Blog - Sweet Life

Shrimp Cocktail

Mi carino is obsessed with shrimp cocktail. We enjoy it year-round since the temperatures here in South Texas are always warm. He requested it be added to our New Year’s Eve line-up and I happily agreed. Shrimp cocktail is one of those appetizers that is a true shining star, it’s so easy to make, doesn’t require the oven or grill and can be prepared in advance. This year I’m keeping it simple by preparing a few make ahead appetizers paired with a festive champagne punch spiked with tequila. Tequila and shrimp – a perfect combo. [amd-zlrecipe-recipe:579] Shrimp… Read More

Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer (Pepita, Chipotle, Cumin-Oregano)

I love everything about New Year’s Eve. The appetizers, board games, the cocktails, grapes at midnight, the kisses…and the promise of a new year. It’s magical. This year I’m keeping it simple by preparing a few make ahead appetizers paired with a festive champagne punch spiked with tequila. My daughter suggested a trio of goat cheeses rolled in tasty herbs and nuts which I thought was genius, plus it doesn’t get any easier. Pepitas for crunch, chipotle for spice and cumin and oregano for savory – Simply buy a few small logs of goat cheese. I find goat cheese in… Read More

Homemade Margarita Mix – Cranberry & Four Berry

I’m gifting the gift of booziness this year. Earlier I shared how to make homemade hibiscus cinnamon cocktail syrup, then how to infuse vodka and today I’m excited to share a recipe for homemade margarita mix. Not only one, but two amazing mixes that are sure to be the perfect gift for the holidays – and the best part, you can whip these mixes up in no-time. They literally take less than ten minutes to make. I loathe the taste of margarita mixes – they are syrupy, grainy and dilute the flavor of the tequila. Nothing beats a homemade mix…. Read More

Pozole Bar (Plus 5 Pozole Recipes)

How to Create Your Own Pozole Bar Photos by Jason David Page I recently shared a complete post with tips, tricks and ideas on how to host a tamalada. It is one of my favorite events of the year, plus I love having the entire family under one roof. One of the tips I shared was that I like to create a designated space where people are free to help themselves to food. I like to set up a pozole bar. Growing up my mami always made pozole rojo when she hosted her tamalada, so it has become a family… Read More

Homemade Hibiscus Cinnamon Syrup (Plus 3 Cocktails to Use It In)

Photos By Jason David Page Homemade Hibiscus Cinnamon Syrup When it comes to cocktailing at home – I prefer to make my own simple syrups, they simply taste better than store-bought versions that contain fillers and additives. I always have homemade simple syrup on-hand, plus a few seasonal variations that make shaking up cocktails a breeze. My family and friends love my homemade simple syrups and often ask me to make them a few bottles to take home. This year I thought it would be nice to create a holiday simple syrup to gift all my cocktail loving friends and… Read More

Atole de Tamarindo

Atole de tamarindo is comfort in a cup. Made with tamarind paste this atole is perfect for those chilly mornings. This sweet and sour warm beverage is popular in Mexico, where you can often find it sold from street vendors and in small cafes. Nothing warms you up like a piping warm cup of atole. Atole is a warm drink from Mexico made from ground corn mixed with spiced water to for a thick, creamy beverage. Enjoyed throughout the holiday season with pan dulce and tamales atole is a much-loved breakfast in Mexico. Atole can be made sweet or… Read More

Coquito Cupcakes with Toasted Coconut

Sweet Life Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Imperial Sugar. Thank you for supporting the companies I collaborate with to bring you exciting, new recipes. Photos by Jason David Page You know it’s the holidays when the coquito makes an appearance. Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican beverage similar to Mexico’s Rompope or America’s eggnog that is served throughout the holidays. Made with various milks (condensed, coconut and evaporated), eggs, vanilla extract and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg Coquito is often spiked with rum. Today I am adding coquito to cupcakes to create a festive coconut cupcake that would make… Read More

Guava and Pear Infused Vodka

Photos by Jason David Page Guava and Pear Infused Vodka I’m gifting the gift of infused vodka this Christmas. Last year I made cranberry infused vodka and it was such a hit with my friends I decide to make two different kinds this year, pear and guava. Today I want to share with you a simple pear and guava vodka infusion that you can easily make in less than five minutes. Ready to sip on in five to seven days these infusions make for great gifts. What I love about infusing is that it can be made with the season… Read More