About Misia Peta . . . .

Cocina Peruana

by Misia Peta!

In Peruvian kitchens from 1971 onward the 650+ page cookbook, Cocina Peruana por Misia Peta, was a very familiar sight. Countless Peruvians learned to cook the traditional recipes from various regions & eras following Cocina Peruana or used it as a starting point to prepare their own versions of old favorites. 

 

To generations of Peruvians and fans of Peruvian cuisine, she was known as the elusive, but always impeccable Misia Peta! Fans knew to expect her books would include not only recipes, preparation guidelines and anecdotes, but also give tips on hosting etiquette and table settings. 

 

Cocina Peruana was so wildly popular, the publishers made at least 10 known editions of the complete book, several editions of a shortened version (under the name Nueva Cocina Peruana) and dozens of editions out of sections of the original. Misia Peta also authored 4 additional cookbooks titled: Cocina Oriental Chifa [Peruvian-Asian Cooking], Pescados y Mariscos [Fish and Seafood], El Libro de Oro de Cocktails y Bocaditos [The Golden Book of Cocktails and Appetizers] and Aprender a Decorar Tortas y Pasteles [Learn to Decorate Cakes and Pastries].

 

Peruvians know these books well and have handed them down to their children and even grandchildren. Until recently, however, little was known about the author behind the pen name of Misia Peta, who compiled, tested, edited, and wrote each recipe used to create 5 books on authentic Peruvian cuisine. 

Hilda Calderon (nee Velezmoro)

Born on January 9, 1915 in Lima, Peru, Hilda Velezmoro was the youngest of 10 children born to Carmen Rojas de Velezmoro and Rufino Velezmoro. In 1935, she married Miguel Calderon Goicochea, who after graduating from medical school became the founder of the publishing house, Thesis, S.A. They raised 6 amazing children who are multi-tasking, over-achievers (more on that later), who currently live in Peru, Brazil and the United States.

 When tragedy struck her family, Hilda transformed herself from mother to author by inventing the pen name, Misia Peta. With her husband’s collaboration and editing skills, Misia Peta authored five books on Peruvian Cuisine (plus one she never published on Patternmaking) from 1971-mid-1980s, before moving on to other pursuits, namely grandchildren, crocheting and machine knitting.

In 2009, when she was 94 years old, Hilda Velezmoro de Calderón was publicly revealed to be the author behind the pen name Misia Peta, when she was honored by the Instituto Culinario D’Gallia, where she even gave a cooking demonstration.

She truly enjoyed the renewed interest in her work and even had her own FaceBook page, established at her request, so she could answer questions and  communicate with her fans and admirers directly, which she did until she passed away in December 16, 2013 just shy of turning 99.

Her need to keep constantly busy in order to improve the lives of her family—-whether by preparing/decorating perfect meals or creating a gamut of beautiful handcrafts–continues on through her children and their families.

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misiapeta@gmail.com

 

 

 

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