Blog - Sweet Life

Coyotas

Coyotas stuffed cookies that hail from Sonora, Mexico are made from a dough infused with a brown sugar cinnamon tea and filled with a brown sugar filling. Coyotas are said to be the oldest pastry baked up in Sonora, Mexico the first batch baked in the 19th century. Made from tea infused dough, piloncillo the name Coyotas, were sold by woman and children in the streets. Mestizo women and children of Spanish and native heritage were called coyotas and coyotitos soon people from the town nicknamed the cookie coyotas and the name remained. Coyotas are made with… Read More

Pineapple Piloncillo Empanadas

Flaky pineapple empanadas flavored with piloncillo, lemon juice and cinnamon make the ultimate Holiday gift. Empanadas were the first baked treat I made with my Abuelita Cuca. I always seemed to find myself drawn to the kitchen when I heard her chopping and, stirring away the numerous pots on the stove. These pineapple piloncillo empanadas are a loving nod to her. I would sit at the table watching her every move. A quick stir, a quick flip, a few pinches of seasoning, her tiny hands were graceful and confident. She would turn to me and ask if I… Read More

Marranitos {Pan Dulce} Recipe

Marranitos a pan dulce, made from ginger, cinnamon, dark brown sugar and unsulfured molasses can be found in any Mexican bakery. Marranitos also known as Puerquito, chochitos, or cochis are a piggy shaped pan dulce. Growing up Abuelito would take us to the local panaderia to pick up a bag of pan dulce every Sunday after mass. I ran for the conchas, the galletas y las empanadas. Pero my big sister always headed for the marranitos. Truth be told – I hated marranitos, the ginger -molasses combination was my not my favorite combination. I would watch as my… Read More

Frida Kahlo’s Ensalada de Calabacín (Zucchini Salad)

A simple Mexican salad of grilled zucchini, avocado, and salty, crumbled queso fresco is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table. Frida Kahlo’s Ensalada de Calabacín is drizzled with a quick and easy red wine vinegar made in a mason jar. Art plays a major role in our household. I love filling my walls with colorful art from talented Texas artists. My daughter is also passionate about Art, she dreams of majoring in art. She paints daily, and makes this mami happy – my walls are filled with her creations. We often chat about Frida, her art,… Read More

Pan de Elote

A Mexican sweet corn cake made traditionally with fresh corn, sugar, and egg whites. Pan de elote is light, fluffy, and sweet. A delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table pan de elote brimming with fresh corn flavor and paired perfectly with cranberries. This recipe was created as part of my partnership with Imperial Sugar. You can find the recipe here. Pan de elote is a Mexican sweet corn cake made with fresh corn, egg whites and lightly sweetened. Also known as pastel de elote. Every family has their own variation on pan de elote. My Abuelita… Read More

Roasted Acorn & Chayote Squash Salad with Marigold Vinaigrette

Roasted Acorn & Chayote Squash Salad with Marigold Vinaigrette. Acorn and chayote seasoned with agave, resting atop a bed of green, topped with pomegranate seeds, queso fresco dressed with a marigold vinaigrette. A delicious fall salad to pay homage to my Abuelita. Roasted Acorn & Chayote Squash Salad with Marigold Vinaigrette, a fall inspired salad for Dia de los Muertos. Día de Muertos is upon on. I find myself craving heartier, vegetable filled meals much like my Abuelita made for us when the temperatures dropped. The smell of marigolds reminds me of my Abuelita, so I also find… Read More

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Tequila Hot Toddy

My slow cooker pumpkin tequila hot toddy made with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, apple cider, cinnamon, star anise and tequila reposado is guaranteed to keep you warm and cozy this holiday season. From pumpkin carving to Thanksgiving menu planning to make making tamales tis the season for hot toddies baby! There is a lot of wonderful things I love about the holidays. I love the cooler temps (we Texans thrive in this weather), love hosting family dinners, planning our annual tamalada, love holiday baking, and I really love hot toddies spiked with tequila. Y’all know… Read More

Creamy Hominy Soup {Made in under 15 Minutes}

A creamy dreamy soup made from canned hominy. My creamy hominy soup made from hominy, onion, broth, and heavy cream is the perfect soup for a chilly evening. Topped with crispy fried tortilla strips this creamy hominy soup is simplicity at its best. I adore hominy, simply adore it. It is the real star in pozole and menudo. Tender kernels that add texture to pozole and menudo, while soaking in all the brothy flavors. Gimme all the hominy. Growing up my Mami always added extra hominy to her menudo and pozole, she knew us kids too well. We… Read More