Palmilla Panela

Just a few weeks (although it feels like days in my head!) I came back from the gorgeous One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. Despite my beautiful surroundings and relaxing environment, there was one point in the day we looked forward to (and even coined it a nickname) "magic hour." We would arrive back to our hotel and apparently (because I didn't notice until maybe the fourth day) the shades were lowered and the entire room was candle-lit. There were chocolates left and fresh (homemade) tequila was around for enjoyment as well. But my most favorite was the marinated panela cheese with a side of mixed nuts or croutons. I gorged myself so much that our butler (yep, you read that right) would bring me extra. Within one day of arriving back in LA, I figured out the recipe. Super simple guys. Great for parties.

Marinated Panela:

• Queso Fresco cheese
• 2 parts chile powder 
• 1 part paprika 
• The teeniest bit of lime juice (fresh squeezed) 

Cut the queso fresco in teeny rectangles and pour the mixture over, coating each piece well. Serve immediately. Serve with cute toothpicks!