What do you do when you have the sniffles, a growing fever or a throat that just won't stop coughing? Well, I usually tend to rely on medicine--that is, until I came across some of these genius recipes to cure the cold or flu.

To be honest, last year I learned that mami's sancocho (and other chicken soups) are actually scientifically proven to cure the common cold. And, of course, with many more do-it-yourself cold and flu remedies that abuelita swears by, we couldn't help but bring you these 5 delicious DIY cures to the cold and flu. Whether you or your little ones get sick this year, these are some GREAT recipes to help your family heal (along with whatever else your doctor prescribes, of course).

By special request from our Latin Recipes page on Facebook, we've decided to provide you with some great and, most importantly, healthy alternatives to your favorite Latin dishes. 

I know that hearing the words "healthy", "low-fat" and "low-cal" alongside "Latin food" is pretty much the craziest thing you may have heard all day, but trust me when I say these recipes are winners. It's not always easy to do but these 6 traditional Latin dishes are definitely made healthier--and you absolutely HAVE to try them! If you haven't yet tried the slow cooker low-calorie pernil, you can start there and then quickly move on to these other recipes that are sure to be your family's next favorites. Yum!

I remember my abuelita making Cuban ropa vieja when I was a little girl. At the time, I thought it was the weirdest thing on the planet. I mean, how could we expect kids to eat a dish that translates into "old clothes"? I remember being afraid that there really were actual old clothes in the dish.

When I grew up, though, I learned that the dish is simply delicious. Of course, now that I try to concern myself with eating a little healthier, it's hard to indulge in this Latin favorite. I mean, have you seen some of the ingredients that go into making a traditional ropa vieja? I gain 5 pounds just THINKING about it. Plus, well, the dish takes longer than I sometimes have to cook dinner--which is exactly why I've now fallen in love with this slow cooker low-calorie ropa vieja recipe. It's pretty much just what I wanted and, best of all, it still tastes great! Make it for your family and I guarantee they'll love it, too!

Although I love to cook, there are days when I honestly just don't want to do that much work. I mean, the microwave isn't the best way to make a meal but sometimes that's just what you have to do. However, since I'm trying to cut down on processed foods as part of the 31 Days of Latinas Losing Weight challenge, how do I make quick and easy meals if they don't come out of the freezer?

Well, that's where these 4 Latin favorites you can make in a coffee mug come in! Seriously, these recipes couldn't be easier. The best part, though, is that you have plenty to choose from: breakfast, a snack, lunch/dinner, and even a dessert for you sweet tooth-sufferers out there. Enjoy!

Happy National Bean Day!

I know that, as a Latina, you must be just as excited about this food holiday as I am. It's no secret that our culture uses beans in a LOT of our favorite recipes. I mean, as a Cubana, I practically grew up on my abuelita's black beans alongside white rice, platanitos, and steak. Although I eat pretty differently these days (often opting for healthier versions of my Latin favorites), I still love beans. They're full of protein, flavor and, most of all, are a great warming dish during these cold months. So, go ahead and dig in to our 8 favorite Latin bean recipes to celebrate National Bean Day! I guarantee you'll love it.