January 7, 2011- With the start of the New Year, everyone takes stock of what’s really important - family, togetherness and good food! This year, more than ever, we’re celebrating family and our unique heritage.  

Gathering around the dinner table, during the holidays or everyday, offers us a touchstone – a way to reconnect with our loved ones and learn a thing or two about cooking the meals our parents and grandparents always loved.  

To share some of her stories and tips on creating a heritage recipe incorporating traditional Latin influences is Food Network Star Daisy Martinez, host of Viva Daisy!  This Brooklyn, New York native has deep roots in Latin cuisine, as the daughter of mainland Puerto Rican parents.  

On her show every week, Daisy talks about the importance of gathering your family around the table and celebrating what makes you a family, your shared heritage.  To help bring some spice back into the kitchen, Daisy demonstrates recipe’s that incorporate traditional Latin flavors with that which is quintessentially American. 

For more great Latin inspired ideas, please visit: http://www.pilgrims.com/daisy

About the Talent: Daisy Martinez is host of Viva Daisy on the Food Network, a show that embraces food and family.  A Brooklyn, New York native born to mainland Puerto Rican parents, Daisy was living her life as a wife and mother until 2005 when she launched her new career with Daisy Cooks! on PBS, and her cookbook, Daisy Cooks! Latin Flavors that Will Rock Your World, which was an IACP nominee and winner of the Best Latino Cuisine Cookbook in the World by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. As Daisy's star ascended she met the iconic Rachael Ray at an event.  This chance meeting lead to Ray's production company, Watch Entertainment, producing Viva Daisy!, which debuted on the Food Network in January 2009.  

This interview is provided by Pilgrim's.