Cover of the cookbook Rooted in Fire by Pyet Despain. The front shows Despain smiling while holding a plate of food outdoors, wearing a red dress and turquoise necklace. The subtitle reads, “A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking,” and the spine features the book title and author’s name.
Chef Pyet DeSpain's new cookbook, "Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking." (HarperCollins Publishers via Bay City News)

MENDOCINO CO., 11/29/25 – Reality cooking show winner Pyet DeSpain is showcasing her bicultural heritage in a new cookbook, “Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking.” 

The winner of the Gordon Ramsay–hosted “Next Level Chef,” DeSpain’s debut cookbook features more than 60 recipes, ranging from traditional dishes rooted in ancient foodways to recipes that developed out of colonization and forced relocation. 

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Sarah Stierch covers breaking news and more for The Mendocino Voice. Reach her at sarah@mendovoice.com.