Adela Amador was born in northern New Mexico. She was reared in Placitas and moved to Albuquerque in the 60s. She is a graduate of the Edith McCurdy School and the University of New Mexico, with a degree in Spanish and philosophy. She has traveled widely and is an avid reader. She helped build C-47s during World War II. She has been postmistress, housewife, mother and business-woman.

Adela authored the popular Southwest Flavor column in NEW MEXICO MAGAZINE from 1993 to 2006, and a book by the same name, published by the magazine in 2000. It all started with the little recipe book TWELVE GIFTS. MORE GIFTS followed, and will be reprinted by popular demand in Spring of 2008. Some of Adela's stories which did not find their way into the magazine were compiled in Adela's collection of cuentos, UNDERCURRENTS.