Blog - Sweet Life

Ancho-Guajillo Short Rib Chili

When the temperatures drop us, Texans rejoice. Can you blame us?! Our summers are brutal so any drop in the temperatures make us super happy! Outdoor meals with friends, caldito on the weekdays and chili on the weekends. Fall is a wonderful time of the year here in Texas. I’m excited to team up with Red Gold Tomatoes® to share with you a smoky chili that is a true fall favorite at mi casita. Sundays for our family are all about family time and cooking. It’s the day of the week where we can unwind and cook together as a… Read More

Pumpkin Sopapilla Bars

Pumpkin Sopapilla Bars, inspired by the Mexican dessert called sopapilla from Pancho’s in Corpus Christi Texas, have a sweet, creamy cheesecake filling, pumpkin puree all topped with pumpkin-pie dusted crescent crust. Crispy fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar served warm with honey sopapillas are mi carino’s favorite dessert. As a kid, his parents would take him to a local restaurant called Pancho’s. Pancho’s served an array of Tex-Mex dishes from crispy tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, buffet-style. At every table, there was a tri-colored flag featuring the colors of Mexico, that customers would raise to request a refill. Pancho’s… Read More

Christmas Eve Rice Salad

A vibrant, cold rice salad bursting with the colors and flavors of Christmas—inspired by the ensalada de Nochebuena made with roasted beets, orange, apples, pomegranate seeds and pepitas served on Christmas Eve, my Christmas Eve rice salad is a delicious festive touch I hope you add to your holiday table this year. Today I am excited to partner with Mahatma Rice to share with you another tasty recipe made with rice. In Spanish, Nochebuena means “good night.” In the month of December, Nochebuena for Latinos becomes a celebratory part of the Christmas holiday. Nochebuena takes place on Christmas… Read More

The Easiest Homemade Pumpkin Horchata

Homemade pumpkin Horchata is a creamy, pumpkin agua fresca made with rice, cinnamon, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Serve warm or chilled, my pumpkin horchata is not only the easiest to make it also makes for a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table. PUMPKIN HORCHATA GUYS!!! ‘Tis the season for sipping, spending time with family and everything pumpkin, yum! Today I want to share with you how easy it is to make pumpkin horchata at home, just in time for Thanksgiving. Horchata is a Mexican agua fresca drink made by blending rice, cinnamon, and sugar. Horchata… Read More

Pumpkin Margaritas Two Ways

A delicious pumpkin margarita made with fresh pumpkin puree or store-bought pumpkin puree is the ultimate Thanksgiving margarita. Nothing makes me more excited than the Holidays! The Thanksgiving countdown has begun!! Are you excited? I know I am. Thanksgiving, after all, is a day dedicated to stuffing your face with glorious food. Delicious food, family time and lounging on the sofa sipping an amazing margarita. Now that’s what I call a good time! I’ll be whipping up pumpkin empanadas, so I’ll have plenty of pumpkin puree on-hand to make plenty of pumpkin margaritas for… Read More

Easy Key Lime Cake with Pepitas

This key lime pepita cake is definitely making an appearance on my Thanksgiving table as it a breeze to whip up and everyone loves it. Bursting with key lime goodness and toasted pepitas this key lime pepita cake is simply delicious. Guys! Thanksgiving is almost upon us! My entire family is heading our way and I am in full Thanksgiving prep mode. With work & homeschool, this gal needs a few weeks to prep. I’ve begun by cleaning the guest bedroom, gutting the garage and packing away my Día de Los Muertos altar. … Read More

Warm Poblano Corn Salsa

A warm skillet salsa made with poblanos, corn, and jalapenos is the ultimate stovetop to table appetizer for weekday entertaining or even better on movie night. Guys! Warm salsa is where it’s at. I love making salsa at home, nothing beats a freshly made salsa at the table to drizzle over your tacos or with warm tortilla chips. My girls always request salsa for our movie nights which I am happy to accommodate. Served with a pile of tortilla chips and a margarita – happy mom. This warm poblano corn salsa is… Read More

Poblano Pinto Beans

Pinto beans simmered with poblanos, onions, and oregano are the quickest, easiest and tastiest side dish for weeknight meals. The smell of beans simmering on the stove is one of my most cherished childhood memories. Not matter what was going on in school. Once I walked through the door, smelled the heavenly smell of frijoles – all was good in the world. Mami would be in the kitchen stirring, seasoning our dinner for the evening. She grew up in a large family, her being the oldest she was always in charge of helping her mami… Read More