Check out Josefina's book archive

A central theme of Josefina’s publishing was to underline the relationship between good eating and a healthy family economy. Based on her own culinary school motto that advised that “saber cocinar es base de la economía, (knowing how to cook is the basis for economy), Josefina published a series of books dedicated to offering practical advice on the wise use of money and ingredients in the kitchen. Some examples are titles such as Cómo cocinar en tiempos de carestía (How to Cook in Hard Times), Cómo aprovechar los sobrantes de la comida (How to Use Leftovers), Pasteles económicos (Inexpensive Pastry), La cocina como negocio (The Kitchen as a business), 12 industrias en el hogar (12 Business at Home) and La cocina económica (Inexpensive Cooking).

In the sixth edition of La cocina económica (Inexpensive Cooking), originally published in the 1940s, Josefina writes in the introduction that her goal is to offer easy-to-do recipes with easy-to-find ingredients. She also makes clear that, although she has done her best to keep a delicate and beautiful presentation of the dishes, the “economic situation was always kept in mind.”

The book, whose cover shows a photograph of Josefina herself in front of an oven and in the company of a cat, is divided into three sections. First, Josefina presents a lengthy introduction to the cooking world, explaining the necessary kitchen appliances and furniture, the basic elements of a pantry, and different table settings. The second section offers measurement and unit conversion tables, the nutritional content of different foods, and a long list of practical advice. Finally, in the third section, Josefina offers around 300 recipes. These recipes cover a wide array of subjects, from traditional soups, meat dishes, sauces, and desserts, to specialized sections devoted to traditional Mexican fare, vigil dishes, food for the sick, and recommended pastry to eat with tea.