Tutumaso Is A Must

We all have our favorite eateries with the "Authentic Cuisine."  They are the cozy little places on the side of the road that you would normally pass by; for some, offering the comforting foods of home, and for others, a taste of an exotic land yet to be explored.  El Tutomaso is just such a place.

Near the intersection of Route 50 and Annandale Road, El Tutumaso, sits in a quiet parking lot across the street from 7-11.   With a list of traditional Bolivian entrees, it is hard not to find something you will like.  With the homemade taste, freshness, and tasty yet traditional recipes, Tutomaso is a crowd pleaser whether your taking it to go for dinner at home, or would like to sit and eat in the restaurant.  

If visiting for the first time, and not sure what to to order?  I recommend the Choclo con Queso, Silpancho, and Charque.  Choclo con Queso is perfect on its own (at least for people that are small eaters, like me), or as an appetizer.  This simple dish consists of large corn, an onion and tomato salad, and to top it off, an incredibly tasty "Queso Fresco," a very fresh cheese that is similar in consistency to mozzarella.  If some thing meaty is what you crave, Silpancho is a great meal.  Hearty with breaded beef, potatoes and rice, as well as chopped up chilies, tomatoes, and onions; and with beef so tasty and tender that all you need is a fork, Silplancho is the one dish that is a must.  Lastly, if something salty and snacky is what you crave, Charque will fit the bill.  Made of dehydrated shredded beef, and with a large hunk of Queso Fresco, this dish is perfect to share amongst a table or munch on by  yourself.  The salty but meaty flavor of the beef is brought out by the cheese, making it reminiscent of a cracker and cheese type of snack.  

In all, a must visit for anyone who loves Bolivian food--or has yet to try it!   

Yellow Birthday Cake Frosting with Flowers for Mom

I'm not a fan of canned icing because it seems so heavy--here's the sweet way I top of most of my birthday cakes and cupcakes.  It tastes so yummy without being overwhelmingly sweet, and you can make the whole experience even easier by applying it to a Super Moist box cake mix.

Spring Mascarpone Icing

For the Cake:

-just use a box of yellow cake mix (make according to directions on box, but using two 9" round baking pans)...I like Better Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake

Icing and Decoration:

-3 Small containers (8oz) of Mascarpone cheese--I like BelGioioso Mascarpone Cheese

-1 1/2 to 2 cups of confectioner's sugar (increase or decrease depending on how sweet you want the icing)

-Edible flowers (can be found in any specialty grocery store...please don't pick these on your own!) 

-1 Box of Blueberries

-5 Drops of yellow food coloring

How to Make the Frosting:  Mix the Mascarpone with confectioner's sugar and food coloring, forming a pale yellow, creamy icing; for best results use a silicone spatula.  Spread the icing over the first half of the cooled off cake, covering entirely, then place the other half and cover as well.  You may need to cut off the tops of each so that they lay flat on each other and the cake has a smooth surface.  Once the entire cake is covered, place the blueberries and edible flowers strategically over the cake.  

You don't have to use blueberries or flowers, this cake is great on its own or even with a drizzling of chocolate shavings or sliced almonds--switch up the color to match the theme of your event.  Paint the flowers with shimmery gel food coloring which can be found at stores like Michaels