by Sharon | Apr 5, 2016
With warmer weather, hot chocolate may not be on your agenda right now . . .
But . . . a cool spring or summer night . . . 
Or having friends over . . . this may just hit the spot!
French Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped — get the best quality Guittard, Ghirardelli, Godiva — Don’t use chocolate chips, they won’t melt as well.
- plenty of whipped cream for a generous serving on top
Directions:
- In a medium sauce pan, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar and espresso powder over medium heat.
- Heat until small bubbles appear around the edges. Don’t allow to boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the stove and stir in the chocolate you chopped up earlier, until melted. You may need to return the sauce pan to a low heat setting on your stove.
- You’re going to want to serve this warm, topped with a generous amount of whipped cream.
This is definitely a rich intense hot chocolate you’d find in a fine French establishment.
You may find your family enjoys it so much, you’ll be making this throughout the year.
Have fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 22, 2016
It’s Always Time To Make S’Mores
This is an easy recipe using brownie mix, Oreo cookies, marshmallows and graham crackers. Does that sound yummy?
Any combination of ingredients for s’mores seems to always be a winner.
Do you see the layers: graham cracker base, brownie, Oreo Cookies, marshmallows . . . there’s more brownie in there, but it got gooey with marshmallows. The on top it a lightly toasted marshmallow . . .
If you like what you see and want to make these for your family, read on!
Let’s get started with the Ingredients:
- Your favorite brand of brownie mix
- Mini Oreo Cookies
- Marshmallows — size of your choice
- Graham Crackers
Let’s Assemble these S’Mores:
- Preheat oven to 325° F
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the box instructions.
- Line a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with parchment paper.
- Lay graham crackers all along the bottom of the dish.
- Spread a layer of the brownie mix over the graham crackers. Be sure to cover as much of the graham cracker as possible.
- Place a layer of Oreo cookies on top of the brownie mix.
- Layer the marshmallows over the top of the Oreo Cookies.
- Use the remaining brownie batter to cover the marshmallows and along the sides of the Oreo Cookies. Spread this as evenly as possible.
- Bake for 45 minutes or so depending upon your oven. Check after 30 to 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and place a layer of marshmallows on top.
- Place under the broiler until the marshmallows begin to turn a golden brown.
- Allow them to cool before cutting into them. This may take an hour or more.
There you have it . . . a S’More Brownie with Oreo Cookies and Graham Crackers — And Marshmallows!!
Feel free to alter the recipe however you wish. Add ingredients or take out ingredients. This is a treat I want your family and friends to absolutely love.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 15, 2016
I Always Find It Amazing How A Simple Recipe Can Be Made Into Something Special
Deviled eggs are always a family favorite . . . but make them into little chicks and you have a winner for this Easter!!
Oh yes, these are easy enough to make . . . and you can use your own recipe for deviled eggs or the one I have for you here. I do wonder how different this recipe is from your own family recipe. That would be an interesting project.
Well, let’s get on with the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 6 hard boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish
- 2 teaspoons Mustard
- Salt and Pepper for taste
- 1 Carrot
- 1 Sweet Pickle
Directions:
- Boil and Peel the eggs.
- Slice a small piece off the bottom of the egg to flatten it so it will stand.
- Cut a zig zag pattern around the middle of the egg so it resembles an egg that has cracked open.
- Remove the yokes and put in a bowl.
- Cut the carrot into 6 small triangles to use for the beak.
- Cut off strips of the pickle and make into squares for the eyes.
- Mash the yolks with a fork and stir in the mayonnaise, pickle relish and mustard.
- Add the salt and pepper for taste.
- Mix until the consistency is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture into a zip lock bag, snip off a corner — this is your piping bag.
- Squeeze in the mixture into the cooked egg whites. Fill it up to overflowing.
- Place the beaks and eyes in place.
- Top them off with the top half of the egg white.
- There you have a cute little chick trying to pop out.
This is a fun recipe. Be sure to add or delete ingredients. Replace with your own recipe. This is just the starting point for making these adorable chicks. Make this recipe your own.
Have fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Feb 18, 2016
Oh yes, we can’t seem to escape butter beer.
Yet another recipe with the butter beer theme.
This time it is fudge . . . and no one can resist fudge!
Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup half and half
- a 7.5 ounce jar of marshmallow cream
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 – 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
- 1 -1/2 teaspoon imitation butter extract
- 11 ounces of butterscotch chips
Directions:
- Prepare an 8 x 8 inch pan by lining it with aluminium foil and spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a saucepan, put in the butter, half and half marshmallow cream and sugars.
- Stir to combine over medium heat.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, allow to boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add in the extracts and butterscotch chips.
- Mix until the chips are completely melted.
- Pour into the prepared pan and give it a few taps to smooth the top.
- Place pan in the refrigerator and chill.
- When ready, cut and serve.
That seemed easy enough.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Feb 17, 2016
A Delicious Recipe That Will Have Your Family Wanting More . . . Please.
Let’s get on with the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 large russet potatoes sliced into wedges
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- You may want to use fresh parsley or cilantro
- And as a dip, you may want to use Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Lightly grease a large baking sheet and set aside.
- Place potato wedges in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl whisk together salt, garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Sprinkle potato wedges with the shredded cheese. Toss to coat, then sprinkle with the seasoning mixture.
- Place potato wedges on prepared baking sheet in a single layer with skin sides down.
- Bake for 23 to 35 minutes until potatoes are fork tender and golden.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Dip into Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing.
This is a delightful snack to have on a day when you want something, but not sure what. You can’t go wrong with potatoes . . . I do hope you’ll try this recipe.
Until next time,
Sharon
