Good to Go

Pastries from Porto’s Bakery could be just what you need to make your guests take notice at your next brunch. The display at this Cuban bakery is so tempting that a choice may be difficult, so we suggest you start with two that are really terrific--and probably unlike anything your guests have tasted.

Masa real (royal dough) is a flat pastry made of soft cookie dough sweetened with honey. Inside is a layer of guava paste made on the premises from imported guava pulp.

A good companion is coconut strudel, which oozes sweetened coconut through slits at the top. Coarse sugar gives a nice, crunchy finish (the crunchiness will be enhanced if you reheat the pastries uncovered).

Porto’s is always crowded and the baked goods sell quickly, so order in advance if you need a large amount for a party.

Masa Real, 75 cents; coconut strudel, 50 cents, Porto’s Bakery, 315 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. (818) 956-5996.