My (half) Latinx kitchen Half recipes, half stories, all Latin American

This deeply personal recipe collection from Wright-Ruiz (I Want to be Spaghetti!) chronicles her culinary path to embracing her own culture. While ceviche de camarón, caldo de bolas (beef and sofrito-stuffed plantain dumpling stew), locro de papa (potato and cheese soup), and other dishes pay tribute to her Ecuadorian roots, many recipes are also influenced by the people and events that have made an impact on Wright-Ruiz's life. For instance, she devotes a whole chapter to Cuban recipes inspired by the food she ate under the care of her Cuban foster parents, including ropa vieja, batido de trigo (a wheat milkshake), and papas rellenas (stuffed potato croquettes). Wright-Ruiz also shares recipes from her Mexican stepgrandmother's kitchen, such as mojarra frita (fried freshwater fish) with pineapple salsa, chicken tamales, and champurrado (a corn-based hot chocolate drink). The recipes open with anecdotes ("This is... the first Ecuadorian dish I ever learned to make," she says of seco de pollo) and fascinating cultural tidbits (Horchata's origins trace back to over 1,000 years ago in North Africa). This heartfelt cookbook will inspire home chefs of any ethnic background. Agent: Leila Campoli, Stonesong Literary. (Feb.)

Wright-Ruiz, a recipe developer and writer, explores her heritage and family history, which spans both Latinx and Asian foodways. Each section features an essay sharing a part of her extremely difficult childhood and pays homage to those who influenced her through her one constant--cooking. Readers learn how the food of Ecuador, Mexico, and Cuba offered opportunities for Wright-Ruiz to revisit her past and make sense of her cultural identity. With loving tributes, Wright-Ruiz honors the dishes that nurtured her and created positive memories in her childhood. Horchatas, ceviche, many types of salsa, and holiday dishes all tell a part of her story and highlight her desire to make sense of who she is. Home cooks will be drawn to create the book's 100 recipes. The charming illustrations and photographs featured throughout will further entice readers to dive into this compelling and personal story told through food. VERDICT This one-of-a-kind cookbook will inspire many to study their own roots and explore their culinary heritage.--Ron Block