New Books Network Pyet DeSpain, "Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking" (HarperOne, 2025)
Nov 20, 2025
Chef Pyet DeSpain, a Potawatomi and Mexican American culinary artist and author of Rooted in Fire, delves into her rich cultural heritage in this discussion. She shares beautiful recipes blending Native American and Mexican traditions, like bison meatballs and poblano-corn tamales. Pyet highlights the significance of ancestral ingredients and the importance of gratitude in cooking. She also touches on the role of Indigenous chefs in preserving culinary traditions and invites listeners to celebrate their shared food roots with her innovative 'indigenous fusion' approach.
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Food As Identity And Seasons
- Pyet DeSpain frames her book as a personal journey from identity confusion to cultural confidence rooted in family and community.
- She hopes readers feel empowered to honor and create traditions across seasons of life.
Practice Small Ceremonies Daily
- Use a spirit plate or brief ceremony regularly to thank ancestors and set intentions before meals.
- Present food thoughtfully and source ingredients intentionally as a daily practice of gratitude.
Corn Connected Both Her Lineages
- The first traditional dish Pyet learned from her Potawatomi grandmother was a corn soup, later adapted with bison in the book.
- Corn also anchored her Mexican-side memories of making tamales on Christmas Eve with family.
