Chef Nikki Shaw: Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm constantly in search of great food, fun, and adventure!

The L.A. Lakers have won the championship again; this is our fourth ring since we have been part of the Laker family. During the exciting playoff series, I asked Kobe about his most unforgettably delicious dishes. He told me that his wife, Vanessa, doesn't have to cook if she doesn't want to (must be nice!), but when she does, he loves for her to make his favorite Spicy Beef Tostadas.

Vanessa and Kobe have been married since 2001, and have two of the most gorgeous daughters you've ever laid eyes on! Vanessa's cultural heritage is Mexican, and she can make several great recipes that have been passed down through her family.

"NIK TIP": The best way to describe a tostada is to call it a flat, open-faced taco. When making a recipe like Spicy Beef Tostadas, carry the Mexican theme throughout the entire evening. Let your music, appetizers, and drinks be influenced with a little Mexican flavor. Break out the Carlos Santana CDs, pop a few Taquitos in the oven, and mix up a huge batch of horchata (a sweet, white, rice-based Mexican drink).

In this bitter economy, I'll show you how to make life sweet right at home.

SPICY BEEF TOSTADA

6 tortillas, flour or corn
safflower oil for deep frying
1 pound ground beef or turkey
½ cup onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
sea salt, to taste
cayenne pepper, to taste
1 can refried beans
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
1 cup tomatoes, diced
½ cup sour cream -- optional

1. In a large pan, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 375 degrees. After oil is hot, place one tortilla at a time in the pan and fry for 1 minute on each side. Remove tortilla with tongs and lay on paper towels to drain. Or, purchase ready-made tostada shells. 

2. In a large skillet, add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, until browned. Drain fat from pan, then add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. In a small saucepan, heat refried beans.

3. Assemble tostadas by covering each fried tortilla with the refried beans first, so that everything else has something to hold onto. Add the seasoned meat mixture next. Then sprinkle on shredded lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes. Finish each tostada with a spoonful of sour cream on top.

servings: 6 / prep time: 10 minutes / cook time: 30 minutes

Celebrity Chef Nikki Shaw is the owner of Flavor Caterer in Oakland, Ca. and was a finalist on the Food Network's "Next Food Network Star." She is the host of the radio show "Today's Flavor" broadcast on San Francisco's KBLX and webcast on WBLS in New York. She is married to LA Lakers' Assistant Coach Brian Shaw and lives in both Northern & Southern California with their three children. www.chefnikkishaw.com