I don’t think I really grasped the full idea of Dia De Muertos until my grandfather passed away. It wasn’t until then that I saw the beauty in remembering and honoring his spirit. I feel like I do it every day by wondering what he would think of a situation or when I find myself acting just as he would. It’s as if his memory has taken on an entirely new life form and actually it has. 

Remembering him especially during the days leading up to Day of the Dead when I see the Pan de Muerto displayed at Northgate and re-living how much he loved it in my mind. Every year I make sure to buy a couple of different loaves in various sizes and flavors. Northgate will have a Pan de Muerto Relleno de Chocolate Abuelita y Dulce de Leche this year along with 1lb Pan de Muerto. Some sugared and some plain, but equally delicious.

To accompany the pan de muerto and really pay homage to him I will make his favorite Atole De Coco (recipe below) and sip and savor all the memories that come along with it. Just thinking about this brings me to happy tears as I am forever grateful for the love my grandfather showered me with and am proud to show gratitude in his name. How will you honor your dearly departed?

Cranberry Ginger Rosemary Sparkler is a refreshing boozy vodka cocktail. This fizzy delight is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.

I’m gonna share a moment that happened between my man and I a few days ago that led me to post this recipe. I was teaching a private cocktail and cookies class as part of a virtual Christmas party. I started the class with the cocktail portion and made this Cranberry Ginger Rosemary Sparkler (pictured above). The second I was done mixing and taking my first sip, he motioned to me from behind the camera to hand him the drink.

He took a long sip and expressed to me through his eyes that he LOVED IT. I smiled at him with a face of satisfaction to let him know I was happy he liked it, all while knowing in my head I’m still in front of a class instructing. In other words… not really paying attention to his oohs and ahhs. In my distracted teachings I realized he drank the whole thing. I was like “seriously, I’m supposed to toast with the class!!” If that wasn’t enough.. he starts asking me to make him ANOTHER ONE while I’m moving on to the cookie instruction segment of the class! Who does that?

Can you imagine? “Hold on y’all…. I know this is your Christmas party I’m hosting, but let me stop to make this crazy man another drink!”

It didn’t happen, but I made him another as soon as I was done.

Ingredients for Cranberry Ginger Rosemary Sparkler:

• 14 fresh cranberries
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 lemon, juiced 
• Rosemary
• 4 ounces vodka
• Ice
• Splash of ginger ale

Directions:

1. Add 10 cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a few rosemary leaves to the glass. 
2. With a long spoon muddle cranberries. 
3. Mix to combine until sugar dissolves. 
4. Add in vodka. 
5. Mix and then add ice and mix again. 
6. Splash with ginger ale to top drink. 
7. String the last 4 cranberries onto rosemary sprig and garnish drink. 
8. Enjoy!

Got extra cranberries? Try my cranberry coffeecake with hibiscus glaze!

The Piña Colada Raspado Celebration:

I’m a girl’s girl! There I said it. Being raised by a single mom with the help of her sisters I first handedly saw the power of female. How they came together to support each other as they were building their young lives. It wasn’t long before I realized women are innovative, brave, determined, powerful, loving, smart, and stronger together. I’ve always had the utmost respect for other women and involve myself in solid female long-term relationships. I cherish all my femme friendships with all my heart and sometimes they need to be celebrated.

The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence. All opinions are mine alone. #SocialClubRecipe #SocialClub #TopShelfSeltzer

I was seriously missing Date Night on the town with my man. On occasion he and I would head out for an adult night and venture downtown for the most delicious vegetarian sushi and a good solid mixed drink. Those days have been scaled back drastically and I’m finding new ways to recreate an equally upbeat Date Night here at home.

I recently discovered the premium Social Club Seltzer – It comes in 3 fantastic flavors: Sidecar, Old Fashioned, and Citrus Gimlet. Social Club Seltzer reminds me of the sophisticated attitude of the golden 20’s. It is the epitome of elevation in seltzer beverages with quality and superiority. I pride myself on having a penchant for bubbly drinks and these being top shelve are a must for my Date Night at home.

I just need to gather my myself and take a seat after the weeks we just had. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed my city of Los Angeles in such unrest and unity at the same time.  A beautifully tragic dichotomy to behold.  It’s taken us a long time to get here, and we still have a long way to go.  Like I said, it’s a lot to process.  In that process I have been seeking more time for myself.  Taking comfort in the simple things such as finding serenity in my patio surrounded by my plants with a little ‘trago’ in hand.  I usually make a pitcher of Sparkling Spiked Limonada and keep it in the fridge for an easy go-to drink.

Did you know it’s #paletaweek ? Yup. Fun right!?! I decided to join in on the lively celebration  and shake things up a bit with a 21 and over version for the adults. 

I’m calling my creations Margarita Enchiloso Paletas! I made a chile lime tequila ice pop to enjoy when you want to get boozy on a stick. If it’s been an extra hard day, make it a double with a shot of tequila on the side. I dipped the tip of my spiked paletas in a mixture of salt sugar tajin and crushed chile peppers! Perfect for a summer night cap or day drinking.

Keeping warm with a bowl of Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup has been the trend in my house lately. With all these record breaking temperature lows this decadent soup will definitely sizzle up your belly in the most pleasant way.