Charles Phoenix brings his love of kitsch to cooking

Inchezonya is a mash-up of Mexican enchilada casserole and lasagna. The banner on top makes it party-worthy. Recipe: Inchezonya  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Charles Phoenix whips up a cool pink Bambrosinana in the Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

The Bambrosinana begs for an artistic touch with banana slices, maraschino cherries and a vanilla wafer decorating the top.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Taking a tip from Christmas fare, Phoenix created the Astro Weenie Party Tree.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Phoenix finishes off the Seven-Layer Soda Pop Rocks Cake with wax soda bottle candies on straw-covered skewers.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

You can actually hear popping from the Seven-Layer Soda Pop Rocks Cake as the candies react with the icing. Recipe: Seven-Layer Soda Pop Rocks Cake  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)