These flaky pastries are perfect for a meal or even a snack. First you make the Dough and then you can stuff it with all sorts of things, from meat to fruit. Here is a delicious Beef Empanada Filling made with ground beef, potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. For a sweeter version try these Apple Empanadas with a caramel sauce.

If you love corn, then you will love the simplicity of this classic Mexican side dish called Esquites. All you need is the freshest corn you can find, some fresh butter and a bit of salt. It is so delicious it is also eaten as a snack and is sold by street vendors so that everyone can enjoy it any time of day.

Beans are a staple in my families house and these ones are slow-cooked with onion and garlic to bring out the rich and hearty flavors. These Pinto Beans are wonderful as a side dish, but can be eaten alone as well. Just top them with some chopped onions and cilantro and you've got yourself a meal.

Tacos are a great dish for spring and summer because they are quick and easy and don't require a lot of cooking time. You can fill them with just about anything, but some of my favorite fillings are in these Grilled Chicken and Chile Tacos. They are stuffed with grilled chicken, fresh roasted green chiles, melted cheese, corn and green chile sauce. Most of the cooking is done outdoors on the grill, so they are a perfect meal for warm spring evenings.