Hey, it's NPR's Book of the Day. I'm Andrew Limbaung. I've interviewed a few cookbook authors

here and there, and there's this question that always seems to come up when talking to people

cooking outside of the Western tradition about quote-unquote authenticity, which is why I love

this one moment in today's interview with Marcella

Vaya Dolide, the chef and food network star. Her new cookbook is Familia, which is focused on

Mexican recipes to make for your family. One of those recipes includes an arugula salsa.

And here and now as Deepa Fernandez asks, is Arugula a classic salsa ingredient? And she replies simply, nope.

It's just true to who she is as a mom in California with people to cook for.

And what's more authentic than that?

That's after the break.

In the U.S., national security news can feel far away from daily life.

Distant wars, murky conflicts, diplomacy behind

closed doors on our new show, Sources and Methods. NPR reporters on the ground bring you stories

of real people helping you understand why distant events matter here at home. Listen to sources and

methods on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Have you always wanted to try to cook Mexican food at home but don't know where to start?

Well, we have a suggestion.

Food Network fans will recognize Emmy-nominated chef Marcella Valladolid from her time on The Kitchen and Best Baker in America. But Valladolid has deep roots in Mexico,

which she taps for the online cooking classes that she runs with her sister, Karina. And she also

has a new cookbook, which gives would-be chefs recipes to share with family and friends. It's

called Familia. And Marcella Valladolid joins me now.

Welcome.

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