Blog - Sweet Life

Simmered Pinto Beans

Simmered Pinto Beans It’s no secret that I adore pinto beans. I could live on solely a big steaming bowl of pinto beans topped with queso fresco and a drizzle of salsa for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The only problem is I am married to a man who desires a little variety in his life, bummer. I prefer to make my pinto beans from scratch low and slow, simmering away until they reach perfection. And I was under the impression that my entire family followed this golden rule of homemade pinto beans that was until I had dinner at my… Read More

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos In the mood for tacos? What about flavorful tacos that are easy to prep and can be made in the slow cooker? I’m all about ease these days, with summer winding down and a new school year upon us I am ready for easy meals that pack a flavorful punch. This slow cooker shredded chicken not only taste amazing but is very versatile as it can be used to create several dishes. Use this shredded chicken for burritos, tacos, enchiladas, nachos or tortas. The chicken is perfectly flavored with the help of my good friends… Read More

Watermelon Lemonade Popsicles

Watermelon Lemonade Popsicles Thick slices of cold watermelon are one of summer’s easiest desserts. The kids love them and I enjoy the ease of simply slicing and serving. With summer winding down and with only a few days left until the school year officially kicks off I decided to blend the last of our watermelon, add a splash of lemon and make paletas (popsicles).

Papaya-Coconut Granita

Papaya – Coconut Granita My mami loves papayas, so you could count on them making an appearance every summer in my childhood home. In smoothies, fruit salads, paletas or sprinkled with chile she sliced-served them up all summer. Now I find myself with the same papaya passion, love’m! But not everyone in my home feels the same about this juicy fruit. I’m looking at you carino. Mi carino loathes them; it’s a texture thing so he says. Whateves. I find myself sneaking their loveliness into marinades for fajitas, lemonade or this papaya-coconut granita. He really enjoys creamy coconut ice cream… Read More

Blueberry Mint Infused Tequila

Blueberry Mint Infused Tequila I’m on my way to Colorado, woo-hoo! I’ll be there shooting the next round of pictures for my cocktail book coming out this spring, have you seen the preview yet? Check it out here >>> Latin Twist. While in Colorado I’ll also be attending a Don Julio tequila tasting with a local expert, which if you have followed my blog over the years you know I adore tequila. I’m pretty excited, so I wanted to leave you with my favorite new tequila infusion, blueberry mint infused tequila, swoon. Remember a few weeks ago I shared a… Read More

Mexican Summer Mingle

Mexican Summer Mingle I enjoy the entire process of entertaining from selecting the theme, setting the table, creating a new menu and begin in the kitchen preparing the food. I was over the moon when Kendall-Jackson wanted to work with me to host a summer party with a few of my friends. I decided to keep the guest list minimal and focus on a few appetizers that paired well with the Kendall-Jackson wines I would be serving that evening. Hop over to the Kendall-Jackson blog where I am excited to be sharing my Mexican Summer Mingle along with new recipes including… Read More

Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Tacos

Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Tacos If my dad (papi) could eat only thing his entire life it would huevos rancheros. He cannot get enough of them. Golden fried eggs served over crispy corn tortillas drowning in a rich homemade ranchero salsa. Served with a heaping spoon of refried beans and a few slices of avocado to him it’s the epitome of breakfast plates. We love them too, but on days when we are desperately trying to get out the door and begin a busy day. There is simply no time to linger at the breakfast table. Huevos rancheros breakfast tacos are… Read More

Braised Brisket

Sweet Life Disclosure: This is a compensated post in collaboration with Kikkoman and Latina Bloggers Connect. All opinions are my own. Braised Brisket Texans – Tejanos are obsessed with Brisket. Here in Texas we grill year round and brisket is hands down a crowd favorite. A few years ago I made almost 20 briskets myself to somewhat understand the science, patience and begin to develop a smidge of brisket know-how. Perfecting a brisket can take years and loads of time and patience this is exactly why they dedicate numerous full length features in many of our Texas magazines and many restaurants are judged by… Read More