One of Mexico’s favorite desserts must be Bionicos.  This dessert is not only healthy, it is also very delicious.  It is a somewhat healthy dessert, it provides a portion of your recommended fruit.  One of the reasons Bionicos are so popular is because they are easy to make, and they are not time consuming. Today’s dual economic households makes it very difficult for moms to slave themselves in the kitchen preparing desserts.  The main reason I presented Bionicos in class was because it brings back memories from when I first came to the United States. Another reason I chose this dessert was because I enjoyed learning its history, knowing how it is more popular in the states.  This desert was created as a healthy alternative to saturated fats, fried foods, and carbs.

Bionicos originated in Guadalajara Jalisco, a street vendor invented them.  He used seasonal fruit.  He also used shredded coconut, condensed milk, and granola to make his new creation more appetizing to his clients taste. To this day there is not much information of whom invented bionicos or how they came to the United States.  One could only assume that people that migrated to the states brought with them their favorite dessert. Like many immigrants before them, selling food became a source of income.  Bionicos have become a popular dessert in the   states; there are even restaurants that specialize in Bionicos. Thanks to global trade one could enjoy this delicious dessert year around.

First and for most I will like to start by writing the story of why Bionicos brings back some of my favorite memories.  It reminds me of happy times in my youth, when my family was extremely close.  My parents were in the prime of their life, they still had control of all their girls and my only brother.  Usually on May 5th or as we call it Cinco de Mayo, my family and I take a trip to Plaza Mexico in Lynwood.  We would take the blue line and spend a good portion of the afternoon enjoying live entertainment, and enjoying our favorite dessert, Bionico.  Since we are a numerous family, some of the girls had to chase the delicious fruit.  One sister of mine, Ana, has always shared these with me. We are only one year apart in age so we’ve been extremely close.  My eldest sisters, Adela and Sandra, also did the same. Like me and Ana, they had a special relationship. However, my two other sisters, Paulina and Marcela, hated sharing the bionico with each other. They thought it was unfair that they had to do this. I enjoyed the chaos this yearly trip brought to the family. To this day, it brings me back great memories, and even though I have not gone back to Plaza Mexico, I still love to indulge with a large bionico.  I love eating every piece of fruit.  The sweetness of the condensed milk and shredded coconut make my taste buds ask for more bionico.  These days getting together with all my sisters is almost impossible, our love for bionicos has never decreased.

Bionicos Recipe four servings

It is highly recommended to use ones’ favorite fruits.  If they are not in season just use seasonal fruits. Be a little adventurous and try as many fruit as possible.  Make it a family activity, get your kids involved and have a great time creating a tasty dessert.

1 Cup of Strawberries

1 Cup of Cantaloupes

1 Cup of Papaya

1 Cup of Pineapple

1/3 Mexican cream or sour cream

1/3 Cup of plain yogurt

1/3 Cup of condense milk

1 Tea spoon of Vanilla

¼ Cup of Raisins

¼ Cup of Sweetened Shredded Coconut

¼ Cup Plain Granola

Honey is optional