Mexican

Tostadas caseras — corn tortillas that have been seasoned and fried — can be found with the tortillas in most supermarkets. The soup can be made one day before serving.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Crispy Pork with Avocado Salsa and Tomato Salsa .

You might be tempted to bake 2 sheets at a time in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Don't give in to this urge—they must go in the middle of the oven to cook through and brown evenly.

Crepas Rellenas de Hongos con Salsa de Chile Poblano Wild mushrooms stand in for cuitlacoche (corn fungus), which is a delicacy in Mexico.

Huachinango a la Veracruzana In a traditional Veracruzan household, you would find papas cambray (roasted tiny white potatoes) and a bowl of savory white rice served alongside.

It's common in Oaxaca to add mint to rice, adding a subtle herbal dimension.

María A. Alvarado-Gómez of Erie, Pennsylvania, writes: "I came to the United States as an exchange student, after spending the first 18 years of my life in Mérida, Yucatán. On school vacations I would go home and cook with my mother and sisters so that I wouldn't lose my touch. My mother was a skilled cook, and I was lucky to have learned at her side. Her food was so popular in our neighborhood that she sold portions of our daily meals to other families. With nine well-fed kids, she said we were her best advertisement. "I still take great pride in the food of my homeland. Yucatecan cuisine is known for its Mayan influence, and the essential ingredients we use — limes, spices, avocados, tomatoes, peppers — make for wonderful flavors. Now that ground spices are readily available and vegetables can be quickly chopped in a food processor, preparing traditional Mexican dishes is easier than ever." This dish is the Yucatecan version of huevos rancheros.

Chalupas Poblanas de Pollo Look for tightly stacked tortillas in packs of 50 (they can be frozen). They are pressed tightly together to retain moisture and freshness and are available in Latino markets and some supermarkets. Delicious tortillas can also be mail-ordered from Maria & Ricardo's Tortilla Factory (800-881-7040). Other Mexican ingredients are available at Mexican markets and many supermarkets. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

Paired with tortilla chips, this guacamole makes an excellent starter. Also offer chilled Mexican beer throughout the meal.

Poblano Strips with Onions and Cream Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here's a hearty and satisfying "Mexican lasagna" that comes together quickly.

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

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.

Jalapeño chilies give this a nice spicy kick. An accompaniment to Chicken Chili Verde .

Margaritas, crisp Mexican beer or sangria would be perfect with this dinner.

The grill adds a sophisticated smoky quality to this dish, but you can make it from beginning to end using only the oven.

Cooking chicken as described in the recipe below results in really crisp, almost transparent skin (like that on Peking duck) and moist flesh.