At the Table With… Natalie Morales

The Latina magazine parenting columnist and NBC Today show news anchor tells us what she’s craving.

Favorite kitchen gadget:

My Nespresso coffee maker; it makes a perfect latte or cappuccino.

Secret ingredient to make a dish pop:

Sazón Goya Con Culantro Y Achiote packets. Makes a great marinade or dry rub.

Dish you crave from mom or abuela:

My mother’s flan, which I now make too.

Favorite city to eat:

New York, of course!

Favorite restaurant in the U.S.:

Mario Batali’s Babbo or Le Colonial in New York, Slanted Door in San Francisco

Secret to a perfect dinner party:

Good wine and simple foods that don’t require a lot of preparation before or cleanup after.

Biggest food indulgence:

Bread and cheese.

Best food memory:

Eating tapas in Madrid, Spain while growing up there.

Ideal breakfast, lunch and dinner:

Breakfast: Whole-wheat pancakes and fresh fruit.

Lunch: A whole-grain pizza or flat bread loaded with veggies and a fresh chopped salad. 

Dinner: Linguini and baby cockle clams—yummy—and nice bottle of wine.

Favorite cocktail:

Passion fruit caipirinha or red wine.