Marcela Valladolid is showing Us how to celebrate a stress-free Cinco de Mayo with her delicious empanadas de picadillo recipe.

QUICK BITE At El Peñol, an American dream realized Enjoy empanadas and tostones from an East Boston institution, now in Brookline.

Owner Lisa Morales said many of the restaurant’s offerings, which include empanadas, tostones and carne guisada, have roots in her family kitchen.

La Frikitona, a food truck serving up Puerto Rican dishes such as mofongo, tostones and canoas, began visiting Lehigh Valley breweries and other venues about two months ago.

But don’t tell the people of Quito this — the empanadas at Delicias Ambateñas were better than the ones I had in Ecuador, so I can’t wait to return to this tiny Queens gem.