I am originally from Tlaxcala, Mexico, and I’ve spent over 30 years in San Diego, California, carrying my family’s culinary traditions with me. Growing up in a family of bakers, my earliest memories are filled with the smell of pastries and the joy of making them alongside my siblings, under the watchful and loving guidance of my mother, Eugenia Ortega. When we moved to the United States, my siblings and I wanted to continue her legacy, so we opened Ortega’s Cocina, a restaurant that honored our family’s rich culinary history. My mother’s recipes, especially her tamales, quickly drew a loyal following. I took charge of the restaurant’s finances and worked tirelessly to preserve the authentic flavors of our Mexican heritage.
When we sold Ortega’s Cocina in 2023, I dove into further education in cooking and nutrition, excited to explore new ways to make food healthy and delicious.
In 2017, I joined Olivewood’s Cooking for Salud program as a student, and it was a transformative experience. My knowledge grew, and I became even more committed to creating balanced meals for my family and community. Through Cooking for Salud, I learned new ways to incorporate nutritious ingredients, such as greens and grains, into traditional recipes, helping me bridge my love of Mexican cuisine with healthier cooking practices.
I was honored to work alongside renowned chefs creating the The Thrive Global Cookbook, a collection of delicious healthy recipes. For example, I was so thrilled to create a healthy recipe for peanut muffins made without flour. It was such a privilege to collaborate with talented chefs on this project, sharing ideas and learning from one another while promoting nutritious food that’s accessible to all.
Today, I like to share my expertise with others as a volunteer in the community. Cooking for me is about honoring my mother’s legacy while adapting to what I believe in—healthy and nourishing food for everyone. My hope is to inspire others, especially within the Latino community, to embrace balanced eating. Through every class that I lead, I try to highlight my family’s recipes, love, and values, ensuring that my mother’s spirit lives on in every dish.