CALIFORNIA LIMITED IS NOW STATE BLISS TO CELEBRATE NEW GREAT STATES!

State Bliss Blog — Food

Blog Menu

Pitch-Black Dessert Tamales Are The Treat YOU Want For Dia De Los Muertos

Pitch-Black Dessert Tamales Are The Treat YOU Want For Dia De Los Muertos

It’s tradition on Dia De Los Muertos to place ofrendas, or offerings, on altars so that deceased ancestors will come back and visit their families. Tamales, in both sweet and savory form, are one of the most common foods used as an ofrenda, making these dessert tamales a colorful and tasty offering for both eating and placing on the family altar.

This version of a dessert tamal evokes the colors and tastes of fall, utilizing both orange and white sweet potatoes as the chief components of the filling.

For an extra hit of sweetness, OREOs are incorporated into both the masa and creamy interior. Activated coconut charcoal also gives the masa a deep black hue, making the tamales as vibrant as they are flavorful.

You can get all of the ingredients to make these dessert tamales at Northgate Market, who will be launching a holiday cookbook with this recipe and more in early December. If you want to make the tamales before then, though, the full recipe is below.

Servings: 15

Ingredients

25 corn husks

26 Oreo cookies, just the cookie

2 1/2 pounds plain masa

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 ½ Tbsp activated coconut charcoal

¼ cup evaporated milk

For the orange filling

Creamy filling of 26 Oreo cookies

1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 egg

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

For the white filling

Creamy filling of 26 oreo cookies

1 pound white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 egg

10 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the drizzle topping

1 bottle Cacique Crema Mexicana

1 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Step 1

Combine corn husks and enough water to cover in a large bowl. Soak overnight.

 

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add sweet potatoes and cook for 25-30 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.

 

 

Step 3

Separate each Oreo cookie, scrape off creamy filling and place in a separate bowl. Place cookies in a food processor and process until a small crumble texture (about 1 ½ cups of crumbled cookie). Set creamy filling aside.

 

Step 4

Place masa in a large bowl. Add evaporated milk and mix with a hand held mixer on a slow setting. Add cookie crumbles in ½ cup increments, add charcoal in tablespoons increments, add sugar in increments as well. Continue mixing until color is evenly distributed.  

 

Step 5

In another large bowl, combine creamy filling, egg, cream cheese, brown sugar, and sweet potatoes. Mix with a whisk or electric mixer until all ingredients are completely incorporated. Repeat this step with the white sweet potato mixture.

 

Step 6

Drain corn husks and pat dry. On a working surface, place husk with pointy side towards you.  Scoop ½ cup masa mixture on husk and spread with a spoon or masa spreader, leaving a 1 ½ inch border on the sides, place 2 tablespoons sweet potato mixture on the center. Fold one side of corn husk over filling then fold the other side, overlapping. Fold the pointed side up and turn over to keep it from unfolding. Use a piece of corn husk to tie if necessary. Repeat with remaining corn husks.

 

Step 7

Arrange tamales upright in a steamer. Fill with hot water right below the rack and heat over medium heat. Cover top of tamales with a layer of remaining husks and a damp towel; cover with lid, bring to a boil and reduce to medium, adding water as needed. Steam for 90 minutes. Remove tamales from steaming. Let cool before serving.       

 

Step 8

Optional: to make a creamy drizzle topping, add powdered sugar to crema mexicana and drizzle on tamales.

 


Created in partnership with Northgate Markets. 

What To Eat With Man's Best Friend While Dining At This Dog-Loving Restaurant Chain

What To Eat With Man's Best Friend While Dining At This Dog-Loving Restaurant Chain


A lot of restaurants and chains have incorporated dog and pet-friendly policies over the years, but not everyone has had one from the start. If you go to the Lazy Dog, a dog-themed and dog-friendly restaurant chain, though, you’ll find two entire menus: one dedicated to dogs, and another expansive one for their owners.

Foodbeast’s own Marc Kharrat and Elie Ayrouth teamed up with Josh Elkin, the Undisputed Champion of Breakfast and host of the Cooking Channel’s Sugar Showdown, to try out both menus from cover to cover. On the latest episode of Foodbeast’s show Going In, they went to the Lazy Dog location at the Del Amo Fashion Center to sample the chain’s entire offering.

Based on what they tried and reviewed, here are some recommendations on what to order for both you and man’s best friend on the Lazy Dog menu.

Food Bowls for Dogs 

The Lazy Dog’s dedicated dog menu is simple, but gets your pet all of the nutrients they need. It consists of plain grilled chicken or burger meat, white or brown rice, and veggies. It’s completely okay for humans to eat, too, should you want to eat dinner alongside your dog.

Three Cheese Pizza

In terms of human food, Ayrouth and Elkin were both big fans of the Three Cheese Pizza. The Lazy Dog’s take on the classic flavor combines mozzarella, Romano, and Parmesan cheese onto one pie.

Ayrouth recommends getting it with chili oil on the side. You can ask for it, drizzle it over the pizza, and get a tasty combo of spicy and cheesy that’ll leave your taste buds tingling.

Mac + Cheese

One of Elkin’s go-to favorites was the Mac + Cheese, a small plate with smoked bacon, hatch chiles, five cheese, and a green onion crumble. There’s plenty of flavor to go around on this one.

Chili Peanut Wings

The Chili Peanut Wings were also a tasty favorite for Elkin. They’re coated in a marinade featuring pineapple juice and fish sauce alongside a variety of chilies and other aromatics for a balanced, flavorsome wing.

Simms Family S’more 

Kharrat especially loved this treat because of the campfire nostalgia that it evoked. He said that it “speaks to that campfire culture that the founders seem to be pulling inspiration from and that made it stand out for me.”

Bison Burger

Ayrouth was a particularly huge fan of the bison burger because he felt that it was THE menu item that best achieved the “zen the founders of the restaurant set out to display,” as he put it. “It took me to the wilderness with every bite,” he said, “all the while remembering I was just in a shopping mall.”

As for Marc…

He was just really excited about the massive slab of watermelon served on the side.  


Created in partnership with Del Amo Fashion Center. 

15 Things You Will Miss When You Leave California

15 Things You Will Miss When You Leave California

15 Things You Will Miss When You Leave California

Californians have got it good. They’ve got it so good in fact, that when they leave, they quickly notice all that the state had to offer. Here are a few things near and dear to Californians hearts that they find unbearable to part with.

 SHOP CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC TEES - New Designs for men & women


1. The Weather

It’s universally understood that it is pretty much always beautiful in California. The sun shines, the waves crash blissfully on the beaches, and the landscapes, both natural and man-made are always on point. Good luck finding the same raw beauty esthetics elsewhere.

2. Avocado Abundance

Who doesn’t love a good avocado? Californians REALLY love their avocados. Avocado toast? Sure. Avocado smoothies? Even better. Avocado cake? Absolutely! Only in California. Seriously. The rest of the world will give you awkward sideways stares. Avocado lovers, unite – and flock to California, the land of the delicious, creamy green fruit.

3. Landscape Versatility

Whether you want to visit the coast or the city, California delivers. Want to escape to a forest hideout? Yeah, California’s got you covered. Desert oasis? You better believe California has the most beautiful Moroccan spas and resorts – right in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Californians face the cruel reality of the lack of existence of this kind of versatility anywhere else they travel to.

4. REAL Mexican Food

Proudly boasting the largest population of Mexican residents, California boasts the most authentic, fresh, satisfying Mexican cuisine you’ll find north of the border. When Californians travel anywhere else, the “Mexican food” just doesn’t even compare.

5. IN-N-Out

Double-double animal style burger and fries? What, you haven’t heard of it? That is grounds for ending friendships to native Californians! Ok, not really, but In-N-Out is a staple that every carnivorous Californian craves. Withdrawals are real.

6. The Lingo

Dude, it’s hella humid here. If you’ve ever muttered these words in New York, Atlanta, or elsewhere, chances are you got some pretty strange looks of confusion. California lingo is pretty limited to California – it’s part of home - and this becomes abundantly clear when you find yourself in the position of a displaced Californian.


7. Beaches Galore

Sure, there are beaches on both coasts, but California boasts some of the most beautiful pristine beaches along it’s perfectly manicured coasts. Surrounded by nightlife, dining, and tourist attractions, a day at the beach is never more exciting than when you’re in California.

8. Celebrity Encounters

Celebrity sightings are common amongst Californians. While the rest of the country is losing their minds over celebrity sightings, Californians are hanging out with local celebs and ordering coffee alongside them at Starbucks. What’s the big deal anyways, right?

9. Activities for Days

Never a dull moment. How could there be? With literally every activity imaginable, the great state of California offers a multitude of exciting opportunities to make the most of life. Want to learn aerial gymnastics? It’s right around the corner. Need to take a cooking class? No problem. California offers so much to its residents – they will literally never run out of things to do.

10. Diversity

People from all walks of life, all ethnicities, and all genders call California home. What’s even more impressive, is that the state values acceptance and welcomes everyone for who they are. You’ll never find a more inclusive state – a trait that is quickly missed by Californians (and visitors) when it is time to move on.

11. The Lifestyle

Californians live a truly different lifestyle. They live organically, advocate for acceptance, strive for greatness, and they make dreams come true. The sense of community and pride for their lifestyle of wellness is something easily missed by Californians that have relocated.


12. Disneyland

There are several Disney parks worldwide, but there is only ONE Disneyland. Californians are known to purchase season passes and visit regularly. Disneyland is an icon of the Golden State and Californians miss it dearly when they depart.

13. Shopping
Okay, it’s true – you can shop anywhere, but California is home to thousands of different shopping venues. If you dream it, you’ll find it in California. From countless outlet malls to specialty boutiques and shops, California offers a shopping experience unparalleled to anywhere else.

14. Opportunity

Everybody knows that if you want to be rich and famous, you get your big break by packing up your life and moving to California to pursue your dreams. While some success is built on skill, the majority of successful people have attained their positions by networking. California is a networking hot spot. If you have a dream and want to reach for the stars, there is a great chance that you’ll find the right people to rub elbows with in California.

15. Year-Round Farmer’s Markets

Remember how we mentioned the fantastic weather? Well, it also enables local farmers to churn out freshly harvested fruits and veggies all year round – and good thing! Californians love their fresh cuisine.

The Most Unique Foods You Will Find in California

The Most Unique Foods You Will Find in California

The Most Unique Foods You Will Find in California

1.) Chinatown Specialties



You may think you have heard of pretty much everything when it comes to food. Especially if you’re a diehard foodie – but have you seen the culinary oddities that can only be found deep in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown? Chinese delicacies like dried lizards on a stick, chocolate covered ants, fried scorpions, and not so strange foods like Vietnamese Pho are all some of the unique foods you can sample in Chinatown. With all of the cultural diversity, Chinatown is an exciting food experience all around – and VERY unique.

2.) Acai Bowls



Most of us have heard of the acai berry and all of the fantastic healthful properties it contains. Antioxidant rich, it’s benefits have created a health food craze throughout the country. So how is this food unique to California you ask? Well you see, California has found a way to take this incredible health food and create a healthy breakfast smoothie bowl packed with nutrient rich foods. Picture this – a layer of tropical acai berry smoothie, topped with oatmeal, fruit, nuts and seeds. Soothe your sweet tooth and enjoy a breakfast that is sure to start your morning off right. Yum!

3.) Green Smoothies



Ahhh…juicing. Sure, this one isn’t uncommon, but where you get viewed as a health freak in other parts of the country, Californians won’t even bat an eyelash. This frosty beverage is refreshing, energizing, and full of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs. Green smoothies are totally cool here. In fact, they may welcome you to the green drink club with open arms.

4.) Cactus Cooler



For those of you sitting here reading this asking, “what the heck is a cactus cooler?”, it’s a soda, soft drink, a pop for you Midwesterners. This orange-pineapple flavored carbonated beverage is a staple to southern Californians.

5.) See’s Candies



Hard to find in most other states, See’s Candies is quite available in Cali. In fact, you are very likely to see a See’s Candies shop in most malls. From gourmet lollipops to delectable chocolates, See’s has something for every sweet tooth.

6.) Boba



Boba, also known as bubble tea, is an Asian tea infused with fruit and topped with tapioca pearls, sometimes mixed with milk to achieve a milkshake consistency – a healthy alternative to the American version. California seems to see the potential in these unique health foods first -and so the trends begin.

7.) Umami Burgers



A fusion of American and Asian style cuisine, Umami Burgers in California creates gourmet burgers with a twist. Beef patties, cheese, and tempura fried veggies take on a diverse multitude of flavors when topped with ingredients like fried eggs, greens, seafood, and special sauces. These burgers are truly a California phenomenon. So. Good.

8.) Matcha Green Tea Latte



While lattes are certainly not unique in their own respect, this matcha green tea latte from Urth Café must be pretty darn good. It was one of the highest-ranking Instagram pictures of tea ever. The baristas at Urth Café not only make a mean cup of tea, they also leave cute little cream birds and leaves frothed on the top of your cup.


9.) The Bambu Special



The Bambu special found at Bambu Desserts and Drinks in San Francisco is made from coconut juice, with longan, basil seed, coconut meat, and pandan jelly. The presentation is layered and super artsy. Very unique and definitely something worth trying if you’re in the area.

10.) Year-Round Farmer’s Markets



Sigh…Sunny California. While the rest of the US is trudging through snow, smothered by cloudy days, and daydreaming of sunshine, California is basking in the glow. Year-round farmer’s markets are plentiful in the great state of California and you’ll be pleased to find seasonal veggies at an affordable cost, ripe and totally satisfying.

9 Things You’ll Get Addicted to in California

9 Things You’ll Get Addicted to in California

Diversity

We’re ready to assert that California is hands down the most culturally diverse state. The cultural celebration that lies within the hearts of Californians is immensely palpable. Every day there are displays of cultural appreciation that thrives in the golden state’s culinary offering and culturally rich communities. Tamales? Vietnamese Pho? Indian food? California has got it all. Even more contagious is the true appreciation and gratitude that accompanies the love of all cultures. California is doing something right. You’ll feel so loved and wanted that you’ll simply never want to leave.

Culinary Variety

Fueled by the cultural diversity that Californians pride themselves on so much, the decadent flavors of the variety of cultural backgrounds thrive in the heart of cities like Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego. Don’t believe us? Californians are so obsessed with their ethnic food culture that they even dedicate entire festivals to it! The annual tamale festival in Indio and the Taste of Ecuador festival in Los Angeles are proof. You’ll become insanely addicted to your newfound ability to satisfy literally any food craving you’ll ever have.

Being Fit

Californians have some rockin’ bods. No wonder – they have just about every type of fitness guru at their disposal. Is yoga your thing? Ok – take your pick from hot yoga, vinyasa yoga, hybrid yoga, California has it all. Oh – you’re hardcore? Just attend one of the many cross fit gyms littered throughout the state. Attend a spin class. Or hire your own personal trainer. The point is, in California there is literally no reason not to have a bangin’ bod. Once you feel the burn, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Clothing is Optional

Remember how we mentioned those hard-earned hard bodies that Californians love so much? Well, they certainly don’t like to put in all that hard work to not show it off. It’s not uncommon to see Californians scantily clad, parading around in bikinis and board shorts – and honestly, do you blame them? With bodies so hella tight, we should be thanking them for allowing us the viewing pleasure.

Looking to join the crowd? Click here to browse some of the hottest swimsuit brands of the season.

Brunch

Sure – you can have brunch anywhere, but in California, brunch is Brunch: with a capital “B”. Brunching is something that Californians have perfected – and they can’t get enough. In fact, many local eateries host special brunch menus with delectable cuisine to satisfy your palate whether you have a craving for perfectly prepared made-to-order omelets, or a freshly carved piece of prime rib. Mmmm…brunch.

The Music Scene

Coachella, anyone? Yeah – California is home to some of the hottest music scenes in the biz. If you want to see an artist, chances are they’re playing near you. Unlike the rest of the country, California will never feel the need to beg for artists to visit their state! So… put on your hottest concert attire and head out to the newest, most happening music festivals. Everyone will be there. Disclaimer: once you’ve gone once, there is no turning back. Californians love their music.

Click here to discover the top 50 live music scenes in L.A.

Health Conscious Diets

Californians love their food – and more often than not, their food loves them back! Californians understand the value of a good meal, and not just for taste’s sake. Food buzzwords that will keep Californians coming back for more include “antioxidants”, “paleo”, and “vegan”. When you need a convenient meal in California you don’t have to worry about compromising health for time’s sake.

Worshiping the Sun

With some of the country’s best weather, it’s difficult to stay indoors. Add in the lustrous beaches and outdoor activities that are so easily enjoyed, and you’ll soon realize why the state’s natives are basically the sun gods and goddesses of the west coast. Californians worship the sun – and their sun kissed bodies are proof.

True Freedom to be Truly You

Ranking as one of the most tolerant states in the country, California allows each of its residents to be as unique and true to their souls as they desire to be. Home to one of the largest populations of LGBTQ persons, an impressive variety of religiously diverse backgrounds, and immigrants from an array of countries, California has acknowledged the diversity within and nurtured and celebrated it. Kudos, Cali!


State Bliss

We believe in 6 days of hard work and then a day of rest. We hope you enjoy your rest with family and friends. See you in 24 hours!

We are closed weekly for a 24 hour Sabbath.
00
DAYS
:
00
HRS
:
00
MINS
:
00
SEC
We will reopen at .