Hello, dear friends! My name is Isabel Marisol Rivera, but most people just call me Isa. I’m 38 years old and currently living in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. I was born in the heart of Mexico City, where the aroma of simmering sauces and freshly made tortillas filled our home, thanks to my abuela’s daily culinary rituals.
Growing up, the kitchen was my playground. I remember standing on a stool beside my mother, learning to press masa into perfect circles for tortillas and blending spices for her signature mole. These early experiences ignited a passion for cooking that has only grown stronger over the years.
When I was 12, my family moved to the United States. The transition was challenging, but food became our bridge between cultures. I found solace in recreating traditional Mexican dishes, and over time, I began to experiment, blending flavors from my heritage with new ingredients I discovered in our new home.
Today, I dedicate my time to helping home cooks bring the rich flavors of Latin America into their kitchens. I believe that cooking should be accessible, joyful, and a reflection of one’s identity. Through my blog and community workshops, I share recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
One of my favorite dishes to teach is a fusion of classic Mexican enchiladas with a Texan twist, using smoked brisket as the filling and a chipotle-infused barbecue sauce. It’s a testament to how food evolves and adapts, much like our own journeys.
Cooking, for me, is more than just preparing meals. It’s about storytelling, preserving culture, and bringing people together. I cherish the moments when someone tries a recipe and tells me it reminded them of their grandmother’s cooking or inspired them to explore their roots.
So, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, I invite you to join me on this flavorful journey. Let’s celebrate our heritage, experiment with new tastes, and, most importantly, cook with love.
