Blog - Sweet Life

Hibiscus Cooler

Hibiscus Cooler I think in terms of love Jamaica (hibiscus) is pretty close up there with poblanos, and cilantro and grapefruit and queso…. You get the picture. I spend a lot of my day on the computer, whether blogging, writing recipes, editing pictures or answering emails. And to keep my spirits high I keep a cheery drink next to me at all times. On mornings it is most likely a steaming cup of coffee or a colorful smoothie. Around noon if I feel a bit sluggish another round of coffee either warm or iced and a purty,purty drink. Aguas, teas or… Read More

Guacamole

Guacamole My big sister hated avocados growing up, scowling at the simple site of them. We kids would shake our head in confusion. What’s wrong with that girl? Really? Growing up in a Mexican household avocados are practically in thrown in every dish, served with every meal and eaten by the TON. Did she not get it? How could she not appreciate the glorious taste of this creamy, dreamy green flesh? Oh we encouraged her to try them..practically at every meal y nada. She wouldn’t budge. Until one day we all quit trying. Then she left to college. And you know… Read More

Texas 1015 Onion Rings

Texas 1015 Onion Rings Tis the season for Texas 1015 sweet onions! I can never get enough of these enormous, sweet babies. Sliced, dipped into buttermilk and dredge into seasoned flour the Texas 1015 make the best onion rings. Hands down! Last year we hit the Weslaco, Texas Onion Festival where these dolls are the main attraction. The festival celebrates the development of the famous Texas 1015 onion which was developed in Weslaco, Texas in October 15, 1980 at the Texas A&M University. Named 1015 which refers to the month and date they were invented. The festival which began in 1989… Read More

Guajillo Piloncillo Marinated Steak

Guajillo Piloncillo Marinated Steak Mi carino loves to grill. So when Wal-Mart and Latina Mom Bloggers asked us to create an original steak recipe to help spread the word of their Steak Over Challenge, where local firefighters compete for top Grill honors, we happily accepted. Fun! Texans love Beef! And we love to Grill! Let’s do it! When we hit the kitchen we knew there was going to be chile in our marinade, we have to have chile. Piloncillo adds sweetness while it helps to keep the beef tender. He heated the grill, I marinated the steaks, whipped a few… Read More

Sopa de Fideo Verde con Pollo

Sopa de Fideo Verde con Pollo I had a few Cinco de Mayo recipes, cocktails to share this week, but at the moment I feel it’s inappropriate. Those can wait. Our hearts go out to the families affected both in Boston and Texas. I was listening to the broadcast concerning the families in Boston while a big pot of fideo simmered away on the stove. I ladled bowls of soup, my girls set the table and we sat down to eat dinner. Then we heard the news of West, Texas. One tragic event, followed by another. We spent almost 6… Read More

Jalapeno Cheddar Hushpuppies

Jalapeno Cheddar Hushpuppies What’s a big platter of freshly fried oyster without some hushpuppies? Um, yes please. Little fried balls oozing with cheese with a kick from Jalapeno. Love bites. Growing up our neighbor made the best hushpuppies – light, airy he made them by the hundreds. He always sent us over a few dozen, they never lasted long. I can only hope these are just as good as his were, but I did have to add my own personal spin on them. Chile. No surprise.

Fried Oysters

Fried Oysters I have recently became friends with oysters. Our relationship was rocky, from the start we got off on the wrong foot, tempers flared and they were stricken from my heart. This is a major since I reside on the Gulf Coast where plump, juicy, fresh oysters are beloved by all. I had a bad experience, and what makes it worse it was my godmother who fried, served and presented them to me with excitement. Love her. The two families met when my parents first moved here in the 70’s, became fast friends and they were given the honor… Read More

Farro-Pepita Breakfast Bread

Farro-Pepita Breakfast Bread I made two of these breakfast loaves for brunch today. I served thick slices alongside softened butter and extra honey for drizzling. My mom used to make a similar loaf with oatmeal, dried fruit and served it with blackberry jelly on days when the temperatures dropped overnight out of nowhere. She enjoyed sitting at the table gazing out the window with her cup of coffee and a thick slice of breakfast bread. This breakfast bread is hearty, rich in color with a small touch of sweetness. Best served warm on cold mornings, add a few kiddos in pjs… Read More