NPR's Leila Fadel visits Pooja Bavishi, the author of Malai, a South Asian-inspired frozen desserts cookbook, at her D.C.

“South Asian food is not just about the food,” says ... While the aubergine is cooking, heat a small frying pan, add the fennel seeds and dry-roast over a low heat for a minute.

The cookbook's recipes range from apple pie ice cream to orange fennel French toast. The flavors are mainly inspired by South Asian desserts ... me into desserts and food in the first place.