Rooted in Fire on CBS Los Angeles: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking

I had the absolute joy of joining the CBS Los Angeles team in studio to talk about my cookbook Rooted in Fire and the connection between the cultures that shaped me. Anytime I get to share food, family stories, and my love for Indigenous ingredients, I feel right at home.

The hosts opened the segment by naming something that has always felt true to me. This book is a celebration of Native American and Mexican heritage and the powerful link between the land and the meals we bring to the table. Hearing that in the studio felt like a full circle moment, because that connection is the heart of my work. It is also the reason I wrote Rooted in Fire in the first place.

Growing up multicultural came with a lot of questions about identity. I did not speak fluent Spanish. I did not always look like the full Native folks I admired. I often felt like I was floating between worlds, unsure where I truly fit. But food has always been my bridge. It has always helped me understand who I am and where I come from. Every ingredient holds a story. Every recipe carries memory and meaning.

On the show, we talked about the dreams behind my book and the cultural overlap that surprises so many people. Mexico and North America share so many of the same Indigenous foods. Corn, beans, squash, wild game, and heirloom ingredients have sustained our communities for generations. These foods shaped our ancestors and continue to guide my cooking today.

Since it was the holiday season, I brought one of my personal favorites to the studio. A sweet blue corn tamale. In my home, the moment someone says “who is making tamales” we know the holidays have officially begun. Tamales bring our families together in a way that always feels sacred to me. There is laughter, teamwork, and so much love in the process. Bringing a blue corn version to TV felt like a beautiful way to honor both sides of my heritage.

Being in that CBS studio, talking with the hosts, and sharing the story behind Rooted in Fire reminded me why I cook. Food is medicine. Food connects us. Food tells the truth about who we are. I am grateful for every opportunity to share that message and to help others reconnect with their own traditions and roots.

Thank you to CBS Los Angeles for welcoming me and celebrating Indigenous food stories with such warmth. I cannot wait to keep sharing this journey with all of you.

With gratitude,

Pyet

Watch the Full Video Here