From 1902 to 1917, the Los Angeles Times sponsored cooking contests. As a result, they published a series of winning recipes. The recipes were local to Southern California, including ""Old-Time California, Spanish and Mexican Dishes...Recipes of Famous Pioneer Spanish Settlers."" With Hispanic influences, the book contains reciptes such as: Alligator Pear Salad, Chili Con Carne, Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Frijoles, Albondigas, Chiles Rellenos and Tamale Pie. Much of the ingredients come from California. Listed as on of the one hundred best books on California cooking.