Sweet Life

Cooking, Eating, Living My Sweet Life in Texas

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Remembrance Cakes for 9-11 ~ Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

  I had just arrived home from California proud of my little brother who had completed Marine boot camp. We had driven all night, arrived home and jumped into bed.  My older sister called a few minutes later crying. Our world changed that morning, nothing would be the same again.  Loved ones lost.  Families left with an emptiness.  Lives changed forever. Today we stop, reflect and remember those lives lost, heroes and families.  We have not forgotten. Marla from Family Fresh Cooking is showcasing Remembrance Cakes A great quote from her blog ” As bloggers with voices. We bake, we… Read More

The Homesick Texan Cookbook ~ Poblano Macaroni and Cheese

  Growing up in our home we didn’t eat macaroni and cheese.  It’s not what my mom ever made.  I often thought my life as if living in two completely different worlds.  School was living in America with friends, sports, chips, sodas and hot dogs.  Home was Mexico with frijoles de olla, tortillas, arroz and fideo.  Please do not think I am for one minute complaining.  I love my mom’s food it’s home, it’s my soul. But every once in awhile we kids would holler enough and get her to buy us that little blue box. I would expect fireworks and sadly I was always disappointed.  Still to this day I cannot… Read More

Alfajores ~ The Cookiepedia by Stacy Adimando

  When I first approach a new cookbook I do 2 things. Scope out the pictures. Head straight for the Index. If the Index list poblanos, tomatillos, avocado, serrano or dulce de leche.  Purchased. Notice all the green? Hey… a girl like what she likes.

Celebrate a New Season of Curious George with Banana Sour Cream Waffles

  Curious George Rocks!! All-New Season Premiering Labor Day, September 5,2011 My girls have loved, enjoyed and grown up with Curious George.  When I was offered a chance to pre-screen the new season I jumped at the chance! With a new school year beginning Curious George was sure to help spark my girls imagination. In a brand new season Curious George Takes on the Arts.  I love this idea as I believe children express themselves through art.  Art adds a great dimension to a child’s education promoting self-expression,confidence all while reinforcing science, math and history. In the first episode George takes part in his first auction for charity.  Excited about bidding for a cute pair of… Read More

The Homesick Texan Cookbook ~ Austin-Style Black Beans

I was 16 the first time I visited Austin, Texas.  My older sister had left to attend her first year at St. Edward’s University.  Facing major separation anxiety I begged, pleaded my parents to allow me to skip a week of school to visit her in Austin.  To my surprise they said yes.  After consulting with the principal and agreeing to 30 days of after school detention to make up for a unexcused absence I was off to Austin.  From the first day I arrived I knew Austin was different. Different from the small town of Aransas Pass where I was from.  Different from any… Read More

Salsa Cruda

Tomatoes Tomatoes Tomatoes Tomatoes is the spotlight for this edition of Summer Fest!  Confession:  This was my dinner last night.  A heaping batch of salsa cruda and  fried tortilla chips.  Shame? Not a bit. Salsa Cruda simply means raw sauce.  All summer we enjoy salsa cruda with our meals as the recipe can be easily adapted to what you have on hand.  When tomato season rolls around count on your salsa cruda flavor to have an even bolder flavor from one of summer’s best gifts.  Our family favorites usually consist of roasted pineapple, mango or jicama.  A splash of lime and a pop from a finely diced serrano and your set.  Easy addition to your morning… Read More

Lavender Tequila Cooler

  Happy Friday!! This cooler was originally intended to be a lavender margarita. I had been wanting to create a lavender margarita ever since we had the chance to visit Blanco, Texas last year for the Lavender Festival.  I have toyed with quite a few mixes, but have never really perfected the flavor.  I made the lavender syrup again this week in hopes of finally recreating a wonderful margarita. My total lack of organization caught up to me on Wednesday and it has been all down hill.  Last night as I searched the fridge for anything resembling a dip to dunk my tortillas chips in I found my syrup silently waiting for me.  Beside… Read More