Blog - Sweet Life

Lavender Martini

A stunning Lavender Martini made with a base of homemade lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, and vodka. The lavender syrup can be used to make cocktails or quickly whip up mocktails, coolers or lemonade with this homemade lavender syrup. Lavender Martini Three years ago we made our first trip to Blanco, Texas to attend the Lavender Festival. As far as the eye can see were row upon row of vibrant lavender in every shade, hue of purple. I have been hooked on lavender every since and am always finding new ways to incorporate this… Read More

Cowboy Cookies

Sweet Life Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Imperial Sugar. Thank you for supporting the companies Sweet Life collaborates with which allows me to create fun and unique recipes. Cowboy Cookies We are currently in the midst of election year so I thought a fun blast form the past would be appropriate. Today I’m sharing a hearty cookie recipe from former first Lady Laura Bush. During the 1992 Presidential election a reporter asked Hillary Clinton is she thought it was ethical for her Arkansas law firm to receive government business while her husband was governor? She responded with “I… Read More

Ham and Cheese Torta Sandwiches (Torta de Jamon y Queso)

Sweet Life Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Applegate. Thank you for supporting the brands I collaborate with to bring you exciting new recipes. Ham and Cheese Torta Sandwiches (Torta de Jamon y Queso) Para receta en Español A torta is a Mexican sandwich typically eaten for lunch or “on the go.” Growing up mami would pack us a few tortas plus a thermos of cold agua fresca for our day at the beach. After a sunny day at the beach a big, messy torta really hit the spot. A torta is typically made with a crusty bread called… Read More

Hibiscus Coconut Bundt Cake

Sweet Life Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with La Lechera. As a member of the La Lechera Team I am happily spreading the word about La Lechera. Thank you for supporting the brands I collaborate with to bring you exciting new recipes Making Memories Hibiscus Coconut Bundt Cake My mami has always been a pillar of love in our little familia, and cooking is one of the ways that she shows us love. She never failed to have something special served up at holidays or ready for us after we came home from school. This bundt cake recipe reminds… Read More

The Peach Belmont Jewel

The Peach Belmont Jewel Hey cocktail lovers I’ve teamed up with Marker’s mark to share a spin on the Belmont Jewel the official cocktail served at the Belmont Stakes. A refreshing cocktail classically made with bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice over plenty of ice this cocktail is not overly complicated. It’s light and fresh exactly what you would crave on a sunny day at the races. I love shaking up cocktails that include lemonade because as we move into another Texas summer we find ourselves making pitcher after pitcher of lemonade to sip on during the day. Then I remembered… Read More

Quick and Easy Honey Nut Cheerios™ Brittle

Sweet Life Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by General Mills Big G Cereals via Acorn Influence. Thank you for supporting the brands that Sweet Life collaborates with to bring you exciting new recipes. During the holiday season one thing is certain there will be plenty of homemade tamales and my mom’s famous pecan brittle. She’s been making her delicious brittle for over ten years. She carefully packages the brittle in cheerful tins to give as holiday gifts to family and friends. Some of my fondest memories are of spending time in the kitchen with my mom making brittle. Always… Read More

Honey Smash Bourbon Cocktail

Sweet Life Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Four Roses Bourbon in celebration of Down & Derby the 2016 Kentucky Derby. Thank you for supporting the brands Sweet Life collaborates with to bring you exciting new cocktails. Honey Smash The first Saturday of May brings us the two-week long Kentucky Derby festival. I along with thousands others will be cheering on the jockeys, all while sipping on amazing bourbon cocktails. Perfect weekend. When Four Roses Bourbon asked me to share the cocktail that I would be enjoying while I watched all the excitement unfolding I instantly thought of honey…. Read More

Rose Margarita

Rose Margarita Mother’s Day is Sunday, and I’m hoping planning on inviting everyone over for a wonderfully relaxed brunch. I can’t think of a better way to show my mami my love, appreciation and gratitude for going above and beyond to shape me into the person that I am today then by spoiling her with a delicious brunch and a beautiful cocktail that captures the beauty of motherhood. It is customary to shower mami with flowers on this day, but today I decided to use tiny dried rose buds to create an infused floral syrup as the base of my… Read More