Amor y Tacos Party Notes

Tacos and antojitos are perfect party food. Almost everything can (and should) be made ahead—salsas, garnishes, tortillas—leaving just the fillings to grill or sauté at the last minute. The tacos themselves must be made by you or your guests seconds before they are eaten. Don’t fill up a pan with premade tacos and stick it in the oven to keep warm; they’ll get soggy. Instead, show off—dazzle your guests with some last-minute cooking and assemble the tacos to order, just like a taquero.

PLANNING This food requires more preparation time (making salsas, chopping garnishes) than assembly time. Do as much as you can in the days and hours before the party. Most salsas can be made up to 8 hours ahead; just taste them and adjust seasonings before serving. Items such as panuchos and toritos can be made a day ahead, then cooked and kept warm for up to an hour. For last-minute recipes such as ceviche and aguachiles, have all ingredients cut but separate; assemble them and then serve them right away.