All About Herencia Cookbook – Mi Herencia
My Salvadorian roots from my mother’s side, my Mexican roots from my father’s side, and my Los Angeles upbringing have molded me into who I am today and have inspired Herencia Cookbook. It is my intention to honor my Latinidad through recipes and memories. After all, my Latinidad is the best herencia, or inheritance, my parents could have ever given me.
Honoring our culture and the matriarchs who nourished us
There are so many women who influenced me to become the woman I am today. For instance, mi madre querida, my dear mother Rose, is everything to me today. I am married and pregnant with my first child; these days, I need my mother more than ever. There is so much of her I admire. I long to be like her in so many ways.
Growing up, my mother owned a Mexican Bakery in Inglewood. I spent my free time hanging out in the bakery while my mom tended to her business and kept an eye on me. In case you are wondering, yes it was amazing being in second grade and playing in a bakery in my free time. And yes, my birthday parties always had the most delicious and amazing cakes. But really, my mother’s entrepreneurship inspired me.
I actually started my career in the beauty industry, and later decided to pursue my passion for cooking with modern hacks and (semi) healthy twists by creating Herencia Cookbook. After all, one of the most important herencias my mother has given me (besides her good looks…I kid…) has been teaching me how to cook, and teaching me that is possible for a mujer to have it all: the sparkling clean house, the happy marriage, the successful career, beautiful children—all of it, all while wearing lipstick, heels and a fashionable, flattering outfit.
Authentic flavor with a modern twist
Many of us have a lot of things to balance. After all, if you are Hispanic-American, like me, then you are used to balancing dual identities and so much more. Perhaps you also balance a full-time job, a side hustle, a relationship, caring for your children, your parents, your siblings, and of course, caring for yourself. With all those responsibilities, why not take some shortcuts in the kitchen? (I can hear the abuelitas gasping now) Yes, it is ok to take some practical shortcuts in the kitchen!
I personally refuse to feel guilty about implementing modern kitchen hacks when I cook. It won’t make my Latin dish any less authentic! I tell myself: hey, you are Latin, you made it and you like it, then that is all the authenticity you need! Why use a molcajete when I can use a blender? Why chop things by hand when I can use my food processor? Because, hey, my hands are tired after working on a computer all day.
Making classic recipes more healthful, without compromising flavor.
I may enjoy my enchiladas with salad instead of rice and beans. Or, I may ensure I have all my food groups on my plate when it is time to eat. Other times, I may mindfully enjoy an indulgent treat for what it is: something delicious that makes me happy! My goal here is to find the right balance for my life, and I hope my tips to achieve this can offer you some value as well.
My Herencia: Herencia Cookbook
Honoring our culture and matriarchs, while offering modern and healthful tips
As you can see by now, this book embodies many different identities, just like so many of us do. Join me on this journey through Herencia Cookbook. I hope you will enjoy the delicious and genuine recipes. I hope you also enjoy the easy hacks and healthy twists I pepper throughout the book. My intention is to take the intimidation out of cooking and offer a modern approach to the authentic recipes so many of us Latinxs grow up with. We can honor our ancestors with every meal, while still fitting cooking into our on-the-go lifestyles.
Check out our blog and our book for authentic Salvi Mex recipes with a modern (and sometimes healthy) twist. Until next time, Buen Provecho!
Herencia Cookbook is currently available for sale on Amazon.
