From the first winner of Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef — a vibrant, soulful debut cookbook celebrating Native American and Mexican heritage.
Star chef Pyet DeSpain rose to national prominence as the first winner of Fox's Next Level Chef. In her debut cookbook, she shares something far more personal: the food that shaped her, the traditions that sustain her, and the dual heritage she carries with pride.
Rooted in Fire is a gorgeously crafted tribute to Indigenous and Mexican American cuisine — more than sixty fusion recipes that honor the land, the seasons, and the stories passed down through generations. Expect bold, unexpected ingredients and deeply comforting results:
Three Sisters Salad
Bison and Sweet Corn Soup
Fry Bread
Mexican Chocolate & Mezcal Cake
Corn Silk and Honey Tea
Wojapi BBQ Sauce
Beyond the recipes, Pyet invites home cooks to connect with essential foodways — to honor the earth, the seasons, and the communities whose culinary traditions have long deserved a wider table.
"This is more than just a cookbook. It's giving a voice to Indigenous people, while also highlighting the fusion of my two cultures with fire and purpose." — Pyet DeSpain
