Company Worthy: Taco Bar

Posted by Adina Steiman

Summer doesn't seem to be the time for a long, slow braise, but when you're rewarded with a generous mountain of tender Mexican-style pork, I'm sure you'll reconsider.

Take these shredded pork tacos. From just one affordable piece of meat, plus some pantry staples, I get a seductively spicy platter of taco filling. I like to freeze half of it for a day when I can't bear to cook, and enjoy the other half for dinner, piling it into taco shells with shredded cheese, salsa, and avocado.

The recipe's also great when guests are coming over.

I simply serve the whole batch of pork filling, and let my guests assemble their own idea of the perfect taco from bowls of colorful toppings.  It's a make-ahead spread that's casual, summery, and remarkably easy on the wallet.

For a crisp, fresh counterpoint, this crunchy salad hits just the right note, and dessert is watermelon straight from the fridge.

How do you entertain with a minimum of fuss?

PREP: 30 minutes
TOTAL: 3 hours 45 minutes

SEE THE RECIPE:
Shredded Pork Tacos

SERVE WITH:
Crunchy Slaw with Radishes

 

Comments

[Tracy Chin]

I am well known for my "Chili Fests". I make a large pot of chili, dice the tomatoes and onions, shred the cheese, ice the beer, then relax as everyone fixes their perfect bowl of chili.

[SAH]

My husband and I are fond of an old Everyday Food recipe (from July/August 2004 I think) for marinated, grilled beef and tomato kabobs. It's served with herbed couscous which is super fast to make. We've served this to several friends for dinner and gotten great response. As long as the kabobs are marinating ahead of time, this meal can even be done for a weeknight get-together.

[Alison]

My grandma always does some big meat, either a roast or a ham, and has people bring sides to go with. Very Iowan, I would say.
The few times I have entertained, it's been brunch and I make omelets. Fast and allows people to add what they like and leave off what they don't.

[John - Mormon Foodie]

Cool. If you "slow cooked" the pork, it could be a pulled pork taco.