A Cocktail, Food, Photography and Travel Blog
Bobby and I desperately needed a relaxing beach vacation. We planned to visit Hawaii, but a hurricane started brewing so we changed the destination a day before departure. Cabo was the only beach destination that was easy to get to and wasn’t forecasted to rain. We stayed in a swim-out room at Secrets Puerto Los […] Read more…
My new favorite thing to do in the fall is visit the pumpkin patch because, well, it’s decorative gourd season. And, then I go over to my friend’s house and we make homemade pumpkin pie! Read more…
We took Jeremy and Ashley, our “new to Seattle” friends from San Antonio, berry picking at Biringer Farms in Arlington, WA. We scored some amazing raspberries and blackberries. I think I’ll make a raspberry crisp and a blackberry fool. Read more…
This year we hosted a Kentucky Derby party. Mostly because I needed an excuse to wear a fabulous hat, drink Mint Juleps, eat Derby Pie and hang out with friends! Oh, and I handmade my fascinator! Read more…
We got a very special extra surprise for our trip back to San Antonio, Texas. My younger sister ended up being induced early and had the baby as we flew in. We got to meet our new nephew, Derek Anthony Collazo. Photos and story by Bobby Arispe. Read more…
It’s a little non-traditional—if you’re from Philly, please don’t hate—this is my take on the famous Cheese Steak made into mini sliders. Read more…
These sliders are so yummy and best of all, you can make them ahead in a crockpot and assemble when you’re ready to eat! Read more…
These Starbucks® cake balls are super fun to make and eat, plus they have a little caffeine kick to them! What’s your favorite cake ball flavor or theme? Let me know by leaving a comment below. Read more…
This crockpot recipe is one of my favorites when it’s cold out, and so easy to make. Best of all, it’s ready when you get home from work. Read more…
To make homemade stock, you can use leftover poultry or beef bones. This time around I used the leftovers from a roasted Christmas goose! Read more…
This nearly-flourless chocolate cake is so rich and decedent. And, it can be mixed up quickly in one large measuring glass. No one will know just how easy it is when you wow them with the presentation—just invert the finished cake onto a plate and serve with a scoop of ice cream and garnish with a few berries. […] Read more…
Ok y’all, I was born and raised in Texas, but my head is spinning around the beans/no beans debate. You can check out some interesting opinions on Huffington Post and Lifehacker. All I know is this recipe is my husband’s specialty (who was also born and raised in Texas) and it contains beans and meat and […] Read more…
I named this after my amazing friend Jen and the dish that she frequently cooked when we were neighbors living in San Antonio, TX at 1221 Broadway (gawd, I really loved that tiny apartment!) It was the first meal we made after moving to Seattle and wanting a little piece of home. We think of you, Jen, every […] Read more…
I love anything ginger, and it’s even better when accompanied by Tito’s vodka. Read more…
French 75, the champagne cocktail that feels retro, glamorous, and perfect for any brunch or happy hour. Read more…
Carrot Cake is my hubby’s favorite, so I make him a birthday cake every year…ok, some years I get lazy and buy one, but it’s never as good as the homemade version. Read more…
Even thought Beef Wellington isn’t one of those quick and easy weeknight recipes, don’t let that scare you away. I like to make it for special occasions like Christmas Day or a small dinner party—it really is worth the effort, I promise. Serves 4 INGREDIENTS For the Duxelles: 1 1/2 pints (3/4 pounds) white button […] Read more…
This is a great take on a classic. I add diced apples, dried figs and cherries, and fresh thyme to get a sweet and savory dance of flavor. Read more…
I strongly believe that brussels sprouts should always be roasted—never boiled. To make them even tastier, this recipe uses sautéed shallots and bacon. Read more…
These are the perfect high-protein, low-carb, make ahead breakfast to get you through the week. You can add any ingredient you like in an omelet—my favorite is bacon and green onion. Read more…