The Tequila Diet

Book excerpt: Top Chef Alum Dave Martin brings you 'The Tequila Diet', an homage to the world's greatest spirit and a guide to some of the most loved classic foods of Mexico. This easy-to-follow book is a collection of recipes influenced by Dave's adolescent years growing up in Southern California combined with his adult adventures traveling throughout Mexico. His deep reverence for Tequila is apparent through his use of the spirit in his tasty cocktails and several dishes where it makes sense. You'll love learning more about tequila while you cook your way through this curated collection of Mexican favorites. Let this book be the delicious beginning of your own love affair with Mexican food and drink! Enjoy simple Salsas & Ceviche or attempt your own Homemade Empanadas or Triple Chile Enchilada Sauce (pasilla, chipotle & guajillo). Learn how to recreate regional favorites like Mole Negro (a chocolate & chile based sauce), Birria (slow braised beef, goat or lamb) or Posole (a stew of pork, hominy & pinto beans). There are lighter takes on traditional dishes that will please even the pickiest eaters. Pan Roasted Fish Tacos, Tequila Braised Carnitas and Baked Chile Rellenos are packed full of flavor and friendlier to the waistline. Inspired by Mexico and infused with Tequila, Dave brings the flavors of Mexican cocktails from his bar to yours with Tequila based drinks that you can replicate in your own home. Saddle up to the Cabo Cool-Aid with hibiscus soda, the Reynosa Ranch Water muddled with fresh cucumber or the Punta Mita Paloma (a new take on the original made Dave's way with a blast of grapefruit hard seltzer). Along with signature cocktails, Dave has included tequila pairings for every dish to help make this book the ultimate entertaining companion. Easily sourced and interchangeable ingredients make this the perfect, versatile cookbook and cocktail guide for a weeknight dinner at home or a Mexican feast fit for friends and family. Several recipes in the book encourage you to use the protein, vegetable or filling of your choice based on what you're craving or what you have on hand (e.g., chicken, veggie or braised lamb enchiladas) . The recipes in this book have been lovingly tested and tasted in Dave's New York and San Diego kitchens with friends, family & clients by his side. Within the book, you'll find recipes for cocktails that can be shaken by a budding bartender and authentic Mexican dishes that can be prepared by the home cook or aspiring chef. 'The Tequila Diet' can be your culinary & cocktail resource that brings a small piece of Mexico into your home and heart.