Savoring Southwest Spice: The Culinary Journey of Kelley Cleary Coffeen

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- This week's Sunday Funday moment is proudly brought to you by Sarah Farms. Kelley Cleary Coffeen, an assistant professor at New Mexico State University, has recently launched her latest cookbook, "The Big Book of Hatch Chile," making waves as a top seller and number one new release on Amazon.

Embracing her love for Southwest cuisine and the unique flavor of Hatch chile, Coffeen's cookbook showcases 180 diverse and user-friendly recipes, from red chile-crusted salmon to green chile chicken alfredo.

Having spent over three decades in Las Cruces, Coffeen's passion for cooking with Hatch chile led her to explore the local chile festival and connect with farmers, adding captivating stories to her cookbook.

Beyond traditional Mexican dishes, Coffeen emphasizes the versatility of Hatch chile in various recipes, debunking the notion that it's exclusively for Mexican cuisine.

Coffeen, acknowledging the collaborative effort that brought her cookbook to life, sees it as a significant representation of New Mexico and a valuable contribution to agriculture.