Blog - Sweet Life

Mini Beef Empanadas

Mini Beef Empanadas The holidays are just around the corner and that means busy days in the kitchen, preparing all kinds of delicious meals, and last minute shopping sprees to pick up the perfect gifts for all of my favorite people. Whether I’m on the go, or busy with baking, gift wrapping or other holiday tasks, I love to whip up an easy snack that I can eat on the run or enjoy with a mug of cafe during the downtime. One of my favorite quick and easy holiday snacks are empanadas. Think about it, they’re portable, packed with flavor and… Read More

Dulce de Leche Pepita Bars

These delightfully delicious dulce de leche pepita bars come together in a snap. The beauty of these bars is they are a one-bowl delight. A few stirs, place your batter in a pan, a few delicious dollops of dulce de leche and into the oven they go. I’m excited to partner with Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk to bring you a fun Holiday recipe as part of their UnCookie Exchange campaign. Guys! Texas is experiencing fall weather, and I love it. We Texans usually do not have the luxury of experiencing any fall weather and move straight to a two-week window… Read More

Skillet Roasted Pork Loin with Marigold Cream Sauce

Inspired by Day of the Dead I’ve teamed up with Smithfield Pork to bring you a skillet roasted pork loin that encompasses the flavor and colors of this beloved Mexican tradition. Pan-seared pork tenderloin is the perfect fail-proof way to achieve a flavorful pork loin. Browned to achieved a rich crust then finished off in the oven pork loin is not only an under thirty-minute meal, it a showstopper. Warm from the oven sliced and served with an infused marigold sauce this pork loin is the ultimate day of the dead inspired meal. Pork tenderloin is a lean protein, so it’s crucial… Read More

Mango Marigold Margarita

A vibrant Day of the Dead margarita that features marigold infused tequila, fresh mango juice and plenty of lime juice is a wonderful cocktail when trying marigolds, the flower of the dead, for the first time. Mango Marigold Margarita Tis the season for my favorite flower, the marigold. When October draws near all I can think about is this beloved flower. Marigolds, cempasuchil is the traditional flower used to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos. An important Day of the Dead symbol these flowers symbolize death, referred to as the flower of the dead they are placed on… Read More

Fried Drum with Marigold Crema

Fried drum lightly dusted with seasoned cornstarch then fried until golden brown is served with a creamy marigold crema. This Day of the Dead recipe is a nod to our South Texas coastal town. Fried Drum with Marigold Crema I recently had the opportunity to co-host a Dia de Los Muertos dinner for the local community. Elena Flores and I asked a few talented people to join me as I wanted to showcase all the beauty of this tradition. Our plan was an evening where we could share the culture, beauty, and customs of Dia de Los Muertos through… Read More

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios Granola

I’m excited to partner with Cheerios to celebrate the newest flavor in the Os family. A fun fall granola made with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios is a wonderful way to celebrate National Chocolate Day. I am so ready for fall weather guys! Here in South Texas, we Texans welcome any drop in our temperatures so that we may crank on the oven and bake all the deliciousness. One of my favorite things to make in the fall is homemade granola. My entire family adores granola over yogurt as a mid-morning snack, but many I find are loaded… Read More

Pork Tinga with Squash {Tinga de Puerco con Calabaza}

A pork tinga made with three kinds of fall squashes and beer is comfort at its best. Served with a dollop of spicy guacamole and topped with a crispy tostada this pork tinga recipe is a wonderful dish for fall. Pork Tinga with Squash {Tinga de Puerco con Calabaza} I recently had the opportunity to host a Dia de Los Muertos dinner for the local community. Elena Flores and I asked a few talented people to join me as I wanted to showcase all the beauty of this tradition. Our plan was an evening where we could… Read More

Blue Ghost Punch

Just in time for Halloween, I’m sharing this spooky delicious cocktail in honor of the USS Lexington. The Blue Ghost Punch is a delicious mix of vodka, Lime PERRIER® and blue Curacao. Sweet Life Disclosure: I am excited to partner with PERRIER® to bring you this delicious and refreshing watermelon cocktail. Thank you for supporting the brands I collaborate with. The Tale of the Blue Ghost Every Fall our family heads over to our neighboring city, Corpus Christi to see one of our favorite spooky attractions. The Blue Ghost is a historic WWII Aircraft Carrier previously known… Read More