Amor y Tacos

Book excerpt: “A zesty take on tacos, drinks, and appetizers sure to inspire fans of Mexican flavors” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Think you know what a taco is? Think again. This hot little book delivers a deliciously new way to “do” Mexican—not just tacos but also antojitos (the “little bites” that are Mexico’s variation on tapas), salsas, tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails, and the amazingly thirst-quenching fruit drinks called aguas frescas. Taking her cue from the taqueros who vend fresh, inventive, lovingly prepared food from roadside stalls in Baja and street-side trucks in Tijuana, author Deborah Schneider shakes up and recombines traditional Mexican flavors in ways that will dazzle your taste buds. Her inspired, quick, easy-to-make dishes include Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Poblano Rajas, Deep-Fried Fish Tacos Capeado with Spicy Coleslaw, Lemon-Garlic Chicken Tacos with Mezcal, a vegetarian taco with quesa fresca (fresh cheese), and even a taco stuffed with shredded beef that’s been simmered in Coca-Cola.