Dash of Color and Spice -

Bourbon Bread Pudding

November 24, 2020

Slice of bread pudding on white bowl with brown pecan sauce. Christmas tree in background

Bread pudding is so comforting and rich, the perfect dessert for any celebration, gathering, or holiday. This Bourbon Bread Pudding has the perfect amount of bourbon to give it just a little extra something that you didn’t quite know it needed. The bourbon pecan sauce is so decadent and the perfect topping for the bread pudding. Want even more decadence and deliciousness? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice and drizzle the bourbon sauce on top for the ultimate experience!

Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

November 18, 2020

White bowl of mashed potatoes with melted butter and thyme sprigs

You’re probably thinking there are already so many recipes out there for mashed potatoes. However, these are seriously the creamiest mashed potatoes you will make and try. It only requires 3 major ingredients and a couple of seasonings. That is it! So simple, so easy, and you will make these over and over again. The nice things about these mashed potatoes is how versatile they are. Let’s talk about ways to make them you’re own.

Cinnamon Apple Empanadas

October 30, 2020

I cannot tell you enough how dang delicious these Cinnamon Apple Empanadas are. The smell of apple and cinnamon cooking is pure comfort and happiness. I mean really, is there a better fall/winter smell? The answer is no, there really isn’t! The empanada dough is so easy to make and only takes 3 major ingredients, THREE. I promise it’s easy and you will start making ALL the empanadas when you realize just how easy it is.

Southwest Chicken Enchilada Soup

October 23, 2020

Southwest Chicken Enchilada Soup is full of all the southwest goods we have all come to love. Black beans, corn, and tomatoes, amongst a few other things, make this soup so heart and satisfying. The best thing about this soup, aside from it being so dang good, is how easy it is to make! Not only are we using all the canned goods, meaning no real prep needed, but we are also using the instant pot to make this super easy and effortless.

Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup)

October 16, 2020

Bowl of caldo de pollo with veggies, chicken, and chile de arbol. Striped towel underneath bowl

Talk about comfort food! Caldo de Pollo is the ultimate comforting soup that is so familiar in Mexican households. It is full of all kinds of veggies and all the chicken your belly desires. Traditionally, as I grew up eating it, my mami would use a whole chicken and just cut it into the different parts. This way we all got a little bit of what we liked: my papi liked the chicken breast, my mami the wings, and I the thigh or drumstick. You can absolutely use any kind of chicken you want, mix and match, sub or add veggies. It’s so versatile and easy to make your own. There is one thing you must do though. You must add some salsa to your caldo de pollo and a squeeze or two of lime juice. It’s the cherry on top for this goodness.

Loaded Chorizo Fries

October 9, 2020

These Loaded Chorizo Fries are everything you didn’t know you needed in life. They are loaded with peppers, chorizo, and all the toppings your heart desires. Think of the fries as a canvas and all the other toppings as the paint. It truly is like a delicious and spicy piece of art. Don’t skimp on that chipotle sauce either because it is so dang good! You can absolutely adjust the amount of chipotle powder to your preferred heat level. You can even use a combo of chili and chipotle powder to keep some flavor but cut down the heat.

Carne Al Pastor

September 22, 2020

This Carne Al Pastor will blow your mind! It is full of flavor and absolutely delicious. The beautiful thing about this recipe is that you can choose to be fancy and make it trompo style, as shown here, or you can simply cook it on the stove. Let’s be real though, if you’re taking the time to make this meal and really want to entertain, you MUST stack it and cook it trompo style. I’ll be honest, the satisfaction of cooking that big o stack of meat and presenting it in all its glory is the best. Talk about a way to impress!

Spinach Poblano Dip

September 11, 2020

If you like traditional spinach artichoke dip then you’re going to love this spin on the classic! This Spinach Poblano Dip is full of flavor and poblano peppers are subbed for the artichoke for an extra little something. If you’re not familiar with poblano peppers don’t even worry about it! They are mild in flavor and in spice. Think of them as more sophisticated bell peppers. The flavors of the poblano pepper really come out when the peppers are cooked, either sauteed or roasted. You can absolutely roast the peppers for this recipe but I am all about convenience and like to saute them with the rest of the veggies to make it quick and easy. To be on the safe side when working with poblanos just take out the seeds and veins to ensure the dip is not spicy. However, if you’re like me and like the spice then add on a jalepeno for an extra kick. OOOOH man, it’s a darn good kind of kick!

Carne Asada Meatballs

September 1, 2020

These Carne Asada Meatballs have all the flavor of traditional carne asada rolled up into a meatball. Carne asada will forever bring back memories of grilling with the family and an abundance of food like you can’t even imagine. It was as if we were going to be feeding a whole army of people! That is one thing that about these carne asada meals, everyone was invited regardless of what day it was. You always made enough food “just in case someone comes over”. Hey, the more food the more leftovers and it just meant I was going to eat so dang good for at least a couple of days!

Street Corn Pasta Salad

September 1, 2020

Pasta salad with corn in a white plate with lime garnish. chili powder on side, crumbled cheese on side.

This street corn pasta salad will be a summer staple because you will want to make it over and over again! It has all the delicious traditional street corn ingredients with some pasta added in for the perfect side dish. It’s great for any bbq, gathering, potluck, etc. Or you can just make some to have on hand for the week because you will probably just be addicted to it, just saying.

Cauliflower Arroz con Pollo

August 25, 2020

Chicken and cauliflower rice with vegetables on a white plate. Lime wedge on side.

Traditional arroz con pollo has a special place in my heart, (and a reserved spot in my belly!). It’s a dish I grew up eating all the time and I never got tired of it. My mom would always make the best arroz con pollo using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks or a combination of both. The rice absorbed all of the flavor from cooking the chicken in the same pan and it was divine! Same goes for this cauliflower rice version.

Bistec con Papas (Mexican Steak and Potatoes)

August 20, 2020

This is not your traditional steak and potatoes. Bistec con Papas, or Mexican Steak and Potatoes, is full of flavor thanks to it getting cooked in a delicious spicy sauce. This is Mexican comfort food for sure!

Bistec con papas (mexican steak and potatoes) in a white bowl with cilantro garnish.

Bistec con papas is one of those dishes that brings back all the memories. It reminds me of Sundays at my grandma’s when she made this with homemade tortillas, (food freedom!). It also reminds me of many meals at home with my parents and I can picture my mami roasting the veggies for the sauce. This recipe is incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor thanks to that sauce.

Salsa Verde Wings

August 19, 2020

These Salsa Verde Wings will rock your socks off! The wings are coated with my delicious salsa verde and are tangy and a little spicy. Perfect for entertaining, football season, or any time you’re craving wings.

Platter of salsa verde wings. Salsa verde and tomatillos on the side.

My love for salsa verde is serious. The tanginess from the tomatillos with the spiciness from the jalapenos is the perfect combination. There are not a lot of things I won’t put salsa verde on. Which is when I got the idea of making wings with it I knew I had to give it a try. Thank goodness I did because WOW. These wings are so good and are the perfect appetizer. Just trust me, you need these in your life. Oh and did I mention they’re Whole30 compliant?!

Shrimp Ceviche

July 17, 2020

Shrimp ceviche is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect on a hot summer day. Made with fresh shrimp, or seafood of choice, peppers, onions, and lots of lime juice, this ceviche is so satisfying. Drizzle a little hot sauce on top for an extra kick, you will not be disappointed!

White bowl with shrimp ceviche with red peppers, cilantro, red onions, and lime. Tortilla chips, lime, and cilantro garnish

Every time I make ceviche I am reminded of how delicious and fresh it is. Seriously every time I’m like, “OK! This is SO dang good!”, and proceed to pretty much never stop eating it. Growing up we had ceviche tostadas, or ate it with tortilla chips like a dip, and it was one of the dishes I looked forward to the most. If there is one thing you need to know about me it’s the fact that I LOVE limes, all citrus really, and the tartness of all the lime juice in this is the absolute best!

Enchiladas Rojas

July 10, 2020

Looking for authentic red enchiladas, or enchiladas rojas? Look no further. These enchiladas are full of flavor and the sauce is definitely the star of the show!

White pan with red enchiladas topped with lettuce, onions, cheese, sour cream.

Enchiladas rojas are on the top of my favorite foods list. Any time my mom made enchiladas it felt like a special occasion. You know how you don’t make lasagna often because it’s a bit tedious so you really only enjoy it every so often? Maybe not, maybe you’re the type to enjoy it all the time and to that I say more power to you! Anyway, enchiladas are like that. You make the sauce from scratch and take the time to dip each tortilla in the sauce before you fill it with the goods and roll it up. Why dip? Because that is the REAL way to get it done. Trust me, sauce all over those tortillas on every single inch of it is the way to go.

Mexican Chicken Salad

July 4, 2020

Mexican chicken salad is full of veggies, packed with lots of flavor, and has a little kick thanks to some pickled jalapeños. It makes for the perfect lunch or a great side for your bbq or potluck!

Mexican chicken salad in white bowl with corn, peas, carrots, and green beans. Side of pickled jalapenos in small white bowl. Saltine crackers and tostadas on the side.

This Mexican chicken salad is something I grew up eating whenever we went to a quinceañera, a wedding, or any Mexican gathering or party. My favorite part of this recipe is all the veggies that are packed into this chicken. Parents, isn’t this just the thing you need? A delicious meal packed with veggies that your kids probably won’t even be bothered by because it’s just that good?! Yup, you need it in your life because trust me when I say the flavor is not sacrificed in this delicious chicken salad!

Mango Salsa

June 26, 2020

Looking for something sweet and spicy to put on tacos, on grilled chicken, or just to munch on?? Look no further! This Mango Salsa is perfect for the summer heat and adds so much flavor to any grilled food. It’s not traditional, it’s something different but so delicious you won’t be able to stop eating it!

Blue bowl with mango salsa including mango, cilantro, red onion, red bell pepper. Hand dipping tortilla chip into mango salsa. Chips, cilantro, red onion, limes, and jalapeno in picture.

When I think about summer I think of grilled meals, frozen margaritas, pool time, and this delicious mango salsa. I love making a batch of this to take the pool and eat with some tortilla chips. It is also divine on top of grilled chicken breast or grilled shrimp tacos. There’s really nothing like a sweet and savory mix with a little added heat. Another great thing about this recipe? It is so incredibly easy and quick to put together for a last minute gathering, potluck, or snack!

Mexican Street Corn Dip

June 19, 2020

This Mexican street corn dip is the perfect appetizer for a summer barbecue or just to snack on. All the ingredients and deliciousness from Mexican street corn converted to a dip. Make sure you have lots of tortilla chips on hand because you won’t be able to stop at just one dip!

Bowl of Mexican street corn dip garnished with lime and cilantro, tortilla chip in dip. Corn, limes, crumbled cheese, and tortilla chips in picture.

When you go to Mexico you are bound to find someone selling street corn out of a little cart. There’s nothing like watching someone create this delicious masterpiece. When they slather the sour cream or mayo on the corn then cover it entirely in crumbled cheese followed by a generous sprinkling of chili powder or Tajin. Sometimes the cherry on top is a nice squirt of fresh lime juice. I mean really, I am drooling just thinking about it!

Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

May 19, 2020

This Frozen Strawberry Margaritas recipe is so simple and made with minimal ingredients. They are perfect on a hot summer day or just because you deserve one! It’s like an alcoholic smoothie, really. Therefore it’s good for you, right?!

Two strawberry frozen margaritas with salt rim and limes. Limes and strawberries surround the margaritas. Small plate of salt and lemon zest.

Do you ever just crave a really good drink? Like something that you can probably only go out and have in a restaurant or bar because they’re that good and you just can’t remake it? Seeing as we are in the middle of a pandemic right now, (COVID-19 documented here for future readers), this may be a little hard. Well these frozen strawberry margaritas are definitely restaurant status and you can make them at home with a few simple ingredients!

Mexican Flan

May 12, 2020

This traditional Mexican Flan recipe is so easy to make and only requires 5 ingredients. It is so decadent and delicious and the perfect dessert for any meal!

Mexican Flan on a large plate with caramel sauce and a slice missing. Slice of Mexican flan on small plate with piece cut off and a fork. White flowers in background.

Flan is a delicious custard made with eggs and a few other ingredients. The recipe for flan varies immensely from country to country and even region to region within a country. There is Spanish flan, Mexican flan, Cuban flan, and the list goes on. However, this is the flan I grew up eating and was taught to make by my mami. People will argue that the flan should have cream cheese, or only use a certain amount of egg yolks, or even debate on the type of milk used. Guess what? No one is right or wrong, this is just the way I am teaching you how a decadent and satisfying flan!

Arroz con Pollo

May 8, 2020

This one pan dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. Arroz con Pollo simply means rice with chicken and that’s exactly what it is. The rice gets so much flavor from the chicken that is seared first and cooked with the rice. Add this to your next meal plan for an easy and flavorful meal!

Large pan of arroz con pollo. Chicken thighs and rice with vegetables in a large white pan. Cilantro on the side.

Arroz con Pollo is one of those dishes that brings back childhood memories. My mom often made this dish because it is so easy and economical. It also makes lots of food and is perfect for leftovers. The great thing about this dish is the amazing flavor the rice gets from the chicken. The chicken gets seared first and then is added back in to the rice to finish cooking and infuse the rice with lots of flavor. Traditionally my mom always added mixed veggies because we have to add a little healthy touch, right?

Mushroom Asada Tacos

April 25, 2020

Carne Asada meets mushrooms for the best Mushroom Asada Tacos! With these tacos you won’t even miss the meat, trust me. Carne asada flavors are infused into the mushrooms leaving you with the tastiest meatless taco option.

Mushroom Asada Tacos with onions, cilantro, salsa, and radishes. Tacos folded on a baking sheet.

Sometimes we need a little break from all the meat we consume, right? OK by we I absolutely mean me but still, you need to try these! Mushrooms naturally have a “meaty” taste, (I am so technical, I know), and they always compliment any beef dish. This is why replacing the beef or steak in carne asada tacos works perfectly!

Orange Mango Margaritas

April 17, 2020

Trust me when I say you are going to want these refreshing orange mango margaritas in your life. They are made using only real fruit juices, tequila, and topped with sparkling water for a little bubbly. Perfect for your Mexican feast or just because you deserve it!

Orange mango margarita in glass with Tajin rim. Orange slices in bowl, Tajin on plate.

When I want a cocktail at home I tend to want one like NOW! I really don’t want to mess with anything complicated or with too many ingredients or steps. Plug in these incredibly easy and tasty orange mango margaritas. They’re so easy you’re going to want to make them over and over again. Probably right after you finish one because it’s so good you’ll want another. Then before you know it it’s one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR!

Pork Belly Tacos with Pineapple Slaw

April 14, 2020

These pork belly tacos are next level thanks to an ancho chili powder rub. It’s like carnita tacos were taken to a whole new level! Topped with pineapple slaw, these tacos will satisfy all you taco cravings!

Pork belly tacos with pineapple slaw and red onion. Limes, chili powder, cilantro, and drink on the side.

I am a Kansas City girl and good Kansas City BBQ is something to be proud of. One of my favorite meats is pork belly and I had to figure out a way to incorporate it into a taco. Plug in these pork belly tacos that are incredibly flavorful and topped with the perfect slaw for a hint of sweetness. I love this recipe for entertaining and pairs perfect with any fruity margarita. If you know me you know I LOVE salsa verde and a little drizzle of salsa on top makes this perfect!

Ahi Tuna Tacos

April 11, 2020

These Ahi Tuna tacos are like combining the best of two worlds: tacos and sushi. Quick seared ahi tuna topped with a garlic-ginger slaw, wasabi sauce, and fresh mango. Trust me when I say you need these in your life ASAP!

Ahi Tuna tacos with garlic-ginger slaw, mango, and wasabi sauce. Sesame seeds, mango, cilantro on the side.

I didn’t grow up eating ahi tuna tacos and didn’t have them until later in my adult life. These tacos prove my point that you can pretty much put anything in a tortilla and call it a taco! Truth is you can’t just go to any part of Mexico and expect to see ahi tuna tacos. Sure, they’ll have them in the resort you stay at or a fancy seafood restaurant. However, these beauties are the perfect taco creation to enjoy any Taco Tuesday or any day your heart desires!

Tacos de Papa (Potato Tacos)

April 3, 2020

When you need a break from meat, tacos de papa are the way to go. Tacos de papa, or potato tacos are so easy and simple but always satisfying!

Crispy potato tacos, (tacos de papa), topped with lettuce, onion, tomatoes, queso fresco, sour cream, and salsa. Limes on the side.

I grew up eating LOTS of tacos de papa, or potato tacos, and they always hit the spot. Making these tacos brings back memories of spending time in the kitchen with my mom. She would always have me help her mash the potatoes and fill the tortillas to make the tacos. It made me feel special to be able to help make something so delicious. This was one of the first things I learned how to make from my mom and to this day I picture my 12 year old self making these. Potato tacos could not be easier to make. Let me give you a rundown of just how easy.

Chilaquiles Rojos

March 31, 2020

Have you ever had chilaquiles for brunch? You know, the tortilla chips doused in a yummy salsa and topped with lots of goods. If you haven’t, you are in for a treat! Once you try these chilaquiles rojos you won’t want any other kind of brunch!

Chilaquiles Rojos (Red Chilaquiles) in cast iron skillet with cheese, sour cream, onions, jalapenos, fried eggs

Chi-la-kee-les is how you pronounce this dish and trust me, you don’t have to say it right to thoroughly enjoy them. Chilaquiles are so versatile, economical, and easy to make. I am definitely giving you the “more complicated version” by making my own red sauce for these but you can certainly use your favorite sauce or salsa. Honestly, the sauce isn’t all that complicated it is just a matter of finding the right peppers for it and I understand not everyone has access to these. Speaking of peppers, let’s go ahead and talk about these a little more.

Mexican Fideo

March 20, 2020

Want a comforting and delicious side for your Mexican dish? Forget about traditional rice and give this traditional Mexican fideo a try!

Mexican Fideo with cilantro and lime garnish

Growing up, fideo was a staple in our house. This “mexican spaghetti”, as my husband likes to call it, is so easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Everyone’s version of fideo varies depending on how their family made it, where they are from, etc. We always had two versions, a “soupy” one and dry version, also known as fideo seco. I won’t even lie that I have resourced to using broken up angel hair pasta for my fideo and have just as delicious results. You do you, no right or wrong way of making this deliciousness.

Chorizo con Papas Stuffed Peppers

March 7, 2020

Red, green and orange bell peppers stuffed with chorizo con papas.

Chorizo con papas is hands down one of the easiest and most delicious meals. This is then stuffed into bell peppers for a whole new stuffed pepper experience. These are the perfect meal for any time of the day. Throw a fried egg on top or add scrambled eggs to the chorizo con papas for breakfast. Serve them with side of rice or veggies for full meal. Throw some cheese on top, add some sour cream and salsa for some flavor.

Thai Shrimp Curry Soup

February 26, 2020

This veggie loaded and Whole30 compliant soup is exploding with flavor and you can’t even tell it’s healthy and good for you! Perfect for a cold, gloomy day or when you’re craving a satisfying bowl of soup. What takes it over the edge? Lemongrass. Trust me, you want this added flavor bomb to warm your soul!

Thai food is always so full of flavor and exotic. Let’s be honest, there is no cuisine my little taste buds don’t like. However, Thai cuisine involves an insane amount of flavor, spices, fun ingredients, and perfect spice. Red curry paste is incredibly versatile and can be used for so many great dishes. It adds the perfect flavor and color to this soup and you can use the rest of the paste for curries, stews, noodle bowls… the possibilities are endless!

Pozole Rojo

February 21, 2020

Pozole is essentially a Mexican soup made with pork and hominy in a delicious broth made with dried peppers. The toppings vary from region to region but absolutely make this dish extra special. A traditional Mexican meal sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Growing up my abuelita, grandma, made Pozole for special occasions and sometimes random Sunday dinners. My mom also made it often at home and I quickly learned it is her favorite dish. It took me a while to put together this recipe because, as you can imagine, abuelita doesn’t measure anything. When I asked for a recipe she would say “unos cuantos chiles, poquito de esto, poquito de lo otro”. Essentially saying “a little bit of this and a little bit of that”. How is a woman supposed to work with that?! That just goes to show that she just used her senses and all the love to make this special dish.

Champurrado

February 19, 2020

Ever had champurrado before? Have you even heard of it? Regardless of the champurrado status in your life, you need to try this. So cozy and comforting, this Mexican chocolate drink is out of this world.

Do you have that one drink that brings back memories? Something that, after the first sip, takes you back to something specific? This champurrado will always take me back to my grandma’s house on a Sunday. On a cold day my abuelita would make this delicious and cozy drink to enjoy after a delicious homemade meal. It also brings me back to my trips to Mexico and buying champurrado from a lady selling it on the street. Sounds sketchy, I know. However, that will always be some of the best champurrado I have ever had.

Chorizo Queso Fundido

January 28, 2020

There is really not much out there better than a gooey, spicy, and flavorful queso fundido. Top with chorizo and jalapenos for the ultimate party in your mouth! Oh, and of course, serve it with some warm and slightly charred flour tortillas for a heavenly experience!

Anyone else really really really love cheese?? I mean, that kind of “I can’t live without you or I may just die” love? Guess what, I do! In fact, the hardest thing for me to give up and live without while doing a Whole30 is cheese. So you bet your butt this queso fundido is what my dreams are made of! There are various Mexican restaurants offering all kinds of versions of this and they’re all phenomenal, really. What I do have to tell you is how incredibly easy and quick it is. Fundido translates to molten, or melted, and it’s exactly just that: melted cheese.

Creamy Potato Cauliflower Soup

January 22, 2020

Cauliflower is the perfect veggie to sneak into lots of dishes. It doesn’t have an overpowering taste but it definitely adds creaminess and absorbs all the flavors in this soup. Trust me, you won’t even know it’s in there. Plus, it will trick anyone into getting their veggies in AND it’s delicious. Win Win.

If the weather is cold and all you want to do is cozy up and have a nice bowl of soup, the last thing you want to do is make a complicated recipe. Plug in this super easy but delicious and creamy soup. The secret to adding a little extra flavor? Cooking the onion in leftover bacon grease. It seriously adds a little something you didn’t know you needed. You wouldn’t even think it’s a Whole30 recipe!

Pork Chile Verde

January 3, 2020

Do you want and easy meal to have on a busy weeknight or to meal prep? This pork chile verde made with pork, potatoes, and salsa verde is here for YOU!

Pork chile verde in a white skillet. Jalapenos, tomatillos, lime, and cilantro as props

Growing up I noticed my mom was very resourceful when it came to planning meals for us. One thing she made often was carne con chile, or meat with chile sauce, like this pork chile verde. This was the logical thing to do with any left over salsa, veggies on hand, and meat found in the freezer. Making a salsa is so easy and economical and cooking any kind of meat in salsa makes for the perfect meal. Add a side of rice, calabacitas, or zucchini, and eat with tortillas.

Pozole Verde

January 3, 2020

Pozole is something I grew up eating my entire life. Hominy and meat in a broth made with spices and chiles, and all the garnishes your heart desires. However, pozole verde is something new, exciting, and different from the stuff my grandma made. This recipe is super easy and absolutely satisfying.

Bowl of green pozole with jalapeno, lime, and radish garnish. Tortilla chips to the side.

Ask anyone who is Mexican or comes from a Mexican family about pozole and they will describe pozole rojo to you. Traditional pozole rojo is made with a red sauce broth base that made with chiles guajillos and anchos. It is traditionally made with pork and always has hominy. In my family, pozole is served with shredded lettuce, radishes, oregano, and some lime juice. We always have a spicy red salsa on hand if we want some extra heat.