Search Results for: blog hot cocoa part i

Snow Day Part III

In the midst of my phone conversation with my husband, our son noticed that his aunt (my sister), who lives next door in the other side of the duplex, was outside shoveling the driveway.  Since her work was canceled because of the snow too, I invited her to spend the day with us. While I started making the coffee ice cream base, my sister entertained my three year old and one year old by reading books and singing songs with them. So far they were really enjoying the snow day. Soon enough my husband arrived at home with a work … Continue reading →

An Important Family Outing Part III

With over twenty acres of Christmas Trees at the tree farm of our choice, we knew that we could find the perfect Christmas Tree by going early to find it and tag it. What I did not anticipate was how the dry spring and summer would affect the trees. Many of the Balsam Firs had dry, brown, and brittle needles proving that the tree was water deprived. Since our son was already running deeper into the grove that seemed to contain a good number of Balsam and Fraser Firs (the trees of my choice). With my ten month old daughter … Continue reading →

Hot Cocoa Part II

Once the milk is at the correct steamy temperature, which is complete guesstimation, we (my son and I) whisk in the chopped chocolate. My son in particular really enjoys watching the chocolate melt into the hot milk because it “turns (translation: swirls)” the chocolate into spider webs. It takes a few minutes of whisking for all the chocolate to melt. My son is more than happy to assist in the chocolate melting, by “turning” it as he likes to say, which means stirring. While all this is going on, daddy is trying to entertain our daughter. She, however, wants in … Continue reading →

Hot Cocoa Part I

One of the things I love about the cooler autumn weather is the excuse to make and drink (of course) hot cocoa. A nice hot cup of cocoa seems like the perfect diversion on a cold rainy day. After a week of cold raining days, I finally made the effort to restock my hot cocoa making supplies (with all the baking I have been doing my chocolate stash was completely depleted). It took several batches with different ingredients and techniques in order to get the ratios correct for a perfectly decadent cup of cocoa. When I announced to my husband … Continue reading →

Easy and Affordable New Year’s Eve Party Grub

Partying like it’s 2012 may be fun, but it can also be costly if you don’t plan ahead. If you are looking for ways to preserve your budget without skimping on your last party of 2011, then consider hosting a potluck and asking friends and family to bring their favorite dish to pass as you usher in the New Year. For those of you faced with the task of making a dish that is easy, inexpensive and will travel well, as you head over to a New Year’s Eve bash, consider the following recipes: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredients: 1 … Continue reading →

Heat Up Your New Year’s Eve Party

Our local YMCA always hosts a huge family-friendly New Year’s Eve party on the afternoon of December 31st. This year they’re going with a Hawaiian luau theme and are encouraging guests to don flower-print shirts, hula skirts and other island-inspired getups. Activities include make paper leis, swimming in the pool, participating in coconut relays and dining on mango/pineapple skewers, as well as other tropical treats. You may not have an indoor pool to entertain your guests, but hosting a Hawaiian-themed party on New Year’s Eve is not a bad idea. Luaus are a change from the standard winter-themed bashes that … Continue reading →

Make Your Christmas Party Merry and Bright

Hosting family and friends of all ages during the holidays is a joy, but making sure that everyone has a good time at your seasonal shindig can be challenging if you are not prepared. After all, you need more than good food and drinks to keep everyone entertained. If you are inviting a bunch of kids to a party, then make sure you have age appropriate activities for them to participate in. Even if you have a few toys lying around, it’s a good idea to have a few organized activities to keep them occupied. To keep your youngest guests’ … Continue reading →

Red-Hot Valentine’s Day Recipes

They say the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So why not ditch the expensive cologne and heart-covered boxer shorts and give your honey a really sweet treat this Valentine’s Day? The following Love Day recipes are fancy enough to celebrate the occasion, but don’t require spending the entire holiday in the kitchen: CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE Ingredients: 1 pint fresh raspberries 1 (8 ounce) package low fat cream cheese 1 (15 ounce) container low fat ricotta cheese 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup cocoa powder 2 cups crushed almond biscotti 2 ounces unsalted … Continue reading →

The Hot Chocolate Bar and Hot Vanilla

I am freezing. It was 4 degrees out last night and suffice it to say, our house has not recovered. I have even gotten up and baked and it’s not even 7am yet. I can almost guarantee you that it’s only a few minutes before my kids come bounding out to ask about the hot chocolate bar. The hot chocolate bar in our house is a tradition on superbly cold days. It’s a tradition that indulges my sweet tooth and my affection for Starbucks-like creations. I actually did this long before I had kids but since having kids it’s almost … Continue reading →

Family Christmas Gift Wrapping Party

A gift-wrapping party is a lot of fun. It also helps gift-wrapping go by quickly. Everyone lends a hand and has a good time doing so. Of course, you’ll have to stash presents that are for your spouse and children, but the gifts you purchased for grandparents, other family members, friends, and teachers, can all be piled up in one place for the party. Select a nice assortment of wrapping paper and collect plenty of packages of tape and some extra pairs of scissors (suitable for children). Gather nametags, bows, ribbons, and decorative items or candies that you would like … Continue reading →