¡Hola! Jalapeño

Hello! I'm Kate Ramos, and welcome to ¡Hola! Jalapeño, where we honor the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine! Originally from the Midwest, I always dreamed of becoming a chef. That dream led me to Napa Valley, where I not only pursued my culinary passions but also fell for a wonderful Mexican-American man. During my time working in California's restaurant kitchens, I developed a deep appreciation for Mexican food—the ingredients, the culture, and the beautiful, bold flavors it offers. ¡Hola! Jalapeño is a heartfelt tribute to my love for this cooking style. I hold great respect for its traditions and am excited to share its beauty with everyone. As a mother of two Mexican-American kids, I feel it's important to introduce them to the tastes of Mexico. In a way, ¡Hola! Jalapeño also serves as a collection of the recipes they've grown up with, serving as a source of comfort and familiarity for them. My goal is to create simple Mexican dishes that blend authentic flavors with modern cooking techniques, while celebrating the fresh, healthy essence of traditional Mexican cuisine.

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Healthy Mexican Tuna Salad Recipe (No Corn Or Mayo)

1 week ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

When it comes to quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meals, this Mexican tuna salad recipe is a game-changer. Unlike the traditional ensalada de atún you might be familiar with—creamy from mayonnaise and often dotted with corn—this version is light, zesty, and bursting with the bold flavors. TABLE OF CONTENTS show Mexican Tuna Salad Recipe I originally published this recipe in 2011 and have since added new photos, a video tutorial, helpful success tips, and additional flavors.
30 Of The Best Mexican Grilling Recipes For Summer

1 week ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

If you’re looking for the most delicious thing to fire up on your hot grill this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Mexican cuisine is full of bold flavors, succulent ingredients, and grilling techniques that create unforgettable dishes. I’m sharing 30 great recipes Mexican grilled recipes that will make you fall in love with grilling all over again. TABLE OF CONTENTS show This post may contain affiliate links. Read our affiliate policy.
Authentic Pambazos Recipe {Chorizo & Potato Sandwich}

3 weeks ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos
45 Of The Best Authentic Mexican Chicken Recipes

1 month ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

Some of our favorite Mexican dinner ideas involve everyone’s favorite protein—chicken! Here I’m sharing 45 authentic Mexican chicken recipes that are worthy of a spot on your family table. Try classics like chicken tinga tacos and chicken empanadas, or a favorite for the grill like pollo asado. TABLE OF CONTENTS show This post may contain affiliate links. Read our affiliate policy.
Nopales Con Carne {Mexican Cactus with Meat Recipe}

1 month ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

This nopales recipe is made with beef, chiles, and nopales and is the most delicious thing to come out of my kitchen in a while. Serve this hearty stew with beans and rice or as a filling for tacos or burritos. If you’ve never cooked with nopales before, this is a great place to start.
Pipián Rojo Recipe (Ancho Chile & Pumpkin Seed Sauce)

2 months ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

A perfect sauce with chicken thighs or tamales, this nutty pipián rojo sauce is similar to a mole sauce but fewer ingredients and less complicated (yay!). The featured ingredient is pepitas or pumpkin seeds. They give the sauce a creamy consistency with absolutely no cream at all!This post may contain affiliate links. Read our affiliate policy. Over the holidays I shared a recipe for luscious vegan tamales topped with pipian rojo sauce.
Charred Tomatillo Salsa Recipe (Tangy and Flavorful)

2 months ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

Tangy, smoky, and loaded with fresh tomatillos, this homemade charred tomatillo salsa recipe is a little spicy, very zesty, and incredibly simple to whip up. Enjoy it simply as a dip with tortilla chips or for a million other uses from soups to tortas. TABLE OF CONTENTS show This post was originally published on November 7, 2013 and has been updated with helpful tips and a new video. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our affiliate policy.
The Best Tamarind Agua Fresca {Agua de Tamarindo}

2 months ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

When you take a sip of this sweet, tangy drink you will instantly fall in love. This tamarind agua fresca is refreshing, fruity, and complex, takes only four simple ingredients, and comes together easily with the help of a blender and fine mesh sieve.
The 10 Best Añejo Tequila Picks For Under $100 (2025)

2 months ago | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

The world of añejo can be daunting, especially with prices that can soar into the hundreds (or even thousands!) of dollars. Fear not, fellow tequila aficionados! This guide is dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems, the best anejo tequila that deliver incredible quality and taste without emptying your wallet. TABLE OF CONTENTS show This post may contain affiliate links. Read our affiliate policy. Añejo tequila.
¡Hola! Jalapeño's Challenge Ingredient Recipes

Jan 6, 2025 | holajalapeno.com | Kate Ramos

Here’s your one-stop resource for all of ¡Hola! Jalapeño’s Challenge Ingredient recipes! Return to this post again and again to find the full list of all our monthly cooking club challenges. The Challenge Ingredient Contest is a monthly series on my website. I started this fun challenge last summer to learn more about Mexican ingredients, connect with readers, and create a supportive cooking community. It has been so fun to see your creations and hear your experiences with these new ingredients.