Taste: Mi Cocina by Rick Martinez

I love autobiographical-inspired cookbooks, and Rick Martínez’s Mi Cocina is a shining example of how personal storytelling can elevate recipes into something unforgettable. In this remarkable book, Martínez invites us to join him on a once-in-a-lifetime culinary journey throughout México—beginning in Mexico City and stretching across 32 states, 156 cities, and more than 20,000 delicious miles.

Each chapter of Mi Cocina is deeply rooted in Rick’s taste memories and lived experiences. The recipes are not simply re-creations of dishes he encountered along the way, but reflections of the people, places, and moments that shaped them. True to his generous spirit, he shares food that is at once intimate and universal, revitalizing the reader’s pantry while inspiring fresh approaches to Mexican cooking.

Highlighting the diversity, richness, and complexity of Mexican cuisine, Martínez presents dishes that span the country’s regions and traditions. From Oaxaca, he brings us Albóndigas en Chipotle—herb and cheese meatballs bathed in a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce. From northern México, there’s the ultimate grilled Carne Asada, which he joyfully stuffs into quesadillas for full-on cheesy-meaty euphoria. And from coastal Sinaloa, tender sweet corn tamales emerge, packed with shrimp, chiles, and roasted tomatoes, capturing the freshness of the sea and land in perfect harmony.

What sets this book apart is not only the food, but also the voice behind it. Rick’s poignant essays—woven throughout the recipes—lend both personal and cultural context, creating a tapestry that is as moving as it is instructive. He reflects on his travels with curiosity, humor, and insight, revealing the humanity and history that flavor every dish.

Mi Cocina is more than a cookbook; it is a heartfelt chronicle of exploration, belonging, and joy. It celebrates México’s culinary heritage while inviting home cooks to embark on their own journeys through food. Beautifully written, visually rich, and endlessly inspiring, this book will transform not just your cooking repertoire but also the way you think about the connection between food, memory, and culture.