A plate of tortillas that were made with yams.
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Vegetable tamales set out for guests. Avila has stuffed them with butternut squash, tomatillos and Roma tomatoes, chiles and cheese.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Tamales on the plate and ready for eating at Wes Avila’s pre-Christmas gathering.
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A cup of champurrado is served at chef Wes Avila’s home.
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A drought-friendly vegetable taco.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Vegetable tamales.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Chef Wes Avila rolls tortilla dough.
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Balls of tortilla dough made with yams.
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Chef Wes Avila makes tortillas for tacos. Yam is incorporated into dough.
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A look at the feast.
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Joaquin Pinto, left, Sara Kenas, Amy Lebrun and Martha Pinto share a laugh at the gathering.
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Vegetable filling for drought-friendly tacos.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)