About
¡Hola and Welcome to Villa Cocina!
I’m Rossana, and I’ve been married to Nelson for over 12 years. I’m Mexican, he’s Salvadoran—a perfect blend! Over time, he fell in love with Mexican culture and food, but honestly, once you experience Mexico’s magic, there’s no turning back.
At Villa Cocina, we share authentic Mexican recipes with heart and purpose—because food is love, culture, and connection. We’re so happy you’re here, and we invite you to cook, learn, and celebrate the rich flavors of México with us.
My Childhood
I was born in the beautiful state of Michoacán, Mexico—home to the Purépecha people and known for having the best carnitas. In 2010, UNESCO recognized Michoacán’s culinary traditions as part of Mexico’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
That means my state’s gastronomy—received international recognition for preserving ancient cooking techniques, local ingredients, and communal food traditions. Every time I visit, embrace our culture, and see how proud we are to share it with the world, I’m inspired to make this blogging space an extension of Michoacán’s deep love for its cuisine.
I was raised in a small town called Carácuaro—tiny, but where food was always at the heart of everything. When I was about seven, my parents made the decision to show us a different way of life—their way. We left town for a while and spent eight unforgettable months embracing the rancho lifestyle.
We lived in a small home on a ranch, with a river running beside it. My mom cooked over a wood fire, using a chimney and a lantern because there was no electricity. I helped her wash clothes and dishes by the river. Living that way taught me so much and gave me the kind of real-life experience that still shapes how I see the world today.
Family
You might wonder where the name Villa comes from—it’s my maiden name. My family moved to Atlanta, GA, United States, when I was 10, giving me the chance to learn English and grow in new ways.
After graduating high school, I attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and earned my associate’s degree. I spent six years working in the culinary industry before taking a break to explore office life. But a few years later, the idea to merge my love for food and culture came alive.
With my husband Nelson’s support, I returned to cooking and baking through our YouTube channel, Villa Cocina. This project has become a true passion for both of us—and what inspires us most is you: your support, your stories, and your heartfelt messages.
Colossians 3:23–24 is the verse that inspires our work and reminds us who we do it for.
My Diagnosis
After experiencing overwhelming symptoms that disrupted my daily life, I knew something wasn’t right. In 2021, after a series of tests and a few days in urgent care, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes—an autoimmune condition often referred to as “juvenile diabetes,” though in my case, it came unexpectedly at age 30.
Leaving the hospital, everything felt uncertain. But I found strength in God and the comforting truth of Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”
A few years later, I can truly say—I’m grateful. Living with an autoimmune disease isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. I still cook for my husband and family just like before. At Villa Cocina, not much has changed—you’ll still find the same authentic Mexican recipes, but now you might come across a few personal tips I’ve picked up along the way, especially when it comes to finding balance and making meals that work for me.
Mexican food is my heritage!
I aim to use wholesome, clean, and fresh ingredients in every dish. I’ve learned not to fear food, but to embrace it and get creative. You’ll also see a growing focus on dishes with added nutritional value—especially in our salad section (my husband is always requesting a fresh component to balance the meal).
In the end, you’ll find the best of both worlds here: the comforting flavors of tradition, and a renewed love for food that nourishes the body. We hope our recipes and stories inspire your creativity in the kitchen. For us, that’s what it’s all about.
