Aaron Sanchez, Chef / Food Network

Ladies, you have to meet Chef Aaron Sanchez. Talk about hot Latin cooking in the kitchen!

He is a restaurateur, television personality, consultant, spokesperson and author. He is known internationally for his full flavored Latin cuisine. Aarón’s mother is a renowned Latina Chef, Zarela Martinez. Aaron began his career with Food Network and now co-hosts Melting Pot, Chopped, Chefs vs. City, Iron Chef, Next Iron Chef, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Food Detectives and more. Aarón is the owner and executive chef of restaurants Paladar and Centrico, both located in New York City. In 2003, his first book, La Comida del Barrio (The food from my neighborhood) was published.In 2004, Aarón opened up Centrico an energetic and festive restaurant. In 2005 Aarón was named one of People En Espanol's 50 Most Beautiful People.

Tune in to Food Network for sizzling Latin flavor with Chef Aaron Sanchez.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/aaron-sanchez/index.html
http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/centrico/profile1.html

Like Mother ~ Like Daughter

I love Mommy & Me style aprons. My daughter and I started baking cookies when she was very young. We had Cookie Baking Parties for birthdays and Christmas. I used to get worked-up when the cookies were perfect or the kitchen got messy. Thanks to years and wisdom, it now matters that we enjoy time together, making a mess, and making memories. My daughter is a teenager now, so I need increase my time baking with her before she leaves to college.

“Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’” Ezekiel 16:44

SEPTEMBER 2009 - HAPPY HARVEST

Loteria Apron

Lotería is a tradition that involves art, passion, culture, and hobby of the upper class. The origin of Lotería can be traced back to the 15th century in Italy, where games were organized to collect funds for the poor. The game migrated to other countries. In France, King Francis formed the first state sponsored Loteria lottery game. Loteria arrived in Mexico in during the 18th century from Spain. Now known as Mexican Bingo, Loteria is fun for all.

I remember playing this game with my great-grandmother Luisa, my grandmother Celedonia, and my mom Benita. Family and friends would gather around in kitchens and porches. Everyone had loteria boards and chips to place on the board as cards were called out. We often used dried beans or bottle caps as chips. We sometimes played for pennies, but we always played for fun. When I found this fabric, it brought back memories and I knew I had to buy it. I made this apron with love for my culture and respect for my heritiage.

Con Amor,
Yoli

Senorita Skirt Apron

Mi Hermosa ~ My Beauty!
I seem to be most creative at night, when the phone isn't ringing, the TV is off, and my kids are in bed. This apron features a soft, cream colored, apron based and is adorned with a large "Senorita" fabric pocket. I wanted to stay with a classic Latin flair, so I embellished with red rick-rack for the perfect pop of color. Measures 12.5 inches in length. Hand wash, line dry, light iron if needed. I think I'm going to make another one with a green rick-rack.

AUGUST 2009

HARVEST APRON

I can't wait for Autum to start. The Fall is my favorite season of all. I love the autum leaves, radiant orange, sparkling gold, and hints of green. It makes me so happy when the weather starts to cool and the evening breeze seems so refreshing. When I saw this fabric I knew it was for me so I bought the entire bolt. The apron has my favroite colors of autum foliage. Happy Harvest!!

APRONS - A REASON TO COOK

Pull out your old cookbooks or go to the bookstore to buy yourself the most current edition. Find any reason to put on a special apron and enjoy some family time. Be creative, look fabulous, and Bon Appetit.

JULY 2009

Freedom of Speech Apron

I am so appreciative of the privilege to live in this country. It is an honor to be able to participate in a democracy, where people unite inspite of differences. It is through the strength and courage of men and women in our armed forces that we get to enjoy the liberties and freedom. I give my praise and prayer to military families. Most of all I am reminded that America is one nation under GOD!!

SHARING THE GIFTS - JULY 2009

Savory Perks Coffee Shop ~ 1000 S.Texas Blvd. Weslaco (956)968-1030

The Munoz family has opened the most wonderful coffee shop I have ever been to. YOU HAVE TO GO THERE!! They renovated an older home and created the perfect coffee bar. You are welcomed in by their friendly family. The shop has gorgeous hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, comfy seating, and free wifi. Weekend evenings come alive as they host artisan musicians and eclectic bands. It was an honor to be able to gift to them several of our custom made coffee aprons!

JUNE 2009

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

The greatest memories I have of my dad are times spent around the BBQ grill. I remember huge family parties, when my aunts and uncles came over. We had so much fun and there was so much food. I never gave my dad a BBQ apron for Father's Day. So in memory of my dad, I have started to make men's aprons!!

The perfect example of Fatherhood is to be found in God the Father from whom all life comes. Indeed, the Scriptures tell us that all Fatherhood in heaven and on earth takes it origin from God.

TRADE SECRETS

Italian Chef Apron

I am giving up one of my secrets. A lady asked me to make an apron for her husband for Father's Day. She wanted an Italian Chef. I remembered seeing the pot-holders at WalMart, so that was my inspiration. My next step was to draft a layout on my computer to give me a visual that I could work with. The apron was monogramed and it turned out stunning!!

MAY 2009

GOD KEEPS ANSWERING MY PRAYERS. I have started asking again, "What will I do when my kids leave to college?" He answered with a passion from my past.

GOD GIVES ALL OF US GIFTS AND TALENTS. Sometime we don't appreciate them or us them at all. ONE OF MY GIFTS IS ART. I always loved art classes from elementary through high school. I remember wanting to go to an art college, but life choices took me down a different path. Life has a way of making a full-circle.

DO I DARE TO DREAM BIGGER? I love my aprons and I loved painting. I NEED TO BE CREATIVE FOR ME AND MY GOD. I am going to put my heart into this new inspiration; artistic aprons. I will soon post my creations as they come to life and hopefully bring JOY to someone (http://www.joymaries.com/).

Yoli, your sister in Christ

MOTHER'S DAY 2009

Happy Mother's Day

In honor of mothers and daughters, I made these matching reversable polka-dot aprons. It did take time and effort, but I was so happy with the results. It was my mother Bennie who taught me to sew. She worked long hours making sure we were always dressed well, even if she had to make our dresses. I grew up watching her sew. Thanks mom for giving me the passion and talent for sewing.

APRIL 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

This apron takes me back to a time when my beautiful Hispanic aunts, AURORA, SULEMA, REBECCA, CHAVELA, & HORTENCIA, would gather together for huge family fiestas. The kitchen was filled with delicious Latin flavors, music, laughter, and love. The fabric designer is Alexander Henry. He captured the vibrant essence of the Mexican-American culture. The apron is lined with a durable and sturdy cotton/poly blend, in black. Mashine Wash/Dry& Iron on medium setting.

JUST MY SIZE APRON

Finally, something that fits!

We all have those days that nothing seems to fit right. Well, I was having one of those days when I made this apron. There are times that we need full coverage aprons and there is no reason why we can't have vibrant colors. The theme is Big & Bold!! Wear it with pride!