the great exponents of a deeply Jerezano cuisine from his restaurant 'La Carboná', with a unique style that maintains our identity."
Published by Almuzara, the book spans 280 pages and features over a hundred recipes, organised into sections for cold and hot starters, fish, meat, desserts, and cocktails. It positions Jerez wines not just as accompaniments but as integral ingredients that add depth and character to each dish.
Javier Muñoz Soto has been at the helm of 'La Carboná' since 2003, an old winery located in the historic centre of Jerez. Here, Jerez wines are essential to a genuine cuisine that includes sourdough bread with flor veil, roasted tomatoes from Rota, oxtail in oloroso, and tocino de cielo with amontillado. The mayor highlighted the emphasis on local produce, with the fertile region providing seasonal vegetables, legumes, artisanal cheeses, and game meats that reflect rural traditions, all accompanied by Jerez wines.
Muñoz's work reveals the secrets of Jerez, showcasing the quality of its wines and their role in cooking. The book serves as a resource for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to learn how to cook, eat, and appreciate some of the world's most gastronomic wines. 'Cocina con Jerez' exemplifies the exquisite and diverse flavours that the Gastronomic Capital of Jerez has promoted, illustrating that the fusion of wine and cuisine represents the ideal pairing to enjoy one of the city's greatest pleasures.
