The inspiration for a great taco can be found in many places - from farmers markets to food trucks to upscale restaurants. All across the country, chefs and home cooks alike are reinventing the taco with global flavors and fresh ingredients.

This summer and beyond, enjoy a global taste experience at home with these taco and margarita ideas:

Tex-Mex inspired

Create your own puffy taco shell, widely served at restaurants. The make-at-home secret: flour tortillas transformed into puffy shells by cooking in oil.

Chipotle Chicken Puffy Tacos: Puffy taco shells stuffed with pulled rotisserie chicken in chipotle sauce, topped with fresh guacamole, salsa and favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato and queso fresco.

Citrus Margarita with Smoky Chile Salt: A triple citrus (orange, lemon, lime) margarita with a smoky chile salt rim. Chile salt is hand mixed with fine sea salt, ancho and chipotle chile powders.

Mexican inspired

This fun mash-up of flavors plays on the wildly popular fish taco, paired with a hibiscus-infused margarita.

Beer Battered Fish Tacos: Crispy taco shells filled with Mexican beer battered fish, topped with shredded red cabbage, chimichurri aioli and fresh jalapenos.

Hibiscus Lime Margarita: Homemade hibiscus syrup adds bright flavor and vibrant color to a fresh lime margarita.

Thai inspired

Grilled, fresh and light, this taco features the unexpected flavor of green apple, matched with a margarita that's lighter on calories but packed with flavor.

Coconut Curry Chicken Tacos: Grilled tortillas filled with coconut curry chicken, green apple and Thai basil, topped with mango chile sauce and crunchy peanuts.

Mango Thai Basil Margarita: A mango margarita infused with the flavors of lime and Thai basil.

Vietnamese inspired

Try this combination of fresh flavors that takes its cues from the popular Banh Mi sandwich.

Banh Mi Pork Tacos: Spicy, honey-glazed pork wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with carrot daikon slaw, Sriracha mayo and fresh toppings like jalapenos, cilantro and cucumber slices.

Cucumber Cilantro Margarita: Muddled cucumber and cilantro add fresh flavor to a lime margarita.

Middle Eastern inspired

This gluten-free, vegetarian taco highlights spicy harissa and sweet potatoes, along with a "skinny" margarita.

Harissa Roasted Sweet Potato Tacos (Gluten Free): Warm corn tortillas filled with harissa roasted sweet potatoes, topped with herbed feta, Greek yogurt and crunchy quinoa.

Honey Lemon Margarita (Gluten Free): A fresh, light and lemony margarita sweetened with a touch of honey.

-- Brandpoint

Tip of the Week

Sauces, gravies and dressings tend to be high in fat and sodium. Watch out for foods prepared with a lot of oil, butter, or topped with heavy condiments, such as mayonnaise. You don’t have to do away with sauces and condiments all together; just use less or put them on the side. Reducing extras will help you manage your weight.

-- ChooseMyPlate.gov

Number to Know

400: Americans drink about 400 calories every day. Consider how often you drink sugary beverages such as sodas, cappuccinos, energy drinks, fruit beverages, sweetened teas and sports drinks. Drinking water instead of sugary beverages can help you manage your calories.

-- ChooseMyPlate.gov

Summer Entertaining Recipe

Summer Rolls

1  teaspoon fresh lime juice
1  teaspoon dark (toasted) sesame oil
1  small red chile pepper, seeded and minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2  pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
8  large green or red leaf lettuce leaves
1  medium carrot, julienned
1  small daikon radish, julienned
1/2  cup mung bean sprouts
1/4  cup peanuts, toasted and chopped

Combine lime juice, sesame oil, chile and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp; simmer until pink, about 3 minutes. Drain; add to lime juice mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until cool, about 10 minutes.

Set lettuce leaves on a counter with stem ends toward you. Press against the "spines" until you hear a crunch to make it easier to roll.

Divide carrot, daikon and sprouts among leaves, setting them in the centers toward the bottom. Divide shrimp among leaves; sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Roll lettuce from the bottom up.

Place each roll, seam side down, on a sheet of plastic wrap; wrap tightly and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Remove wrap; cut rolls in half and serve.

-- Family Features/Atkins

Food Quiz

Acapulco, Mexico, is famous for this seafood specialty:

A. Bouilabaise

B. Ceviche

C. Shrimp tacos

Answer at bottom of rail.

Wise to the Word

Chimichurri: An Argentine condiment used to accompany grilled steak and other meats, chimichurri is a pesto-like sauce made from onions, garlic, parsley, dried oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, oil and vinegar. It is best made fresh, but it is also occasionally available in dehydrated and bottled versions.

-- Cookthink.com

The Dish On...

"Pati's Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking" by Pati Jinich

The host of a highly popular PBS series, Pati’s Mexican Table, and a self-described “overloaded soccer mom with three kids and a powerful blender,” Pati Jinich has a mission. She’s out to prove that Mexican home cooking is quicker and far easier than most Americans think.

Her dishes are not blanketed with cheese, or heavy and fried, or based on complex sauces. Nor are they necessarily highly spicy. Surprising in their simplicity and freshness, they incorporate produce and grains. Most important, they fit perfectly into an everyday family cooking schedule and use just a handful of ingredients, most of which are already in your pantry. Many are homey specialties that Pati learned from her mother and grandmother, some are creative spins on classics, while others are not well known outside of Mexico.

-- Amazon.com

Food Quiz Answer

B. Ceviche. This refreshing salad is typically made from a mixture of raw fish, onions, green peppers, and tomatoes marinated in lime or other citrus juice until the acid in the fruit "cooks" the fish. Only the freshest seafood is used to make this popular Mexican appetizer.

-- Delish.com

More Content Now

Tip of the Week

Use a microwave-safe bowl or mug to scramble eggs for a quick, convenient breakfast or snack. Toss in raw veggies and a tablespoon of cheese for added flavor!

-- ChooseMyPlate.gov

Number to Know

6: About 6 baby carrots are the equivalent of one cup of vegetables, according to the USDA. Children need between one and two cups a day, and adults need between two and three cups.

Food Quiz

In Puerto Rico, most soups and stews begin with a saute of onions, garlic and peppers, also know as:

A. Sofrito

B. Relleno

C. Trinidad

Answer at bottom of rail.

Wise to the Word

Worcestershire sauce: This popular fermented sauce was developed by English colonists in India in the 19th century, and named after its original Lea & Perrins bottling location in Worcester, England. Authentic Lea & Perrins Worcestershire contains vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind extract, onions and spices. Generic Worcestershire sauce is referred to as "Worcester sauce," and may also contain soy sauce, corn syrup and other ingredients.

-- Cookthink.com

The Dish On...

"The Fresh 20: 20-Ingredient Meal Plans for Health and Happiness 5 Nights a Week" by Melissa Lanz

The Fresh 20, the popular budget-friendly meal-planning service founded by working mother Melissa Lanz, is now a cookbook, offering families an all-natural and easy approach to mealtimes.

Using just 20 organic, non-processed ingredients per week, home cooks can create 5 wholesome, delicious meals in just minutes. A busy home cook herself, Lanz understands the “What’s for dinner?” conundrum and has developed a program that gives parents healthy cooking options.

Inspiring and educational, "The Fresh 20" is filled with gorgeous color photos, shopping lists that take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables, prep tips, and, of course, easy and delicious recipes -- including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

-- Amazon.com

Food Quiz answer

A. Sofrito. Puerto Rican cooks often begin soups, sauces, stews, and meat dishes with a flavorful saute of chopped onions, garlic, and peppers colored with annatto or "achiote" seeds, a culinary tradition descended from the island's Spanish heritage.

-- Delish.com

Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Ranch Sauce

1  head cauliflower, cut into small florets
2  tablespoons canola oil
1/2  teaspoon salt
1  Vidalia onion, finely chopped
2  garlic cloves, minced
1/2  cup ranch dressing
2  tablespoons chicken broth
1  tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a small rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

Combine the cauliflower, 1 tablespoon of oil, and salt in a large bowl; toss to coat well. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast, stirring once or twice, until the cauliflower is just tender, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the Ranch dressing and broth; bring to a simmer. Add the cauliflower, tossing gently to coat well. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4.

-- Family Features/Hidden Valley Ranch

When the days get longer and kids' activities heat up, it can be challenging to keep on-the-go snacks nutritious and fun. Why not kick up the flavor and fun factor with some delightful, new twists on snack ideas?

"Snacks should be easy to grab and go so you are prepared no matter where your day takes you," Green said. "A trick of mine is to stock my fridge, and sometimes the car, full of snacks the whole family will love."

- Hit the trail.  Create your own trail mix made with your family's favorite mix-ins. Include a mixture of nuts, dried fruit and a few chocolate chips for something that's delicious and nutritious. Trail mix recipes get everyone out the door, fueled up and ready to go.  

- Make it crunchy. Now that warmer weather is upon us, take a trip with the kids to the farmers' market to celebrate the arrival of fresh vegetables. For a crunchy snack, pick up sweet potatoes, kale and beets, then slice and bake for homemade veggie chips -- they'll have nutrition packed into each crunchy bite.

-- Family Features/Muller Quaker Dairy

Tip of the Week

Hummus can be paired with almost anything! Enjoy dipping red pepper slices, carrots or other raw veggies into this delicious dip. Spread hummus onto a whole-wheat pita with tomatoes and cucumbers for an easy, nutritious lunch.

-- ChooseMyPlate.gov

Number to Know

Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 degrees F or below. Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator to monitor the temperature.

-- U.S. Department of Agriculture

Food Quiz

Which of these dishes does NOT commonly include bacon?

A. Devils on horseback

B. Reuben sandwich

C. Cobb salad

Answer at bottom of rail.

Wise to the Word

Guanciale: Guanciale is Italian cured pork cheek or jowl. It's traditionally used in classic pastas, like spaghetti all carbonara and bucatini all'amatriciana. Because it's largely fat, guanciale has a more seductive pork flavor and delicate texture than cured meat that comes from the belly (like pancetta, which is a common substitute, though the flavor isn't the same).

-- Cookthink.com

The Dish On...

"Smoke and Pickles: Recipes and Stories from a New Southern Kitchen" by Edward Lee

Chef Edward Lee's story and his food could only happen in America. Raised in Brooklyn by a family of Korean immigrants, he eventually settled down in his adopted hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where he owns the acclaimed restaurant 610 Magnolia. A multiple James Beard Award nominee for his unique patchwork cuisine, Edward creates recipes -- filled with pickling, fermenting, frying, curing, and smoking -- that reflect the overlapping flavors and techniques that led this Korean-American boy to feel right at home in the South. Dishes like Chicken-Fried Pork Steak with Ramen Crust and Buttermilk Pepper Gravy; Collards and Kimchi; Braised Beef Kalbi with Soft Grits and Scallions; and Miso-Smothered Chicken all share a place on his table. Born with the storytelling gene of a true Southerner, Lee fills his debut cookbook with tales of the restaurant world, New York City, Kentucky, and his time competing on Top Chef, plus more than 130 exceptional recipes for food with Korean roots and Southern soul.

-- Amazon.com

Food Quiz Answer

B. Reuben sandwich. Reuben is a deli sandwich that's piled high with corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese -- but not a strip of bacon in sight. Cobb salads almost always contain bacon in addition to chopped eggs, blue cheese, and other vegetables. Devils on Horseback are bite-size appetizers made from prunes or dates wrapped with bacon and cooked in the oven.

-- Delish.com

Flame-Licked Fingerling Potatoes with Spud Rub

Created by The BBQ Queens for the U.S. Potato Board
Makes: 4 side dish servings

Spud Rub:

1  tablespoon onion powder
2  teaspoons lemon pepper
1 1/2  teaspoons paprika
1 1/2  teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2  teaspoon sea salt
1/2  teaspoon ground cumin

Potatoes:

1  pound fingerling potato mix
2  teaspoons olive oil
1  tablespoon Spud Rub

For the rub, combine all ingredients in a glass jar, close the lid and shake to blend. Store at room temperature.
 
Prepare a medium-hot fire in your grill.

Place the potatoes in a bowl, drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with Spud Rub. Toss to coat.
  
Place the potatoes on the grill rack or in grill basket directly over the heat and close the grill lid. After 3 to 4 minutes, open the lid and toss the potatoes or turn the basket. Close the lid again and repeat the process for 12 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

-- Family Features/U.S. Potato Board

Stress affects everyone and can cause problems at work, home and with health. Researchers have found that stress is a leading cause of illness, affecting as much as 20 percent of the population. Economic factors, such as a recession, have also been shown to significantly increase population-wide stress levels.

"Stress is a trigger mechanism for a whole range of conditions, from heart attacks to immune system disorders, mental illness, depression and anxiety," says Professor Cary Cooper of Lancaster University, an expert on stress.

Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey demonstrated that depression and stress was higher in individuals who consumed less salt, a trend more prevalent in women than men. There is a direct relationship between depression and lower salt intake in humans, consistent with the results of animal studies. Craving salty foods may very well be a biological defense mechanism we evolved to cope with daily stress.

Other good stress-relieving tips include getting a good night's sleep, and taking time off to focus on relaxation and regular exercise, which has added health benefits. Of course, with exercise, another benefit of salt becomes apparent as this vital nutrient is necessary to keeping the body properly hydrated and healthy. When you sweat, you lose not just water, but also electrolytes (salt), which need to be replenished.

Tip of the Week

Foods like soy sauce, ketchup, pickles, olives, salad dressings and seasoning packets are high in sodium. Choose low-sodium soy sauce and ketchup. Have a carrot or celery stick instead of olives or pickles. Use only a sprinkling of flavoring packets instead of the entire packet.

-- ChooseMyPlate.gov

Number to Know

2,300: According to the USDA, everyone (including kids) should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams, or about 1 teaspoon, a day. Adults age 51 and older, African-Americans of any age, and individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease should further reduce their sodium intake to 1,500 mg a day.

-- ChooseMyPlate.gov

Food Quiz

Indian chutney is commonly characterized by what flavor?

A. Sweet

B. Salty

C. Spicy

Answer at bottom of rail.

Word to the Wise

Turmeric: Turmeric root is a tropical, herbaceous plant that looks like ginger's jaundiced cousin. It has been used since 600 B.C.; dried and powdered, turmeric adds an earthy, slight bitterness to curry powder and other Indian and Southeast Asian dishes. Turmeric is what lends curry powder and American-style mustard that bright yellow color.

-- Cookthink.com

The Dish On...

Weight Watchers 50th Anniversary Cookbook: 280 Delicious Recipes for Every Meal

Weight Watchers cookbooks are trusted by anyone who is excited about cooking delicious, healthy food. And with the more than 280 recipes in "Weight Watchers 50th Anniversary Cookbook," healthy cooks (and anyone who aspires to be one!) everywhere now have the opportunity to sample a collection of many treasured favorites.  These delicious dishes have been updated, featuring fresh ingredients, how-to tips, Weight Watchers lore, and nutritional info and PointsPlus values for the newest program, Weight Watchers 360˚.

-- Amazon.com

Food Quiz Answer

A. Sweet. Chutney is served with almost every meal in India. This sweet cooked sauce, which can range from chunky to smooth, commonly contains fruit, such as mangoes, apples, and tamarind, vinegar, sugar, ginger, and red chili. Chutney provides a sweet counterpart to many savory Indian dishes and curries.

-- Delish.com

Tofu Tikka Masala

5  teaspoons lemon juice
1  teaspoon ginger, grated
2  garlic cloves, crushed
1  gram jalapeno chile, chopped
3  tablespoon cilantro, chopped
1  teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
1/2  pound tofu
2  tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped in 1-inch long thin slices
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
3-4  tablespoons plain or unsweetened yogurt
1  cup plain soymilk
Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

In bowl, mix lemon juice, ginger, garlic, green chili, half of cilantro, chili powder, salt and tofu together; mix well and cover. Let marinate for an hour.

In pan, heat oil and slowly add onions. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on medium heat until translucent.

Slowly add turmeric powder, yogurt, soy milk and remaining cilantro to the pain. Mix well for a few minutes until sauce thickens.

Add tofu mixture into sauce and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with Indian naan bread or heated rice.

-- Family Features/Wildwood Foods

It's possible to enjoy light summer dining without sacrificing taste, variety or fun -- all the good things we associate with warm-weather eating. Here are ideas for better-for-you versions of some summer favorites:

1. Better barbecue

What would summer be without barbecue? Grilling is a hallowed tradition of summer, but sugary barbecue sauces and fatty cuts of meat can derail the natural healthfulness of grilling. Before you fire up the grill this summer, consider ways to make your barbecue better for you.

Start by preparing your own sauces and marinades (store-bought varieties are often loaded with sugar). You can lighten up practically any sauce or marinade recipe by replacing refined sugars with natural alternatives, such as fruit juice or honey.

When choosing what to marinate and grill, keep in mind that many lean meats -- such as poultry and fish -- cook well on the grill. You can lighten up your burgers by replacing high-fat beef with leaner ground meats such as turkey, or beef that is 90 percent fat-free.

2. Chipping away at fatty snacks

No summer celebration would be complete without chips and dip, but some of your favorites can be the worst offenders when it comes to excess calories and fat. Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice chips -- or great flavor -- to trim some calories. Look for lighter versions of your favorite chips. Be sure to dip your reduced fat potato chips in better-for-you dips. Some popular dips, such as salsa and hummus, are naturally lighter, but creamier dips can be high in fat. You can lighten up favorite dips by substituting fat-free yogurt for higher-calorie bases like mayonnaise or sour cream. If your dip recipe calls for cooking oil, opt for healthier oils like canola or olive. If you're not a fan of tomato salsa, try fruit salsa, made with peaches or watermelon.

3. Slimmed down sipping

What would summer be without a festive cocktail or two? Alcohol, however, contains a lot of empty calories. You can lighten up your summer cocktails in several ways, from foregoing the liquor altogether to choosing lower-calorie options.

Start with a lighter base for your cocktail, such as tonic or soda water. Avoid sweet syrups or fruit juices with added sugar. Don't overlook the power of a great garnish, which can add a punch of flavor. You can turn just about any light cocktail recipe into a frozen treat by tossing it in the blender with some crushed ice.

4. Perk up your iced coffee

Iced coffee is a great summer refresher, but many coffee shop varieties can be loaded with sugar and high fat cream. To make your own lighter summer version, start by brewing your favorite coffee. Sweeten with honey or stevia and use skim milk or fat-free half and half to lighten the coffee. Avoid heavy cream and whole milk, regular sugar or any kind of syrup. Make it a mocha by adding half a packet of sugar-free cocoa mix.

For a frozen treat, run your iced coffee through a blender with some crushed ice -- adding volume without adding calories.

-- Brandpoint