Blog - Sweet Life

Carrot Cheesecake with Candied Carrots

Carrot Cheesecake with Candied Carrots My dad (papi) is addicted or shall we say obsesses with cheesecake, he thinks it is the ultimate dessert. This conversation happens every year a few days before Easter. This year papi will be happy to see this stunning Carrot Cheesecake with candied Carrots at the table. “¿Y el Cheesecake?” My mom laughs, points her finger and says “No va a haber pastel de queso.” Papi laughs, shrugs his shoulders and walks away. Sometimes I think he asks simply to poke fun at her (my mom was never keen on cheesecake). A few… Read More

Hibiscus – Pineapple Rum Punch

Hibiscus – Pineapple Rum Punch Today I’m sharing a festive rum punch that my family enjoys sipping on throughout Spring and Summer. This festive rum punch is quick and easy served pitcher style and features Agua de Jamaica, fresh pineapple and lime juice. This hibiscus pineapple rum punch can be doubled or even tripled and served in a punch bowl for a family event or fiesta. Cocktail Tip: Have you tried homemade grenadine? It is delicious and so, so much better quality than store-bought. Give it a try, here’s an easy recipe for DIY Grenadine from Serious… Read More

Papaya Salad with Kiwi Lime Dressing

Papaya Salad with Kiwi Lime Dressing Growing up we ate a lot of papayas. Mami used them to make aguas, smoothies, salads and nieve (ice cream). They hold a special place in her heart since her father grew them in their backyard. We always look forward to papaya paletas or thick slices of papaya with a hefty dousing of chile powder in the Summer. These are the flavors of my childhood, the flavors I am drawn to, inspired by and the flavors I happily share with my children. One of my favorite Spring salads includes papaya of course,… Read More

Pineapple-Lime Tequila Cooler

Pineapple-Lime Tequila Cooler Spring is here! I can’t tell you how excited this Texan is spruce up her backyard, dust off the outdoor furniture and entertain outside again. Nothing beats a day of feasting on great food with family and friends outside. And of course we need a festive Spring cooler to sip on as we chat the day away. This Pineapple-Lime Tequila Cooler has Spring written all over it. Refreshing, colorful, sweet and brimming with tequila –really what else does one need? Cocktail Tip: Slice your limes paper thin using a mandolin or super sharp knife. Use… Read More

Creamy Coconut Tart

Creamy Coconut Tart We recently celebrated my older sister’s birthday with a small family gathering at her home. My mom and younger sister were in charge of the food, which was amazing. And little ole me was in charge of presenting the birthday girl with a sweet birthday treat. My sis loves key lime tarts, bars and cheesecake and I almost went that route, but I thought I’d mix it up this year. I mean it was the big one, the lordy, lordy look who’s forty celebration so I knew I had to bang out something spectacular. At first… Read More

Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake Texas sized goodness this chocolaty Texas Sheet Cake has got to be one of my family’s favorite recipes. This is my little sister’s go to birthday cake for her daughters, those little gals have great taste. I mean can you blame them? A supersized sheet cake topped with chocolate frosting and pecans, hellooo taste buds. This recipe from Cooking Light is pretty, fairly close to the version we make at home or you could say our version has never quite made it officially paper. We never stop to measure ingredients and toss in chocolate as we go… Read More

Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas with Ranchero Sauce

Another winner from Cooking Light these black bean and cheese enchiladas with ranchero sauce were a big hit for Sunday Dinner. Black beans in a saucy ranchero sauce baked until bubbly and topped with cheese and sour cream, yum. I served them with a side of kid pleasing cheesy rice and extra salsa on the side for the adults. Make the ranchero sauce a few days in advance and cut this recipe prep in half.