Hello, I’m Tessie
¡Hola! I’m Tessie Martinez, a passionate home cook and recipe developer from sunny San Diego, California. For over 12 years, I’ve been creating delicious, family-friendly recipes that celebrate the beautiful fusion of my Mexican heritage and American upbringing. I believe that great food has the power to bring people together, create lasting memories, and turn every meal into a celebration. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner that brings the family around the table or a festive gathering with friends, I’m here to help you discover the joy of cooking with love, creativity, and just a little bit of that California sunshine.
Cooking Experience
My Story
Tessie Recipes began in the vibrant, aromatic kitchen of my childhood home in Tijuana, where I spent countless afternoons with my beloved Abuela Rosa, learning the art of traditional Mexican cooking. She taught me that food was more than sustenance—it was a language of love, a bridge between cultures, and a way to keep family traditions alive across generations.
“Mija, cooking is like painting with flavors. Every dish tells a story, and every family recipe carries the love of all the women who made it before you.”
— Abuela Rosa
When my family moved to San Diego when I was twelve, I discovered a beautiful world where my abuela’s traditional recipes could dance with fresh California ingredients and modern cooking techniques. Suddenly, her classic mole could be paired with locally-sourced organic chicken, and her traditional tres leches cake could be reimagined with seasonal California strawberries.
After graduating from culinary school in 2011 and working in several San Diego restaurants, I realized my true passion was creating approachable, fusion recipes that honored my heritage while embracing the diverse culinary landscape of Southern California. What started as cooking for friends and sharing photos on social media quickly grew into a community of food lovers eager to try my Mexican-American fusion creations.
In 2015, Tessie Recipes became my way of sharing Abuela Rosa’s wisdom while inspiring home cooks to embrace the beautiful blend of tradition and innovation that makes every meal special. Today, I’m proud to help families create their own delicious stories, one recipe at a time.
I believe that cooking is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation—where family recipes meet fresh ingredients, and where every meal is an opportunity to create joy and connection.
Fusion
Blending traditional Mexican flavors with modern American cuisine
Fresh
Using the best local California ingredients and authentic spices
Family-Friendly
Creating recipes that bring families together around the table
My approach to cooking centers around accessible recipes that don’t compromise on flavor. I believe in using fresh, quality ingredients while keeping techniques simple enough for busy weeknights. Every recipe I share has been tested in my own kitchen and approved by my family—because if it doesn’t make us all smile around the dinner table, it doesn’t make it to the blog!
Beyond the Kitchen
When I’m not experimenting with new recipes, you’ll find me surfing the beaches of La Jolla with my husband Carlos and our twin daughters, Sofia and Isabella. We love exploring San Diego’s incredible farmers markets, discovering new taco trucks, and taking family trips to visit relatives in Mexico where I continue to learn traditional cooking techniques from my extended family.
Featured & Published
Surfer & Ocean Lover
Urban Gardener
Cooking Classes
¡Gracias for joining me on this delicious journey! I can’t wait to help you bring more flavor, fun, and family connection to your kitchen—one recipe at a time!
