Welcome to my Sonoran Corner!
Hi folks, my name is Jackie Alpers and I am a noted expert on the Sonoran-style regional cuisine of southern Arizona, an internationally recognized professional food photographer, and the author of four cookbooks including the award-winning, Taste of Tucson: Sonoran-Style Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona.
I experiment with regional culinary influences while exploring food history, symbolism, and culinary cultural significance.
I was named the world's most famous food photographer by Shotkit and Art in Context, and the #7 best food photographer in the world by Great Big Photography World. I cook, style and photograph food and recipes in my natural-light studio, and document food, chefs and restaurants on location. I have won the prestigious American Photography award nine times. I was inducted into the 2025 Taste Awards Hall of Fame for food and beverage photography.
I began contributing a monthly food column, food photography and additional illustrated articles to the Food Network and Refinery29 in 2013 and have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Reader’s Digest, CNN, Good Morning America, The New York Times, NPR. Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Glamour, Better Homes and Gardens, MSN, Thrillist, Brit + Co. Delish, Conde Nast Traveler and Buzzfeed Food.
You can learn more about me and view my food photography portfolio at my official website.
What is Sonoran-Style Cuisine and Why is it So Special?
Sonoran is a unique regional cuisine originating from the Sonoran Desert which spans the lower third of Arizona, a small portion of Southern California, the Sea of Cortez, and the state of Sonora in Mexico. The symbiotic relationship with both Mexico and the desert itself has resulted in a unique style of Southwestern regional cuisine not found anywhere else in the world.
The Sonoran Desert is the most tropical desert in North America with temperatures consistently reaching over 100°F alongside the yearly summer monsoon season though sometimes it does snow, particularly in the mountain ranges that surround the Tucson, Arizona basin where I live. There are more species of plants here than in any other desert in the world, including the famous Saguaro which like many cacti produces edible fruit. Flora and fauna brought by European settlers, most notably wheat, cattle and citrus, flourishes here and has become as much of the backbone of the cuisine as the corn, chiles, tomatoes and beans native to the Sonoran Desert region.
Sonoran food is light and bright and vegetable forward. This is summer food – year-round. Two of the world’s top health resorts are located in the region and their menus reflect and embrace the multiple health benefits associated with Sonoran cuisine. Their chefs and nutritionists have taught me many of their healthy culinary techniques which I’ve incorporated into my recipes.
This article from Visit Phoenix says:
“Forget limiting it to labels like “Mexican” or “Southwestern.” Sonoran food spans cuisines, cultures and techniques — all connected by one thing: ingredients native to the Sonoran Desert.
Chefs here are inspired by what grows in this landscape: cactus paddles and fruits, mesquite wood, chiltepin peppers, heirloom corn, desert legumes, and seasonal produce from Arizona farms. These elements show up in menus citywide — from taquerías and trattorias to tasting menus and cocktail bars.
It’s a living, evolving cuisine that celebrates Phoenix’s desert terroir.”
Subscribe to my newsletter for my latest recipes from my home in the Sonoran Desert. There will be contributions from local restaurants chefs past and present in addition to my own unique recipes.
What is Sonoran Corner?
My Sonoran Corner is a collection of curated recipes inspired by the history of the region, the mysticism and lore, and how it has contributed to the food of the people who live here. There will be contributions from local restaurants and chefs past and present in addition to my own recipes and food photography.
Why Should I Subscribe?
Sign up to receive the latest posts from Sonoran Corner in your Inbox. Subscribers will receive unique new recipes sent from my home in the Sonoran Desert directly to your inbox every week so you won’t have to worry about missing anything. Paying subscribers who help support this newsletter financially will get additional benefits including free prizes and giveaways.
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