It isn’t Christmas time without a warm mug of fragrant and fruit loaded Ponche Navideno, with a twist because I am adding wine that makes it extra delicious! Mexican Holiday Punch is a traditional drink that makes an appearance at all the holiday posadas (holiday celebrations that lead up to Christmas) and festivities. Nothing like the smell of simmering fruit in a bath of warm cinnamon and sugar cane to indicate that the holiday season is in full swing. What is Mexican Ponche Navideno? Also known as Mexican Holiday Punch this drink is made from a base of jamaica (hibiscus…

These Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bars are kissed with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. They have a tender crumb with a soft inside, topped with a crisp chewy cinnamon sugar crust that feels like the baked version of a churro. They are absolutely delicious and loaded with richness that comes from the Real California Milk; Cream and browned butter. They are inspired by traditional Mexican churros, this dessert comes together in a whip and no need to fry anything to satisfy that sweet churro craving . It is incredible how a few basic ingredients can be transformed to…

Tis’ the season for ALL the appetizers and let me tell you this Roasted Red Pepper Queso Cotija Cheese Dip, checks off all the boxes. It is easy to make, it’s creamy…cheesy, salty and has a little heat. Loaded with charred roasted red peppers topped with a drizzle of EVOO, all you’re going to need is some crackers and a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail! This is a great appetizer because not only does it look super elegant, it is full of flavor and comes together quickly, you can even make it ahead of time and serve it…

Fall is in the air and this apple and prune caramel cheesecake is the perfect way to welcome the cooler weather and all things fall. Here in the California Central Valley we are finally getting cooler weather, most likely we will get our first frost sometime in December. I am happy for all of the cozy recipes that come along side the change of seasons. Soup, comfort bakes and of course delectable desserts like this Apple and Prune Caramel Cheesecake. California Prunes are always in season and they marry beautifully with apples that bring a delicious fall flavor combo. The…

Cheesy potato and olive taco cups are a delicious twist on regular tacos! Everything there is to love about tacos, tucked in a crispy baked bite that is compact and loaded with comforting flavor. They are perfect for gameday or the holidays which are around the corner. These make a great appetizer that is fun, transports easily and can be customized to your favorite flavor combos. These taco cups are loaded with cheesy goodness, seasoned beef, green onions, and potatoes plus we are maximizing our flavor by adding California Ripe Olives which add a delicious silky and buttery flavor. The…

These Brown Sugar and Peach Pancakes are everything we need as we wrap up the summer. My kids are back in school and there is a lot going on between life, work and the garden demanding attention. I like something quick and satisfying to start the day, these are the perfect, fast AND a delicious way to start the morning. These pancakes are fluffy and have a light and airy crumb, thanks to Real California Milk Dairy. They are buttery with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and yellow peachs. Topped with a brown sugar cinnamon whipped butter,…

Craving something refreshing and indulgent to cool off on a hot day? Look no further than my Strawberry and Cream Raspado! This delicious Mexican treat is similar to shaved ice but with tons more flavor, the strawberry twist makes for the perfect flavorful and fruity summer treat. Finely shaved ice is layered with a strawberry sauce and a blend of Real California Condensed milk, heavy cream, and drinkable yogurt that makes for a luscious and creamy raspado. Blend some fresh sun kissed strawberries to the base and top with a drizzle of condensed milk. Whether you’re enjoying it as a…

Fresh and simple ingredients, make this roasted chickpea salad, a dance of flavors that celebrates California’s in season produce. No boring salads around here! As the weather warms up I crave fresh meals, and thankfully there are endless veggie combinations, that make for a delicious salad year round. This Roasted Chickpea and fresh veggie salad, is so flavorful and refreshing! For those days that you want something delicious without too much hassle. The chickpeas are roasted in EVOO, spices and they are nestled in a bed of fresh spring greens. With the addition of cucumbers, snap peas, grilled corn and…

If you’re thinking… fried olives? YES. These fried olive Jalapeno bites are little flavor bombs that are converting even my non-olive loving kids into olive lovers. I’m an olive lover through and through, and confess that I can eat way too many in one sitting-plain, just like that the can is gone. So while plain olives are a quick snack around here, these fried olives are leveling up and bringing the flavor to the party. Olives deserve to be highlighted and really savored in so many ways, even those that are not as common but oh so delicious! You won’t…