Crispy spicy okra salad

Do you have a cookbook that is the star of your cooking bookshelf? One from which every recipe you try makes you just say...WOW!!!? For me, this book is American Masala: 125 New Classics from My Home Kitchen by Indian celebrity chef Suvir Saran. I picked up this book after eating at and loving his (formerly Michelin starred) restaurant Devi in New York, and let me tell you, this is one of the best cookbooks ever! Mostly focused on the theme of spicing up American classics with Indian spices and techniques, every single thing that I've made from this book, be it super simple or more elaborate, has been just wonderful. This crispy salad of fried okra strips tossed with tomato, red onion and coriander and seasoned with Indian chaat masala, chili powder and a bit of salt is the perfect example. It's so simple yet delicious and perfect for a dinner party or whenever you want to impress somebody!

Adventures in Lisboa

I don't have to think twice when someone asks me which is my favorite European city. Without a doubt, it is Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese)! The name itself evokes Portugal's fabled past of seafaring explorers, the nostalgic notes of the fado, streetcars, the beautiful tiles (azulejos) which cover the city's streets and walls and incredible geography between the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. My husband Luis is half Portuguese, and while he grew up in the beautiful Azores Islands which are two hours away from mainland Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic, we do make trips to Lisbon from time to time to see family and enjoy the city's magic. We made such a getaway this past weekend, and as always the food and drink for which Portugal is known was one of the highlights!

Indian-style seven-layer dip

My creative mother is at it again! Knowing that the traditional Tex-Mex style seven-layer dip is a favorite in our family, she decided to make an Indian version of it. The typical refried beans were replaced with a spicy chickpea paste, the guacamole with a a creamy coriander and cashew chutney. Tomato chutney substituted for salsa, Greek yogurt for sour cream and a mix of grated paneer (Indian cheese) and carrot for the typical cheddar. Topped with chopped green onions, tomatoes and sliced black grapes (which surprisingly look just like black olives)...wouldn't you think that this is a traditional seven-layer dip if you saw it? But let me assure you...it's not! It's better! Served with papdi (thick flat mini puris available at Indian groceries), plantain chips or toasted pita bread instead of the typical tortilla chips, this colorful, tasty and spicy dip is sure to be the hit of your summer parties and picnics!

Migas - my favorite weekend breakfast!

Weekends are for many things. Sleeping in, going out, taking care of household chores and laundry, seeing family and friends. Two days are seemingly never enough for all of this...and actually I propose that we start a worldwide movement in favor of three-day weekends, every weekend! I know that this might be unlikely, but I do know that for me, weekends are also a time for leisurely and scrumptious breakfasts and brunches, the kinds that are just not possible during the hectic work week. One of my favorite weekend breakfasts has always been migas, a Mexican or rather Tex-Mex dish consisting of eggs scrambled with chopped up corn tortillas. It's a staple in Texas where I grew up, but one that is delicious, super easy and certain to please anyone!

A weekend in Burgundy

To celebrate the engagement of our friends Kenga and Duncan (who interestingly enough met at our wedding!), we recently spent a weekend in Beaune, the wine capital of Bourgogne (Burgundy), known as one of the most famous wine regions in France and in the entire world. We were graciously hosted by Kenga's sister, brother-in-law and nieces and spent a lovely weekend checking out markets, driving through vineyards and nearby villages, listening to music provided by Luis and our visiting musician friend Armando Tito (check him out playing live with Cesaria Evora here) and of course drinking lots of the excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs for which Burgundy is renowned.