Spring, summer, winter, fall. Marriages are perpetually in a state of transition, continually moving from one season to another—perhaps not annually, as in nature, but just as certainly and consistently. Sometimes we find ourselves in winter—discouraged, detached, and dissatisfied; other times, we experience springtime with its openness, hope, and anticipation. On other occasions, we bask in the warmth of summer—comfortable, relaxed, enjoying life. And then comes fall with its uncertainty, negligence, and apprehension. The cycle repeats itself many times throughout the life of a marriage, just as the seasons repeat themselves in nature.

The latest addition to Agate Surrey’s beloved 1001 series of cookbooks is its hottest ever. The largest and most comprehensive cookbook ever published on this subject, 1001 Best Hot and Spicy Recipes is composed of the very best dishes from author Dave DeWitt’s collection of chili pepper–laden recipes. Created from his globe-trotting travels, from colleagues, and from research in authentic, obscure, and out-of-print cookbooks from all over the world, the book is loaded with a huge variety of soups, stews, chilies, and gumbos. It also includes a broad selection of barbecue dishes for the grill, a lengthy list of meatless entrees and vegetable options, and even a surprising array of zesty beverages, desserts, and breakfasts. Recipes are organized according to the region from which the chili peppers come: South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United States, Europe, the Mediterranean and Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Asia and the Pacific. A treasury of the very best the world has to offer of great spicy foods, no serious cook should be without this jam-packed trove.

Guacamole is a must-have for any tailgate party, Super Bowl bash or backyard BBQ, but that isn’t the only thing the irresistible avocado is good for. With its creamy, buttery texture and rich, almost nutty taste, this amazing superfood is the perfect ingredient for a host of delectable and healthy meals.

Among her 62 recipes, Dyan Merick cooks up a full selection of breakfasts, salads, soups, lunches and snacks, main entrées, side dishes and desserts for you.