I can’t wait for springtime.  Trees are budding and the daffodils have bloomed and waned.  Pretty soon, I’ll be tilling the garden and planting vegetables and herbs.  We will probably have another frost in the near future, so all I can do is wait.

In the meantime, I can celebrate the imminent arrival of spring through food.

Botanas are snacks, in Spanish.  They are often small items, like tacos, empanadas, or nachos, and when several different items are arranged together you have a botanas platter.

This botana spread celebrates fresh vegetables and fruit, more than the actual tasty fried treats that are a common staple of botanas.

Colorful peppers, tomatoes, onions are arranged in floral patterns.  Sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and grated cheese make for good toppings.

Crispy taco cups and flautas act as a vehicle to carry all of the other good ingredients.

Make your dining experience festive, whenever possilbe.

¡Disfruta!