Contemporary Southwest

In her first cookbook, restaurateur Donna Nordin brings together 85 recipes for the food that has earned her national acclaim and repeatedly landed Cafe Terra Cotta on lists of America's best restaurants. While all her dishes dazzle the palate, subtle garlic Custard and smooth Avocado Vichysoisse are as much a part of her repertoire as the fiery punch of Fries Jalapeno Ravioli. Her signature style carries over into the dessert course with a tequila-laced chocolate Arizona Princess Cake, just one of her many sophisticated studies in flavor. Share these recipes with your family and friends and you'll understand why Donna is one of the country's foremost cooking teachers, as well as one of its most respected chefs.