In 1965, Diana and Paul moved to New York City. Encouraged by New York Times food writer Craig Claiborne, Diana began teaching intimate classes in Mexican cooking from her Manhattan apartment. One thing led to another, and before long she found herself writing her first cookbook. Naturally, that required a return to Mexico to conduct even more extensive field research. The result, 1972’s The Cuisines of Mexico, quickly became a bestseller. Over the course of her career, Diana went on to author another eight books. 

Shortly after returning to Mexico permanently in 1976, she relocated from Mexico City to eastern Michoacán, where she established a remote homestead. Dubbed Quinta Diana, this ecologically-minded villa was designed by a local architect. Diana was adamant that it be built of local materials, including adobe. Beyond a generous kitchen which she referred to as her laboratory, it featured multiple wood-fired grills, outdoor ovens and a greenhouse. The surrounding land provided many of the organic ingredients that went into her dishes, and rain water was collected in tanks.

The realities of this immersive approach were rarely easy. As Diana herself explained, "I am sure that if I had known what it would entail to travel almost constantly through the year, and often uncomfortably, to research, record, photograph and then cook and eat over three hundred recipes, I might never have had the courage to start the project in the first place." Fortunately for us all, she was able to summon more than enough courage. Her books remain essential references for chefs and home cooks seeking approachably authentic recipes rooted in tradition.

But even as she devoted nearly a full century to making such an outsized contribution, Diana understood that her efforts alone could never be enough. She was acutely mindful of the need to establish a path forward for others, allowing them to build on the foundation she created.

That desire is what brings us – and you – to this moment in time. The mission of the Diana Kennedy Foundation is to identify and encourage others who share Diana’s irrepressible spark. Whether you’re a supporter, a potential grant applicant or simply a fan of those who make extraordinary impact on the world around them, we’re grateful that you’re here.