When Andrea Pons and her family were faced with deportation, she knew hiring an immigration lawyer was more than they could afford. To raise funds, she decided she would self-publish a cookbook of her grandmother’s recipes, despite having no previous experience in the world of food. Andrea titled her book Mamacita: Celebrating Life as a Mexican Immigrant in America. Not only did the book find an audience, but Andrea’s story caught the attention of editors at Princeton Architectural Press, who officially published Mamacita this past fall. 

Andrea joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about coming to America from Mexico as a 10-year-old, the tight bonds that unite her family, her grandmother who inspired the book, and the most treasured recipes in Mamacita. 

Thank you to Käserei Champignon, the maker of Grand Noir cheese, and to Hedley & Bennett for supporting today’s show. 

Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tralala. 

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More on Andrea: Instagram, Website, Mamacita, Titita’s orange bundt cake recipe