Dear %Name,

Mexican cooking is a lot like Indian cooking…full-bodied, colourful, infinitely textured and a delight to the senses! It uses ingredients that are easy to find and quick to prepare.

This weekend try your hand at some delicious Mexican food… no not at a popular Mexican eatery but in the comfort of your own home. The following recipes and décor tips will never want you to visit a restaurant again.

Start off with Nachos, the popular corn chips found in every corner of Mexico. Serve them with the authentic accompaniment - salsa, a wonderfully tart dip that acquires a hidden sweetness. Corn is a national staple in Mexico and combines well with capsicums to make a really delicious soup; while green beans tossed in a vinaigrette salad add a zing to the Green Bean Salad. Baked rice with Cheese Patties is a filling main course that deserves a stylish dessert! Though Fried Ice Cream is not an original Mexican dessert, it is served in most Mexican restaurants, and the trick lies in maintaining temperatures of both oil and ice cream.

When you plan a Mexican theme, think vibrant and vivacious. Pick one element you would like to emphasise and highlight it dramatically. Use clusters of brightly coloured capsicum (bell peppers), large bhavnagri chillies or small bird chillies to spice up your dinner table. For a really wild time, conduct a chilli eating competition! And keep the margaritas flowing.

Regards,