Cooking with Canela: Try July’s Challenge Recipe


Hi Reader,

We’ve been cooking with canela (aka Mexican cinnamon) this month, and let me tell you—it’s a total game-changer.

Unlike the sharper cassia cinnamon you might be used to, canela is soft, citrusy, and gently spiced. It adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the dish. If you’ve never cooked with it before, here are a few ways to start.


💡Quick Canela Tips & Ideas

👉 Use whole canela sticks for flavor—don’t substitute ground cinnamon! They infuse gently and beautifully in milk, cream, or syrups.

👉 Don’t skip the steeping time. Canela takes a bit longer to fully infuse than cassia. Let it sit in hot liquid for at least 30 minutes to draw out the flavor.

👉 No canela? No problem. You can use cassia cinnamon sticks in a pinch. Just note the flavor will be a bit spicier and stronger.

👉 Add to more than just dessert. Canela works beautifully in drinks (hello, atole), slow-cooked stews, or even your morning oatmeal.


🍨 Don’t Forget—This Month’s Challenge Recipe!

If you haven’t made it yet, here’s your reminder to try the
Canela Ice Cream and enter the challenge! 🍨 It’s a creamy, dreamy treat infused with warm Mexican cinnamon—perfect for summer. Just make the recipe, snap a photo, leave a star rating and comment, and email your pic to kate@holajalapeno.com by July 31. One lucky winner will take home a $150 Amazon gift card! 🎉


Get inspired—browse our monthly challenge recipes here »

I’m so excited to see your canela creations—this one’s sweet, spiced, and pure magic in a scoop! 🍨

¡Hola! Jalapeño Newsletter

¡Hola! Jalapeño is a recipe website dedicated to celebrating Mexican flavors. Created by professional chef, Kate Ramos. Inspired by her love for Mexican cuisine she creates authentic Mexican recipes with modern twists that are loved not only by her Mexican-American family but thousands of readers. Her recipes have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Parade, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Shape, and more!

Read more from ¡Hola! Jalapeño Newsletter

Hi Reader, Let’s be honest—no summer gathering is complete without some really good snacks to start everything off. Whether you’re grilling, picnicking, or just catching up with friends over drinks, a big bowl of salsa (and something crunchy to scoop it with) or a bubbling platter of poppers is the ultimate party move.Scroll down for a few summer appetizer MVPs readers can’t get enough of!✨ 1. Salsa Ranchera Smoky, spicy, and incredibly easy—this homemade salsa is your go-to dip for chips,...

Hi Reader, There’s just something about summer produce—crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor. And if you're looking for fresh, easy ways to enjoy it? These two recipes bring all the zing and sizzle of the season right to your plate. 🙌 Vegetable Escabeche Bright, briny, and packed with crunch—this pickled veggie mix is a summer MVP. Perfect as a snack, sandwich topping, or taco sidekick, it’s the easiest way to make your market haul last longer and taste amazing. Elote Loco This isn’t your...

Hi Reader, Ever spot a recipe on ¡Hola! Jalapeño and think, “Ooh, I’ve got to make that!”—only to totally forget about it later? That’s why the save button exists! Just tap the little white heart in the bottom right corner of any recipe page, and it’ll be waiting for you whenever you're ready to cook. No more digging, no more guessing—just your favorites, all in one cozy spot. 🥳 You’ll just need to log in (or create an account if you haven’t already). Then, to see all your saved recipes, tap...