Blog - Sweet Life

Shrimptini

Shrimptini A few months ago I was invited to a small celebration to celebrate an anniversary. The celebration took place on the beach. A casual set up of comfy chairs around a small fire was the scene. With an amazing view of the beach as part of your landscape not much decorating is needed. A huge pot boiling away was the centerpiece, huge platters of ice, bottles of Tabasco and plenty of martinis ready to be enjoyed were awaiting us. A few spices were added to the pot, in went the shrimp, a few stirs with a large wooden spoon… Read More

Sausage Balls with Cranberry-Green Chile Sauce

Succulent sausage balls served warm with a rich cranberry-green chile sauce are sure to be a hit at your next Holiday fiesta. Sausage Balls with Cranberry-Green Chile Sauce A southern favorite sausage balls are a fan favorite at our holiday table. The kids love them, the men request them and I relish in that I can make them in advance, freeze them and bake them off before the guest arrive. I decided to revamp my original recipe, add a little tang from the addition of taco seasoning from the fine folks over at Old El Paso and serve them up… Read More

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies

I love Holiday baking. I love holiday baking with my children. Spending the day in the kitchen baking with my children is one of the best perks of being a mommy and a wonderful way to involve them in the kitchen. When teaching my children to cook I always begin with baking, it’s safer since no knives will be involved or use of the range this helps to build confidence and having a sweet treat to enjoy afterwards never hurts either. This holiday season why not invite your children into the kitchen to help you make these dark chocolate cherry… Read More

Tostada Hummus Bites

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sabra Dipping Co, LLC. for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. The holiday season is in full swing, bring on those holiday parties! I’ve stocked my fridge with plenty of champagne, my freezer is brimming with pre-made cookie dough ready to be popped into the oven and baked. And today I want to share one of the easiest appetizers that are always a hit at my fiestas. These tostada bites are crunchy, savory and only require four ingredients, hello easy-delicious goodness. Crispy tortillas are topped with creamy… Read More

Honey-Lime Chicken Bites with Mango-Jicama Slaw

Honey-Lime Chicken Bites with Mango-Jicama Slaw One of my most requested meals has got to be one of my easiest, thank goodness. Because some evenings this mami does not want to be standing over a hot, sticky stove after a long day. A quick meal, a one platter side dish and the familia leaves the table with a full belly and I am left only with a few dishes to wash. Now that’s what I call a successful dinner. These chicken bites began as skewered chicken tenders that I used to grill for my girlfriends on the weekends. A quick… Read More

Baked Chile Rellenos

Baked Chile Rellenos My entire familia love chile rellenos, we grew up on them. Mami made them at least once a month and during the holiday season they made a weekly appearance for family and friends who stopped by for a visit. Filled with ground beef, pork or turkey she would carefully stuff them and give them a light fry. I enjoy finding new ways to stuff this mighty poblano and after much thought it occurred to me why stuff it at all? Why not bake them? I decided to cover them with a silky egg mixture and top them… Read More

Hearty Garbanzo Soup #EverydayMavenBaby

Hearty Garbanzo Soup I personally like to beef up my dishes with beans, lentils, quinoa, barley and my old reliable garbanzo beans. I keep my pantry stocked with garbanzo beans to add to my salads, soups, purees and to stuff my chiles with. This hearty soup features garbanzo beans as the main protein, but they also help to add texture and thicken the broth. Pasta adds another layer of texture while adding a boost of comfort to this soup. Mexican style diced tomatoes with green chiles add a burst of freshness with a hint of spice. This is a… Read More

Cranberry-Pecan Coffee Cake

Cranberry-Pecan Coffee Cake I can see why coffeecake is so popular, they are delicious. I am late bloomer to the affections of coffee cake. The attraction for coffee cake came after I was married. Growing up pan dulce served with breakfast was a treat or enjoyed mid-afternoon with a glass of milk. It wasn’t until I was married and had invited my sisters over for brunch that I made my first coffee cake. I went with a sour cream coffee cake recipe from Nick Malgieri for our sister brunch. One bite and I was hooked. Since then I have enjoyed… Read More