The Ole! Report featuring Dalia Ceja

In honor of Mother’s Day, I decided to whip out my go to recipe for this delicious and light cake that everyone seems to love. I personally think there should be over-the-top displays of appreciation and beauty celebrating all moms and, in this case, it will come in the form of a delectable dessert.

I simply adore everything about mangos and what a better way than to add a hint of this exotic fruit into the salsa for the cake. You’ll be surprised at how easy this recipe is to make and the presentation is equally as beautiful. It’s true, I love food that looks as good as it tastes! This cake is delicate and impressive and sure to bring a huge smile to any mom’s face. Enjoy and bon appétit!

{For step-by-step cooking directions watch my video below!}

Mexican Mango Cake
Serves 8
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes   Level: Medium

Ingredients for the Cake:
3 cups cake flour
6 large eggs
3 sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
orange zest

Ingredients for Mango Salsa:
2 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen and thawed mango
2  cups granulated sugar
8 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp water
edible flowers as garnish, optional

Directions for Cake:
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well after each addition then mix in vanilla extract, buttermilk and orange zest. Then add dry ingredients and continue mixing. Pour batter into a cake pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove cake pan from oven and place on a wire rack and allow cake to cool completely. Invert cake onto a platter or serving tray.

Directions for Mango Salsa:
Combine the mango, water, sugar and cream cheese in a blender or food processor and mix until smooth adding extra water if necessary. Pour the mango salsa evenly over the cake and feel free to decorate with edible flowers.

Tip: Try the Mango cake with Ceja Vineyards “Dulce Beso” Late Harvest Dessert Wine! This wine has richness with an opulent concentration of white peach, vanilla, tropical essences and citrus accents which will pair beautifully with the cake! Ole!

*Images via Ariel Ceja

Besos,

Dalia x

Let’s talk about snack foods. I am definitely one of those people who likes to be munching on something tasty a few times a day. I typically like to go the “healthier” route and nom on carrot sticks and hummus but once in a while I crave something fried, something sweet and something salty. That’s where these puppies come into play. I first discovered my love for fried plantains during my backpacking trip to South America and became instantly addicted. There is also the spicy aji salsa, which adds a bit of acid, spice and creaminess to your palate.

Traditionally, fried plantains or {Tostones} are a favorite snack and side dish in Puerto Rico, Cuba and other Latin American countries. Tostones are salted and eaten much like potato chips or French fries but, in my opinion, are so much better. Trust me, you’ll get addicted! Ole!

{For step-by-step cooking instructions check out my video below}

{Pics taken by my bro, Ariel Ceja. Orale!}

Sweet and Savory Fried Plantains dipped in a spicy Aji Salsa

Serves 4 people – Level Easy

Ingredients for fried plantains:

• 3 large ripe plantains
• Oil for frying
• Salt/water mixture
• Salt to taste after frying

Preparation:

Heat the oil to 375 degrees. While the oil is heating up, peel the green plantains and then cut them into 3/4 inch slices. Tip: Put the sliced plantains in a bowl of salt water for 5 minutes. This will make them crisp and golden brown when frying.

Fry the slices in the hot oil for 3 minutes. They should be a golden brown in color, crisp on the edges and semi-soft in the center. Remove the plantain slices with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Ingredients for aji salsa:

• 1/2 head of romaine lettuce
• 3 jalapenos, fire roasted and deseeded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 green onions, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• Juice from 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Fire roast the 3 jalapeno chiles on a comal or griddle. Then, roughly chop the chiles, lettuce, garlic, cilantro & green onions. Add all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend for 3-4 minutes on a medium level. Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the tostones on a platter and put the aji dipping sauce in a little container.

Tip: Pair the scrumptious appetizer with Ceja Chardonnay and enjoy! Ole!

 Have a wonderful week! x

Little Lemon Souffles/Rochas Yellow Sunshine Bag

Happy Friday! Get ready for an entirely nonsensical post combining my love for food and fashion. I am constantly craving and coveting the most delicious recipes and fabulous fashion trends that the world has to offer. You might be thinking, “outfits good enough to eat? Food good enough to… umm… wear?” No matter! Just allow your mouth to water and your inner fashionista to take over and enjoy it for what it is…Ole!

Blood Orange, Beet & Fennel Salad/Bright Pink Street Style

Holy GuacamOLE!/Kelly Green Street Style

Grilled Brie, Thyme Honey & Figs/Bohemian Chic Street Style

Nectarine Pizza With Basil & Balsamic/Stripe + Pattern Street Style

Orange Soda Float/Spring Street Style

P.s. This weekend I’ll be in SF for the BlogShop Bootcamp with Bri Emery of designlovefest + photographer Angela Kohler. I’m uber excited & ready for the weekend to begin!

Besos,

Dalia x

Is it tea time yet?

I drink an impossible amount of tea! I am madly in love with this wonderful beverage, especially during moments when I need some peace of mind and some inspiration. But why?

1. Choice – tea is not just one drink, it is many! Amazingly, there are over 2,000 varieties of tea available throughout the world. There are four main types of tea – Black, Oolong, Green and White. I enjoy drinking all types of tea, and my kitchen cupboards are full of them. As are my purses! So whatever mood I’m in, or wherever I am, there’s always a tea that suits.

2. Ritual - I drink tea every morning. I alternate with Earl Grey, Jasmine Green tea and a variety of other black teas. I find that adding a splash of non-fat milk and a dash of honey makes this steaming beverage even more divine {a learned trick when I visited London}. I’ve also recently started experimenting with loose leaf tea. This tea-making ritual of mine is practiced several times a day, and I never tire of it. It is my ‘me-time’ and usually when I get inspired to write my blog.

3. Health - The amazing health benefits of drinking tea have been greatly publicized and are widely known {especially Green Tea}. Tea is proven to help protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The powerful antioxidants in tea help to strengthen the immune system, fight colds and flu, promote healthy skin and hair, and can even be anti-aging. Not a bad idea to jump on the tea drinking bandwagon!

4. Teacups and saucers - I absolutely adore the variety of collections & styles of teacups and saucers. Drinking tea out of a delicate and beautiful, vintage teacup and saucer is the best way to enjoy Britain’s favorite beverage. I’m always on the lookout for vintage teacups and saucers in vintage & antique shops.

5. The Tea Party – There is nothing like a good tea party to host {or attend} that ranges from spontaneous, loud, gossip fueled gatherings to meticulously planned, stunning summer-time  garden tea parties, where the tea is served in only my best china. Flowery, homemade bunting, candles and pretty decorations adorn the garden fences, benches and other outdoor furniture.

6. It’s a Great Addition to Cocktails - Tea cocktails and drinks with tea-infused syrups, like the Earl Grey Martini, are popping up all over the place. Mixologists have fun experimenting and people love trying a new style of cocktail – at least I do!

{Images via Pinterest – Follow me HERE!}

P.s. Goodness, I simply can’t imagine my life without tea!

I hope everyone has a lovely Tuesday! x

Youthful, artful, hip, eclectic, cultured, radical, sexy and green – San Francisco is all that & more!

San Francisco is a city with such character and charm it’s impossible not to fall head over heels for it as I did back in 2003. I spent a few glorious years during college exploring, living and falling in love with this city. Here are a few of my favorite things, places and advice for people visiting or living in SF {staying away from the tourist traps}:

1. If someone told you they were moving to SF, what advice would you give them?
Sell your car and buy a bike and a muni pass {or even a Vespa}. Oh yes, and bring lots of layers to wear.

2. Favorite {casual} places to eat?
Burma Superstar {Outer Richmond}, Naan -N- Curry {several locations + BYOB}, Pluto’s {Marina/Cow Hollow}, Taqueria Cancun {Mission}, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana {North Beach}, Nopalito {Lower Haight}.

3. If a tourist had one day to spend in SF, what would you tell them to see?
Start off the day by walking around the Castro, Inner Mission, and Dolores Park. In the late afternoon take a cab to Washington Square and walk up Telegraph Hill, {stopping for a gelato and cappuccino}. Then pass through narrow Varennes Street and up to the base of Coit Tower to admire the breezy view of the Bay.

4. Favorite places to shop?
Fillmore Street {high end shops with old time beauty}, Haight Street {recycled, vintage clothing stores}, Hayes Valley {chic vintage clothing & local artwork}, Mission St – Valencia & 16th {Funky & eclectic shopping}.

5. What’s the best thing about SF?
The lack of pretension for such a cosmopolitan city, the bustling yet comfortable activity in the streets, squares and parks and the diverse food scene the city has to offer.

SF Street Style {Marc NY Jacket, Alice + Olivia Shorts, Steve Madden Boots, Banana Republic Hat, Theory Aviators, Melie Bianco Purse}

P.s.  There you have it dolls, now go out and explore! Ole!

Besos,

Dalia x