// appetizers

I used 1/2 lb. fresh crab and followed everything else perfectly -- It was delicious. Will do this again. Also used the other 1/2 lb. for Paula Deen's Crabtini. Great easy dinner for 2.

Easy to make liver pate recipe, made with chicken livers and pork sausage, wrapped in bacon, well seasoned with herbs and spices.

A regular, almost a staple in my pantry, is Quinoa. I always have it on hand and most of my lunches are quinoa. It is a complete protein and for this forms a substantial part of our diet. A vegetable protein that does not have the calorie baggage is something I am not letting go of that easily. I try variation, adding different vegetables, legumes etc, to make it interesting every time I consume them. This is one of them. I love this variation since it looks immensely colorful and vibrant. I love stuffing peppers.

Who doesn’t like potatoes? I am a die hard fan of this root vegetable and find it immensely versatile in my cooking needs. Roast it, grill it, bake it, mash it, steam it – everything and almost anything works with potatoes.

Nachos  are considered more "Tex Mex" than Mexican, being an invention of one Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, a restaurateur serving American servicemen in the 1940s. At their essence, they are simply a layer of tortilla chips with melted cheddar cheese and jalapeño peppers. Unfortunately, the sports stadium concessionaires got a hold of the nachos idea and ruined it by using melted, processed Velveeta cheese, instead of real cheddar. So now, many people think that that's what nachos are. How distressing! Nachos are all about the ingredients - the best tortilla chips, freshly made refried pinto beans, grated cheddar cheese, jalapeño peppers, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and fresh cilantro. Canned refried beans can be used for this recipe, of course.

Make jalapeños escabeche, or pickled jalapeños. Pickled jalapeños are served as a condiment with many meals in Mexico. The chiles can be cut up and used for many dishes.

Very tasty, always a big hit, easy to make.