wuzuwu's Profile

Go for some Rick Bayless-inspired build-your-own tacos with a couple of different fillings. Good for groups with picky eaters...the meats can be prepared the night before and quickly reheated. Last-minute prep is limited to some chopping -- the guests do most of the assembly work themselves!

Make three kinds of fillings...I'd go with:
- shredded poached or roasted chicken simmered briefly with some mild tomatillo salsa right before serving (I make my own, but Arriba or another good brand is great)
- shredded slow-cooked spicy pork or beef (i.e., cochinita pibil or barbacoa)
- black beans and sauteed baby bella mushrooms/onions/garlic

Take care of vegetarians/vegans, meat eaters, and kids (they love the chicken) with your selections. Other possibilities are grilled or fried fish, fajita-style meats, and old-school Tex Mex ground beef. The ones above are the easiest for me, though.

Chop up tomatos, lettuce, raw onions, seeded jalapenos, maybe some avocado, and cilantro (required). Have sour cream, cheese (I'd go for a crumbly fresh mild skim cheese), and guacamole, plus maybe some salsas. Serve with small soft tortillas warmed up (people will want to try multiple fillings) -- consider both corn and flour.

The secret is ample variety, to suit all tastes. The tomatillo chicken is usually a huge hit in my house -- twenty people could easily take down two good-sized hens.

Zack from Texas