Prep Ahead For These Mexican Fiesta Recipes

Dried chiles are toasted, soaked and pureed to make a flavorful steak marinade. Toasting the chiles in a heavy, dry skillet is the key to unlocking their flavor (not just their heat). Look for dried chiles in the produce section of many markets.

Make-ahead tip: Skirt steak is best when it has time to soak up the flavors of any seasonings. Make this toasted chile marinade up to 5 days ahead and rub it on the steak the day before the party. All that's left to do: grill and slice.