Genies have a wicked sense of humor. So if ever asked to decide on a particular cuisine for an entire year, I’d choose one that covers a lot of bases. For me, that is Latin American cuisine.

Tacos al Pastor

I love ‘Latam’ food for its intense contradicting flavors: Fiery hot peppers counteracted with the juicy sweetness of lime and orange. Steamy tortillas and piping hot meat paired with cool guacamole and tart sour cream.

Hand me a corn tortilla and I’ll stuff it with whatever you have available.

Let’s start with chipotle, pineapple, saffron, chorizo, mango, tamarind, avocado, achiote, coconut, cilantro, ancho, corn, lime, capers, adobo, or various picadillos.

Next you have of goodness of options to make your own unique creation.

Pork: zesty orange-rind infused Carnitas or the succulent spiciness of Cochinita Pibil.

Beef: the spicy sweetness of shredded Chalupa, saucy Ropa Vieja, or simple Carne Asada.

Seafood: Imagine a spoonful of heavenly Ceviche: fish, shrimp, and calamari chopped with tomato, cilantro, red onion, habanero chiles, mango, avocado all ‘cooked’ in the juices of lime and orange.

And the sauces, wow! I imagine God smiled the day he created Mole sauce. I mean come on, CHOCOLATE sauce! And it has so many healthy things for you like tomatoes and chili pepper...Mole sauce is the perfect food!

A little yellow rice and black beans adds a shock of color (and honestly, the only being in my house that eats vegetables is the rabbit, so we have little need for them).

Add a sparkling pitcher of red Sangria or a fine glass of Argentine wine and you have all the necessary food to keep me happy for the year!

Oh, wait! Let’s not forget dessert. There’s only need for one: Tres Leches cake. Does that even fit into my cuisine category? If not, we’ll add some toasted coconut and make it so.