If you haven’t had your dream getaway this summer, you’re not alone! More than half of Canadians skipped it this year due to rising costs. But, thanks to travel expert Jennifer Weatherhead, here’s how the taste of travel will get you there, for less than $20.00!
Hawaii: To escape to the beaches of Hawaii, Jennifer recommends making this smoothie bowl and enjoying it outside as the sun rises to be immediately whisked away to this tropical destination. Her secret ingredient is Taste Hawaii, a pineapple and almond cream cheese by Castello that’s creamy and fruity with a hint of nuts. Serve with some fresh juice, surrounded by bright, fresh flowers for the perfect aloha vibes.
Hawaiian Sunrise:
Ingredients:
Castello Taste Hawaii Cream cheese
Coconut Milk
Granola
Tropical fruits
Directions: Blend half a ring of Taste Hawaii with some coconut milk to create a creamy texture. Add some granola to a bowl, top with your favourite tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, papaya, dragon fruits, passion fruit) and spoon the cream cheese mixture on top. Garnish with toasted coconut, toasted chopped almonds and more fruit.
Mexico: Mariachi in the Mexican moonlight anyone? This hot queso dip bursting with flavour will immediately transport you to the bustling Mexican street market. Jennifer blends Taste Mexico, a sweet and spicy pepper cream cheese by Castello, with lime juice and more peppers and bakes it until bubbly. Serve with authentic mini tacos and mariachi music to keep the vacation vibes alive!
Fiery Fiesta Queso Dip:
Ingredients:
Castello Taste Mexico Cream Cheese
2-3 Limes
1-2 Jalapeno peppers
Chipotle pepper
Directions: Whip one ring of Castello Taste Mexico Cream Cheese in a bowl until completely mixed and smooth. Squeeze in the juice from 2-3 limes (depending on how much you like lime!) For extra heat, you can add in a chopped jalapeno pepper or two, but you can keep it simple with the sweet and spicy mix in the cream cheese. Spoon into a baking dish and top with a chipotle pepper (for an extra kick), and bake for 15-20 mins at 300F, just until bubbly. Serve with crunchy veggies and tortilla chips.
Use the same cream cheese to make an easy crema for tacos and corn–just whip the cream cheese with some extra lime juice, and a little sour cream if you need to thin it out more, and drizzle over just about anything!
Thailand: You can pack yourself a sandwich for work, or take a trip to Thailand with Jennifer’s specialty avocado toast. Spread Taste Thailand, a chili and ginger cream cheese by Castello onto a toasted baguette and top with avocado, chilis, cilantro and even a fried egg. The smooth cream cheese offers a sweet coconut and hint of pickled ginger that will transport you to the beautiful beaches of Phuket. Play some crashing waves on your iphone while you enjoy it, close your eyes and let yourself escape.
Spicy Thai Avocado Toast:
Ingredients:
Castello Taste Thailand
Toast
Olive oil
Fried Egg
Thai Red Chillies
Chilli crunch
Cilantro
Pickled Ginger
Directions: Toast your favourite bread for avocado toast (Jennifer recommends a baguette toasted in a pan with a bit of olive oil.) Spread some Castello Taste Thailand Cream Cheese over the toast. Make it as thick as you’d like! Top with avocado, a fried egg, and amp up the flavours with Thai red chillies, chilli crunch, cilantro and some pickled ginger