The culinary world is in mourning following the heartbreaking news of the passing of renowned chef Anne Burrell.

Beloved for her energetic personality, approachable teaching style, and deep passion for food, Anne inspired millions of home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Her sudden departure leaves a void not only in the kitchen but also in the hearts of those who admired her warmth and dedication.

In the wake of this loss, a recently shared video of Anne cooking alongside her boyfriend’s son, Javier, has resurfaced and touched many.

The video offers a beautiful glimpse into Anne’s life beyond the spotlight—showcasing her as a nurturing mentor, a loving family figure, and a joyful cook who delighted in passing down culinary traditions to the next generation.

This intimate footage captures Anne and Javier preparing a cherished family recipe: flautas, a Mexican dish consisting of small, flute-shaped tacos that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The recipe holds sentimental value, as Javier wanted to learn how to make the dish his mother used to prepare for him.

Anne opens the video with her signature warm smile, introducing Javier as her sous-chef for the day.

“Hi, Javi,” she greets him, setting a friendly and relaxed tone.

Together, they embark on a cooking adventure that feels less like a formal lesson and more like a shared family moment.

The first step in their cooking process involves preparing the tortillas.

Anne explains that they will wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil along with a damp paper towel and place them in the oven for several minutes.

This technique softens the tortillas, making them pliable and fluffy—ideal for rolling without cracking.

Javier enthusiastically helps by wrapping the tortillas, a task that Anne praises for its precision and care.

As the tortillas warm, the duo turns their attention to the filling.

Anne uses one pound of ground beef sautéed with onions, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

She carefully drains the fat after cooking to keep the filling flavorful yet not greasy.

While the focus is on beef today, Anne notes that flautas are versatile and can be filled with chicken, vegetables, pork, or any preferred ingredient.

This flexibility is a hallmark of her teaching—encouraging cooks to adapt recipes to their tastes and available ingredients.

Next, they prepare a smoky salsa roja to accompany the flautas.

Anne sautés onions in vegetable oil until translucent, then adds diced jalapeño and finely chopped garlic.

She invites Javier to stir the mixture, making the cooking process interactive and fun.

Anne explains the addition of chipotle pepper powder—a dried, smoked jalapeño powder that imparts a deep smoky flavor and gentle heat.

For those who prefer milder spice, she suggests alternatives such as pickled jalapeños or crushed red chili flakes.

Once the salsa simmers and thickens, Anne incorporates it into the beef filling along with generous handfuls of Monterey Jack cheese.

She explains that traditionally, a cheese called Oaxaca is used, which melts easily and has a mild flavor similar to mozzarella.

However, she encourages flexibility, noting that Monterey Jack works wonderfully and is widely accessible.

With the filling ready, Anne and Javier retrieve the softened tortillas from the oven.

Anne demonstrates how to spread a line of filling just below the halfway point of each tortilla, sprinkle cheese on top, and then roll them tightly into their flute shape.

She emphasizes the importance of placing the folded seam down when frying to keep the flautas securely rolled and prevent filling from leaking.

The frying process is crucial for achieving the signature crispy exterior.

Anne heats oil in a pan and carefully places the rolled flautas seam-side down.

She cautions against overcrowding the pan, explaining that doing so causes steaming rather than frying, which results in soggy tortillas.

The golden-brown color and crackling sound signal when the flautas have reached perfect crispiness.

Meanwhile, Javier prepares a lime crema—a tangy, creamy sauce made by zesting and juicing fresh limes into sour cream.

Anne explains the importance of zesting only the outer green layer of the lime, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

The lime crema adds a refreshing brightness that balances the rich meat filling and smoky salsa.

After frying, the flautas are drained on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Anne assembles the dish by layering a spoonful of salsa roja and cheese on a crisp romaine lettuce leaf, wrapping a flauta inside, and topping it with the lime crema.

This creative presentation keeps the finger food neat and easy to eat, perfect for casual gatherings or family meals.

The video ends on a joyful note, with Anne and Javier tasting their creation.

Anne praises the crispy texture of the tortillas, the well-seasoned meat filling, and the bright lime crema, calling the dish “excellent.

” Javier’s enthusiasm and pride in the meal highlight the success of their collaboration and the joy of cooking together.

This video is a poignant reminder of Anne Burrell’s legacy—not only as a culinary expert but also as a mentor and family figure who valued sharing knowledge and creating memories through food.

Her approachable style made cooking accessible and fun, inspiring countless viewers to experiment in their kitchens.

Anne’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow chefs, and food enthusiasts worldwide.

Many have shared stories of how her energetic teaching style and genuine warmth encouraged them to embrace cooking with confidence and creativity.

Beyond her television appearances and cookbooks, Anne was known for her advocacy for food education and her belief in the power of cooking to bring people together.

This video with Javier encapsulates those values perfectly—showing that at its heart, cooking is about connection, tradition, and love.

As the culinary community mourns her loss, this intimate glimpse into Anne’s life reminds us to cherish the moments spent cooking with loved ones.

Her spirit lives on in every kitchen she inspired, every recipe she shared, and every meal made with care and passion.

Our deepest condolences go out to Anne Burrell’s family, friends, and admirers.

She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.