Blog - Sweet Life

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

Quick Corn Saute

Quick Corn Saute A simple, really simple side dish is what I turn to on those never ending hectic days. A simple side dish that bursts with flavor, is it possible? Yes. Yes. Yes. A quick corn saute loaded with celery, carrots, garlic and cilantro provide not only flavor, but add brightness to your table. My kids are visual eaters, so I try to add flavor/color to every meal. This side dish was a winner. Quick, tasty and as my 6yr put it “so pretty!” Enjoy!

Blueberry Margarita

Happy Friday!! Blueberry lemon has been one of my favorite flavor combinations since the day I watched Tyler Florence on Food 911 make blueberry scones with lemon glaze. Pregnant at the time with insane cravings I needed them. I phoned hubby to ask if he wouldn’t mind picking up blueberries on the way home. Always the sweetheart he happily contributed to any and all of my cravings. That evening I inhaled scones. No, really I inhaled six, the recipe only makes eight. I have made those scones ever year since that day with one small change in the recipe, I use lime. I enjoy the tartness from lime and find it really perks up any fruit. With many of my margaritas… Read More

Corn & Chorizo Fritters

Corn Corn Corn I would love to say that the anticipation of working in the kitchen was the inspiration for this post, but that would be a complete lie. Three ears sat on my counter when I realized Monday afternoon that PRESEASON was here!! Monday Night Football. Even in pre-season this alone is a cause for celebration, but when you team plays it’s go time!! I had nothing relativity close to football food, because really what else would you eat while watching football? So I sprinted to my kitchen and threw open my fridge, okay that’s a little dramatic. Moving on. In my fridge I found queso fresco, chorizo, and two very dead celery… Read More

Corn & Chorizo Fritters

Easy Mexican Style Eggs

Welcome to the third week of the H-E-B–ConAgra Back to School Meal Maker Challenge. The Back to School Meal Maker Challenge os where 7 Texas bloggers offer quick and easy time meal solutions. Each meal will have less than 10 ingredients, take less than 45 minutes to make and feed a family of four. Each week there will be a featured ingredient where each blogger will incorporate into their recipe. This week we work with Egg Beaters Who doesn’t love eggs for breakfast, lunch or dinner?