Cookies 'n Cream Atole (Atole de Oreo) #AtoleWeek

The classic combination of milk and cookies in a delicious Mexican atole.

When brainstorming ideas for what flavors of atole to share for #AtoleWeek, the kiddies insisted I make Cookies 'n Cream Atole, another version of Atole de Galleta, made with Oreos. Who doesn't love Oreos?! This Atole de Oreo starts with an Atole Blanco base (thickened with cornstarch), and the cookies are added at the very end. Top your Atole de Oreo with a dollop or two of whipped cream for a decadent treat the whole family will love!

Comfort Food Classics: Atole Blanco de Masa (Basic White Atole) #AtoleWeek

Atole Blanco is the base recipe for many traditional Mexican atoles, but it is also delicious all on it's own.

Mexican atoles come in a wide variety of flavors like chocolate, strawberry, cookie, cream cheese, guava, sweet potato, coconut, pecan, mango, cajeta, corn... The list goes on and on! But the one thing most atoles have in common, whether they are thickened with masa or cornstarch, is that they all start with a basic Atole Blanco base. Atoles are my favorite winter beverage, and every year I try to make sure I make all of our favorite flavors. But sometimes it's nice to sip on a simple White Atole. The soothing flavor reminds me of my grandparents, who often prepared Atole Blanco when I was sick.

Atole de Guayaba en Agua (Guava Atole) #AtoleWeek

A traditional Mexican atole made with fresh guavas and thickened with masa harina.

What do you do when a produce truck drives through your neighborhood selling a kilo of fresh guavas for 10 pesos (like 60 cents US)? I don't know about you, but I bought five kilos to make some of my favorite guava recipes. Yes, eleven pounds of guavas might seem like a bit much, but they are so tasty and so versatile. I can't get enough of them. And have I mentioned their mesmerizing aroma? Fresh guavas sitting on the counter are the best natural air freshener ever.

Atole de Chocolate (Mexican Hot Chocolate Atole) #AtoleWeek

Atole de Chocolate is a thicker and creamier cinnamon-infused version of traditional hot cocoa made with Mexican chocolate.

After a cold and rainy weekend here in Mexico, the sun is shining in the bright blue sky. But I think the sun might be broken, because the temperatures this morning dipped to a bone-chilling 2 degrees Celsius (about 35°F). That's freezing cold weather for these here parts, and the layer of ice on our truck's windshield before taking the younger kiddies to school is a not-so-gentle reminder that winter will soon be here. Because there's nothing like a hot mug of atole to warm you up on a cold winter's day, this week in my cocina we will be celebrating #AtoleWeek. Tune in every day this week (Monday-Friday) for some of my favorite atole recipes.

Secret Recipe Club: Cinnamon Hibiscus Hot Toddy

Cinnamon and dried hibiscus flowers add a merry and bright twist to the classic hot toddy for a delicious holiday treat.

A very merry December to all! With the holiday season in full swing, I only had one thing in mind while choosing a recipe for The Secret Recipe Club... Something festive for the holidays! My assignment this month is A Fit and Spicy Life written by Mellissa whose tagline perfectly sums up her blog, "A lot of cooking, a little wine, and workouts to keep it all inline." Full of health-conscious recipes like Ramen Noodle Salad, Ginger Carrot Soup, and her Spinach, Mushroom & Onion Mini-Frittatas, you'll also find fitness tips and wine recommendations on her weekly Wine Wednesday series.

Cajeta Apple Cider

All the flavors of a caramel apple in a comforting mug of hot apple cider flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and Mexican cajeta.

´Tis the season to be jolly! To help you get in the holiday spirit I've got this warm Cajeta Apple Cider made with creamy cajeta, a delicious Mexican caramel sauce made with goat’s milk. It smells like Christmas! Whether you're decorating the tree, watching your favorite Christmas movies, or just curling up under your favorite fuzzy blanket because the weather outside is frightful, a sip of this Cajeta Apple Cider will warm you right up.