Achiote trees (also known as annatto) grow abundantly in tropical locations. These trees produce pretty flowers as well as seed pods in which you will find a bright red pulp as well as red seeds. It is these seeds that are used to make a paste which in turn flavors many Mexican dishes. Because of it's bright red color, achiote is also used as a natural dye for cheese, butter and cosmetics. Achiote Paste can be used as a delicious marinade for chicken or pork and it is fairly easy to make. Pick up some achiote (seeds) next time you're in the market for a unique and earthy flavor.

If you keep some fresh Mexican cheese on hand you can enjoy Fried Cheese anytime you like. It is surprisingly simple and all you need is the cheese and a hot pan, no breading required. You can serve it topped with your favorite salsa or fruit preserves, or make a "garlic bread" version by sprinkling on a pinch of garlic powder after they are done cooking. They make a great quick after school snack for hungry kids to tide them over until dinner. They are best eaten fresh from the pan as they lose their crunch as they cool.

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Cooking a homemade meal for your Mom makes this special day a memorable one. Cook up a feast for the whole family to enjoy with these Mother's Day Brunch Recipes. This selection of easy and delicious dishes such as the quesadillas pictured, will impress Mom and rival even the best neighborhood restaurant.

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Fresh fish is a perfect summer time dinner since it's so light in texture it won't weigh you down. For example this delicious Huachinango a la Veracruzana cooks up tender and flaky smothered with a delicious tomato sauce flavored with green olives, capers and oregano. One of the keys to keeping the fish tender and flavorful is the simple marinade of seasoned lime juice. So crank up the oven for a moment to enjoy this taste of Veracruz.

Frosty and refreshing, tangy and sweet, these blended Strawberry-Lime Margaritas are the perfect crowd-pleaser. With Cinco de Mayo coming up on Monday, now is the time to start planning the festivities and icy cool beverages are the perfect accompaniment for chips and salsa, or just about any other appetizer. Stock up on the ingredients now, so you can have these delicious Margaritas ready for your guests when they arrive. They are so good, you just might be tempted to keep them all for yourself.

The fifth of May, which is a Mexican holiday celebrating the famed battle of Puebla, is on a Monday this year. Even though Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout Puebla, the celebrations through the rest of Mexico are mild and in some areas not at all. However, people of all races celebrate Cinco de Mayo all over the United States, more as a celebration of Mexico's heritage, rather than the actual battle of Puebla. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Mexican food, Mexican beer and definitely some exceptional tequila. Whip up a batch of these tangy Lime Margaritas and start planning your fiesta! Here is everything you need to know.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo-

• What is Cinco de Mayo? What does it celebrate, and what kinds of foods are eaten?

• What should I serve my guests? Traditional cuisine from Puebla or something quick and easy?

• Also, take a look at my Top Recipes for Cinco de Mayo.

If you've never tried Picadillo before, you're missing out on something special! Picadillo is a unique dish that is served all over Latin America from Southern Mexico all the way to Cuba. Each country has it's own special additions, as well as each family adds their own special touches. In Mexico it is usually enjoyed in tacos, tamales or empanadas, but it can be eaten as a main dish in itself. The ingredients are not hard to find, you probably have most of them in your kitchen right now so plan on making some Picadillo for dinner tonight!

If you've ever wanted to know an easy way to get picture-perfect diced jalapeños or chiles, you can see exactly how to do it with these instructions for How to Seed and Dice a Jalapeño or Chile. See each step with a picture and you'll learn how to seed and dice a chile quickly and easily.

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With spring in full swing and the summer approaching, light and easy meals are slowly replacing rich and hearty winter fare. These Grilled Chile Shrimp make a perfect spring-time dinner. Prepare them a little before dinner and toss them on the grill while the sun sets. Enjoy a bold chile flavor and subtle hints of garlic and onions with the sweet undertones of fresh seafood.

This flat, heavy-duty Comal is a must have for authentic Mexican cooking. While modern cookware is non-stick and light weight, it offers no additional flavor from it's cooking surface. Most non-stick suraces chip and scratch easily while a cast-iron comal will last you a lifetime. Find out everything you need to know about this versatile cookware here.

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