Win A Copy Of Modern Spice

Metrocurean is pleased to offer a little contest this week to give away a copy of local food writer Monica Bhide's fabulous new Indian cookbook "Modern Spice."

The cookbook, with mouthwatering pomegranate shrimp on the cover and a foreward by Mark Bittman, dispels myths about Indian cuisine being all about the curry and introduces readers to modern recipes like paneer and fig pizza and salmon with kumquat chutney. There's also a fabulous chapter on cocktails, including Guava Bellinis, a Tamarita, a tamarind spin on the margarita, and Rum and Roses, using Rooh Afza rose syrup.

I've always loved Monica's engaging personal essays, which readers will find sprinkled among the recipes. An engineer turned food writer, Monica was born in New Delhi, raised in the Middle East and now lives in the DC area.

To enter to win a copy of Monica's book, leave a comment below and tell us about your favorite spice — Indian or not — and how you use it. Monica will choose a lucky winner, whom I'll announce April 21, the day the book officially hits the shelves. Be sure to sure to leave your comment by Friday at 9 p.m.