I’m having the most delicious Summer! #SnackHappy vibes all around in this house. I’ve been whipping up Churro Cup Fried Ice Cream Banana Splits in my kitchen to enjoy as a sunset treat. The crispy cinnamon dusted churro is the perfect ice cream bowl for a scoop of vanilla, some banana action, crunchy cornflakes, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a cherry on top. Okay, so I didn’t actually fry the ice cream, but the corn flake crumbles give it that CRUNCH. The whole bowl is so dreamy… so creamy! I usually ditch the spoon and just eat it with my hand.

It’s time to get back to life, and I’m gonna jump right into SUMMER with zero hesitation. For me and my friends there is nothing better than noshing on little snacks while picnic-ing, and diving deep into conversation sharing our intimate chronicles. Gawd, I’ve missed my bonding time with my pals.

We definitely consider ourselves connoisseurs of the tastiest snacks and anything on a stick is not only welcomed to our chatter huddle picnic but up for dissection. Me knowing this about my buddies encourages my creativity to dream up something special for them. In this case, melty Manchego and Membrillo sticks. I looked for the ‘Real California Milk’ seal when seeking out my Manchego cheese for this creation. I’m a devoted fan of Real California Milk products because they are sustainably sourced and made with milk from California dairy farm families. Yes, I know I’m getting the best and can #SnackHappy !

Mazapán Custard Filled Donuts with a Chocolate Glaze. Once an idea pops into my head the baker in me can’t get it out until the task is completed, or in this case the donut. Mixing Mexican-American flavors OR as my friend Coqui says “American rooted in Mexican descent” flavors is naturally what I dream up, because it’s authentically me. These Mazapán Custard Filled Donuts dipped in a Chocolate Glaze are exactly a mixture of both my cultures rolled into one.

Rainbow Gelatina For Pride: I am a woman who stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ community. I was once a very young girl who stood in the same head space of loving, supporting, celebrating, and defending gay rights (as they were called in the 90’s). Nothing has changed. This is not a passing fancy for me and it’s not something I do to be on trend. I will always be an ally to my LGBTQ friends and family.

I can’t tell you how long I’ve been dreaming of this recipe, Arroz Con Leche Brûlée. Several months ago I created it in my head, and even wrote it in my notes of things to do. I started making my vamped up extravagant version of arroz con leche and found it to be so creamy and decadent in the same vein as crème brûlée… Thats when I imagined my arroz con leche topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar and adorned with fresh fruit.

This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GrillingWithMazola

We are gradually starting to have very intimate outdoor gatherings and firing up our grill is definitely part of the family plan for Spring/Summer 2021. I choose to use heart healthy Mazola® Corn Oil as a marinade for grilling and as a base for my salsas and ceviche because a clinical study shows it reduces cholesterol 2x more than extra virgin olive oil. If this claim peaks your interest and you want to learn more, visit MAZOLA.com.

Calling all dessert lovers! Could we really celebrate Easter without a gorgeous dessert? I’m taking the fuss out of our Easter meal this year with a simple and easy Carlota! I decided to add cherries to my Carlota and change it’s traditional color of white to a festive pinkish-purple pastel. It’s the prettiest color but aside from that, the fresh cherry flavor only adds to this already delicious dessert…. pushing it all the way up in dessert ranks. Lucky for me, I was able to find all my ingredients at Northgate Market and pick up a few extra goodies while I was there. I hope you’ll try this Easter Cherry Carlota and make it whenever you have a bag of cherries hanging around.