Journey back to 1970s Ohio winters where the scent of tamales and the solemn wonder of Midnight Mass blended with Santa and the American Christmas rush. Discover how these special holiday moments rooted my storytelling in family, resilience, and belonging.

Don't let your holiday leftovers go to waste! We're diving into the vibrant world of the Turkey-Ham Cubano. This recipe takes your leftover roasted ham and turkey, presses them with melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and a generous drizzle of zesty homemade Mojo sauce. It's the ultimate cross-cultural flavor bomb that transforms your fridge remnants into an epic, crispy, and satisfying meal.

This year, don't let those adorable, sweet sugar pumpkins go to waste! I took a gamble on adding tender calabaza to a savory chili, and honestly, was shocked by the results. The pumpkin melts down, giving this chili a naturally rich, dense consistency and a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky spices, succulent shrimp, and black beans. Topped with a zesty, homemade chipotle sour cream, this is the flavorful Mexican-inspired cure for your post-Thanksgiving food coma.

Discover how the quiet magic of the historic Defiance Public Library, a historic Carnegie Libary—built on the site of Fort Defiance—shaped a young girl into a children's author, proving that quiet reading is the ultimate source of creativity and mental peace.

The name El Rancho Chocolaté isn't a mistake; it's a magical family story about a curandera who, upon discovering the richness of her land, created a healing chocolate brew so powerful it inspired an accent mark.

Get into the spirit of the season with a Mexican American twist! Celebrate fall with warm, flaky pumpkin empanadas, a cherished treat that's perfect for making with the whole family.