Latin American

An adaptation of a recipe from Mexican Light Cooking by our friend Kathi Long, a chef and author in Santa Fe.

Besides the tacos, try the Pico de Gallo on scrambled eggs, grilled chicken or instead of sour cream on a baked potato.

This recipe accompanies Black Bean Soup with Cilantro-Tomato Salsa

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These mini tostadas make terrific appetizers. The topping is seasoned with cumin, serrano chili and cilantro.

The spirit of Mexico spices up this home-style, do-ahead main dish. The enchiladas can be assembled one day in advance and refrigerated. If time is short, use 5 cups of shredded skinless cooked chicken from the deli and 4 1/2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth. Begin the party with chips, guacamole and salsa, and blend a pitcher or two of Margaritas for fun. Watch how to cut a whole chicken into parts to use in this recipe.

Spinach, green onions, cilantro and chilies give the sauce its name--and lots of flavor.

Annatto seed seasoning paste

This Mexican-style fish is even better with a couple of great side dishes: steamed rice with fresh cilantro, and a pretty salad of sliced oranges, red onion and black olives. A simple flan makes a lovely dessert. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For an easy and informal dinner, make a salad and some rice to go alongside this bubbling cheese mixture known as queso fundido. Each diner spoons some of the cheese into warm tortillas. This can also be served as an appetizer at parties. Mix up some Margaritas to add to the fun.

In the state of Yucatán in southeastern Mexico, lime soup is served on even the hottest days. The fresh taste of the cilantro and the sourness of the lime combine to give the soup plenty of zing.

Thai spicing brings new flavor to an avocado classic. Add more color by serving this in a large leaf of red cabbage.

Red snapper is the fish of choice in Veracruz, Mexico, where this dish originated. The combination of the cinnamon, olives, capers, and peppers gives the sauce heat and depth. This is a quick, light dish, good with boiled potatoes and rice.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 10 min

Tomates Rellenos Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min Long before guacamole, tortilla chips, and Margaritas became a popular light dinner, guacamole was often served in tomatoes, and we were charmed by this presentation.