Mary Sue Milliken

Sweet oranges help tame the heat of the habanero in this zippy salsa, which would also be delicious alongside grilled pork loin.

This salad is great with grilled chicken thighs, lamb chops, or leg of lamb.

Tamarind gives this seared steak a flavor that's smoky yet bright.

A fizzy summer cocktail.

If black cod isn't available, a firm white fish, such as halibut or barramundi, would also work well.

The spice girls: Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, chefs and co-owners of Border Grill in Santa Monica and Ciudad in Los Angeles (who gained fame as the stars of the Food Network show Too Hot Tamales). What you'll love: The sweet and spicy flavor combination. "The taste of the mango and the serrano pepper had my mouth watering for more," one taster said.

This dish from Ciudad in Los Angeles was inspired by the flavors of Portuguese cooking.