Flavored butter logs are a great way to impart tropical flavors into your favorite dishes. They also make unique homemade gifts any time of the year. Try Lime Chive Butter on chicken, pork chops, veal or drizzled over fish. Smokey Pineapple Butter is an excellent compliment to lobster, shrimp, scallops and other seafood.

Photo licensed to About.com. Copyright 2008 Hector Rodriguez.

This mother's day, try someting new. Salmon Tostada Salad is a fresh, colorful take on Latin-inspired tostadas packed with fresh peppers, avocado and salsa. Topped with grilled Salmon, it adds the healthful benefits of using fresh fish as a leaner substitute for chicken or steak to create lighter, nutrient-rich spring salads.

Photo and recipe used with permission from Bahama Breeze.

This stuffed avacado recipe makes a light substitute for salads. If you have some of the filling left over, you can add tuna or a chopped hard boiled egg to make a delicious sandwich filling.

Photo licensed to About.com. Copyright 2008 Hector Rodriguez.

Using already prepared dough, you can make savory beef empanadas in a jiffy. This video shows you how to make empanadas that are quick and tasty.

About.com Food & Drink Videos

I don't think there is anything that can beat the taste of homemade empanadas. Follow this step-by-step guide with pictures to make empanadas from start to finish.

In my opinion, there is no better street food in the Caribbean than the various fried foods sold at street side stands and grills. This fritter recipe, called Bombas de Camarones y Papas, from The Dominican Republic is a mixture of shrimp, Munster cheese, and potato. You can't get much better than that.

Photograph © Hector Rodriguez

When unexpected company shows up for dinner, don't panick. Just add a side dish or two. Surullitos are perfect for such an occasion. They are simple to make, require few ingredients, and can be prepared in no time. These cornsticks are excellent for snacks and parties, too.

Photo © Hector Rodriguez. Licensed to About.com.

Nothing says "party" quite like Latin Caribbean food. It's tastey, lively and fun to serve. How often do you entertain with Latin and/or Caribbean Food? Please take the poll below and feel free to leave comments letting me know what you think.

How often do you entertain with Latin and/or Caribbean Food?

1. very often
2. often
3. sometimes
4. rarely
5. never

View Results

Looking for a new, exotic cocktail to try this spring? Try this simple Caipirinha recipe from Bahama Breeze, an unusual drink that uses fresh limes muddled with superfine sugar, and cachaça liquor. Cachaça is a Brazilian alcoholic beverage similar to rum made from fermented sugarcane juice. It is sometimes referred to as Brazilian "white rum."

Photo used with permission from Bahama Breeze.

This Caribbean specialty can be done in two quick steps. See how to make tostones (fried plantains). This video also shows you how to make a delicious citrus dipping sauce.

Photo © Hector Rodriguez. Licensed to About.com.