Penelope Casas

Who was Penelope Casas?

Penelope Casas was an American food writer, cookbook author and expert on the cuisine of Spain. Casas began authoring a series of English-language cookbooks focusing on the food of Spain during the 1980s, effectively introducing Americans to Spain's culinary heritage for the first time.

Casas released her first cookbook, "The Foods and Wines of Spain," in 1982. Her first book is still in print, as of 2013. She would publish five more indepth books and cookbooks on Spanish cuisine. Her follow-up book, "Tapas: The Little Dishes of Spain," released in 1985, introduced a large American audience to the concept of tapas and tapas bars for the first time. Casas' last book was "La Cocina de Mama: The Great Home Cooking of Spain" in 2005.

Casas was born Penelope Fexas to Greek immigrant parents, Antonia and Achilles Fexas, on May 25, 1943, in Whitestone, Queens, New York City. Her only brother, Tom Fexas, was a yacht designer. She met her husband, Dr. Luis Casas, while studying abroad in Spain as a Vassar College during the 1960s.

Casas died from leukemia at her home in Manhasset, New York, on August 11, 2013, at the age of 70.