At the Table with Meagan Micozzi

Born in New Jersey, raised in Washington, D.C. and educated in New England, The New Southwest cookbook author Meagan Micozzi was a fish out of water when she relocated to Arizona.

In search of something familiar, she found comfort and inspiration in the foods of the southwest and set out to learn all she could from local chefs and natives. Her research led to the launch of ScarlettaBakes.com, a blog devoted to her original recipes and food photography. Her dishes have been featured on The Huffington Post, The Kitchn, Gourmet, and Bon Appétit, and her blog was named a 'Site We Love' by Saveur.

In honor of The New Southwest’s publication, Latina magazine featured recipes from the cookbook in its October issue. We wondered what inspires Meagan most: where she eats; the music she listens to; and the family memories that influence her cooking. Here’s what she had to say.

Dish you crave from your abuela: 

My grandmother was famous for her homemade raspberry jam – I still regularly crave it to this day, especially when raspberries are in season!

Secret ingredient to make a dish pop: 

Perfectly caramelized onions deepen the flavor of almost any dish.

Favorite Latin restaurant in the U.S.: 

El Chullo in Phoenix serves the best Peruvian food.

Favorite city to eat in: 

Phoenix or Austin, Texas.

Secret to a perfect dinner party: 

Prepare as much food in advance as possible; make-ahead dishes are the best way to preserve sanity.

Biggest food indulgence: 

Chimichangas! I just can’t help myself!

Favorite vegetable: 

Although they are technically fruits, I can’t live without avocado and tomatoes.

Best food memory: 

Rolling sweet sugar cookies at Christmastime with my mother, sister and brother.

Ideal breakfast, lunch and dinner: 

A small bowl of salsa cruda for breakfast, veggie quesadillas with spicy rice for lunch, and my husband’s grilled, spice-rubbed chicken for dinner. Perfect!

Favorite Latin cocktail: 

The Paloma – so refreshing.

Favorite kitchen gadget: 

My zester!

Perfect song to cook to: 

Anything by Eric Clapton.

Favorite fusion: 

I’ve had some delicious Latin/Asian fusion dishes lately – it’s a fantastic combination.

Tip for at-home cooks:

Taking the time to toast and grind your own spices and chiles is a fantastic way to deepen the flavor of your cooking.