Blog - Sweet Life

Joy the Baker’s Cheddar Chive and Jalapeño Biscuits

Cheddar Chive and Jalapeño Biscuits Do you hear that? That’s me patting myself on the back. I have conquered biscuits. I know, I know my blog name does include bake. I began Sweet Life as a way to practice my baking skills, learn new techniques and practice..practice. The thing is I might have subconsciously slid biscuits to the back end of my baking practice. Have I made them before? Yes. Did they resemble hockey pucks and taste like saw dust? Yes. Yes. and Yes. I live in fear of my family requesting biscuits. So lame. This weekend as I browsed Joy’s… Read More

Galletas de Avena y Nestlé Abuelita – Nestlé Abuelita Oatmeal Cookies

Galletas de Avena y Nestlé Abuelita Cookies – Nestlé Abuelita Oatmeal Cookies La merienda is a light snack eaten between lunch and dinner. Merienda is a time to slow down, enjoy a cup of café or a steamy cup of chocolate with a light snack or piece of pan dulce. The afternoon merienda is a traditional Latin American ritual meant to be shared with family, co-workers or friends who casually stop by to enjoy a time of rest, break from work or to unwind from the busy day. This is one of my favorite times of the day I… Read More

Joy the Baker's Mini Chamomile Cake with Honey Frosting

Mini Chamomile Cakes with Honey Frosting This was the quickest photo shoot that has ever taken place in my kitchen. I take full responsibility. I decided to bake these mini chamomile cakes in the morning hours, the exact hours that everyone began to rustle out of bed. My nieces floated into the kitchen and knew something was up. They never left. Enter my two girls, little sister and my mom. I grabbed my camera, but it was no use. Piping cups of tea, coffee and cold milk made their to the table all while grabbing my photo subject…. Read More

Joy the Baker’s Mini Chamomile Cake with Honey Frosting

Easy Orejitas

Easy Orejitas Also known as Elephant Ears or Palmiers. These crispy treats are easily assembled, baked and ready for your afternoon cup of tea. Don’t you love tea? I love tea and always try to have it on hand for my mom when she visits. Lipton was sweet enough to ask me “How do you enjoy your tea?” In silence, well at least I try. A couple minutes of quiet can really soothe the soul. I was so excited when they offered to send me a box of their new Green Tea Superfruit line in 3 great flavors. Purple Acai and Blueberry (my personal favorite) Red Goji and Raspberry White Mangosteen and… Read More

Tilapia with Lemon Pepita Sauce

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent season. As Catholics we observe Cuaresma (Lent) the 40 day (not including Sundays) penitential season that ends on Easter Sunday. In this time we take time to reflect on our lives, treasure our blessings and dedicate more time to helping others in need. On Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent families abstain from consuming meat. Growing up us kids would get very nervous around this time of year. The thought of no burgers, pizza or even chorizo with our eggs was pretty overwhelming. We were pretty oblivious to the reason for the season. Lucky… Read More

National Margarita Day

National Margarita Day Heads up my tequila loving, margarita making, salt rim dippers…. National Margarita Day is Feb. 22!! “The margarita is a success with a thousand fathers (and a few mothers.) Among those claiming credit for the original drink’s invention are a San Antonio society dame, Mrs. William (Margarita) Sames, who first served her Margarita’s cocktail at a party in Acapulco in 1948.” Robb Walsh I wanted to leave you with plenty of inspiration to celebrate this joyous occasion. An entire page devoted for my love of the margarita! Margarita Love Enjoy!!

Orange Persimmon Margarita

Orange Persimmon Margarita Confession: The plan was to make a salad. This salad. I’m not sure when the salad plan went awry and the juicer came out. Funny how that happens. The outcome was gorgeous. I am simply in love with this shade of orange. Like sunshine in a glass..that you drink…mixed with tequila. This margarita made my week. Gloomy days got a kick of citrus flavor swimming in persimmon sweetness. Enjoy!! Loving Citrus Season? Why not try these recipes Skillet Chops with Cilantro Citrus Pan Sauce Citrus Honey Punch Dulce de Jicama