Blog - Sweet Life

Boiled Shrimp with Chipotle Crema

Boiled Shrimp is one of the easiest methods to cook shrimp. A quick and easy appetizer for entertaining and the creamy chipotle dipping sauce takes the shrimp to the next level. Shrimp is one of my go-to choices when entertaining as it is a crowd-pleaser and fairly easy to cook in under 15 minutes. Shrimp freezes beautifully, so I always have a few pounds on-hand. When it comes to preparing shrimp, simplicity is best – one of the easiest ways to get flavorful results is to boil it. Boiling shrimp produces succulent, tender shrimp plus the shrimp will take… Read More

Hibiscus Champagne Cocktail

Champagne makes everything better. And my hibiscus champagne cocktails are my signature brunch cocktail. Hibiscus Champagne Cocktail The weekend is upon us, and that only means one thing – hellooo Sunday brunch! I am currently living for Sunday brunch. My weeks have been insane lately with book edits, recipe development and food photography sessions, all fun projects, but wow, this gal is wiped out. After a long week, all I crave is a few hours at the table enjoying a great brunch plus a few glasses of champagne with my favorite people. Bring on the champagne! As many of… Read More

No-Bake Guava Pastelito Tarts

All the flavors of authentic guava pastelitos without all the work. My no-bake guava pastelito tarts are not only easy to make they are impressive for entertaining. No-Bake Guava Pastelito Tarts I was recently in Miami for a week to attend and teaching a photography panel for the Hispanicize conference. We drove up as a family, so after the conference day wrapped, we would head out to enjoy Miami. One of the sweetest highlights of the Miami was all the amazing guava pastelitos. I ate my fill as they are impossible to find here in South Texas. Pastelitos are… Read More

Crispy Dogs

A San Antonio treat the crispy dog is addicting! A hot dog, stuffed with cheese, wrapped in a tortilla and lightly fried is a Texas treat you must try! Crispy Dogs I recently hosted a fun Facebook live with the creative group behind BarbacoApparelThey shared their vision behind their brand, how they are inspired by San Antonio to create tees that showcase the culture of San Antonio. From the beloved bean & cheese to their come and take it Barbacoa Apparel hopes are to highlight SA folklore and different aspects of Hispanic culture. Each tee is developed and… Read More

Peach Old Fashioned

A summer twist on the classic old fashioned. Sweet Texas peaches replace the traditional citrus to create a fun twist on the old fashioned. Maker’s Mark recently invited me and other influencers to join a broadcast of Maker’s 46 Father’s Day Tips and Sips Workshop. Hosted by Pamela Winznitzer, the broadcast walked us through making a traditional old fashioned. Guests were sent a goodie package which included all we would need to make old fashioned at home. I was thrilled since the old fashioned is one of my favorite cocktails to enjoy at home. Pamela walked us through on how to… Read More

Roasted Corn and Mango Salad

It’s grilling season in Texas and there is nothing better than the intense contrast of smoky, golden corn kernels, vibrant mango chunks, and crumbly queso fresco. This bright mix of flavors is perfect served up as a salad, salsa or side dish. Roasted Corn and Mango Salad When my husband was young, he lived next to a corn field on a ranch in Driscoll, Texas. Every year, the stalks would grow tall and he would watch his father harvest them on his tractor. The rancho had a store where they sold all kinds of delicious foods and ingredients made… Read More

How to make Menudo {Video}

Menudo is a classic Mexican soup that is traditionally served during the holidays, and especially at Christmas-time. It’s also known as a hangover remedy here in Texas, where the popular soup is served at many local Tex-Mex restaurants on Sundays. Menudo Menudo is packed full of one of my favorite ingredients, hominy. These plump, juicy kernels have such an amazing texture and they take on the flavor of whatever broth you add them to, making them the perfect addition to any soup or stew. As a child, I remember my mami would spend hours prepping her ingredients and tending to… Read More

Red Wine Guava Spritzers

A refreshing red wine guava spritzers made with red wine, guava juice then topped with sparkling water is the best remedy for long, hot summer days. Red Wine Guava Spritzers Hello, Summer, excited to see you, now pease stop raining. We have been hit with an enormous amount of rain lately here in South Texas. I thought by now I’d be sitting outside enjoying an icy cold cocktail, but instead, I’m cooking, washing dishes by candlelight since our electricity has been flickering in and out for the past few days. When these thunderstorms settle down, I’ll be sipping up plenty of these red… Read More