Blog - Sweet Life

Creamy Black Beans

Two months ago we took a weekend trip to Houston, Texas to catch a basketball game. We spent the day before the game at the aquarium, museum and visiting friends. Tired and ready for a nap we headed to our hotel to unwind and play in the pool. Time flew by, it was late and we were all pretty hungry. Hubby suggested we pass on room service, jump in the vehicle and head out for some local eats. Five minutes later we pulled into a place that claimed they had the world’s best pupusas. Truthfully I was a bit scared…. Read More

Strawberry Lime Margarita

Strawberry Lime Margarita I have slept in every day this week for no other reason except I felt like it. On Wednesday I had the smallest bit of guilt, but I quickly dismissed it and sent it on its way. I went on with my day sipping coffee, making waffles for lunch, juicing strawberries for this margarita all while barefoot, in my hubby’s shorts and no makeup. Man, life has been good this week. Maybe I can convince myself to take next week off too. I doubt it, but it was amazing. Invest in yourself, really you’re worth… Read More

Arroz con Azafrán

Arroz con Azafrán A colorful rice infused with the color of saffron, not to be confused with the Spanish variety. Azafrán’s flavor is much milder and is often used to infuse color and a hint of smoky flavor. I use Azafrán in many of my seafood dishes or with chicken or in this case…with rice. When I first began experimenting with Azafrán in my rice I would add it to the skillet before adding the broth. The color was not as bright and my kids did not appreciate the texture of the fibers. My mom gave me the idea… Read More

Chef Aarón Sánchez’s Mexican Chocolate Pudding Cake

Mexican Chocolate Pudding Cake We’re kicking off Monday with a sweet touch featuring the second recipe celebrating the tradition of Comer Juntos! Our first recipe featured an easy crockpot chicken and who doesn’t crave a sweet ending to any meal. A one bowl pudding cake is sure to keep your family content around the table. Top this cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and fresh berries and your set for the evening. Enjoy! Chef Aarón Sánchez, star of Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Heat Seekers,” has teamed up with Sierra Mist to launch “Comer Juntos: Una Tradición Natural,” a program that encourages… Read More

Rick Bayless ~ Salsa Roja de Chile Arbol

The boxes are packed, loaded on to a u-haul and have been deposited to our home. The countdown begins 29 days left in Edinburg, Texas. The excitement is almost unbearable. I now find myself sleeping on one of those air mattresses. My kitchen scaled down to 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 glasses and only the necessary utensils. Of course each plate, glass and bowl is of a different shade for blog purposes (smile). I find my empty space quite uplifting to tell you the truth. Less to clean, dust, wash. An abundance of counter space has made its… Read More

Chef Aarón Sánchez's Slow Roasted Chipotle Chicken

Comer Juntos Family bonding over great food at the dinner table, what’s not to love? I’m excited to help kick off this great program geared to bringing family together around the dinner table. Comer Juntos “Comer Juntos” means ‘Eating Together’ in English, and I’m excited about showing parents that there’s real joy in instilling the practice of a family meal, not only on special occasions but any night of the week,” said Chef Aarón, one of the country’s leading contemporary Latin chefs. “Some of my favorite memories bring me back to cooking in the kitchen with my mom,… Read More

Chef Aarón Sánchez’s Slow Roasted Chipotle Chicken

Valley Lemon Margarita

Valley Lemon Margarita When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well in South Texas when life gives you Valley Lemons you make Margaritas!! And you also make; lemonade, paletas, marinade, salad dressing and cookies. But let’s be honest your here for the Margaritas!! I tasted my first Valley lemon when we moved here 2 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Their juice is sweeter than a regular lemon and the flesh is plump, somewhat like a orange. At $3.00 a bag which consist of around 9 -10 huge valley lemons they are too good to pass up. … Read More