I’m all about entertaining for the holidays , and this past week really got me thinking about my upbringing and how it all seems to meld together as an adult. You see…. my dad’s side of the family is from the south, and makes a seriously delicious sweet potato pie. I went to an all Jewish elementary school in Brentwood as a young girl, and learned about jewish traditions and foods. Being born a Latin girl afforded me the privilege of growing up eating spicy foods like soy-chorizo and chipotle among many other flavors…. (more…)

I love spending my time in the kitchen, but during the holiday season I have a million things to do, so anyway I could take a short-cut I do. The other day I needed a festive cake for a party I was attending. I didn’t have time to bake a cake, so I bought a plain white cake from the super market, and thought I would just decorate it myself to give it that special touch I was looking for. While I was there, I found some super cute little candy flowers, green candy balls, meringues, and (more…)

Everything seems to be wrapped up in a bow at this time of year, from presents to cookies to hair clips. A bow insinuates a gift of some sort, even if it is worn on a person’s head, in this case mine. (more…)

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

My dad comes from a long line of excellent cooks. Even he has the touch that makes food so dreamy. As a young girl I would watch the food preparation unfold in his house especially during the holidays. Lots of hands chopping, stirring, whipping, and mashing. My busy eyes would dart from on side of the room to the other. My Grandmother (my dad’s mom, who was born and raised in Tijuana) (more…)

Ay! My Mom…. I can’t take her anywhere. It was 15 years ago, I was navigating my way through the food scene here in Los Angeles. Trying out all the newest hot spots with the most promising chefs hidden behind closed cooking quarters. Now I couldn’t go out to eat by myself, so a lot of times I would drag my best companion along with me, my Mom. Even though she would kick and scream the (more…)

Festive pancakes made with cake mix. Does that sound like your craving? Are you dreaming of pancakes that taste like cake? I know I always want this taste combo because I have the biggest sweet tooth in the world and why wouldn’t I  make this happen? Here are my festive pancakes made with cake mix for you this Christmas. You’re welcome. Bye. (more…)

My Thanksgiving is gonna be a little wonky this year. My viejo is off in Europe on tour and won’t be home for a few more weeks, and my Aunt who I usually spend the holidays with is going to a friend’s house. My Momma is vegetarian and says the holiday isn’t something she really wants to celebrate. Lucky for me, my son and I are surrounded by amazing friends who have all extended invites to join them and their families for a Thanksgiving feast. I decided to spend Thanksgiving with a dear friend who lives close by. The only thing is… I am for the first time in a position where I am not cooking the main part of the meal. It is both liberating and nerve wrecking. I love that I can actually get ready this year and not be a slave to the kitchen, but it makes me nervous to try and figure out what I can bring as a simple appetizer.

While at Walmart the other day I decided to just walk the market area to see if I could find some inspiration… I knew I wanted to use goat cheese, but wasn’t sure about much of anything else. My friend’s only instruction was to bring a little something we could munch on before dinner is served. After about 10 minutes of strolling I came across some stuffing mushrooms and figured it wouldn’t be the holidays without stuffed mushrooms. Here’s to you and yours…. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ingredients for stuffed mushrooms:

• stuffing mushrooms
• goat cheese (room temperature)
• cream cheese (room temperature)
• basil (fresh, chopped)
• smoked paprika

Directions:

1. Wash and dry mushrooms. With a small pairing knife cut around the stem of the mushroom, then with a spoon scoop the center out. Set to the side. 
2. In a bowl mix goat cheese and cream cheese together.
3. Mix basil into cheese mixture.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set to the side.
6. Spoon a heaping tablespoon into the center of each mushroom. 
7. Place on the baking sheet.
8. Sprinkle the tops with paprika.
9. Bake for 20 minutes.
10. Place mushrooms under broiler for 4 to 5 minutes to brown the top.
11. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
12. Enjoy!