Chayote empanadas

Mostly as an excuse to go to C-Town, the famous Latin grocery in Pawtucket, R.I., we decided to cook up some empanadas, turnovers with a savory filling that resemble the Indian samosa. Though Providence, R.I. has become super Latino in recent years, none of the local supermarkets carry empanada shells. (Surprisingly, even at C-Town, the only shells available were frozen.) For the fillings, we chose canned corn-shredded cheese-sauteed onions and roasted chayotes-roasted eggplant.


For an appetizer, we had Mexican tostada casera from Charras ("El Real Sabor Mexicano") and queso blanco from Wisconsin. Our friend Paco from Buenos Aires brought over a bottle of 2006 Trapiche Broquel Malbec.

C-Town's motto: "El Gigante de Pawtucket!"

Fiddleheads

From Eastside Marketplace in Providence, R.I., fiddlehead ferns, yellow and orange bell peppers and shallots, with orzo, toasted pine toasts, olive oil and grated pecorino romano from the Whole Foods on Waterman Street.


Queso Blanco ("Latin-style farmer's cheese used in tacos or burritos") from Narragansett Creamery in Providence, R.I., with pillow bread from Olga's Cup & Saucer in Providence's Jewelry District.

Photos by Keryn B. Gedan.