One of the recipes I became obsessed with while living in El Paso, Texas, was Agua de Jamaica, or hibiscus iced tea. The tea was served at most (if not all) taquerias throughout the city. Its ability to cool even the spiciest of salsas and chilies made it a staple. My version of the beverage…
Drinks
Mojitos: Cocktails Done Puerto Rican Style
The weekend is approaching and we’re in need of a little tipple. Yesterday was our twins’ 15th birthday and I’m still depressed about it. Mojitos are my go-to libation when I feel a cocktail is in order. It requires no fancy tools, no complicated recipe, and nothing that you wouldn’t have on hand in your…
Mai Tai Cocktail: A Nod to the Original
Mai Tai Cocktails evoke nostalgia even for those of us who are too young to remember tiki bars. A rum-based- and I do mean rum-based- cocktail, it is laced with sweet undertones and a punch of citrus from lime juice. Crushed ice dilutes the potency of the drink as it is poured into the most obnoxious…
Watermelon Italian Soda- Refreshing for Summer
I could drink a Watermelon Italian Soda every single day. In fact, I often do. I can pronounce all of the ingredients and make it with little effort, so, why not? Plus, I always have what I need to make them. The simple syrup is made from fresh fruit juice and sugar. Afterwards, seltzer water…
Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie- Just 4 Ingredients!
The base to the easiest smoothie consists of fruit and yogurt. What kind of fruit? That’s up to you. What kind of yogurt? Again, that’s your call. Since I know the ends and outs of quick breakfasts that aren’t too complicated, I’m going to hand over as many suggestions as my little brain holds. After…
Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas: Sweet and Spicy
My Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas pack a punch in the best way possible. Vibrant pineapple juice is paired with a spicy jalapeño simple syrup, which are shaken together with a high-quality tequila blanco. This cocktail is perfect for any fiesta you plan to serve it at. It comes together so easily, it should be considered dangerous….
Chispa Margaritas: A San Antonio Native
I had chispa margaritas for the first time after we moved to San Antonio. Right after we’d settled here, we hit up a nearby Mexican joint called Mirasol, which is famous for their chispas. Because I’ve never had one, I decided to indulge in a couple. Somehow, those “a couple” turned into eleventytwenty…or, something like…
Piña Coladas (Pineapple Coconut Cocktail)
If you’ve had the privilege of visiting the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, I really hope you made time to taste Piña Coladas at at least one watering hole. A frozen rum drink made with creamy coconut and tropical pineapple, Piña Coladas have been Puerto Rico’s national drink since the late seventies. The Drama Behind…
Vitamin C Bomb Smoothie: Drink to Your Health
Vitamin C Bomb Smoothies are probably the tastiest way to increase your daily intake of vitamins. I mean, without that nasty, vitamin-y after taste, that is. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is friend to very few chefs, and I’m no exception. Personally, I think they involve themselves in too much of our day-to-day…
Mango Lassi with Rosewater and Cardamom
Do you need a break from the world (I’m looking at you “the Media”) right now?!? ‘Cause I sure as heck do. Most of your kiddos have started classes again and I’m sure the days are starting to run together. Well, in case they are, I’m sharing one of my favorite, easy-to-make, easy-to-drink morning meals….
