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La Piña en la Cocina

Embracing my Mexican heritage and sharing all the wonderful flavors, colors and foods I grew up with. Join me on this journey as I also learn new foods and cooking techniques. Dedicated to my parents Ramiro and Blanca.

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Home » Cookbook » Mexican Salsa! The Cookbook!

Mexican Salsa! The Cookbook!

March 14, 202237 Comments

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Finally, the day is here! A Mexican salsa cookbook, published! As many of you know, I am very passionate about preparing fresh salsa. All kinds! Thanks to technology, I produced this short video with all the images, plus more of the 50 recipes featured in my first cookbook. I decided to start with this smaller book to share recipes that I prepare over and over again. After all, you can’t have a good taco unless there’s good tortillas, salsas and garnishes. Order your copy of Mexican Salsa the cookbook today!

Old Cover, New Cover!

After a few months, the publisher decided to give the cover of my book a fresh new look! I didn’t mind. I love it! When I was first experimenting with colors and design of the cover, I knew I wanted the colors, green, white and red. Those are the colors of the Mexican flag. You could imagine the smile on my face when they showed me the newly designed cover! I never mentioned to them about the colors. It was meant to be!

The Traveling Cookbook!

Since publishing and receiving my cookbook, I take it with me anywhere I travel. I happily sign books that my friends and family have purchased! Carrying the book let’s me be ready for a photo opt, lol! The book traveled to Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas and even Upstate New York. The photo below, my dear and super talented friend Leticia Alaniz, offered to photograph me holding my book. It was so hot during my visit near Dallas, but I really liked the way the photo came out. Making memories is what it’s all about.

me holding the cookbook open
image of the salsa cookbook cover
Get Your Copy Here! http://www.found.us/creators/lapinaenlacocina?code=lapinaenlacocina

Me holding my cookbook up close

Follow Me On Social Media For Giveaways Soon!

As much as I would have loved to personally sign all of your cookbooks, it just wasn’t possible. I myself, have ordered extra books to organize some giveaways soon. I will personally sign several books and ship the book directly to your home. I have not worked out all of the details yet, but as soon as I do I will announce it on all my social media channels.

VIDEO

The Book!

The book is short and sweet, to the point! I want to share a little more details of each chapter here. It was not that difficult to narrow down the recipes. Ninety five percent of them already existed on my blog. The opportunity for the book came in early December. I was ready for the challenge. At the same time I was faced with the news that I would have to have major surgery asap. This would be my first experience going to the hospital, having any kind of surgery, ever! In between trying to write the outline for the book, I was faced with unfamiliar and kind of scary territory ahead of me. In the end, the cram sessions of preparing the recipes, shooting, editing for the book is what helped me get through it all. My faith in God and the discipline I learned from my parents played a key role. I definitely faced some difficult days through it all, but my eyes were set on finishing the book.

Details, Details! Do Tell!

Here is a detailed video with narration on the recipes featured in my first cookbook, Mexican Salsa!

fresh chile peppers in bowl

Chapter One Fresh Salsa-Salsa Fresca

A sharp knife, solid cutting board and blender are required! These fresh and basic salsa recipes require no real special equipment or cooking techniques, unless you want a more traditional molcajete salsa.  Preparing salsa in a traditional molcajete yields the most rustic, and at the same time most luscious salsa I have ever tasted. Yes, of course you can use a traditional blender or sharp knife, but it’s just not quite the same. Please don’t let that stop you from preparing these tasty molcajete salsa recipes even if you must use a blender. For me, it’s about keeping the authentic and traditional methods alive and in practice! Some can be prepared with no cooking, and some are a combination of cooked and raw ingredients. Best served fresh the day you prepare it! Any of these salsa recipes would pair deliciously with my carnitas and beef tongue tacos!

fresh tomatoes, tomatillos and chile peppers in bowl

Chapter Two Cooked Salsa-Salsa Guisada

Why do you cook your salsa? The second most asked question I get when I share salsa recipes on social media! Can you guess what the #1 question is? Is the salsa spicy? Yes! Lol! I fail at preparing a mild salsa! This chapter is a collection of cooked salsa recipes that I prepare often. For me, these are basic condiments required in my kitchen like ketchup or mustard is to others. Don’t get me wrong, these delicious salsa recipes can be served straight out of the blender if you choose. The salsa is good for a few days refrigerated. Tomatoes and tomatillos contain a natural pectin which is why the salsa may appear clumpy after being refrigerated. Cooking the blended salsa for ten minutes yields a smoother salsa that will last ten days or more refrigerated.

dried chile pods on clayware Mexican plates

Chapter Three Dried Chiles-Chile Seco

Commercial made chili powder does not compare, as far as flavor, to using dried chile pods in your recipes! Toasting, whether it’s dry toasting or frying, adds so much flavor than store bought chili powder.  I confess, when pressed for time, I soak my chile pods in boiling water. Rule of thumb is the smaller the chile pepper, the spicier it will be.  Good quality pods can be purchased in most Mexican markets and online. I keep my dried chiles stored in airtight storage bags in a cool dark space. When I am craving chilaquiles, enchiladas and carne guisada (stewed meats), these are the style of salsas that I crave! Once you learn basic cooking methods for chile pods, you will never purchase store bought enchilada sauce or chili powder. The larger variety of dried chile pods range from mild to medium heat most times. It really depends on the brand and how old the peppers are. Each has a distinct flavor and can be combined with the spicy variety and even fresh chile peppers to yield the most delicious salsas and sauces.

Dried chile pods with spices in small bowls

Chapter Four Sauces-Adobos

 I have always been a little obsessed when it comes to preparing sauces(salsas) for my Mexican recipes. On any given day, I enter my kitchen and find inspiration from my own food memories. The beauty of preparing any of these sauces is that they can be used in more recipes than you think! They require minimal ingredients and can be stored frozen.  It’s all about the sauce(salsa)! My best suggestion when preparing any of these sauces(salsas) and adobos is to plan ahead! Prepare them a few days ahead for the best flavor. Mexican adobos are so much different from that adobo seasoning you find in local markets. Most Mexican adobos consist of chile peppers, both fresh and dried, herbs, spices, vinegar and sometimes a little oil. They can be thick, paste like or smooth as an enchilada sauce. They will keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks and up to 6 months frozen. Once defrosted simply blend once again. Owning a power blender is a big help. There is no need to strain sauces anymore! The sauce recipes are versatile and can be used in many ways. For example, the chile ancho sauce can season pork for tamales, menudo or pozole. And cannot forget my favorite, asado de Puerco (pork chile colorado).

fresh limes, avocado and chile peppers

Chapter Five Taqueria-Taquiza

Every Mexican taqueria, taco truck or taco stand has their own secret spicy salsa. There are typically several squeeze bottles with salsas in different colors and textures to choose from. Most times they are on the spicy side and keep us guessing as to the ingredients that were used to prepare them. We all would love to recreate them at home! All this talk about salsas, sauces and adobos only makes me realize that I cannot leave you without some good homemade tortillas! For me, the perfect taco consists of a freshly made tortilla, corn or flour, fillings of your choice, fresh garnishes and that favorite homemade salsa on top! 

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Filed Under: About Me, Cookbook Tagged With: Cookbook, Salsa Recipes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John!

    March 14, 2022 at 6:35 pm

    Esto es fabuloso! Felicidades!!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      March 15, 2022 at 10:20 am

      Gracias John!

      Reply
  2. KARLEN ROBERSON

    March 14, 2022 at 7:14 pm

    Super excited about the cookbook. I didn’t hesitate to purchase the pre order. I look forward to making these salsas for my family. Everything else I’ve made off your website gets great feedback! Thank you for sharing. -Karlen

    Reply
    • Sonia

      March 15, 2022 at 10:21 am

      Thank you Karlen!

      Reply
  3. Robert J Fox

    March 15, 2022 at 6:46 am

    Hope you’re doing well now.

    Reply
    • Sonia

      March 15, 2022 at 10:21 am

      Doing better, thank you Robert!

      Reply
  4. Andrew

    March 17, 2022 at 10:33 am

    eagerly awaiting my copy!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      March 18, 2022 at 7:47 am

      Thank you Andrew!

      Reply
  5. Robert Escareno

    March 18, 2022 at 8:49 pm

    Congratulations cousin,from Robert Escareno …

    Reply
    • Sonia

      March 21, 2022 at 11:44 am

      Thank you cousin! I appreciate you taking the time to write to me!

      Reply
  6. Robert Escareno

    March 18, 2022 at 8:52 pm

    I was lucky too have had all my antes food growing up in Highland Park..

    Reply
    • Sonia

      March 21, 2022 at 11:44 am

      Mom’s cooking was always the best option!

      Reply
  7. frank

    April 1, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    Great recipes, so much appreciated Sonia, muchisimas gracias…..!!!!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      April 2, 2022 at 2:41 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  8. frank

    April 1, 2022 at 3:26 pm

    One more thing Sonia, where can I purchase your books??

    Reply
    • Sonia

      April 2, 2022 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Frank! Here is the link where you may purchase the book directly from the publishing company. Thank you! https://salsa-pinaenlacocina.customcontent.store/

      Reply
  9. Beau

    April 12, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    Just got my copy today!!! I’m stoked! Awesome cookbook full of beautiful color photos and great recipes. Thanks Ms. Pina!! I really love it!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      April 13, 2022 at 7:56 am

      Thank you Beau!!!

      Reply
  10. Andrew

    April 18, 2022 at 9:36 am

    Received my book, it’s beautiful, very nicely designed and the recipes are already proving to excellent! If I could add anything for future versions I would ask for a small paragraph describing each recipe and its strong points, uses, highlights, and fun facts, just a little fun writing to go with each.
    The photography and feel of the book is wonderful, thanks for a cherished part of my ktichen.

    Reply
    • Andrew

      April 18, 2022 at 9:39 am

      kitchen I mean!

      Reply
    • Sonia

      April 18, 2022 at 9:43 am

      Hi Andrew! So happy you received your book! That was totally the plan on my part to include an intro and tips to each recipe. Unfortunately, I had to follow the guidelines of this certain design for the book. I was limited to a certain amount of text. I like to give my followers tips and as much information that I believe would be helpful in each recipe. The nice thing is that 98% of the recipes are on my blog and have way more details and tips. I appreciate you taking the time to give me your feedback.

      Reply
  11. Linda

    July 6, 2022 at 1:15 pm

    I am wanting to get your cookbook. Please let me know how to get it.

    Reply
    • Sonia

      July 6, 2022 at 1:18 pm

      The delivery of the book can sometimes take more than 4 weeks. I have ordered too and sometimes it was 3 1/2 weeks, sometimes more than 4 weeks.

      Reply
  12. mike

    July 10, 2022 at 6:32 pm

    Can I buy your cookbook somewhere other than amazon?>

    Reply
    • Sonia

      July 11, 2022 at 7:51 am

      The book is not available in books stores or Amazon, actually. It is only available to order online directly through hp content. They are the publishers and in charge of printing and shipping of the books.

      Reply
  13. Don

    July 16, 2022 at 7:52 pm

    The best recipe book online !!! You haven’t lived until you cooked these recipes !!!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      July 18, 2022 at 6:36 am

      Thank You Don!!!!!

      Reply
  14. Juan Reyes Jr

    September 16, 2022 at 8:32 am

    Hello Sonia. my name is Juan and I live in Texas I stumbled across you and your Salas cook book as I was I looking for some crushed dried Chili Pequin. i don’t have instagram but how else can I order your book

    Reply
    • Sonia

      September 16, 2022 at 8:41 am

      HI Juan!
      The cookbook is only available directly from the publishing company on this link https://www.found.us/creators/lapinaenlacocina?code=lapinaenlacocina
      You can find a good selection of dried chiles online at Toluca Foods https://www.mendocinospices.com/
      Any Mexican market that carries Mexican spices should sell dried chiles too.

      Reply
  15. Kali R perrone

    November 17, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    I have been making recipes from this book since I pre-ordered back in April – I love it so much! I love being able to make amazing taqueria recipes from my garden peppers, and after years of growing up in california I finally don’t have to go to a taco truck every time I am craving rice and beans lol It’s so nice to have a better understanding of how some of my favorite dishes are made – I also love my parents italian and american home cooking style, but they couldn’t teach me how to make great mexican food – thank you for sharing your family secrets!!! I spend years trying to find recipes online that just didn’t quite get me there until I found your blog 🙂

    Reply
    • Sonia

      November 17, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      I am so happy you are enjoying the cookbook. That makes me so happy!!

      Reply
  16. Josh

    March 28, 2023 at 10:06 am

    I have been looking at your recipes for over a year, and the ones I have followed have turned out great. Just ordered a copy of your cookbook to help support your mission to share your recipes. I would LOVE to see a larger cookbook of your favorite (or best received) recipes from your site. De un gabacho en Tucson, gracias por ayudarme a aprender las recetas que crecí comiendo en las casas de mis amigos!

    Reply
    • Sonia

      March 28, 2023 at 10:12 am

      Hi Josh! First of all, thank you for taking the time to write! I love it! The books are going to be put out as a series. The second book will be filled with all of my family favorites from home plus some of my own creations. The books will feature 50 or more recipes at a time. That’s how the publisher prefers to do it for now. The newest book will be available this summer.

      Thanks Again!

      Reply
  17. Lars

    September 28, 2023 at 6:54 am

    Hi, i wish i could buy it, but since there’s no PayPal option it’s not possible for me. Also in Europe, where i live, there is no option to buy it..?

    Reply
    • Sonia

      September 28, 2023 at 7:58 am

      Hi Lars,
      Unfortunately, I do not have control over where the book is sold. The book must be ordered directly through the publisher with a credit card. As far as I know it is only sold in the US, UK and Canada. I do apologize.

      Reply
  18. Rosemary Hinton

    December 27, 2024 at 1:15 pm

    Where can I purchase your cookbooks

    Reply
    • Sonia

      December 27, 2024 at 1:31 pm

      You can purchase the books through the Found Website
      Mexican Salsa and Love in The Shape of a Tortilla https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffound.us%2Fproducts%2F620ba9d1ca0ee49598cf69c1%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2ny4xcn9J8H0kC4WkWUAyPdBJMcFJWnKllJlAzOh6sCyWjcTk3_gmojKM_aem_FbExZ1LKTzDj4Y81xcjTXw&h=AT0bGp6yqpuq09GpVQUv6fev542gyDJAWgtHOcTF4zWJcxxRxso08O-9faNNq5u2Uf0mU_VZjwQna9K7PoEamupIhBorNL-Ly9HbXZcExLn8P1Kln_vGHe7ISZTaLqGs5g7DI2Y62E301pM

      Reply

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Welcome!

Hi, my name is Sonia Mendez Garcia. My parents Ramiro and Blanca Mendez moved to the United States from Monterrey, Mexico in 1963. I am first generation Mexican American born in Los Angeles, California. Cooking has always been one of my passions in life. This is my journey and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Read More…

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