Sometimes I can’t believe I married someone who DOES NOT EAT PORK! I get why religiously some don’t but my husband doesn’t fall into that category. He has all these reasons as to why he stopped (oh yes, he grew up eating pork) but it’s all mumbo jumbo to me. I’m Latina and pork runs through my veins! So as you can imagine I must really love this dude for keepin’ him around 
Why bring up pork on a post about corn muffns? Read more
There’s someone knocking on my door and she’s coming whether or not I want to let her in – 30!!! In two days I turn 30 and I can’t help but think about all the crazy things that have taken place in my humble vida over the last 10+ years. Too many to document in this post and some of which are probably too embarrassing to share. I will share one embarrassing moment though.
Many of you already know I was training to run the Chicago marathon, which took place this last weekend. And throughout my training I was raising much needed funds for blood cancer research in memory of my Aunt Sandra and Cousin Nina whose lives were cut short over a battle with leukemia. Read more
Funny things happen when you are a first generation Latino growing up in the United States, especially when your parents don’t speak English. Yes, my parents first came to this country over 30 years ago and don’t speak the language. I’ll get into how they managed in another post. Today, I want to get into the complexities of growing up being fluent and using two different languages.
Many years ago my mom sent my sister Sue and I to the store and said, “Comprame dos limones.” (Buy me two lemons). Read more
It’s been a bit since I have brought a Sweet Melissa Sundays treat to you all. It’s my pleasure to be back today with a simple yet delicious confection – Coconut Pecan Frosting – my own pick for this week.
So many things make this frosting amazing – sweet creamy custard, crunchy pecans and comforting coconut. I mean, what’s not to love here? And as if the flavors and textures in this frosting weren’t already great, putting this frosting together could not be easier. Simply combine all the ingredients, except for the coconut and pecan, into a saucepan over medium heat and continuously stir until it thickens. Read more
Have you jumped on the whoopie pie bandwagon yet? If not you are seriously missing out. Last year the NY Times said they were having a moment and for a second there I thought they would dethrone the beloved (but sometimes overrated) cupcake.
My favorite whoopie pie is still pumpkin with a cream cheese filling. But what’s not to love about chocolate and peanut butter? It’s as classic as peas ‘n carrots and Burt ‘n Ernie. Read more
I am turning 30 in a couple of weeks and I can’t help but reminisce on the loads of fun I have had in my 20′s. I’ll leave those details for another post though because what has been consuming me is more so the “What’s To Come.” I’ve always been (or least have been told) a bit of an old soul but still felt that I had lots of growing up to do. So hear I am. I am supposed to be grown up already (or at least in 2 weeks). However there are a few things I’m not sure I ready to part with just yet. Among them: Read more
It’s sometimes all in the name. Even I, the vanilla lover (and sometime chocolate basher), couldn’t turn down making a pound cake described as chocolate velvet. All that was missing after this beauty baked and cooled was for it to wrap itself around me and make me feel like those people in the super cheesy snuggie commercials.
A couple of things were at play here to make this vanilla lovin chica fall for this chocolate treat. Read more
A quickie but a goodie that I grew up with – Malta with Sweetened Condensed Milk. I know it sounds weird but it could not be more satisfying. Like that satisfying that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside (even though this is a cold drink).
It’s no secret that Latinos love ‘em some leche condensada (sweetened condensed milk). Growing up there was also an open can in my fridge. Most people know it as the secret behind a great flan or the ever-so-loved tres leches cake. But did you know some even use it to sweeten their coffee? Read more
I want to apologize to those I may have offended earlier this week.
Ladies – you shouldn’t cook or bake to keep or attract whatever men you may or may not have in your lives. You should because feeding YOUR OWN BELLY is most important. If that’s not reason enough: Read more
Pardon the crappy photo folks. You may not be able to tell from it that these scones are lip smacking delicious but trust me – they are. And the secret is, no, not the lemon…although it definitely helps. The secret is butter – that special ingredient that many love to hate but in all honesty, can’t get enough of. Read more
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