Bertas Mexican Cookbook

Bertas Mexican Cookbook
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Berta’s Mexican Cookbook is a love story and mystery. Nearly a century old and discovered in a dark second-hand shop in Mérida, Yucatan - it was the perfect romantic gift for a couple falling in love. It been with us ever since, a treasured possession, sitting quietly on a dusty bookshelf for 27 years. Throughout that time these authentic, traditional and homemade recipes remained a mystery, the stories they tell and the secrets they’ve kept, unknown.  Until now… More: bertasmexicancookbook.com.au/ Instagram: instagram.com/bertasmexicancookbook

  1. Episode 1

    Introducing Berta's Mexican Cookbook

    Berta’s Mexican Cookbook is a love story and mystery. Nearly a century old and discovered it in a dark second-hand shop in Merida, Yucatan, it was the perfect romantic gift for a couple falling in love. It’s been with us ever since, a treasured possession, sitting quietly sat on a dusty bookshelf for 27 years. Throughout that time the recipes remained a mystery, the stories they tell and the secrets they’ve kept, unknown. Until now… More: bertasmexicancookbook.com.au/ Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/bertasmexicancookbook

    Introducing Berta's Mexican Cookbook

  2. Episode 2

    Origin Story

    What happens when a storyteller and podcast host and culinary linguist come together to translate a near century old cookbook? Join David Arnold and Kelsey Trotta as they explore the origins of this story, how the book came into David’s possession in Merida, Mexico, why it’s sat untranslated for so long and why we are translating it now. We’ll start to consider the mysteries within its pages and begin to answer the questions we have. Who is Berta? What are her recipes for? What can the book tell us about cultural life in Mexico in 1931? Where did Berta’s learn such beautiful handwriting?! So many questions…let’s get into it! Join us in our kitchens. More: bertasmexicancookbook.com.au/ Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/bertasmexicancookbook

    Origin Story

  3. Episode 3

    Cookbook Speculation

    In this episode David and Kelsey get curious. What dishes do these recipes describe and what culinary history and social stories lie within its pages? Are all these recipes Berta’s, are they family recipes or are they generational, handed down from mother to daughter and then granddaughter? Why and how did the book end up in a dark second-hand shop in Merida and what events occurred to mean these recipes were nearly lost forever? Kelsey explains why this is an extraordinary and significant find and David wonders what this story will reveal. Join us in our kitchens. More: bertasmexicancookbook.com.au/ Instagram: instagram.com/bertasmexicancookbook

    Cookbook Speculation

  4. Episode 4

    Translation Begins

    The moment has finally come to open Berta’s Mexican Cookbook and get a glimpse of the recipes. In this episode we share how we are translating the book which, given it’s fragility, and David being in Melbourne and Kelsey being in Chicago, is a challenge. We talk about the process of getting used to working with a handwritten text and getting to know Berta. And we reveal the first recipes as we take a peak inside the book. What will the first recipe be? There’s only one way to find out. Join us in our kitchens. More: bertasmexicancookbook.com.au/ Instagram: instagram.com/bertasmexicancookbook

    Translation Begins
See All Season 1 (4)

About

Berta’s Mexican Cookbook is a love story and mystery. Nearly a century old and discovered in a dark second-hand shop in Mérida, Yucatan - it was the perfect romantic gift for a couple falling in love. It been with us ever since, a treasured possession, sitting quietly on a dusty bookshelf for 27 years. Throughout that time these authentic, traditional and homemade recipes remained a mystery, the stories they tell and the secrets they’ve kept, unknown.  Until now… More: bertasmexicancookbook.com.au/ Instagram: instagram.com/bertasmexicancookbook

Information

  • Creator
    Bertas Mexican Cookbook
  • Episodes
    4
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 David Arnold trading as Bertas Mexican Cookbook, except material from Berta Amaya de Pérez's 1931 cookbook.
  • Show Website
    Bertas Mexican Cookbook