Today on the Cookbook Love Podcast, I am honored to welcome Pyet Despain, a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribe, award-winning global private chef, and the first winner of Gordon Ramsay's groundbreaking competition series Next Level Chef. Pyets's life and work are rooted in Indigenous fusion cuisine, where she weaves together the food traditions of her Native American and Mexican heritage. Through her cooking, storytelling, and travel, Pyet is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous culture and honoring the traditions passed down through generations.

Originally from the Osage Indian Reservation in Kansas City, Kansas, Pyet now resides in Los Angeles, California, where she continues to share her culinary voice with the world. Her beautiful new book, Rooted in Fire, reflects her journey, her heritage, and her deep respect for food as a cultural and spiritual expression.

In today's conversation Pyet shares:

• The story behind Rooted in Fire, who the book is for, and what inspired her to bring this project to life.

• Her journey from idea to finished book, the message she hopes cooks and bakers will take away, and how her work connects food, identity, and tradition.

• The book's structure, including its table of contents, key themes in the chapters, and several recipes you can try at home, allows you to experience the flavors and stories of Indigenous cuisine in your own kitchen.

Things We Mention In This Episode:

Rooted in Fire and Pyet's Plate.com

Columbiana by Mariana Velasquez

In today's episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Michael P. Foley, Catholic theologian, professor, and author of Abstaining with the Saints. Michael is best known for his beloved Drinking with the Saints series, and in this new book, he turns his attention to alcohol-free celebrations that are just as meaningful, festive, and rooted in the liturgical year. Abstaining with the Saints offers nearly 200 thoughtfully crafted mocktail recipes, along with alcohol-free beer, wine, and spirit suggestions that align with Catholic feast days and seasons. Each recipe is paired with stories and facts about the saints, creating a joyful way to honor the Church calendar without alcohol.

In our conversation, we explore:

• Why Michael felt called to create a non-alcoholic companion to Drinking with the Saints

• How mocktails can support sober, "soberish," and alcohol-free lifestyles

• The role of saints and celebration in Catholic life

• How food and drink can deepen our connection to family, faith, tradition, and community

• Who this book is for, and how it can serve families, parishes, and individuals alike

Things We Mention In This Episode:

Abstaining with the Saints

The MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today, I have a fun episode called the Ins and Outs for 2026. This episode was inspired by the Ins and Outs list I did last year and focuses on things I did in 2025 that I want to do again, and new stuff I want to try. The outs are things I don't want to bring forward into the new year that no longer serve me, or don't help me live the life I want to live, or that use my precious time and life thinking, feeling, or doing.

Things We Mention In This Episode:

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