There aren't many places one can get Mexican food in Jamaica, and yet we are an island that's not too far from there. It's a shame really, as the essence of the two are similar: hot and spicy 'street' food! Of course, gourmet cuisine can be found in both, but I am talking about the real comfort factor of cuisine here.

Although Mexican gastronomy is popular in the United States of America, it has the bad reputation of being greasy and fattening. Fast-food joints, such as Taco Bell, Del Taco and Chipotle, have done Mexico no favours. The truth is, dishes such as burritos and fajitas are bursting with flavours, and when cooked with fresh ingredients, they are absolutely delicious.

My cousin celebrated her birthday in April. She loves Mexican food, but there were some constraints. Even though I have fabulous recipes from the Spanish-speaking country, I was unable to cook. I decided to get takeaway from Chilito's. Ordering out for a dinner party I am hosting goes against every bone of culinary integrity in my body. However, this small restaurant on Hope Road in St Andrew is the epitome of home-cooking comfort.

The Mexican-Jamaican owners packed everything separately in containers, so that we could reheat the necessary dishes, and build our own burritos at home. There was shredded lettuce, grated cheese, sour cream, cooked minced beef, stewed black beans, cilantro rice, grilled chicken slivers, guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips. Were there ever tortilla chips too - masses of them! These, and everything else, were home-made. In fact, the chips were the only leftovers, and they are still going! While it seemed a waste to have so many with our dinner, it turns out that they keep really well in the freezer!

The evening was a success, and no one seemed to mind that we were eating takeaway. You know you've found a good place when people dine at a chef's house, and don't complain that she did not prepare anything herself! Sombreros off to Chilito's Mexican!

Menu:

Guacamole and salsa with chips

Beef and bean burritos

Chicken burritos

Emma's Guacamole: Serves 12

INGREDIENTS

2 avocado pears, flesh only

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

4 scallions, finely sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Juice of 1-2 limes

Salt and black pepper

METHOD

1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and whiz until smooth.

2. Serve with tortilla chips.

Emma's Salsa: Serves 12

INGREDIENTS

1/2 kg tomatoes, peeled, seeded and finely chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

1 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Salt and black pepper

1. Place all the ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste.

2. Serve with tortilla chips.

Emma's Version of Beef and Bean Burritos: Serves 12

INGREDIENTS

1tbsp olive oil

2 onions, finely chopped

1kg lean ground beef

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2tbsps chilli powder

1tsp ground cumin

1tsp cayenne pepper

1 small tin tomato paste

1 tin refried beans

Salt & black pepper to taste

12 large flour tortillas

Condiments:

1/4 kg of grated cheese

1 large tub of sour cream

Salsa

Guacamole

2 heads of ice berg lettuce, shredded

METHOD

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot, add the onion and cook until soft.

2. Stir in the beef and cook until lightly browned all over.

3. Add the garlic, chilli, cumin and cayenne pepper, mixing them in thoroughly.

4. Stir in the tomato paste and refried beans, with a little water if too dry.

5. Cover with a lid and simmer for at least one hour, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed.

6. After an hour of cooking, remove the lid, turn the heat up slightly, and boil off excess liquid.

7. Season to taste.

8. Make burritos by placing one flour tortilla on a plate, putting a generous spoonful of beef in the middle, and topping with grated cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole and shredded lettuce.

9. Fold in the sides, and then roll as tight as possible. Eat immediately!