I scanned the menu of the dimly lit Thai restaurant where we had chosen to have lunch. It was really breakfast, being our first meal of the day. It was still only 11:30 in the morning.

My tongue ruminated on memories of peanut sauce and bean sprouts, quickly tasting each dish with which it was presented and re-shelving the phantom platter for a later craving. When my eyes came to rest on the Spicy Green Curry, I knew my mouth had found what it wanted.

Something in me was telling me that this was the dish I should order, despite the warning label under the menu description advertising this as a “very spicy dish.” Or maybe precisely because of that label.

As I barreled my way through that burning sensation that was my breakfast, I wondered why on Earth I was doing this to myself. There was so much spice that I could barely taste anything else. There were hints of coconut milk here, and eggplant there, but mostly my mouth was a wasteland of curry on fire.

That got me thinking about my whole relationship with spicy food. I can’t say that I really like how it tastes. So why do I love eating it? Read More »

There’s a known hierarchy of important items on Super Bowl Sunday, and it goes something like this:

3. The game.
2. The commercials.
1. The FOOD!

Chips and dip are a huge crowd-pleaser, but why run out to the store and load up when you can just make your own? Here’s a pair of simple recipes that’s sure to be the hit of your party.

First, put together your guacamole. Slice an avocado lengthwise, remove the pit and skin, then smash the flesh with a fork in a small bowl (sounds like fun, doesn’t it?).

Add about one-third of a large tomato (chopped), one diced garlic clove, and one tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro.

Mash it all together again. Finally, add salt to taste and a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice. Stir well, stick it in the fridge until kickoff time, and you’re done!

While the guac is chilling, you can make the chips. Preheat the oven to 350, then coat a large baking sheet or two with tinfoil.

Slice two soft tortillas or wraps of any flavor (I like to use whole-wheat or spinach-garlic) into triangular, chip-shaped wedges. Arrange the wedges on the baking sheets, cook 10-12 minutes, and there you have it—tasty, homemade chips and guacamole for four!