We were having margaritas before dinner one evening in a wonderful restaurant in Mexico City and thought we should have something to nibble with them. The young waiter read our minds—he knew just what we wanted even though we had never heard of it and brought us a...

Serves 6 • 1½ cups dried red kidney beans • 6 cups water • 2 Tbs. corn oil • 1½ onions • 3 tsp. salt • ¼ cup olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup peeled, chopped tomatoes • 2 small jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced • 2 Tbs. lemon juice • ¼ tsp. cinnamon • ⅛...

Serves 4 to 6 • 6 Tbs. vegetable oil • 2 Tbs. butter • 1½ yellow onions • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) • 4½ cups cooked kidney beans • 2 cups cooking liquid from beans • salt to taste • garnish • grated mild cheese such as Jack, mild Cheddar 1. Heat the oil and...

Serves 6 as a first course or 4 as a main course. • This makes an excellent sauce or filling for omelets. • 2¼ lbs. green bell peppers (about 5 large) • 1½ lbs. tomatoes or 4 to 5 canned tomatoes and 1 cup juice • 1 large yellow onion • 1 large red onion • 3 Tbs....

Serves 6 • 8 corn tortillas vegetable oil for frying • salt to taste • 1 lb. mushrooms • 2 Tbs. olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed • pinch of thyme • pinch of oregano • pepper to taste • 1 cup sliced green onions • 1 lb. tomatoes, peeled and puréed • 6...

Serves 5 to 6 • 3 medium-sized ripe avocados • juice of 1 large lemon • salt to taste • ½ clove garlic, pressed or minced • ¼ cup minced onions • 12 corn tortillas • vegetable oil for frying • 1 cup sour cream • 1 onion, chopped • 6 to 8 oz. farmer cheese, crumbled •...