The temperature has been in the double digits around here. So cooking has been a pretty low priority. If I do cook, it will usually involve the crockpot and rice cooker and me NOT in the kitchen for hours.
But last week, I baked! Yes, BAKED. And I'm not just talking about the day I spent too much time in the sun. (That's a story for another day…) 😉
I made a big batch of my fabulous Pastelitos de Guayaba (homemade guava pastries).
What on earth could have possessed me to go into the kitchen, let alone turn on the oven, you ask?
Desi, of course. (*be still my foolish heart*) My friend, Desi Arnaz, Jr.
You see, I had promised to make him some pastelitos and the last few times we've been to Vegas (he lives close to there) we were unable to connect. But this time, his lovely wife, my sweet friend Amy encouraged us to come. They'd just be getting back from a trip, and he'd probably be tired and un-shaven, but would love to see me.
Could I possibly be deterred by a such a small detail as a vacation beard? Besides, all I heard was "… Desi would love to see you."
So I baked.
And, along with my Amy, drove through the Nevada desert in 110 degree heat to deliver the pastelitos to my friend (and teen crush, but that's not important right now. *she blushes*) Desi Arnaz, Jr.
He tasted them right away. (Notice the sign that says "JOY" directly behind him. Coincidence? I think not.)
He declared them to be delicious.
Desi: "Would you like some?"
Me: "Can you stop me?"
I have to reiterate what a delightful and fun-loving (not to mention, immensely talented) guy he is.
And of course, I'm grateful to dear Amy who took time out of her busy schedule to take us on a tour of the charming town of Boulder City, where the Arnaz's own and operate the Historic Boulder Theatre. Amy blogs over at Insights from The Magic Tutu. (If you stop by and say hello, be sure to tell her Marta sent you. =D)
The Two Amys. How adorable are they??
So, the Pastelito Delivery was a success. We're grateful once again to the Arnaz's for their gracious hospitality.
And once again, I forgot for a moment that he was the son of TV and Cuban Royalty. Until he asked if we liked his T-shirt. The one with the picture of "Mom."
I know. Shut. UP. 😉
So cute! And now I want pastelitos de guayaba! Amazing to meet a person that comes from the combination of two of the best actors/comedians that lived… He must have quite the personality!! I just laugh cause one of my vest friends Lizette and I are truly Lucy and Ethel! (esp. The episode in the choc factory! Priceless!!)
What a great experience, Marta! Desi’s shirt makes it all the sweeter. Desi and Amy sound like lovely people.PS…remember your Got Milk? experience? You should start a new campaign…Got Guava?
I am here to vouch for Marta’s 100% accurate recount of her pastry delivery to Desi. Even until last night, Desi was eating the pastries with Philadelphia cream cheese. Yum…. Thank you Marta for your visit, your pastries and your friendship too!Love you,
Amy Arnaz
Marta, how lucky you are to have baked your pastelitos for Desi Arnaz Jr.! He was my teen heart throb too! I had a friend in high school, here in Miami, that claimed to be his cousin and I was always soooo jelous because she bragged about spending summers visiting her famous cousins (Lucie & Desi) in California. Your connections are impressive!Maria
P.S. Can you post that recipie for the pastelitos? Thanks!
Marta, you are one of a kind. It feels like we were all there with you too. Hmmm, Andy Garcia is in the horizon…;)
What a cutie! That was a great bit of casting when he played his own father in the movie “Mambo Kings”.Marta, you really do lead a charmed life. 🙂
Oh is that cool! How fun! And what gracious people Desi and Amy sound to be. But how could they not? They are your friends!
I would like pastelitos delivered to me in Nashville, por favor…and bring Desi and Amy and Amy and everyone else!
Hi their your pasteries look delishes, I too am half cuban like my father Desi JR. It sure looks like my dad ejoyed Pastlito. i recently made a cuban meal for the first time,pork stuffed plantains, very yummy.Your family look’s lovely and everyone look’s very happy.
All my best
Julia Arnaz