Blog - Sweet Life

Spicy Shrimp over Pureed Hominy

This recipe was previously published over at The Latin Kitchen. Spicy Shrimp over Pureed Hominy Celebrating Lent season in South Texas means only one thing, Shrimp! Wild-caught straight from the blue water in the gulf Texas shrimp are well known world-wide for their great flavor. South Texans take their feasting for Lent to a whole new level and every year I find myself tweaking a recipe from a fellow Texan to feature on my Lenten table. I enjoyed this recipe at a local shrimp shack where the menu changes daily, the shrimp is always fresh and every dish is served… Read More

Chicken Ranchero Chimichangas

Chicken Ranchero Chimichangas Calling all Tex-Mex lovers! Holy chimichanga! We Texans love anything stuffed, spooned or stuffed into a tortilla, yum! Today I wanted to share a family favorite treat, chimichangas. You can find chimichangas in every Tex-Mex joint her in South Texas, people can’t get enough of them. A flavorful filling spooned into a tortilla, rolled and lightly fried until crispy. Hello good-looking! Shredded cooked chicken is folded into a rich tomato sauce that thickens while it cooks. Feel free to us shredded brisket or pulled pork too. I like to make the filling a few days in advance,… Read More

Tex-Mex Couscous Salad

Tex-Mex Couscous Salad Mi carino loves couscous. Every few months he requests that I make couscous for dinner, so I make sure to keep a plentiful stash hidden away in my pantry. He first tried couscous while he was deployed. He, his fellow soldiers and translator enjoyed a colorful plate of couscous, lamb kebobs and pickled okra during one of their routine stops. He was instantly drawn to the flavor, texture of this tiny grain. He said it reminded him of our rice dishes from home, all that was missing was a brothy ladle of warm pinto beans over the… Read More

Cinnamon Orange Margarita

Cinnamon Orange Margarita Happy National Margarita Day! I’ve teamed up with a few fellow tequila lovers to provide you with plenty of inspiration to help you celebrate this fun day in style. Inspired by the cinnamon oranges I keep in my fridge to enjoy with my French toast or in my oatmeal I decided to create this citrus margarita laced with a hint of warmth from cinnamon. I added a splash of tequila, ice and a few sprinkles of ground cinnamon and salt y listo! Salud! Thank you Heather from Girlichef.com for hosting this event! Margaritas: Blood Orange Margarita from Sidewalk… Read More

Chile Lime Salmon with Caribbean Salsa

Chile Lime Salmon with Caribbean Salsa is an easy Lenten dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. Chile lime salmon is baked then topped with a Caribbean salsa made of kiwi, mango, bell pepper, grapefruit, and red onion. Chile Lime Salmon with Caribbean Salsa Perfect for Lenten Season It’s Lenten season, bring on the seafood. I must admit growing up I was not a fan of salmon. My mami loved it, made it often and slowly salmon began to grow on me. Once I moved out on my own, I found the Lenten season a daunting task. The… Read More

Blackberry Jalapeno Margarita

Blackberry Jalapeno Margarita Whether you like them straight up, on the rocks, or fresh from the blender, margaritas are amaazzzing! What better excuse to celebrate the beginning of the weekend or Valentine’s Day than with a margarita made from fresh fruit, plus a spicy kick from pickled jalapenos. And don’t forget National Margarita Day takes place on February 22. Salud! I adore whipping margaritas made with fresh fruit juices. The flavor is pure, refreshing and if using seasonal fruits you can enjoy a quality margarita all year. Winter citrus is at its peak which gives this margarita a boost of… Read More

Hibiscus Hanky Panky

Hibiscus Hanky Panky A classic cocktail that originated in the London’s Savoy Hotel’s American Bar in the early 20’s. Similar to a sweet martini the hanky panky features gin, sweet vermouth and fernet. For those of you not familiar fernet it is an Italian liqueur made of a blend of cardamom, chamomile, rhubarb and saffron. I first tried fernet while creating cocktails for my cocktail book Latin Twist and I was smitten at first sip. Fernet can be a bit overwhelming with a minty-bitter bite, but I highly suggest you give it a try as it works wonderfully in cocktails… Read More

Avocado Brownies

Sweet Life Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Avocados from Mexico and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own. Avocado Brownies I recently co-hosted an event with Avocados from Mexico in Houston, Texas to launch their Echale Challenge, more on this below. I served these avocado brownies at the event – they were a hit! I had so many recipe requests that I decided to pop in this Friday and share this decadent recipe. These brownies are rich, creamy with an almost pudding like consistency. Bursting with chocolate-avocado goodness they would make a wonderful Valentine… Read More