Still daydreaming of a tropical escape without the long line-ups and hefty price tags? 

Travel expert Jennifer Weatherhead can show you how to bring your dream destination to your doorstep, desk or balcony for less than $20!

Hawaii: If the beaches of Hawaii appeal, Jennifer recommends indulging in her Hawaiian Sunrise smoothie bowl while watching the sunrise. 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 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: Jennider says this hot queso dip will immediately whisk you away to mariachi in the Mexican moonlight!  She 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 and let the memories begin!

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: Escaping to Thailand is as easy as elevating your avo-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 instantly transport you to the sun-drenched beaches of Phuket.  Play some crashing waves on your phone, 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, and a fried egg, and amp up the flavours with Thai red chillies, chilli crunch, cilantro, and some pickled ginger

Published by HOLR Magazine.