Sweet Dreams For Three Kings Day #RecetaTomaLeche

Disclosure:  This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.



I wish I can brag about how my littles have been falling asleep early because of the holidays but they haven't.  Their bedtimes have been crazy because of my crazy work-at-home hours but now that everything is winding down, I look forward to getting them back on a regular schedule.  In bed by 8pm and crossing my fingers for waking up at 8am.  Our last holiday for Winter, "Three Kings Day" or "Reyes Magos" is happening on January 6th but I'll be getting them to bed early with this cinnamon and milk drink to stimulate sweet dreams so they will sleep well and not think about checking their shoes all night!  And if doesn't give them sweet dreams, it will surely put them to bed early cause I tested it and have been yawning for the past 30 minutes!  I love this recipe because it is so easy and I had all the ingredients ready to go!

To stimulate sweet dreams, you will need:
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup warm milk
• Honey to taste (I used chocolate)

In a saucepan add water and cinnamon sticks. Boil for about 15 minutes. Add milk and serve.


Check out more milk-based holiday recipes at TomaLeche.com and get your $1.00 off coupon!  Everyone loves Facebook - Like Toma Leche on Facebook

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Arroz Con Leche Toppings Bar

Disclosure:  This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Confession:  I originally planned to make arroz con leche (rice pudding for my non-Spanish speaking friends) with fresh whipped cream but that didn't work out so well.  I have been dreaming of fresh whipped cream forever but never tried to make it and the one time I do try, it bombed!  Ah well, it happens!  Maybe I was impatient or maybe I didn't have the right tools but I plan on experimenting till I get it right!  So, I was sitting in my kitchen bummed and started to brainstorm how I could do justice to the arroz con leche recipe I got from tomaleche.com because it is one of my favorite desserts... and it hit me - I should do a toppings bar!  This is perfect for rice pudding fans that are adventurous!  Set one up for your next Holiday dinner or potluck!

Arroz Con Leche Ingredients - serves 8

• 1 cup Rice
• 1 cup Sugar
• 4 cups Milk
• 2 cups Water
• 1 Cinnamon Stick

Arroz Con Leche Directions

• Add rice and water to a pot on high heat for about 10 minutes
• When it's almost cooked, add milk, sugar and cinnamon stick
• Simmer on low heat until cooked through (depending on type of rice, can take 20-45 minutes)
• Cool for at least 30 minutes
• Add topping(s) and serve

Arroz Con Leche Toppings
Dried cranberries
Cajeta (caramel syrup)
Torani coconut syrup
Pumpkin pie spice
Raisins




Check out more milk-based holiday recipes at TomaLeche.com and get your $1.00 off coupon!  Everyone loves Facebook - Like Toma Leche on Facebook

You can click on the leche below for your $1.00 off coupon!

Easy Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Disclosure:  This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.



I have never made Tres Leches Cake in my life, much less Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake.  But it is Fall and it's pumpkin everythang season so I had to go for it.  I am fully embracing the Holiday spirit and wanted something different from the usual so this is my modern take on a traditional Latino recipe!  The teaser tweets, Facebook post and video I shared on Instagram built up the suspense and I was dying to taste it.  It smelled sooo good!  I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of myself for this recipe.  It is super easy and tastes good!  I dare you to bring this cake for your holiday potlucks or dinner celebrations.  You will look like a rockstar.      

Easy Pumpkin Cake Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 11 oz. pumpkin
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Easy Pumpkin Cake Directions

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease or lightly spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan.
• In large bowl, beat cake mix, oil, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Use a fork to make  small holes all over  the cake.

Tres Leches Syrup Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup condensed milk

Tres Leches Syrup Directions

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour syrup to soak the cake.
• Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Add a scoop of ice cream or whipped topping and serve!

Here's my teaser video on Instagram!

Check out more milk-based holiday recipes at TomaLeche.com and get your $1.00 off coupon!  Everyone loves Facebook - Like Toma Leche on Facebook

You can click on the leche below for your $1.00 off coupon!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Arroz Con Leche

I grew up on rice, my husband grew up on beans.  I don't get tired of beans but sometimes my husband gets tired of rice.  It makes me sad.  I hate throwing away leftover rice but most of the time I have to because it doesn't hold up well so it always gets trashed.  Inspired by leftover rice, Torani Vanilla Bean syrup, Abuelita hot chocolate and a baby that woke up just as I was about to go to sleep at almost 2am... this recipe was born!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Arroz Con Leche Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked Rice
• 1/2 cup Nestle Abuelita Granulado Sabor Chocolate
• 4 tablespoons Torani Vanilla Bean syrup
• 2 cups Milk

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients in a pot, heat on high until boiling, turn to low and cover.  
• Simmer for 60-90 minutes.  Remove from heat.  
• Add marshmallows.  Serve hot or cold!  

Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day! Because I love being a Mom (who wouldn't with 4 handsome, smart and funny boys) & of course this Mother's Day is extra special to me because of the recent birth of our last child.

My husband Chris always, always makes it special for me.  It's not about how much he spends, it's about the thought he puts into planning.  I've told him for years I would rather have paintings, drawings, love notes...

One year I wanted to be at the beach at sunrise and he made it happen.  A couple years were spent gallery hopping and eating delicious food.  Last year we flew into Atlanta, spent the night and then drove to Alabama for my cousin's Wedding.  That trip was super special because my family also flew in and my Grandpa finally got to meet my husband and Duke.

Mother's Day 2008 - Sunrise at Huntington Beach

Mother's Day 2009 - Gallery hopping & Dinner at Park Ave.

Mother's Day 2010 - Gallery hopping & Blue Velvet Cake from MILK

Mother's Day 2011 - Family Trip to Atlanta/Alabama for my cousin Irene's Wedding.
Me & My Men - My life!


This Mother's Day is going to be low-key.  Omar is still too little to take out on our usual adventures.  Chris & Duke kicked off the weekend by surprising me with cards, cake, flowers and gifts on Friday.  Tonight we watched The Avengers and had In N Out.  It's been the perfect weekend.  Who knows what we'll get into tomorrow!

But the BEST GIFT OF ALL... A painting my Husband did of one of Duke's drawings.
SO AMAZING! I am so in love with it. I can't wait to find a frame for it!




I was honored to be asked by my amiga Ruby of Growing up Blackxican to be part of her #CelebrateMama post!  What is your favorite part of being a Mother?

We wish all of you a very Happy Mother's Day! 

Love, The G's!