Fiesta Latina

Description

This title contains sizzling party food and drink ideas from the Hot new cuisine. The drink recipes alone are enough to base a party around - Coconut Mojitos or Watermelon Martini anyone? There is nothing like una fiesta latina. You feel the warmth as soon as you walk in the door. You are greeted with a wave of festive music, the animated conversations of good friends, and the irresistible aroma of tamales, empanadas, and grilled meats. All the little plates in this colorful cookbook are perfect for throwing your own party - Latin-Style. Set the scene with a few pasabocas (appetizers), including homemade guacamole on sauteed corn cakes and spicy chipotle flavored crab cakes. Throw in some finger foods such as spring rolls of tuna, coconut, and rice or cumin-scented empanadas stuffed with steak. For a more sit-down celebration, treat your guests to roasted chicken with fabulously flavored mashed potatoes (secret ingredient: lobster!) and a drizzle of creamy peanut sauce. Or maybe some Crispy East Coast Oysters with a beautiful saffron aioli. The recipes are suitable for almost every level of cook and are interesting and original without being weird.

Rafael Palomino, born in Bogata, Colombia, and raised in Queens, is the owner and executive chefof Vida in New York City and Sonora in Port Chester, New York. He is the author of Nueva Salsa, Viva la Vida (Chronicle Books).