Blog - Sweet Life

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

Slow Cooker Oxtails in Salsa Verde

Delicious oxtail tacos in salsa verde made in the slow cooker are the perfect weeknight meal for those busy days. Slow Cooker Oxtails in Salsa Verde I recently hosted a fun Facebook live with Melanie from Que Means What and Rumba meats. I had a great time chatting with Melanie about family, food, and culture. Melanie focuses on sharing her passion for diversity in entertainment, education and spending time outdoors. Melanie is also on a mission to reconnect with her heritage so that she may pass her love of her culture to her sons. She is also a huge supporter… Read More

Big Red Cake

A dreamy poke cake featuring a beloved Texas soft drink Big Red is a perfect addition to your summer parties. Big Red Cake Created in Waco, Texas Big Red is a true Texas treat. An Icy cold Big Red it is a welcome remedy for a hot Texas summer day. Sipped with barbacoa on the weekends or churned into ice cream Texans are addicted to Big Red and have been enjoying it since 1937. One of my favorite ways to enjoy big red is baked into a cake. I made this Big Red cake over the holiday season, but never… Read More