Guava

Here's a great breakfast or after-workout cooler that's ready in seconds and tastes as good as one you'd get at a juice bar.

Calabaza en Tacha Señora Consuelo de Mendoza There are many regional recipes for pumpkins cooked with raw sugar, either piloncillo in the form of cones, or panela, in thick rounds — the darker the color the richer the flavor. This recipe comes from the eastern part of Michoacán, where it is eaten preferably for breakfast with a glass of cold milk.

One of the best-known and most popular tropical drinks, the mai tai translates perfectly into an irresistible sorbet. For a whimsical presentation, garnish with colorful paper umbrellas and bright orchid flowers or bougainvillea blossoms.

Start preparing this two days before you plan to serve it. Toast the coconut in a 350°F oven until light golden in spots, stirring frequently, about ten minutes.

LaVerl Daily, director of Le Panier cooking school in Houston, suggests supplementing this slightly tropical entrée with rice, black beans and buttered green beans sprinkled with chopped macadamia nuts. Finish with sweet potato pie or coconut cream pie.

This showstopping pie is inspired by the classic flavors of guava and cheese pastelitos but takes a fraction of the effort.

A stupid-simple, ultra-comforting, dairy-rich pudding made with five ingredients.