Blog - Sweet Life

Crockpot Ropa Vieja

Crockpot Ropa Vieja Ropa Vieja is a favorite Latin comfort dish that highlights braised shredded flank, brisket or skirt steak swimming in a flavorful tomato sauce base. The words ropa vieja mean “old clothes” in Spanish. The name describes the shreds of meat and vegetables which resemble colorful strips of rags. A popular story of ropa Vieja is about a man who had family coming for a visit. The man was very, very poor and could not afford to buy enough food for his family’s visit. So in desperation he ran to his closet, shredded up all his old clothes… Read More

My Week in Pictures

My Week in Pictures A Joya makes any stressful day brighter. Missing Poteet Strawberries I plan on using these Paleta invites from Martha for summer parties The little sis and I took the kiddos for root beer floats. grapefruit… grapefruit…grapefruit A late night in the kitchen with grapefruit salsa. candied grapefruit Grapefruit margaritas~ we all knew that was going to happen Sunday morning must have, pan dulce Stocking up on citrus for the week Fish tacos for movie night Quinoa blackberry almond smoothie for breakfast Birthday weekend at the beach A new sand dollar for my altar Birthday… Read More

Tepache

Tepache I’m heading to San Antonio tonight to attend a Cooking Demo with Pati Jinich, Chef, Mexican Cultural Institute, Washington, DC; Star of PBS’s Pati’s Mexican Table. I am so excited to finally meet her that I thought it was only fitting to share one of her recipes today. Tepache! What is tepacehe? A fermented cider made from pineapples Tepache is seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and piloncillo. Making Tepache requires a bit of patience on your part, but the wait is definitely worth it. Typically made in wooden barrels I used my Vitrolero (big glass jar used to serve… Read More

Ponzu Fajita Tacos

Ponzu Fajita Tacos Banh mi.. Pho Dal.. Garam.. Marsala.. Goulash.. Apfelkraut.. Kolaches.. Stuffed Cabbage In Texas? Yes. Texas truly is a Multicultural State. Best known for chicken fried steak and Tex-Mex there is much more spice to this state. Whether it be West Texas, East Texas or South Texas early immigrants found their way to Texas and we have been licking our fingers ever since. In my kitchen we enjoy taking these dishes and giving them a Mexican or Tex-mex twist. Our goulash’s tomato sauce if often infused with chile guajillo or our Pho broth will be tomatillo based. Flavoring our… Read More

Cinnamon Cake with Cajeta Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon Cake withCajeta Cream Cheese Frosting I used to dread birthdays. The mere thought of getting older frightened me. Another year, another month another week, where did the time go? My time was gone; hours sped by into days, days quickly into weeks and weeks swirled into months and by the time I realized another birthday was here. I was moving with the noise, with the daily motions of life and it was consuming my days. I realized this a few years ago as I lay in bed and thought about my day. Where had it gone? Had I smiled… Read More

Loaded Baked Potato

Loaded Baked Potato I’ve been missing Edinburg, Texas big time lately. The people, the small tienditas I used to frequent and the food. It’s always about the food, que no? The first day we moved in mi carino drove out to a nearby spot to pick up dinner. He came back with greasy stained brown sacks loaded with hand tossed gorditas, sopes with frijoles y queso fresco and papas. Every combo meal in the area came with a Texas sized papa, loaded with cheddar cheese, sour cream, gobs of bacon bits and green onions. I was accustomed to the tiny containers… Read More

Chef Johnny Hernandez The Frutería – Botanero

Chef Johnny Hernandaez The Frutería – Botanero I was recently invited to the Grand Opening of Chef Johnny Hernandez’s The Frutería – Botanero in San Antonio for a Dinner with Tequila Pairing. Umm if you know anything about me, know that I ADORE tequila and couldn’t pass up the chance to sip on tequila, nibble on great food and finally meet Chef Johnny. Here’s a small recap of the event. As the guests arrived we enjoyed a Passed Cocktail ~ Jarrito cocktail, fresh grapefruit, orange and lime juice shaken with tequila. South Texas in a glass, fresh grapefruit juice. Chef Johnny… Read More

Coconut Pecan Chocolate Quesadillas

Coconut Pecan Chocolate Quesadillas Oh sweet chocolate madness! I don’t think there is any more suitable way to end the weekend without a bit of chocolate. Don’t you agree? A nibble, a bite or even a spoonful of silky sweet chocolate makes the bitter end of the weekend bearable. We’re not a Monday loving family. Who is? The family had been requesting quesadillas since Tuesday, but I turned a deaf ear. Everyone once in awhile I do this, it’s my small way of rebelling. Doesn’t happen much. The weekend came, we set about our business and I heard the same… Read More