tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42363298234321447232024-03-17T22:03:52.662-05:00Chocolate TherapySarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-83249685559778398652016-02-05T16:55:00.001-06:002016-02-05T16:58:37.302-06:00Loaded Chicken Nachos<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1R9fNFisgaY/VrUm3nJqhnI/AAAAAAAADxM/gCryhiGQ3MQ/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_crockpot%2Bchicken%2Bnachos.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1R9fNFisgaY/VrUm3nJqhnI/AAAAAAAADxM/gCryhiGQ3MQ/s400/chocolate%2Btherapy_crockpot%2Bchicken%2Bnachos.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
For part two of my posts today, I'm bringing you the less healthy way to please a Super Bowl crowd using the base from my Crockpot Chicken Tacos. Less healthy, but worth every calorie if, for some reason, you are counting.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These nachos have two layers of chips, chicken, cheese, corn and black beans. The top layer is also topped with pico de gallo, avocado and sour cream when it comes out of the oven. Basically, it's everything you could want in a nacho masterpiece. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All of the toppings are pretty standard as far as loaded nachos go. I used canned beans and frozen corn, but didn't go so far as to add any canned jalapenos or other not-so-fresh items that sometimes end up on nachos. I made my own pico de gallo since I cooked these during the snowpocalypse in DC, and Safeway was out of their fresh salsa (pico demand is high in times of peril). Assuming pico de gallo supplies are back to normal, you can use the store-bought kind to make this recipe even easier. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you make the full batch of crockpot chicken tacos, you will have enough chicken for the <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2016/02/baked-chicken-taquitos.html" target="_blank">taquitos</a>, chicken nachos and plenty of tacos. I made the chicken using only four chicken breasts, and I still had more than enough for all three. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Serve the nachos immediately while the cheese and chicken are still hot. I took the nachos outside to photograph when they came out of the oven, and within seconds I could see everything cooling down. No one wants cold nachos, so I sacrificed decent pictures for the food (which is pretty much what I do every time I'm faced with this sort of dilemma). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<b>Loaded Chicken Nachos</b></div>
<div>
Serves 8</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cups shredded chicken from <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2012/01/crockpot-chicken-tacos.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Chicken</a> tacos recipe</div>
<div>
1<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>14 1/2-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained</div>
<div>
1 10 package frozen corn, thawed </div>
<div>
1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>teaspoon cumin</div>
<div>
1/2 <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>teaspoon chili powder</div>
<div>
1/2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>teaspoon black pepper</div>
<div>
1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
<div>
20<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ounces shredded cheese* (pepper jack, cheddar, monterey jack, etc. all work well for this)</div>
<div>
1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>bag tortilla chips*</div>
<div>
1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cup salsa fresca / pico de gallo (store bought is fine)</div>
<div>
3/4 cup sour cream</div>
<div>
2 avocados, peeled, seeded and cubed</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking pan or large oven-proof dish with alumnium foil. Make sure the pan has high edges so that the toppings do not spill over. </li>
<li>Heat a saute pan over medium heat. Add beans, corn and spices. Stir to combine, and heat for 2-3 minutes.</li>
<li>Add shredded chicken and stir to combine. Heat through.</li>
<li>Spread a layer of tortilla chips over the baking pan. They should overlap at points and cover the pan completely, but keep in mind that this is only one of two layers! </li>
<li>Add half of the chicken, corn and beans mixture over chips. </li>
<li>Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the layer. </li>
<li>Repeat, adding another layer of chips, the remaining chicken mixture, and the remaining cheese.</li>
<li>Bake pan in oven for 12-15 minutes, or until both layers of cheese have completely melted and chips have crisped but are not burnt on the edges. </li>
<li>Remove nachos from oven and top evenly with pico de gallo, avocado and sour cream.</li>
<li>Serve immediately.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* Use a brand that has good, sturdy chips. Often times loading nachos with toppings before baking leaves you with soggy chips. I used Mission Brand, which I usually like, but they didn't work as well for this. </div>
<div>
* Hand shredding cheese will give you a meltier cheese that's better for nachos. I buy the 10oz blocks of Cracker Barrel for these and use one cheddar and one pepper jack.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_l4hikCKvQQ/VrUm_WqMG9I/AAAAAAAADxU/jzvpjksxEW0/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_corn%2Bbeans%2Bnachos.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_l4hikCKvQQ/VrUm_WqMG9I/AAAAAAAADxU/jzvpjksxEW0/s320/chocolate%2Btherapy_corn%2Bbeans%2Bnachos.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6GU4Sl01wIA/VrUnC6IV8fI/AAAAAAAADxc/HxyuGD66Gmc/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_crockpot%2Bchicken%2Bnachos.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6GU4Sl01wIA/VrUnC6IV8fI/AAAAAAAADxc/HxyuGD66Gmc/s400/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_crockpot%2Bchicken%2Bnachos.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AIZ4bsvZzR0/VrUnMzkHBtI/AAAAAAAADxw/1IpYZaDxdBQ/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_cheesy%2Bcrockpot%2Bchicken%2Bnachos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AIZ4bsvZzR0/VrUnMzkHBtI/AAAAAAAADxw/1IpYZaDxdBQ/s400/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_cheesy%2Bcrockpot%2Bchicken%2Bnachos.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hc4ayGc1PeI/VrUnX7mviuI/AAAAAAAADx0/9emVRDsErsE/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_crockpot%2Bchicken%2Bcheese%2Bnachos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hc4ayGc1PeI/VrUnX7mviuI/AAAAAAAADx0/9emVRDsErsE/s400/chocolate%2Btherapy_crockpot%2Bchicken%2Bcheese%2Bnachos.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-56701026839479378072016-02-05T11:55:00.003-06:002016-02-05T11:55:52.778-06:00Baked Chicken Taquitos <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nwQ4p663jg/VrThUg14c_I/AAAAAAAADws/lJJhcGe_IUI/s1600/chocolate-therapy_crockpot-cheese-chicken-taquitos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nwQ4p663jg/VrThUg14c_I/AAAAAAAADws/lJJhcGe_IUI/s400/chocolate-therapy_crockpot-cheese-chicken-taquitos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The most popular recipe on my blog has been <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2012/01/crockpot-chicken-tacos.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Chicken Tacos</a> for four years running. It's no surprise why when you consider the steps to make it:<br />
<br />
1) Add six chicken breasts, one packet of taco seasoning and one jar of salsa into a crockpot and stir to combine.<br />
2) Turn on crockpot for 4-6 hours.<br />
3) Shred with a fork or a hand mixer. Serve.<br />
<br />
It makes more chicken than you would've possibly thought you could get out of six chicken breasts, so once you've had your taco fix, you can use the leftovers for soup, quesadillas, salads, crunchwraps, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Super Bowl Sunday calls for delicious food that feeds a crowd. Assuming your crowd isn't full of vegetarians, one batch of crockpot chicken tacos lends itself perfectly to THREE crowd-pleasing variations using the chicken. The first of those is just your standard taco bar with all the fixin's. I usually do this by setting out the chicken and tortillas alongside bowls of sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, avocado/guacamole and salsa. Any variation is good. The more bowls the better.<br />
<br />
The second option is what I'll cover in this post -- taquitos! It's hard to beat traditional fried taquitos, but with all the greasy food choices for the Super Bowl, I figured it might be best to give you a baked taquitos recipe. Guilt-free taquito eating to your heart's delight! Also, the next recipe I'm sharing isn't remotely guilt-free, so really I'm really just aiming for balance.<br />
<br />
You can serve the taquitos with sour cream, ranch, and/or salsa on the side for dipping. Any of the southwestern/chipotle ranch options are especially good for these. You will need to use the smaller tortillas because otherwise you'll just have very long, awkward taquitos that require double-dipping, and nobody wants that. The pictures show the batch I made using the Mission brand "Super Soft" tortillas because that's what I had on hand, but I'd recommend using just the normal thickness so that they crisp up a bit more.<br />
<br />
Check back later today for the next post for chicken nachos!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Baked Chicken Taquitos</b><br />
Makes 10 Small Taquitos<br />
<br />
1 cup chicken from <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2012/01/crockpot-chicken-tacos.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Chicken Tacos</a> *<br />
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese<br />
10 small flour tortillas<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 425 degrees. </li>
<li>Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.</li>
<li>Stir cheese and chicken together in a bowl. </li>
<li>Set out tortillas, and place a few tablespoons of the mixture in a line on the left 1/3 of the tortilla, leaving about an inch on the ends so the mixture doesn't melt out in the oven. </li>
<li>Roll up the tortilla very tightly, and place seam side down onto the baking sheet. </li>
<li>Repeat with remaining mixture and tortillas, placing tortillas at least an inch apart on the sheet.</li>
<li>Spray the top of each tortilla with cooking spray or brush with oil. </li>
<li>Place pan in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until edges are starting to turn golden brown.</li>
<li>Serve immediately with sour cream, ranch and/or salsa.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0boHARn858/VrTgGDslwcI/AAAAAAAADwQ/pqIxXmKJhmo/s1600/My-Chocolate-Therapy_Taquitos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0boHARn858/VrTgGDslwcI/AAAAAAAADwQ/pqIxXmKJhmo/s400/My-Chocolate-Therapy_Taquitos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqVAi6wJNLk/VrTgsmlNriI/AAAAAAAADwY/MqO1ik7qb9o/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_crockpot-chicken-taquitos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqVAi6wJNLk/VrTgsmlNriI/AAAAAAAADwY/MqO1ik7qb9o/s400/my-chocolate-therapy_crockpot-chicken-taquitos.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmRYnP1Gp7Y/VrTg6WQ0HsI/AAAAAAAADwc/9s18dLj1wG0/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_chicken-taquitos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmRYnP1Gp7Y/VrTg6WQ0HsI/AAAAAAAADwc/9s18dLj1wG0/s320/my-chocolate-therapy_chicken-taquitos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIIeZWgLVjU/VrThRkeZlmI/AAAAAAAADwo/panGElTTLi4/s1600/chocolate-therapy_chicken-taquitos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIIeZWgLVjU/VrThRkeZlmI/AAAAAAAADwo/panGElTTLi4/s320/chocolate-therapy_chicken-taquitos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9vCJ6DnSwc/VrTgg4wE1VI/AAAAAAAADwU/PSh8zO0gfJw/s1600/chocolate-therapy_chicken-taquitos-crockpot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9vCJ6DnSwc/VrTgg4wE1VI/AAAAAAAADwU/PSh8zO0gfJw/s320/chocolate-therapy_chicken-taquitos-crockpot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-13028525245234417732015-09-02T12:16:00.003-05:002015-09-02T12:41:12.119-05:00Chocolate Covered Fluffernutter Oreos<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mydkuSdiVE/VecrGSabLfI/AAAAAAAADp0/YyH29xu9OrU/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy%2B_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mydkuSdiVE/VecrGSabLfI/AAAAAAAADp0/YyH29xu9OrU/s400/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy%2B_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes you need a recipe that you know will turn out well 10 times out of 10. Every so often I have a baking weekend where things just don't go as planned. I'm notoriously bad at talking while I'm baking.<br />
<br />
How many eggs did I put in?<br />
<br />
Did I just accidentally combine step 3 and 4?<br />
<br />
Did I already add the baking powder to this bowl of flour?<br />
<br />
Cooking and multitasking I can do. Baking... forget it. I've had to throw out quite a few ruined batches of baked goods in my life, and life goes on.<br />
<br />
Such was the case when I decided to make a cake for my friend's birthday in February. She was out of town over the weekend, so I was dead set on making the Milkbar Cake (<a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/milk-bars-birthday-layer-cake" target="_blank">yes, this one</a>) to surprise her.<br />
<br />
Long story short -- I ditched that idea after forgetting to order the multitude of specialty supplies and ingredients. But, I decided I would make her a yellow cake and a red velvet ice cream cake instead (2 cakes > 1 cake). The ice cream cake went into the freezer beautiful, but behind the closed door it managed to collapse into something reminiscent of a science fair volcano post-lava flow. It wasn't even salvageable. I don't exactly remember what happened to the other cake, but I do know that it didn't work out either.<br />
<br />
With enough hours and money down the drain, I accepted that baking wasn't in the cards that day. That's where these come in. It's a combination of all great things: Oreos, peanut butter, marshmallow and chocolate. These also have the added perk of keeping well, being easy to store/stackable, and being great for decorating. Wins all around!<br />
<br />
They are perfectly crunchy, chocolaty, gooey, salty and sweet. I make them fairly frequently because they're such a hit, and they save me the risk of distress caused by failed baking projects. You can also make as many or as few as you'd like. Shoot, you could even have a craving hit and whip up a few for yourself on a whim. <br />
<br />
I'm crossing my fingers Oreo to comes back out with their football shaped Oreos for football season because these would become my go-to tailgate baked good. In the meantime, they're perfect for every other time of year as well!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Chocolate Covered Fluffernutter Oreos</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/fluffer-nutter-stuffed-oreos/" target="_blank">Something Swanky</a><b><a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/fluffer-nutter-stuffed-oreos/" target="_blank"> </a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients </b>*<br />
Marshmallow Cream or Fluff<br />
Oreos<br />
Smooth Peanut Butter <br />
Melting Chocolate <br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Split Oreos in half horizontally, making sure to keep the halves of each Oreo together so that final product ends up with exactly one Oreo's worth of cream filling. It doesn't matter if filling ends up on both sides of the split Oreo. </li>
<li>Spread a teaspoon of marshmallow fluff on one side of the Oreo. </li>
<li>Spread a teaspoon of peanut butter on the other.</li>
<li>Press sides together and place on a plate. Repeat until you have your desired quantity. Put plate of Oreos in the freezer for no more than 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Place a sheet of wax or parchment paper on a baking sheet.</li>
<li>Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl until smooth and fully melted.</li>
<li>Remove Oreos from freezer, and press any filling that has come out around the edges back into the Oreo to ensure it is smooth on all sides.</li>
<li>One at a time, place Oreo on a fork or candy dipping tool and dip, making sure the Oreo is completely covered on all sides by flipping it into the chocolate or completely submerging it. Once fully coated, tap the edge of the dipping tool slightly on the edge of the bowl to remove air bubbles and excess chocolate. If you are making a large batch, you may need to remove about 10 Oreos at a time, and leave the rest in the fridge so that they stay cool.</li>
<li>Slide each Oreo onto the baking sheet, being sure to smoothly remove the fork or dipping tool from underneath (don't just clunk it down!). The melting chocolate will dry quickly, so complete this process with a little pep and move on to the next one.</li>
<li>If topping with sprinkles or chocolate chips, add these immediately after dipping each Oreo. Otherwise, after making all of the Oreos, add melted chocolate to a small ziplock bag, cut off a tiny section at the bottom corner of the bag, and drizzle Oreos with melted chocolate. </li>
<li>Allow to cool for 10+ minutes. Cookies may be stored in airtight container for 2-3 weeks.</li>
</ol>
<br />
*Note: Because you can make as many or as few of these as you'd like at a time, I did not specify exact amounts for the ingredients. You only need a teaspoon of peanut butter and a teaspoon of fluff for each Oreo, so chances are you will run out of Oreos before running out of either of those during the recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjriceBSMHeK9do3KGSjtoLnEkKvczb1IsQ-sfYf8OIvfAwJRKhSCihr_6eDxJWzA7HraATyNGyDnH2iGJS3_gkEjV8pOBqgAPaXQGLH6IYNnh5DU04YFqFhrFby-OmeqiIgpoRRn7nb6/s1600/chocolate+therapy_peanut+butter+chocolate+fluffernutter+oreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjriceBSMHeK9do3KGSjtoLnEkKvczb1IsQ-sfYf8OIvfAwJRKhSCihr_6eDxJWzA7HraATyNGyDnH2iGJS3_gkEjV8pOBqgAPaXQGLH6IYNnh5DU04YFqFhrFby-OmeqiIgpoRRn7nb6/s320/chocolate+therapy_peanut+butter+chocolate+fluffernutter+oreos.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJFOA5QlNPU/VecoMvvnSfI/AAAAAAAADoc/-Ds_znJkbLE/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJFOA5QlNPU/VecoMvvnSfI/AAAAAAAADoc/-Ds_znJkbLE/s320/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The cast of characters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08oq9sKYDzQ/VecpDig6UUI/AAAAAAAADo0/tzW1DEvmoOc/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy%2Bchocolate%2Bcovered%2Bpeanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08oq9sKYDzQ/VecpDig6UUI/AAAAAAAADo0/tzW1DEvmoOc/s320/chocolate%2Btherapy%2Bchocolate%2Bcovered%2Bpeanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvgQ9w-2YoA/Vecpgj_wNAI/AAAAAAAADpE/DIvFv0izOJY/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bchocolate%2Bcovered%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvgQ9w-2YoA/Vecpgj_wNAI/AAAAAAAADpE/DIvFv0izOJY/s320/chocolate%2Btherapy_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bchocolate%2Bcovered%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The terrible picture above shows what to do if the marshmallow </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">runs over the edges after freezing. Press everything back in the round and place the sides back together. Voila!</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z12xD9qz0TI/VecpPYeOyII/AAAAAAAADo8/BBBb1okDv_A/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z12xD9qz0TI/VecpPYeOyII/AAAAAAAADo8/BBBb1okDv_A/s320/chocolate%2Btherapy_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tap tap tap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5J1EcFTRHX4/VecqkrEuLvI/AAAAAAAADpQ/2FHcAAkLwrY/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_chocolate%2Bcovered%2Bpeanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5J1EcFTRHX4/VecqkrEuLvI/AAAAAAAADpQ/2FHcAAkLwrY/s400/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_chocolate%2Bcovered%2Bpeanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6vsXulFj4s/VecqzCFrskI/AAAAAAAADpY/UGotIrRYehU/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy%2Bpeanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6vsXulFj4s/VecqzCFrskI/AAAAAAAADpY/UGotIrRYehU/s320/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy%2Bpeanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkiTg2sgNvA/VecqzeTMePI/AAAAAAAADpc/l3brOawD-PE/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_chocolate%2Bcovered%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkiTg2sgNvA/VecqzeTMePI/AAAAAAAADpc/l3brOawD-PE/s320/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_chocolate%2Bcovered%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JLNTLat1OrO-sM2H39_SeeAIIAD04bHYwZ-4yUUIpZwZv3otloYEqWi5l39fvRUGATHHDMROIjxedMpviu7Vz6j4wc7ZqtzSD5wTyGVohT2Og6x_TgEe-fqqsSO96DZO96pqVjf1YyMD/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_+peanut+butter+fluffernutter+oreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JLNTLat1OrO-sM2H39_SeeAIIAD04bHYwZ-4yUUIpZwZv3otloYEqWi5l39fvRUGATHHDMROIjxedMpviu7Vz6j4wc7ZqtzSD5wTyGVohT2Og6x_TgEe-fqqsSO96DZO96pqVjf1YyMD/s320/my+chocolate+therapy_+peanut+butter+fluffernutter+oreos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2F-iIkc7Fig/VecrYC4jDZI/AAAAAAAADp4/Xe9ucLkpgw8/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy%2Bblog_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2F-iIkc7Fig/VecrYC4jDZI/AAAAAAAADp4/Xe9ucLkpgw8/s400/chocolate%2Btherapy%2Bblog_peanut%2Bbutter%2Bfluffernutter%2Boreos.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWlN2s8p74s/Vec0fBjyz7I/AAAAAAAADqI/qF7SY2ks5kM/s1600/IMG_0389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWlN2s8p74s/Vec0fBjyz7I/AAAAAAAADqI/qF7SY2ks5kM/s320/IMG_0389.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention that entire story is from February? That is how behind on my posts I am! Here are the decorated Oreos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-48130569268544591262015-07-28T11:37:00.004-05:002015-07-28T12:34:02.328-05:00Pizookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UeIZCcwNkQ/VberAQq1W_I/AAAAAAAADmA/19zEiGu7cXY/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_best%2Bindividual%2Bchocolate%2Bchip%2Bpizookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UeIZCcwNkQ/VberAQq1W_I/AAAAAAAADmA/19zEiGu7cXY/s400/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_best%2Bindividual%2Bchocolate%2Bchip%2Bpizookies.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite desserts: the pizookie. It'll be your favorite, too. <br />
<br />
I've been making these since college, but I guess I've been holding out on sharing them. The concept is about as simple as it gets. You put cookie dough into a ramekin. Bake it until it's just starting to brown on the top. Pull it out of the oven, and put a big scoop of ice cream on top.<br />
<br />
The next few minutes are pure bliss. The cold ice cream combines with the warm cookies. Everything is melting together. Your mind goes blank. You're not sure if you've ever had anything so good in your life, etc. <br />
<br />
This is the easiest thing on my blog. You can use homemade cookie dough if you have time -- I have in the past -- but Tollhouse and Pillsbury are in every grocery store for a reason. They save you time and they've spent decades perfecting the recipes. These pictures are made with Tollhouse and Turkey Hill French Vanilla.<br />
<br />
I gave my roommate and longtime #1 recipe taste-tester the extra pizookie after taking pictures. She's had them multiple times since I make these any time I'm tasked with dessert and don't feel like baking before dinner. After we finished them (mine was already half gone from taking pictures), she confessed that even though she knew these were easy, she thinks they're the best thing I make. I can't really take credit for store-bought cookie dough and ice cream, but seriously...they might be. <br />
<br />
I have only tried pizookies with variations of chocolate chip cookie dough. I also prefer them with vanilla ice cream (probably the only time plain vanilla is my preference) or cookie dough if I'm really feeling the cookie vibe. There are an endless number of potential combinations. I'm sure they're all great.<br />
<br />
You can make this in any ramekins you have around the house. You will need to adjust the amount of cookie dough you add and cooking time based on your choice. The amounts I've detailed below are guidelines based on the ramekin size I was using. You can adjust the recipe based on the number of servings and the ramekin size. I usually fill them a little over half full if I'm using smaller ramekins (4-6oz). The key is to cook them until each pot is just slightly starting to brown around the edges. The top will be set, but it's still soft in the middle.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Pizookies</b><br />
Serves: 4<br />
Total Time: 15 Minutes (3 Active)<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
16oz Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough<br />
4 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill each ramekin with approximately 4oz of cookie dough (cookie dough should be about 1-inch deep in the ramekin). Place on cookie sheet. Bake the cookie sheet of ramekins on the middle rack for 12-16 minutes*, or until cookie dough is just starting to brown around the edges and the top is set. Do not overbake! Cookies will be cooked through, but the inside should still be soft.<br />
<br />
Remove from oven, let sit for two minutes, and top each ramekin with a cold scoop of ice cream, pressing down slightly in the center. The ice cream will start melting right away, so DIG IN! Make sure not to hold the ramekins without a napkin or something to prevent you from burning your hands (since this would really cut down on the enjoyment factor). <br />
<br />
*Time range varies based on ramekins used, amount of dough added, and oven. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And since I was going to eat the pizookie anyways, I documented:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ-MtPf52GM/VberAX7CUWI/AAAAAAAADmU/qIXXHLh2MRM/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-chocolate-chip-pizookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ-MtPf52GM/VberAX7CUWI/AAAAAAAADmU/qIXXHLh2MRM/s320/my-chocolate-therapy_best-chocolate-chip-pizookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immediately after dropping ice cream on the pizookie.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHYPpSdnuuE/VberApHQMhI/AAAAAAAADmY/CCfRtKgeCgA/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_pizookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHYPpSdnuuE/VberApHQMhI/AAAAAAAADmY/CCfRtKgeCgA/s320/my-chocolate-therapy_pizookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating and photographing. Photographing and eating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HJnmCapPlw/Vbesp8wyLpI/AAAAAAAADms/YeGH8FwTEm4/s1600/chocolate-therapy-blog_pizookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HJnmCapPlw/Vbesp8wyLpI/AAAAAAAADms/YeGH8FwTEm4/s320/chocolate-therapy-blog_pizookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then all the bites start looking like chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, which is never a bad thing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_d3TpfRBRzI/VberA15D8NI/AAAAAAAADmg/VOyfpSPnXs8/s1600/pizookies_chocolate-therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_d3TpfRBRzI/VberA15D8NI/AAAAAAAADmg/VOyfpSPnXs8/s320/pizookies_chocolate-therapy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfection. (Put down the camera to focus on eating)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0h6LVlO4I8U/Vbeq_jHwwsI/AAAAAAAADl8/HUlXWxq-UHo/s1600/chocolate-therapy_ice-cream-pizookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0h6LVlO4I8U/Vbeq_jHwwsI/AAAAAAAADl8/HUlXWxq-UHo/s320/chocolate-therapy_ice-cream-pizookie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is what it looks like if you don't eat it right away. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-41770565630000110152015-07-17T14:56:00.004-05:002015-07-27T14:21:44.514-05:00Browned Butter Churro Crispy Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iM_2-kT-wW0/ValhZA659lI/AAAAAAAADk4/CpTfHqh4jAY/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_chex%2Bbrowned%2Bbutter%2Brice%2Bkrispie%2Btreats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iM_2-kT-wW0/ValhZA659lI/AAAAAAAADk4/CpTfHqh4jAY/s400/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_chex%2Bbrowned%2Bbutter%2Brice%2Bkrispie%2Btreats.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You might think my vice would be chocolate based on this blog, my eating habits/daily chocolate consumption, or any number of things I say that allude to chocolate holding a very prominent place in my heart and stomach. <br />
<br />
I do love me some chocolate, but cinnamon is the secret (or not so secret) ingredient in the more than half of my favorite desserts. I can't even make coffee cake or cinnamon rolls with any frequency anymore because I will help myself to five servings without thinking twice. All self-control goes out the window. <br />
<br />
So, let's talk about Cinnamon Chex. I'm not sure where Cinnamon Chex has been all my life, but I am rapidly making up for lost time. These Browned Butter Churro Crispy Treats are my new favorite recipe (Chex=Crispy, Rice Krispies = Krispy?).<br />
<br />
I've probably made them 10 times in the past month. They are incredibly easy, and the flavor is something no one is expecting since it's reminiscent of Rice Krispies, but made with Chex and BROWNED BUTTER. It is the perfect, no-bake dessert to fix when you need something in a pinch and don't feel like turning on your oven or breaking out the mixer.<br />
<br />
The only remotely difficult part is browning the butter, and I promise once you get the hang of it, browning butter won't be a deterrent in the least. The key is that you have to watch the butter. <b>Do not multitask when making browned butter.</b> Like all serial multitaskers, I like to think that because I multitask all the time I've mastered the art of it. Nope. We can put this in the long list of things that should not be multitasked. I've provided a few pictures and examples below, but there are also great tutorials <a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/how-to-brown-butter/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/how-to-make-perfect-brown-butter#.tjX9yWzLPG" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
The last thing I will say about this recipe is that it nails the crisp to marshmallow ratio that is essential to any krispy/crispy dessert. Your treat should not crack in half when you break it apart. If this happens, you might as well be eating a cereal bar. It should bend. That said, eating these for breakfast is perfectly acceptable since they are, after all, made with cereal.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Browned Butter Churro Crispy Treats</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.wellplated.com/brown-butter-churro-crispy-treats/" target="_blank">Well Plated by Erin</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
6 tablespoons unsalted butter<br />
1 tablespoon Imperial Sugar Dark Brown Sugar<br />
1 tablespoon cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
10 ounces miniature marshmallows<br />
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt<br />
6 cups Cinnamon Chex<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Butter or coat with non-stick spray an 8-inch square pan.</li>
<li>In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Continue to heat until butter melts, then foams, then turns clear golden, then starts to turn brown and smell nutty. Stir frequently, scraping up any bits from bottom as you do. Watch it carefully, especially in last minute, to ensure butter does not burn. As soon as butter turns light brown, turn off heat, then stir in brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla.</li>
<li>Add marshmallows and stir to melt. The heat of melted butter should be enough to melt marshmallows, but if necessary, turn heat on low and stir until marshmallows are smooth and no white streaks remain.</li>
<li>Remove pot from stove and stir in the cereal and salt. As soon as cereal is coated, spread it quickly into prepared pan. To spread cereal to corners, lightly coat a sheet of wax paper with cooking, then evenly press it into pan corners. Let cool 15 minutes, cut into bars and serve.</li>
</ol>
Note: The steps below show examples from various points the process. They do not correspond directly with each stage, but your butter will look like all of these during the process. I removed my butter shortly after the second to bottom image. When it starts to look like this keep stirring and keep a very close eye on it. It's almost done, and it goes from brown to burnt faster than you'd expect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GH5DKyjRm8c/ValUBKDVgqI/AAAAAAAADjM/YGY-PfGvnlY/s1600/Browned%2BButter%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GH5DKyjRm8c/ValUBKDVgqI/AAAAAAAADjM/YGY-PfGvnlY/s400/Browned%2BButter%2B1.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5f4hrAYYJA/ValURtLd4JI/AAAAAAAADjU/ZFXC6HQnZvY/s1600/Browned%2BButter%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5f4hrAYYJA/ValURtLd4JI/AAAAAAAADjU/ZFXC6HQnZvY/s400/Browned%2BButter%2B2.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-OI_1UBoG8/ValV67ljjMI/AAAAAAAADjw/WyrTTsldWy0/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_browned%2Bbutter%2Bchex%2Bkrispie%2Btreats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-OI_1UBoG8/ValV67ljjMI/AAAAAAAADjw/WyrTTsldWy0/s320/chocolate%2Btherapy_browned%2Bbutter%2Bchex%2Bkrispie%2Btreats.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Exhibit A & B: Bend, No Snap</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG98QzbqDu85LaYGPsofzD2xueQiVdzOLieJJsMwwBFykJUJkUGrlz_bv9G5107WlCMBO8N4kDjKNKHbXjyxj6Owt0uHR_COqMacME8B9OsuILE-DYiukBh-UKLcEeQSfmKfI0fAt166a7/s1600/chocolate+therapy_chex+browned+butter+krispie+treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG98QzbqDu85LaYGPsofzD2xueQiVdzOLieJJsMwwBFykJUJkUGrlz_bv9G5107WlCMBO8N4kDjKNKHbXjyxj6Owt0uHR_COqMacME8B9OsuILE-DYiukBh-UKLcEeQSfmKfI0fAt166a7/s320/chocolate+therapy_chex+browned+butter+krispie+treats.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOVJJmBKq0w/ValW3ORzolI/AAAAAAAADkI/RGdun_TGmZI/s1600/browned%2Bbutter%2Bchex%2Bkrispie%2Btreats_my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOVJJmBKq0w/ValW3ORzolI/AAAAAAAADkI/RGdun_TGmZI/s320/browned%2Bbutter%2Bchex%2Bkrispie%2Btreats_my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPHWo6zuJsVAy7XFHtggngJhehTSnnz28K-nB84f_eiiewwlRDlVotZ4kafdrbCyEa38y3tISfbNbZRQK4n7esy7xWQKA_CWPDbmyE9S2VPIKksE3F4c-gngQhrq03stciQlR87MeKG7S/s1600/chocolate-therapy_browned-butter-crispy+treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPHWo6zuJsVAy7XFHtggngJhehTSnnz28K-nB84f_eiiewwlRDlVotZ4kafdrbCyEa38y3tISfbNbZRQK4n7esy7xWQKA_CWPDbmyE9S2VPIKksE3F4c-gngQhrq03stciQlR87MeKG7S/s400/chocolate-therapy_browned-butter-crispy+treats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ol>
</ol>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-84562962741529773462015-05-13T12:30:00.001-05:002015-07-27T14:24:26.914-05:00Coconut Pecan Granola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2a9dy19wOFQ/VVOHsXwREsI/AAAAAAAADe0/yxPsPgIKeG4/s1600/My-chocolate-therapy_best-honey-coconut-granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2a9dy19wOFQ/VVOHsXwREsI/AAAAAAAADe0/yxPsPgIKeG4/s400/My-chocolate-therapy_best-honey-coconut-granola.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I realize relatively simple granola seems like a boring thing to post. It's not something that sparks too much excitement on its own. The only reactions I ever have to different types of granola are along the lines of, "I like the dried berries," or "How is the serving size only 1/3 cup?!" It's granola. It shines when combined with other ingredients. <br />
<br />
This granola is a different story.<br />
<br />
It's just your run of the mill granola in terms of ingredients, but I had no idea how easy it was to make. The honey and coconut are sweet, and the pecans have a nice crunch from being slowly roasted while coated in honey. I added it to a breakfast parfait in the morning and then found myself snacking on it throughout the day plain. <br />
<br />
The recipe comes from my mom, who said it "made such a large batch that it lasted for weeks"...mine did not last for weeks. She was right, though, it does make a huge batch. It stores wonderfully in a large mason jar or any sort of jar that can be sealed with a tight lid. You can jazz up the recipe by adding various seeds/nuts and dried fruit at the end, but don't feel the need to change a thing -- simple is a very good thing when it comes to this recipe!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Coconut Pecan Granola</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
3 cups rolled oats<br />
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or other nuts<br />
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut<br />
1/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
1/2 cup honey<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line two baking sheets with sides* with parchment paper. <br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with a large spoon or sturdy spatula until fully incorporated and all oats are coated. Spread mixture evenly on both baking sheets, breaking up any large clumps. Place in oven for 70 minutes, stirring granola and rotating pans after 35 minutes. Coconut flakes and granola should be toasted. <br />
<br />
Loosen granola from parchment immediately after cooking, but leave the granola on the pans until cool.<br />
<br />
*Use baking sheets with sides to avoid having the entire sheet of oats sliding off into the bottom of a hot oven. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDSxnPEKnpE/VVOJEm2nuLI/AAAAAAAADfQ/eCYVaypYvtU/s1600/chocolate-therapy_best-coconut-pecan-granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDSxnPEKnpE/VVOJEm2nuLI/AAAAAAAADfQ/eCYVaypYvtU/s320/chocolate-therapy_best-coconut-pecan-granola.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMgQCBW1pyQ/VVOIOuy1mqI/AAAAAAAADe8/f8Vfe4M5kDY/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMgQCBW1pyQ/VVOIOuy1mqI/AAAAAAAADe8/f8Vfe4M5kDY/s320/my-chocolate-therapy_best-granola.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RcvHWHFs4c/VVOJo2QlkfI/AAAAAAAADfg/tIs0-jcblM8/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-homemade-granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RcvHWHFs4c/VVOJo2QlkfI/AAAAAAAADfg/tIs0-jcblM8/s400/my-chocolate-therapy_best-homemade-granola.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-47707206753357028892015-04-21T13:02:00.000-05:002015-04-21T13:33:42.965-05:00Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Homemade Salsa and Seasoning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpXqsiBVISc/VTaVEKxBBsI/AAAAAAAADcw/jghlb2khobA/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_crockpot-chicken-tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpXqsiBVISc/VTaVEKxBBsI/AAAAAAAADcw/jghlb2khobA/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_crockpot-chicken-tacos.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it’s about time I get back on the blogging train. What do you think? I figured I would start things off with a recipe that many people have requested over the past few years: a way to make <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2012/01/crockpot-chicken-tacos.html" target="_blank">Three-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken Tacos</a> without using processed, preservative-packed salsa and seasoning from the store. For a long time I was hesitant to break down the components of this recipe into homemade versions because 1) If you make your own salsa and taco seasoning, the recipe is no longer three ingredients, and aside from the taste, that’s the best part about it. 2) The original recipe only takes about 2 minutes in prep time. 3) As we all know, making something healthier often means spending more money to buy fresh ingredients.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I decided that my approach would be to make a homemade salsa that would be delicious on its own. Homemade salsa is easy to make if you have a food processor -- just throw in all of the ingredients you like and pulse them together. I did use canned tomatoes (no salt added) and canned green chiles in mine, but you could leave both of these out and just add in more fresh tomatoes if you're opposed to anything canned. I’d recommend <a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/blanch_and_peel_tomatoes" target="_blank">blanching the tomatoes first if you decide to do that.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I used the standard All Recipes taco seasoning for the second “ingredient” in my crockpot chicken tacos. The recipe has thousands of 5-star ratings, so I made it exactly as written. <br />
<br />
After cooking the chicken, salsa and seasoning in the crockpot for 6 hours I was ready to go. The results? The chicken tasted the same. Hooray!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know what you're thinking: "What?! There's nothing spectacular and fresh about the taste now that I've used all fresh ingredients?" No, but the flavor in the original recipe is exactly what you want. The reward is that you feel slightly better about eating it because you know exactly what you used to make it. I’m generally not one to care too much about this (judge me, if you will), but that’s not to say I don’t appreciate knowing my ingredients, when possible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Make the salsa on its own, or go ahead and make the salsa, seasoning and the tacos. Regardless, you will love the results. You can keep it healthy and top the chicken with fresh ingredients like corn, tomatoes, and avocado. I ate mine in corn tortillas with guacamole and cheese, BUT I used greek yogurt instead of sour cream on top. That was enough for me to justify eating another one..or two.<br />
<br />
Enjoy, and thanks for your patience during my long hiatus. I’m back!<br />
<br />
<b>Crockpot Chicken Tacos </b><br />
1oz Homemade Taco Seasoning (See Recipe Below)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
16oz Homemade Salsa (see Recipe Below)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Thawed*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and stir to mix the seasoning with the salsa, coating chicken. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Chicken should shred easily with a fork once it is done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shred all chicken with a fork until it is fully incorporated into the remaining sauce. Serve in tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, taquitos, on salads, etc. You can't go wrong!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*Use standard-sized chicken breasts that you find at the grocery store. I often only use 4 breasts, and keep the other amounts the same. There will be slightly more liquid if you reduce the size or number of chicken breasts, but the recipe will still work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMd3s9HXscI/VTaPHRTBmfI/AAAAAAAADb4/U7Niv71cPDo/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_salsa-and-chips-homemade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMd3s9HXscI/VTaPHRTBmfI/AAAAAAAADb4/U7Niv71cPDo/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_salsa-and-chips-homemade.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Homemade Salsa</b><br />
<br />
Juice of One and a Half Limes<br />
1 Red Onion, Chopped<br />
1 Clove Garlic, Chopped<br />
1 14.5oz Can ‘No Salt Added’ Diced Tomatoes, Drained<br />
1 4oz Can Green Chilis, Drained<br />
1 Jalapeno, Seeded and Diced* <br />
Large Handful of Fresh Cilantro<br />
1/2 Tsp Ground Cumin<br />
5 Fresh Tomatoes, Sliced<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients in food processor. Pulse until salsa has reached the consistency you prefer.<br />
<br />
*If you want more heat, you can leave some of the jalapeño seeds in.<br />
<br />
<b>Homemade Taco Seasoning</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-i/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">All Recipes</a><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 tablespoon chili powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon onion powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes<br />
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano<br />
1/2 teaspoon paprika<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin<br />
1 teaspoon sea salt<br />
1 teaspoon black pepper<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in airtight container if not using immediately.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaDbEqiv7xw/VTXBeXjpwZI/AAAAAAAADaw/QRBJwgbUKe8/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_homemade-taco-seasoning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaDbEqiv7xw/VTXBeXjpwZI/AAAAAAAADaw/QRBJwgbUKe8/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_homemade-taco-seasoning.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--IGdkc5sx4U/VTaQEO9eoHI/AAAAAAAADcQ/bcQGq942WLE/s1600/Chocolate-Therapy-Homemade-Salsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--IGdkc5sx4U/VTaQEO9eoHI/AAAAAAAADcQ/bcQGq942WLE/s1600/Chocolate-Therapy-Homemade-Salsa.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHteNPyVb54/VTaPJv9WPKI/AAAAAAAADcA/ac_ZnOH8h0Q/s1600/My-Chocolate-Therapy_homemade-salsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHteNPyVb54/VTaPJv9WPKI/AAAAAAAADcA/ac_ZnOH8h0Q/s1600/My-Chocolate-Therapy_homemade-salsa.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJXP4qEtMKY/VTaPe2VOP8I/AAAAAAAADcI/6J4YuVq8Y-4/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_homemade%2Bfresh%2Bsalsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJXP4qEtMKY/VTaPe2VOP8I/AAAAAAAADcI/6J4YuVq8Y-4/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_homemade%2Bfresh%2Bsalsa.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWba9ulC9g4/VTaOjjc_v8I/AAAAAAAADbY/wZMN2aTwNL4/s1600/Chocolate-Therapy-Homemade-Taco-Seasoning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWba9ulC9g4/VTaOjjc_v8I/AAAAAAAADbY/wZMN2aTwNL4/s1600/Chocolate-Therapy-Homemade-Taco-Seasoning.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXIGUBUwCwrWZtBspvlZLy9MqF7SQVFh05dj4hop4z2LL3g_HUe8wRSsWmUnVigQUEfvHoSoaJZMUh_YpJV9nzN_MUNadoSvMQpEaGnD8N9uj3uGnfPWxCO8cXv8U0t37poVFwZXc8Fr_/s1600/chocolatetherapy_crockpotchickentacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXIGUBUwCwrWZtBspvlZLy9MqF7SQVFh05dj4hop4z2LL3g_HUe8wRSsWmUnVigQUEfvHoSoaJZMUh_YpJV9nzN_MUNadoSvMQpEaGnD8N9uj3uGnfPWxCO8cXv8U0t37poVFwZXc8Fr_/s1600/chocolatetherapy_crockpotchickentacos.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1NQ81MO3cE/VTXBq2wNQII/AAAAAAAADbI/3m5sG34gJg4/s1600/Crockpot%2BChicken%2BTacos%2BHealthy_My%2BChocolate%2BTherapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1NQ81MO3cE/VTXBq2wNQII/AAAAAAAADbI/3m5sG34gJg4/s1600/Crockpot%2BChicken%2BTacos%2BHealthy_My%2BChocolate%2BTherapy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-iaDbEqiv7xw%2FVTXBeXjpwZI%2FAAAAAAAADaw%2FQRBJwgbUKe8%2Fs1600%2Fmy-chocolate-therapy_homemade-taco-seasoning.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaDbEqiv7xw/VTXBeXjpwZI/AAAAAAAADaw/QRBJwgbUKe8/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_homemade-taco-seasoning.jpg" -->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-2953963909650126512015-01-07T13:45:00.003-06:002015-01-07T13:45:59.908-06:00Mexican Corn Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1DN-_Zg3xI/VKzDvIwqJyI/AAAAAAAADVk/k7549uAXQSc/s1600/chocolatetherapy_mexicancorndip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1DN-_Zg3xI/VKzDvIwqJyI/AAAAAAAADVk/k7549uAXQSc/s1600/chocolatetherapy_mexicancorndip.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you've never tried grilled Mexican street corn (elote), go ahead and make a note that as soon as you're able to light up the grill again it needs to be on your list. If you're lucky enough to live in a place where grilling in January doesn't mean brushing the snow off the cover first, by all means, treat yourself to some grilled corn earlier. Something about grilled corn and snow just doesn't seem to go together. Maybe that's just me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Winter doesn't mean you need to deprive yourself of the amazing combination of flavors in Mexican corn, though. It's prime dip season, and adding this Mexican Corn Dip to your repertoire can only be a good thing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I paired it with Tostito's Hint of Lime, which pretty much rendered me helpless against polishing off way too much of it. When I finally cut myself off of the chips, I kept thinking about how good the dip itself was, so I just ate more of it plain.... This is what happens when you make things solely for the purpose of trying out a recipe and no one else is around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Minus the mayo, it's pretty healthy as far as dips go, so it's the perfect thing to enjoy while watching the games without ruining your new year's resolution quite yet. I think using Greek yogurt would taste fine if you're really trying to take the healthy aspect up a notch (obviously skip the Tostito's if that's the case).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Mexican Corn Dip</b></div>
Recipe from <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/07/28/mexican-corn-dip/" target="_blank">Damn Delicious</a> (originally adapted from <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/08/esquites-mexican-corn-salad.html" target="_blank">Closet Cooking</a>)<br />
Prep Time 5 minutes<br />
Cook Time 10 minutes<br />
Total Time 15 minutes<br />
Yield 4 servings<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons unsalted butter<br />
5 ears corn, shucked and rinsed<br />
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced<br />
3 tablespoons mayonnaise<br />
2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled<br />
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves<br />
1 teaspoon chili powder, or more, to taste<br />
1 clove garlic, pressed<br />
Juice of 1 lime<br />
<br />
Instructions<br />
<ol>
<li> Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook until slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes (a cast iron skillet works great for this). Stir the kernels and add jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes.</li>
<li> Stir in mayonnaise, cotija, cilantro, chili powder, garlic and lime juice.</li>
<li> Serve immediately.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YthaXqY6mf8/VKzDvfIREdI/AAAAAAAADVo/cGO63_3pDGo/s1600/chocolatetherapy_corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YthaXqY6mf8/VKzDvfIREdI/AAAAAAAADVo/cGO63_3pDGo/s1600/chocolatetherapy_corn.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnkpTN6-gR8/VKzDwKEv-iI/AAAAAAAADV8/caKPWbuouwc/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_mexican-corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnkpTN6-gR8/VKzDwKEv-iI/AAAAAAAADV8/caKPWbuouwc/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_mexican-corn.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upKl5su85OY/VKzDvzm96JI/AAAAAAAADV0/v_8hANdXxqY/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_mexicancorndip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upKl5su85OY/VKzDvzm96JI/AAAAAAAADV0/v_8hANdXxqY/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_mexicancorndip.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUXiblqBhY0/VKzIV0XtlaI/AAAAAAAADWQ/ctMMdbmtX-o/s1600/chocolate-therapy_mexicancorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUXiblqBhY0/VKzIV0XtlaI/AAAAAAAADWQ/ctMMdbmtX-o/s1600/chocolate-therapy_mexicancorn.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-32639639554270545762014-12-12T16:07:00.002-06:002014-12-12T16:07:44.700-06:00Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKyZzq2Rtiw/VIti23GzOtI/AAAAAAAADUA/CWkVExO1t_Y/s1600/peppermint%2B%2Bwhite%2Bchocolate%2Bpudding%2Bcookies_my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKyZzq2Rtiw/VIti23GzOtI/AAAAAAAADUA/CWkVExO1t_Y/s1600/peppermint%2B%2Bwhite%2Bchocolate%2Bpudding%2Bcookies_my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When December comes around, you're pretty much obligated to add peppermint into at least a few desserts. It'd be strange to bring peppermint treats to a party in the summer, but in the winter, people expect them somewhere on the dessert table. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel like my blog is an ode to pudding cookies and chocolate, so it's only natural that I incorporate peppermint into my winter baking in the form of delicious white chocolate peppermint pudding cookies. They're sweet and sugary, which is to be expected with white chocolate and peppermint. It's a good thing because I could eat a million chocolate chip cookies, but I find myself satisfied with just one of these (and then maybe going back for another in an hour or so). They also have the soft inside with slightly crisp edges that you get by adding a box of pudding to the mix and allowing the dough to chill. <br />
<br />
I've talked about my love for pudding cookies countless times, so it seems pointless to write much more since the only thing different about these are the mix-ins. Regardless, you should all put these on your holiday baking list because they are a perfect winter cookie!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies</b><br />
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/01/soft-mm-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Averie Cooks</a> (idea adapted from <a href="http://thebakermama.com/recipes/peppermint-white-chocolate-pudding-cookies/" target="_blank">The Baker Mama</a>!)<br />
<b>Yield:</b> <span class="yield">15 large cookies</span> <b>Prep Time:</b> <span class="preptime">15 minutes</span><br />
<b>Cook Time:</b> <span class="cooktime">11 minutes</span><br />
<b>Total Time:</b> <span class="duration">about 3+ hours, for dough chilling</span><br />
<div class="ingredients">
<h3 style="clear: left;">
Ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ingredient">
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)<br />
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed<br />
1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 large egg<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/4 cup instant vanilla pudding mix (not sugar-free and not 'cook &
serve'), OR use 2 teaspoons cornstarch in place of pudding mix<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
pinch salt, optional and to taste<br />
3/4 cup white chocolate chips (1/2 cup in the dough and 1/4 cup for placing on top of the dough mounds)<br />
3/4 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch (1/2 and 1/4 cup for placing on top of dough mounds)</div>
</div>
<div class="directions">
<h3 style="clear: left;">
Directions:</h3>
<div class="instructions">
<ol>
<li>To
the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large
mixing bowl and electric mixer) combine the butter, sugars, egg,
vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until creamed and well combined,
about 4 minutes.</li>
<li>Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and
add the flour, pudding mix (or cornstarch), baking soda, optional salt,
and beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute.</li>
<li>Stop,
scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup of the peppermint crunch. Beat on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.</li>
<li>Using
a large cookie scoop, 1/4-cup measure, or your hands, form 15
equal-sized mounds of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly.</li>
<li>Add about a few white chocolate chips and peppermint crunch pieces to the top of each dough mound. This will make them look even better when they come out of the oven!</li>
<li>Place
mounds on a large plate or tray, cover with plasticwrap, and
refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 5 days. Do not bake with
unchilled dough because cookies will bake thinner, flatter, and be more
prone to spreading.</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008T960/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00008T960&linkCode=as2&tag=lovvegyogruna-20">Silpat</a> or
spray with cooking spray. Place dough mounds on baking sheet, spaced at
least 2 inches apart (8-10 cookies per sheet depending on the size of your cookie sheet) and bake for 11
minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just set, even if slightly
undercooked, pale, and glossy in the center. Cookies firm up as they
cool. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for about 10 minutes before
serving. </li>
<li>Cookies
will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the
freezer for up to 6 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be
stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so
consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining
dough to be baked in the future when desired.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMkZI93KZYw/VIti8AdfKxI/AAAAAAAADUU/l5e_jecObGM/s1600/peppermint%2B%2Bwhite%2Bchocolate%2Bpudding%2Bcookies_mychocolatetherapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMkZI93KZYw/VIti8AdfKxI/AAAAAAAADUU/l5e_jecObGM/s1600/peppermint%2B%2Bwhite%2Bchocolate%2Bpudding%2Bcookies_mychocolatetherapy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ1Ht9QNZo8/VIti27GaXzI/AAAAAAAADUI/Gjpikb54Eu8/s1600/peppermint%2B%2Bwhite%2Bchocolate%2Bpudding%2Bcookies_mychocolate%2Btherapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ1Ht9QNZo8/VIti27GaXzI/AAAAAAAADUI/Gjpikb54Eu8/s1600/peppermint%2B%2Bwhite%2Bchocolate%2Bpudding%2Bcookies_mychocolate%2Btherapy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COzWiUx6nPA/VIti2cSSpvI/AAAAAAAADT8/uVIljWbol6A/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_white%2Bchocolate%2Bpeppermint%2Bpudding%2Bcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COzWiUx6nPA/VIti2cSSpvI/AAAAAAAADT8/uVIljWbol6A/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_white%2Bchocolate%2Bpeppermint%2Bpudding%2Bcookies.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crisp edges + soft inside = the perfect cookie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-29224212188126291722014-12-05T10:44:00.002-06:002015-01-07T00:04:10.603-06:00The Best Chocolate Cake<div class="ERSIngredients">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ed2iJ-fd1Ds/VIHd8C6_zDI/AAAAAAAADS8/H4eJYjTCON8/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_the%2Bbest%2Bchocolat%2Bcake%2Brecipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ed2iJ-fd1Ds/VIHd8C6_zDI/AAAAAAAADS8/H4eJYjTCON8/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_the%2Bbest%2Bchocolat%2Bcake%2Brecipe.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
<br />
I'm back! My apologies for the November hiatus. Work was busy as ever, and since that pays the bills, sometimes blogging ends up getting pushed aside. </div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
But back to the good stuff -- and by good stuff I mean more chocolate. In particular, this amazing chocolate cake. I've been holding out on you with this one. I actually made it this summer (hence the summer platter you can see in the pictures). I don't know why I haven't posted it. I already have one cake on here that I declared the <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2014/01/rich-chocolate-cake-with-whipped.html" target="_blank">"best-ever" chocolate cake</a>, so it seems like if I say the same about this one I'm just throwing out that award left and right. </div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
<br />
But really--I don't know what else to say about it. Maybe they can be tied? Given that I posted that old one almost a year ago it's hard to say which is actually better. At the time I made that one, I thought it couldn't be knocked from its top spot. Then I made this one and thought the same thing. I may have to do a bake-off and eat both of them at the same time so I can declare a winner. Such a hard task, but I'd do it.</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
This cake is rich, chocolaty, moist and delicious. The espresso powder adds an extra level of richness the same way that the coffee does in the other recipe. Coffee or espresso powder are always great additions to chocolate baked goods. Either one brings out the chocolate flavors and gives the recipe a depth that you wouldn't be able to achieve without it. I kept this cake in the refrigerator, and it got better every day. That said, I don't think it made it past the morning of day three, so the timeline is short. </div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
This is a perfect cake for making for family for the holidays. You could decorate it with red and green accents or top it with fun holiday sprinkles.</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Enjoy!</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
<b>The Best Chocolate Cake</b></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Recipe from Robyn Stone, <a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#.UpAT1o48r5q" target="_blank">Add a Pinch</a></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients</div>
<b></b><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 cups sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons baking powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1½ teaspoons baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008F05W1E?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B008F05W1E&linkCode=xm2&tag=httpaddapicom-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">espresso powder</a></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ cup vegetable oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 eggs</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup boiling water</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions</div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring.<b> </b></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add
flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso
powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to
combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture
until combined well.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add
milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix
together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully
add boiling water to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1
minute to add air to the batter.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Distribute
cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35
minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes
out clean.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Frost cake with <a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/2014/02/27/perfect-chocolate-buttercream-frosting-recipe/" target="_blank" title="Perfect Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe">Chocolate Buttercream Frosting</a>.</li>
</ol>
<b>Chocolate Buttercream Frosting</b><br />
Recipe from Robyn Stone, <a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/perfect-chocolate-buttercream-frosting-recipe/" target="_blank">Add a Pinch</a><br />
<br />
<div class="ERSIngredients">
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1½ cups butter (3 sticks), softened</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup unsweetened cocoa</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">5 cups confectioner’s sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ cup milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ teaspoon espresso powder</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions</div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add cocoa to a large bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Whisk through to remove any lumps.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Cream together butter and cocoa powder until well-combined.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add
sugar and milk to cocoa mixture by adding 1 cup of sugar followed by
about a tablespoon of milk. After each addition has been combined, turn
mixer onto a high speed for about a minute. Repeat until all sugar and
milk have been added.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add vanilla extract and espresso powder and combine well.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">If
frosting appears too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time until
it reaches the right consistency. If it appears to wet and does not hold
its form, add more confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time until
it reaches the right consistency.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXhZSk8-eLQ/VIHefjUWCEI/AAAAAAAADTE/joSXUKfWM3M/s1600/chocolate-cake_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXhZSk8-eLQ/VIHefjUWCEI/AAAAAAAADTE/joSXUKfWM3M/s1600/chocolate-cake_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fq0Ot2uGk_0/VIHfXDpfHhI/AAAAAAAADTc/M2pVSWbtN8M/s1600/bestever-chocolate-cake_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fq0Ot2uGk_0/VIHfXDpfHhI/AAAAAAAADTc/M2pVSWbtN8M/s1600/bestever-chocolate-cake_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxVw7G8MOzs/VIHe_GbJ06I/AAAAAAAADTM/ggZUXCf7jZE/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_perfect%2Bchocolate%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxVw7G8MOzs/VIHe_GbJ06I/AAAAAAAADTM/ggZUXCf7jZE/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_perfect%2Bchocolate%2Bcake.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-43777731091991440572014-11-07T12:06:00.003-06:002014-11-07T12:06:37.853-06:00Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb4GsTFRZew/VF0JmYuEzkI/AAAAAAAADQk/PDsyN7Q-BtY/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_sun-dried%2Btomato%2Bgrilled%2Bcheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb4GsTFRZew/VF0JmYuEzkI/AAAAAAAADQk/PDsyN7Q-BtY/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_sun-dried%2Btomato%2Bgrilled%2Bcheese.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Whoever invented pesto was really onto something. I typically stick to basil pesto, but recently I've been on a Cosi kick (not sure how widespread that chain is), and they have the most amazing sun-dried tomato spread. I could eat it on anything. I'm thinking about it now, and I'm honestly getting hungry as I type.<br />
<br />
So, I decided I'd make my own sun-dried tomato pesto spread, and proceed to eat it on delicious bread and then use it as a spread for one hell of a grilled cheese sandwich. Everyone has different opinions on how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. I change it up depending on the recipe I'm making, but I usually butter the bread (not the pan), use shredded cheese, and heat the pan over medium low so it can slowly get a nice crunch to the outside while getting the perfect melty cheese inside. <br />
<br />
The pesto couldn't be easier to make. You just toss everything in the food processor and pulse until it's done. If you use fresh sun-dried tomatoes you will need to add 1/4 cup olive oil, but if you're just purchasing a jar of sun-dried tomatoes (which is what I did) they come pre-packed in olive oil.<br />
<br />
It's a grown up grilled cheese that kids will like too because it tastes slightly like my pizza grilled cheese, just without the pepperonis. I used the Swiss and Havarti grated blend from Trader Joe's for the cheese, but you could also use mozzarella. Some of the other mild white cheeses would work as well. This should be your lunch tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<b>Sun-dried Tomato Pesto</b><br />
<i>Makes roughly 1 cup </i><br />
<i> </i><b><br /></b><br />
<b>Ingredients </b><br />
8-8.5oz jar of sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil (or 1 cup fresh sun-dried tomatoes)<br />
1/2 cup basil leaves <br />
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese<br />
1 clove garlic<br />
Salt and pepper to taste <br />
*If using fresh sun-dried tomatoes, add 1/4 cup olive oil.<br />
<br />
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until well-combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you are using fresh sun-dried tomatoes, add all ingredients except the olive oil and pulse together prior to adding the EVOO. Once ingredients are combined, slowly add the olive oil and pulse until smooth. You do not want the spread to be liquidy, so use your judgment to pulse until it is spreadable and combined.<br />
<br />
<b>Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich</b><br />
<i>Makes Two Sandwiches</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients </b><br />
Four slices thick white or wheat bread (sourdough works well)<br />
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)<br />
3/4 cups shredded Havarti cheese or six slices of fresh mozzarella<br />
4 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto <br />
1 tablespoon softened butter<br />
<br />
<br />
Heat skillet/pan over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread, making sure to cover the whole surface. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the Sun-dried Tomato Pesto on the opposite side of two of the slices. On the remaining slices, spread a thin layer of mayo on the non-buttered side (this is optional, but you're already eating a super cheesy grilled cheese sandwich, so why not go all out and make sure it's the best grilled cheese sandwich?). <br />
<br />
Place the two slices with the tomato spread buttered side down into the pan. Sprinkle on cheese generously. It's ok if some falls into the pan, it will sear into the outsides of the sandwich and make an even more delicious crust. Lower the heat to medium-low. Cook about 2-3 minutes, or until sides have turned golden brown. Flip the sandwiches and cook another 2-3 minutes. Slice and serve immediately.<br />
<br />
*A tip for getting gooey melted grilled cheese sandwiches is to grate your own cheese and bring it to room temperature before adding it to the sandwich. I did not do that here, but I recommend it for amazing grilled cheeses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLxpZ4acPw4/VF0JZtrtFkI/AAAAAAAADQM/iRhS70H92dc/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_sun-dried%2Btomato%2Bbasil%2Bpesto%2Bspread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLxpZ4acPw4/VF0JZtrtFkI/AAAAAAAADQM/iRhS70H92dc/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_sun-dried%2Btomato%2Bbasil%2Bpesto%2Bspread.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHUXyNAKbEg/VF0Jxo3KrCI/AAAAAAAADQs/sjX2milu_k0/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_sun-dried%2Btomato%2Bbasil%2Bpesto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHUXyNAKbEg/VF0Jxo3KrCI/AAAAAAAADQs/sjX2milu_k0/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_sun-dried%2Btomato%2Bbasil%2Bpesto.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d53KwJh-UjU/VF0JY6l_JTI/AAAAAAAADP8/_PK9LzJz0wg/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_sundried%2Btomato%2Bpesto%2Bspread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d53KwJh-UjU/VF0JY6l_JTI/AAAAAAAADP8/_PK9LzJz0wg/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_sundried%2Btomato%2Bpesto%2Bspread.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8CvH3PI6O4/VF0JY1WPuiI/AAAAAAAADQE/90sVJE2EXqc/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_sundried%2Btomato%2Bgrilled%2Bcheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8CvH3PI6O4/VF0JY1WPuiI/AAAAAAAADQE/90sVJE2EXqc/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_sundried%2Btomato%2Bgrilled%2Bcheese.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvv8DaAsK3Y/VF0JZ87nO2I/AAAAAAAADQQ/VQjok3kJlPQ/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_sundried%2Btomato%2Bbasil%2Bpesto%2Bgrilled%2Bcheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvv8DaAsK3Y/VF0JZ87nO2I/AAAAAAAADQQ/VQjok3kJlPQ/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_sundried%2Btomato%2Bbasil%2Bpesto%2Bgrilled%2Bcheese.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-47856190087764064252014-10-23T11:42:00.002-05:002014-10-23T14:35:21.122-05:00Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmerCUmaw84/VEkuouu1kbI/AAAAAAAADOk/I5jpIJv25wo/s1600/best-pumpkin-bread_cream%2Bcheese%2Bicing_chocolate-therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmerCUmaw84/VEkuouu1kbI/AAAAAAAADOk/I5jpIJv25wo/s1600/best-pumpkin-bread_cream%2Bcheese%2Bicing_chocolate-therapy.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
I would love fall a lot more if it weren't a direct descent into winter. There are just so many things to like about this season -- football, nice temperatures, beautiful colors, pumpkins and, of course, delicious food. </div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
I've mentioned before how I am really not a fan of pumpkin pie. I'd choose cake over pie anyways, but pumpkin pie, in particular, just doesn't do it for me. In fact, if I had the choice of pumpkin pie or no dessert at all, I'd probably choose no dessert (actually, I'd just eat the crust). Pumpkin in any form other than pie? Sign me up. </div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
This is a perfect, easy pumpkin bread. It is SO moist (there's no getting around using that word in this instance), and it's simple, yet packed with flavor. I bought one of the larger sizes of canned pumpkin, which has allowed me to make/eat this multiple times in the last week. Healthy choices. </div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
</div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
Another great thing about the recipe is that it only uses 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for the frosting, so let's say you buy an 8oz block of cream cheese and a 28-29oz can of pumpkin. You can make this bread 3 times! All of the other ingredients are probably things you have on hand. In a world of expensive baking ingredients, this recipe is a godsend. Just try to block the amount of sugar from your mind, and you'll love every bite.</div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
Enjoy!</div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSName" itemprop="name">
<b>Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting</b></div>
Recipe from <a href="http://www.garnishandglaze.com/2014/09/13/pumpkin-bread-with-cream-cheese-frosting/" target="_blank">Garnish and Glaze</a><br />
<br />
<div class="ERSTimes">
<div class="ERSTime">
<div class="ERSTimeHeading">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prep time<time datetime="PT10M" itemprop="prepTime"> - 10 mins</time> </span></div>
<div class="ERSTimeItem">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cook time<time datetime="PT70M" itemprop="cookTime"> - 70 mins</time></span> </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Total time<time datetime="PT1H20M" itemprop="totalTime"> - 1 hour 20 mins</time></span> </div>
<div class="divERSHeadItems">
<div class="ERSServes">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves: <span itemprop="recipeYield">12 slices</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredients">
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients</div>
<div class="ERSSectionHead">
For the Bread:</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1¾ cup flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¾ teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¼ teaspoon nutmeg</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 eggs</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1½ cup sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup pumpkin puree</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ cup canola oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">⅓ cup water</li>
</ul>
<div class="ERSSectionHead">
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 ounces cream cheese, softened</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons butter, softened</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¾ - 1 cup powdered sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¼ teaspoon vanilla</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions</div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease 1 4½" x 8½" loaf pan.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together. Make a well and set aside.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">In
a medium bowl, thoroughly beat together the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree,
oil, and water. Add to the well of the dry ingredients and mix until
combined. Pour batter into greased loaf pan.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Bake
for 60-70 minutes but tent a piece of foil over the top half way
through (you need to pinch it at the ends so it forms a dome so the
bread can rise) to prevent the top from browning too much. Start
checking the bread at 50-55 minutes and if it looks too wet on top, take
off the foil and finish cooking without it. Cook until toothpick comes
out clean. Let the bread cool completely in the pan before removing.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Make the frosting by creaming the frosting ingredients together. Spread on top of bread.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xB-3XEYMzxM/VEkuyKpBtAI/AAAAAAAADOs/De-OKZTzIiE/s1600/best-pumpkin-bread%2Bcream%2Bcheese%2Bicing_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xB-3XEYMzxM/VEkuyKpBtAI/AAAAAAAADOs/De-OKZTzIiE/s1600/best-pumpkin-bread%2Bcream%2Bcheese%2Bicing_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0XwqprXr6k/VEku0Tt3WNI/AAAAAAAADO0/Xm43LhIE3gs/s1600/the%2Bbest%2Bpumpkin%2Bbread%2Bwith%2Bcream%2Bcheese%2Bicing_my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0XwqprXr6k/VEku0Tt3WNI/AAAAAAAADO0/Xm43LhIE3gs/s1600/the%2Bbest%2Bpumpkin%2Bbread%2Bwith%2Bcream%2Bcheese%2Bicing_my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-21962613308350129052014-10-21T10:25:00.005-05:002014-10-21T21:39:46.052-05:00Copycat Chili's Molten Lava Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlMHISgFqO1Lwm-KGNF3k6IRZTM1zMd9FIeigiQOYKWq_v90MZ6b_apsCbVVHmno5RNgmt7uM5Wt1blezGAA0byUPAngurKTuf6XGUA6BbmYm3mlsGUi8BtD79n2X8ECpIfoAS3pKIrkS/s1600/chocolate-therapy_moltenlavacakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlMHISgFqO1Lwm-KGNF3k6IRZTM1zMd9FIeigiQOYKWq_v90MZ6b_apsCbVVHmno5RNgmt7uM5Wt1blezGAA0byUPAngurKTuf6XGUA6BbmYm3mlsGUi8BtD79n2X8ECpIfoAS3pKIrkS/s1600/chocolate-therapy_moltenlavacakes.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I was in high school, my friends and I <b>loved</b> Chili's. This was before Durham, NC was quite the foodie town it is today, and before our metabolisms started to slow down. So, eating there sometimes even weekly was perfectly acceptable and normal. We'd all head there and get a big entree each, and then we'd order molten lava cakes...one each of those as well.<br />
<br />
I remember being a sophomore and having a group of older girls from our school walk by our table one time (because yes, everybody was at Chili's), and with a look of shock one said something like,"Wow, did you all really order one each?" Up to that point I guess we hadn't considered the fact that maybe some people would split this giant dessert. To us, seven girls meant seven molten lava cakes. It just made sense. Long story short, we didn't let that judgment faze us, and continued to order our individual molten lava cakes for years.<br />
<br />
The best thing about molten lava cakes is that you have multiple different elements all coming together at once. The cake is warm, the lava center is hot, and the ice cream is cold. When you cut into the cake with your fork, the heat from the chocolate core starts slightly melting the ice cream and the "lava" and ice cream flow out in chocolatey glory. It's incredible. When consumed following a giant plate of Chicken Crispers it will also send you straight into a food coma, but it's worth it.<br />
<br />
I try to eat at local restaurants rather than chains these days (fast food chains not included), but Chili's is one of the few restaurant chains that holds a soft spot in my heart. Since I'm no longer close to one, this homemade version of the molten lava cakes does the trick. I think it's probably even better than the real thing. I debated taking a shortcut and using some leftover hot fudge for the filling, but opted to make the homemade version. If you have time I highly suggest doing this. The recipe as a whole is a breeze, so one step that takes slightly longer is worth it.<br />
<br />
For the cake I used Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Cake. I topped it with Smucker's Chocolate Pretzel Magic Shell, and used just plain store-bought ice cream. I didn't have caramel around for the sauce and didn't feel like making it, but I have no doubt that would take things to a whole new level.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div id="zlrecipe-summary" itemprop="description">
<div class="summary italic">
<b>Copycat Chili's Molten Lava Cake</b></div>
<div class="summary italic">
Recipe from<a href="http://www.ohsweetbasil.com/2012/02/copycat-chilis-molten-lava-cake.html" target="_blank"> Oh, Sweet Basil</a></div>
<div class="summary italic">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients">
Ingredients</div>
<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients">1 Duncan Hines Fudge Cake Mix and ingredients
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients">Vanilla Ice Cream
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">Chocolate Shell Ice Cream Topping
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">Caramel Sauce
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">Hot Fudge, recipe follows
</li>
<div class="ingredient-label" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5">
Hot Fudge
</div>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients">1 Cube Butter, Unsalted (1/2 cup)
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients">1 Cup Evaporated Milk
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients">1 Cup Chocolate Chips
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients">1 Teaspoon Vanilla
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients">1 Pinch of Salt
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11" itemprop="ingredients">2 Cups Powdered Sugar</li>
</ul>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions">
Instructions</div>
<ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Mix
the cake mix according to instructions and bake in a Texas size muffin
tin according to package instructions. Turn out to cool. (Remember you
will be eating these upside down so you'll want them level)*</li>
<div class="instruction-label" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1">
Hot Fudge
</div>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Melt
all of the ingredients in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to
a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil and stir for two
minutes.Remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir for one
minute. Allow the fudge sauce to cool.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Once
the cupcakes and fudge are cool, use a serrated knife or another sharp knife to level the top of the cupcakes. Once level, turn the cupcakes over and at a slight
angle carefully cut a well out of the bottom of each cake. Do not cut all the way through! </li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-4" itemprop="recipeInstructions"> Fill the cake with the fudge sauce, wrap in saran wrap and freeze for 1 hr or up to a few days.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-5" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Once
you are ready to serve, heat each cake in the microwave for 35-45
seconds or until warmed through. Drizzle caramel over the cake and the
plate.</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-6" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Quickly top with vanilla ice cream and pour the chocolate shell topping over the ice cream. Serve IMMEDIATELY. </li>
</ol>
*Note: I believe a Texas size muffin tin is just an oversized muffin tin. The only jumbo pan I had made six muffins, which, when using all of the batter, resulted in me having to cut off a lot of cake to make it level. I think this amount of batter would probably make 8-10 cakes, filling each section no more than 3/4 full. When making these again (since that will be happening), I will probably bake up six, wait for those to cool, and then re-use my pan for the remaining batter instead of just pouring it all in the six pan at once!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gg_VNWuX2OU/VESOoqQG8dI/AAAAAAAADNs/qncA8-NdVAA/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_moltenlavacake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gg_VNWuX2OU/VESOoqQG8dI/AAAAAAAADNs/qncA8-NdVAA/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_moltenlavacake.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JixE-z7cYbQ/VESOmrf-1gI/AAAAAAAADNA/Hf_H6izKaaI/s1600/chocolatetherapy_copycatmoltenlavacake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JixE-z7cYbQ/VESOmrf-1gI/AAAAAAAADNA/Hf_H6izKaaI/s1600/chocolatetherapy_copycatmoltenlavacake.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8Uw3L-7BgU/VESOnxjaD6I/AAAAAAAADNg/gVKuXyuFZq8/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_copycat-molten-lava-cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8Uw3L-7BgU/VESOnxjaD6I/AAAAAAAADNg/gVKuXyuFZq8/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_copycat-molten-lava-cake.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6fbCUbbdMU/VESOnuTZOOI/AAAAAAAADNY/lJilgSbYsQA/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_copycat-chilis-molten-lava-cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6fbCUbbdMU/VESOnuTZOOI/AAAAAAAADNY/lJilgSbYsQA/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_copycat-chilis-molten-lava-cake.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-74179157673521338812014-10-07T12:18:00.000-05:002014-10-07T12:18:21.849-05:00Homemade Pizza Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcbAxakVoPA/VBkL_c9NXuI/AAAAAAAADLg/HYpWfZ-btcI/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_great-homemade-pizza-sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcbAxakVoPA/VBkL_c9NXuI/AAAAAAAADLg/HYpWfZ-btcI/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_great-homemade-pizza-sauce.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not a snob when it comes to pizza. I have been happily enjoying greasy pizza for years, and I'm not really sure whether I will ever grow out of it. After all, when you want pizza at 2am you have to make some sacrifices. You may regret those sacrifices in the morning, but quality is never an overriding factor when the pizza craving hits right as you're heading in for the night. I also make homemade pizza a decent amount, and I'll admit that I'm not remotely above using jarred sauce. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All that said, nothing beats great pizza with fresh ingredients. Using a homemade sauce makes a noticeable difference. The same thing goes for using homemade dough (even if you purchased that homemade dough from the bakery counter or a local pizza place). This sauce has a bold tomato flavor mixed with the perfect blend of spices. It's slightly sweetened with a teaspoon of sugar, and has a little kick from the red pepper flakes. It's well worth the time if you have it. I've also found that eating pizza with homemade sauce and homemade dough reduces the guilt factor you get from eating it by at least half.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I realize I'm talking about pizza and my pictures only show a jar of sauce, which is only part of the equation. You'll have to imagine the sauce on a delicious, cheesy slice of pizza because I didn't take pictures of the one I devoured shortly after making the sauce. But it was good. This recipe makes enough for more than one pizza, and if you keep it stored tightly it will stay good for over a week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Homemade Pizza Sauce </b></div>
<div class="divERSHeadItems">
<div class="ERSAuthor">
Recipe Slightly Adapted from <span itemprop="author">Robyn Stone | <a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/pizza-sauce-recipe/" target="_blank">Add a Pinch</a></span></div>
<div class="ERSServes">
Serves: <span itemprop="recipeYield">2 cups</span></div>
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredients">
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¼ cup olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ medium onion, finely diced</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon dried oregano</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon Kosher salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 ½ teaspoon fresh basil (or 3/4 dried)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 ½ teaspoon granulated sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon ground black pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions</div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Drizzle
olive oil into 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook
until translucent and tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, cayenne
pepper, red pepper flakes, chopped basil and dried oregano. Cook for about 1 minute to release flavors.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Pour
in tomatoes, tomato paste, and add salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir
well to combine. Add fresh oregano. Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer
for about 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent any sticking or
burning.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Remove from heat and use immediately or allow to cool before storing in an airtight container for up to one week.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-ATpAJG5Jo/VBkL_pKaiRI/AAAAAAAADLs/-dOOiKqMkHM/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_homemade-pizza-sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-ATpAJG5Jo/VBkL_pKaiRI/AAAAAAAADLs/-dOOiKqMkHM/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_homemade-pizza-sauce.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maH3Q_6dAoQ/VBkL_2Lv-ZI/AAAAAAAADLk/e83me5thvmY/s1600/chocolate-therapy_homemade-pizza-sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maH3Q_6dAoQ/VBkL_2Lv-ZI/AAAAAAAADLk/e83me5thvmY/s1600/chocolate-therapy_homemade-pizza-sauce.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-82826188581036983752014-09-22T14:08:00.002-05:002014-09-22T14:08:16.782-05:00Copycat Cosmic Brownies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqQ39siJSUw/VBkHgkilmOI/AAAAAAAADK4/OPwFXf3RnGs/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_copycat%2Bcosmic%2Bbrownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqQ39siJSUw/VBkHgkilmOI/AAAAAAAADK4/OPwFXf3RnGs/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_copycat%2Bcosmic%2Bbrownies.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Growing up, one of my favorite activities was grocery shopping with
my mom and choosing what my lunchbox dessert would be for the week
(easily entertained kid). I was usually an Oatmeal Cream Pies or Swiss
Cake Rolls kind of person, sometimes swapping out for the occasional
Nutty Bar or Zebra Cake.<br />
<br />
It's worth noting that this was
before everyone started frowning upon pre-packaged, preservative-filled
lunchbox treats. From what I can tell, kids these days have really
stepped up their lunchbox game (e.g. elaborate <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/rachellacy/little-people-our-bentos-and-school-lunches/" target="_blank">bentos</a>
- ?!?). But for my 12-year-old self, organic was a completely foreign
concept, and I enjoyed my Little Debbie's in judgment-free bliss.<br />
<br />
The
Little Debbie dessert that never made the lunchbox first-string was the
Cosmic Brownie. I couldn't tell you why my chocoholic self never wanted
those, but if those Cosmic Brownies taste anything like this copycat
version I was wrong. <br />
<br />
Forget cakey brownies. If
that's what you're into this isn't the recipe for you. These are fudgy,
rich and delicious. It's like brownies and fudge joined up for a fun
party (obviously with lots of confetti m&ms) and realized they were
meant to be together. I would recommend adding the m&ms after
cutting the brownies/ganache so that you can get really smooth lines. A
trick for cutting into something like this is to run a knife under hot
water for 5-10 second and dry it off before slicing into the dessert.
Repeat the process between each long slice. The heat from the knife will
help create the smooth line.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Copycat Cosmic Brownies</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2013/06/homemade-little-debbie-cosmic-brownies.html" target="_blank">Averie Cooks</a><br />
<h4 style="clear: left;">
Ingredients:</h4>
For the <strong>Brownies<br /> </strong>3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted<br /> 2 large eggs<br /> 1 cup granulated sugar<br /> 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed<br /> 2 tablespoons coffee or water (coffee leftover from the morning brew is fine)<br /> 2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br /> 3/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder or dark cocoa powder <br /> 1 teaspoon instant espresso granules (make sure it's instant so it dissolves), optional but recommended<br /> 3/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />
<div class="ingredients">
<div class="ingredient">
<br />
For the <strong>Ganache<br /> </strong>1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips<br /> 1/2 cup half-and-half or cream <br /> 1 cup <a href="http://www.m-ms.com/us/about/products/mmsminis/">M&M minis</a> (you can either buy them in small tubes or check out your local grocery store for the larger bags. I like the little ones, but if you can't find them anywhere you can use regular size)</div>
</div>
<div class="directions">
<h4 style="clear: left;">
Directions:</h4>
<div class="instructions">
<ol>
<li>For the <b>Brownies </b>- Preaheat oven to 350F. Line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.</li>
<li>In a large, microwave safe bowl, melt the butter, about 90 seconds on high power.</li>
<li>Add the eggs, sugars, coffee, vanilla, and whisk to combine.</li>
<li>Add
the cocoa powder, instant espresso, and whisk until incorporated, free
from lumps, and smooth. It could take a few minutes if your cocoa powder
is lumpy.</li>
<li>Add the flour and stir until it's just incorporated; don't overmix.</li>
<li>Turn
batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
Bake for 25 to 29 minutes, or until top has just set, isn't jiggly in
the center, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or
with a few fudgy moist crumbs, but no batter. I baked mine for 26
minutes. Allow brownies to cool completely in pan. While brownies cool,
make the ganache.</li>
<li>For the <b>Ganache</b> - Add
chocolate chips to a medium, microwave-safe bowl and heat on high power
for 1 minute to soften chips. They won't be melted, this is okay. Don't
stir; set bowl aside.</li>
<li>Heat cream in a glass measuring cup or
microwave-safe bowl until it begins to bubble and show signs of just
beginning to boiling, about 1 minute on high power.</li>
<li>Pour cream over chocolate chips and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.</li>
<li>With
a whisk, beat mixture until silky, smooth, and combined. If your
mixture isn't smoothing out, heat in 15-second bursts in the microwaves
until it can be stirred smooth.</li>
<li>Pour ganache over mostly cooled
brownies (after about 30 minutes is fine; they don't have to be
completely cooled). Smooth ganache lightly with a spatula or offset
knife.</li>
<li>Evenly sprinkle with M&Ms. Cover pan with a sheet of
foil to prevent fridge smells, and place pan in refrigerator until
ganache sets up before slicing and serving, at least 2 hours. Do not
slice into them until the ganache has set; feel free to make these in
advance and store them in the fridge; they get better with time.
Brownies will keep airtight for 1 week at room temperature, for 2 weeks
in the refrigerator, and for up to 6 months in the freezer. I highly
recommend storing them in the refrigerator because having a slight chill
to brownies this rich and fudgy is almost imperative.</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1PppwL2nUM/VBkIMoSoVpI/AAAAAAAADLA/k0BY9NBVyjc/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy%2Bblog_copycat%2Bcosmic%2Bbrownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1PppwL2nUM/VBkIMoSoVpI/AAAAAAAADLA/k0BY9NBVyjc/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy%2Bblog_copycat%2Bcosmic%2Bbrownies.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kkacT9Oc8mM/VBkINLymb_I/AAAAAAAADLI/QSOKQ3FRgAA/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_copycat%2Bcosmic%2Bbrownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kkacT9Oc8mM/VBkINLymb_I/AAAAAAAADLI/QSOKQ3FRgAA/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_copycat%2Bcosmic%2Bbrownies.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhOBHEOndVc/VBkIMxr-WUI/AAAAAAAADLE/2zH2IjCY9GU/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy%2Bblog_copycat%2Bcosmic%2Bbrownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhOBHEOndVc/VBkIMxr-WUI/AAAAAAAADLE/2zH2IjCY9GU/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy%2Bblog_copycat%2Bcosmic%2Bbrownies.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-65237380045942009552014-09-09T11:36:00.001-05:002014-09-09T12:08:43.226-05:0030-Minute Cinnamon Roll S'mores Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nF4yRKsI_Ng/VA8rULzVKDI/AAAAAAAADKg/9c9JFVsjg7E/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs%27mores%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nF4yRKsI_Ng/VA8rULzVKDI/AAAAAAAADKg/9c9JFVsjg7E/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs'mores%2Bcake.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sometimes you need a little indulgence in the morning. I'm a breakfast person, so I always wake up and have breakfast followed by something sweet. I'm not talking about an entire piece of chocolate cake (though it's been done before), just a little something to round out the meal.<br />
<br />
This cake handles my breakfast and sweet craving all at once. Basically it's the king of sweet breakfast cakes. Each slice has rolls of buttery biscuits filled with cinnamon sugar, marshmallow, chocolatey goodness. As if everything going on with the filling wasn't amazing enough, the marshmallow topping is out of this world, too.<br />
<br />
It's one of those things you feel slightly guilty eating because it's almost too good. I have a habit of starting out by cutting myself a small piece of something, and the entire time I'm eating the small piece I just think about how I wish I cut a bigger piece. This almost always ends up with me going back for seconds. I wouldn't recommend eating it every morning unless you also want to invest in a new wardrobe for your expanding waist-line, but it's absolutely worth every single minute of cardio you'd need to do to burn it off. For those of you who aren't ready for this kind of sugar high at 9am, it's good any time of day.<br />
<br />
Chelsea has step-by-step instructions on her blog if you want to check that out. The process is simple. Roll out the biscuit, dip it in butter, dip it in cinnamon sugar and add the filling. If you divide everything into little bowls beforehand and make it into an assembly line of sorts it will be a breeze.<br />
<br />
I purchased two tubes of the Pillsbury Buttermilk Grands (8 biscuits in each), so I filled up my first pie dish with only 10 biscuits. The recipe calls for 15 because it doesn't use the oversized biscuits. Either will work. I had extra ingredients for the filling anyways, so I just made another little mini cake by using a regular cake pan and making a smaller circle of rolls in that. Since this circle was only about 6 inches across I used tin foil to second off a 6-inch circle within the 8-inch cake pan. It did the trick.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>30-Minute Cinnamon Roll S'mores Cake</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/30-minute-no-rise-smores-cinnamon-roll-cake/" target="_blank">Chelsea's Messy Apron</a><br />
<br />
<div class="ERSIngredients">
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">15 buttermilk biscuits</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup butter, melted</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3/4 cup white sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 tsp. cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3 tablespoons miniature chocolate chips, separated</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup miniature marshmallows</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs, separated</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">Optional: 1 chocolate bar</li>
</ul>
<div class="ERSSectionHead">
Marshmallow Frosting</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">4 tablespoons butter, softened, not melted</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 and 3/4 cups powdered sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/3 cup marshmallow fluff</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1-2 tablespoons heavy cream</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions">
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions</div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch cake pan with nonstick spray and set aside.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Remove the biscuits from the packages.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Using a rolling pin, roll each of the biscuits very flat and thin. Stir together the white sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Dip
each biscuit in the melted butter or brush melted butter over both sides. Shake off the excess and then dip
the biscuit in the cinnamon sugar mixture making sure to cover both
sides as well, again making sure to shake off the excess.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Slice the marshmallows in half.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Using
the picture in <a href="http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/30-minute-no-rise-smores-cinnamon-roll-cake/" target="_blank">Chelsea's post</a> as a guide, place a small handful of graham
cracker crumbs, miniature marshmallows, and miniature chocolate chips on
one side of each biscuit.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Roll
up each biscuit and place the rolled up biscuit on the outside of the
cake pan in a circle fashion spiraling towards the inside of the pan.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until biscuits have slightly browned on the outside and insides are fully cooked.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Meanwhile,
prepare the frosting by beating together the powdered sugar, butter,
and vanilla extract. Beat in the marshmallow fluff.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Slowly add in the heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Remove the cake and let cool for about 5-7 minutes before frosting.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Pipe the marshmallow frosting over the cake and cut into slices to serve.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Top
the cake with any leftover miniature marshmallows, miniature chocolate
chips, and graham cracker crumbs that weren't used to fill up the
biscuits.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">If desired, unwrap a room temperature chocolate bar, and “peel” it from top to bottom directly over the cake.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Slice into large pieces and enjoy while warm!</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Ii4dDSmOE/VA8na6ZwGXI/AAAAAAAADJ4/Xp3kzK2WE9s/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy%2Bblog_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs%27mores%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Ii4dDSmOE/VA8na6ZwGXI/AAAAAAAADJ4/Xp3kzK2WE9s/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy%2Bblog_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs'mores%2Bcake.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nxtby_dbVA/VA8mw0ET5bI/AAAAAAAADJw/pUWn6mR8yNk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nxtby_dbVA/VA8mw0ET5bI/AAAAAAAADJw/pUWn6mR8yNk/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I realize this looks like a pie plate of sausages, but trust me, it is much better than that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUHbKlGAz1g/VA8pRKMbCwI/AAAAAAAADKY/iMY97G3ica4/s1600/my%2Bchocolatetherapy_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs%27mores%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUHbKlGAz1g/VA8pRKMbCwI/AAAAAAAADKY/iMY97G3ica4/s1600/my%2Bchocolatetherapy_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs'mores%2Bcake.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WSzKlJP1As/VA8noBO-NiI/AAAAAAAADKA/_bb-wlBEk0s/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs%27mores%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WSzKlJP1As/VA8noBO-NiI/AAAAAAAADKA/_bb-wlBEk0s/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs'mores%2Bcake.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHBRqLIIREA/VA8pOVHv50I/AAAAAAAADKQ/oarK4Z0Kcl4/s1600/chocolatetherapy_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs%27mores%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHBRqLIIREA/VA8pOVHv50I/AAAAAAAADKQ/oarK4Z0Kcl4/s1600/chocolatetherapy_cinnamon%2Broll%2Bs'mores%2Bcake.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I felt the need to overly zoom in so you could see what's going on here. SO MUCH GOODNESS IN ONE SLICE.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-10869191162956942522014-08-29T10:24:00.000-05:002015-12-31T12:44:54.583-06:00Bacon Pimento Cheese Phyllo Cups<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQmze-47SVs/VACWlUIo5vI/AAAAAAAADIw/IpDARUvGuK4/s1600/My%2BChocolate%2Btherapy_Bacon-Pimento-Cheese-Phyllo-Cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQmze-47SVs/VACWlUIo5vI/AAAAAAAADIw/IpDARUvGuK4/s1600/My%2BChocolate%2Btherapy_Bacon-Pimento-Cheese-Phyllo-Cups.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've professed my love for pimento cheese many times on here, so it's no surprise that I have yet another way to take your pimento cheese game up a notch. Even better - these warm bacon pimento cheese cups are perfect for Labor Day cookouts and tailgating in the fall.<br />
<br />
To make them you take your standard, delicious phyllo shells (found in the freezer section), and fill them with a smoked cheddar bacon pimento cheese and top each with a few more fresh bacon bits. Smoked sharp cheddar pairs really well with the bacon, but you can also make it your standard way with just regular sharp cheddar. Sometimes I use pepperjack for a little kick. The key is to find two cheeses that complement each other. Melted cheese, mayo, pimentos and bacon is probably going to taste good regardless as long as you don't go with something too crazy cheese-wise.<br />
<br />
The number of phyllo shells that come in a pack varies by the brand, and different grocery stores carry different brands. If you're serving these for a crowd you can absolutely buy more than 48. These go QUICKLY! The recipe will probably yield enough for 60 mini cups, since only about a tablespoon goes in each cup. I usually buy Cracker Barrel cheese, which comes in 8oz packages, so most of the time I go ahead and shred the whole 16oz of cheese (upping the other ingredients as well) and then serve the rest of the pimento cheese with crackers. There are worse things than having extra pimento cheese around the house..<br />
<br />
Enjoy, and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!<br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Bacon Pimento Cheese Phyllo Cups</b><br />
<br />
4 oz sharp white cheddar, freshly grated<br />
4 oz smoked sharp cheddar or sharp yellow cheddar, freshly grated<br />
3 oz cream cheese, softened<br />
2 tablespoons diced (not sliced) pimentos<br />
1/4 cup Duke's mayonnaise<br />
6 strips bacon, cooked until crispy<br />
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)<br />
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)<br />
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional<br />
48 mini phyllo (filo) shells<br />
Salt and Pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and set aside. Combine cream cheese and mayo. You can do this with a mixer, but I usually just stir them together. Add grated cheeses, spices (optional), pimentos and salt and pepper to taste. Add in crumbled bacon, reserving a few tablespoons-worth for garnish.<br />
<br />
Scoop mixture into the individual phyllo cups and place on the pan (they can be close together). Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until shells have slightly browned and mixture has melted. Remove from oven, let cool for just long enough so that you're not risking any burnt mouths and serve!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LdaOpELHms/VACWmPAHXlI/AAAAAAAADI0/a26qB8LeZyc/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_bacon%2Bpimento%2Bcheese%2Bphyllo%2Bcups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LdaOpELHms/VACWmPAHXlI/AAAAAAAADI0/a26qB8LeZyc/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_bacon%2Bpimento%2Bcheese%2Bphyllo%2Bcups.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxO6p-NolU4/VACWmS_3OWI/AAAAAAAADI4/ZnBB2VjHVBU/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_pimento-cheese-phyllo%2Bbacon%2Bcups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxO6p-NolU4/VACWmS_3OWI/AAAAAAAADI4/ZnBB2VjHVBU/s1600/chocolate%2Btherapy_pimento-cheese-phyllo%2Bbacon%2Bcups.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVojyGxowZQ/VACWlcp1DgI/AAAAAAAADIo/OQFj-DU70_4/s1600/My%2BChocolate%2BTherapy_bacon%2Bpimento%2Bcheese%2Bcups%2Bphyllo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVojyGxowZQ/VACWlcp1DgI/AAAAAAAADIo/OQFj-DU70_4/s1600/My%2BChocolate%2BTherapy_bacon%2Bpimento%2Bcheese%2Bcups%2Bphyllo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-78228971557232965752014-08-27T08:24:00.002-05:002014-08-28T14:13:59.161-05:00No-Ice Cream Maker Funfetti Cake Batter Golden Oreo Ice Cream {and a giveaway!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pK0joODsho/U_3-LgIpMgI/AAAAAAAADH8/VU_ezwxbn38/s1600/SmuckersGiveaway_My%2BChocolate%2BTherapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pK0joODsho/U_3-LgIpMgI/AAAAAAAADH8/VU_ezwxbn38/s1600/SmuckersGiveaway_My%2BChocolate%2BTherapy.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A few weeks ago I mentioned that Smucker's sent me seven of their new ice cream toppings in the mail to try, and that I would be having a giveaway on my blog so that one of my readers could receive a "Top It Your Way" prize pack full of Smucker's goods for themselves. Well, today is the day!<br />
<br />
I'm not one to even post recipes I don't like, so endorsing a product I don't personally like (regardless of whether I get it for free) is a big no in my book. That said, I love these Smucker's products, and I am SO excited that one of you gets this awesome prize pack. I've been using them in ice cream, on brownies, in blondies, etc.<br />
<br />
The prize pack comes with all of the Smucker's products pictured here, AND you get the West Elm tray, Smucker's freezer bag, Smucker's ice cream scoop and chalkboard sign (you're on your own for the <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/pdp/detail.jsp?&navAction=jump&id=073357&color=011&cm_mmc=Google-_-PLA-_-US+-+Shopping+-+Home-_-Bowls&adpos=1o4&creative=54276071004&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAjwg_afBRD3rpChlqiKt1ESJACwY6NkpEuuwgdyxNSnDI2DwXD0U41d3ABAEKyy5WfzFM7n8RoC9YPw_wcB#/" target="_blank">Anthropologie bowls</a> and ice cream). The only thing missing is the Salted Caramel flavor. I looked high and low for where I put it with no luck. That's my favorite of all of the products, so I'm guessing I brought it with me somewhere and left it--let's just pretend that traveling with salted caramel in your purse is completely normal. The good news is that Smucker's will send you your own bag of products, and the Salted Caramel will be included. Here's the full list of what you will get in the "Top It Your Way" prize pack:<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/outdoor-metal-entertaining-collection-rectangle-tray-d1074/" target="_blank">West Elm Outdoor Metal Serving Tray</a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span> <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/chalkboard6.html" target="_blank"> Scallop Edge Hanging Chalkboard </a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Branded Ice Cream Topping Bowls + Scoops</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>All seven NEW <span class="il">Smucker</span>’s toppings flavors including:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span class="il">Smucker</span>’s® <b> </b>Simple Delight Salted Caramel Topping</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span class="il">Smucker</span>’s® Simple Delight Chocolate Coconut Flavored Topping</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span class="il">Smucker</span>’s® Simple Delight Dark Chocolate Topping</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 73.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span class="il">Smucker</span>’s® Simple Delight Hot Fudge Topping</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 73.5pt; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span class="il">Smucker</span>’s® Magic Shell® Chocolate Pretzel Flavored Topping</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 73.5pt; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span class="il">Smucker</span>’s® Magic Shell® Rainbow Sherbet Flavored Topping</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 73.5pt; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span class="il">Smucker</span>’s® Microwavable Hot Dark Chocolate Topping</div>
<br />
You can do as little as comment on this post to enter, or you can earn extra entries by doing the other items in the Rafflecopter. A winner will be selected randomly from the entries on Sunday. Labor Day may be this weekend, but that doesn't mean the end of ice cream season!<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/312bd20f1/" id="rc-312bd20f1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
<br />
A few ways I've used the toppings:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uSKfqhXO1H8/U_1cZ3RzQbI/AAAAAAAADF4/LDentH0h9RU/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy-chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uSKfqhXO1H8/U_1cZ3RzQbI/AAAAAAAADF4/LDentH0h9RU/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy-chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What makes brownies better? Salted Caramel and Hot Fudge. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3K6ovi2p1I/U_1ceVgv4uI/AAAAAAAADGA/w2rV0h2eKIo/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3K6ovi2p1I/U_1ceVgv4uI/AAAAAAAADGA/w2rV0h2eKIo/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the same thing goes for adding Salted Caramel and Hot Fudge into this Double Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOIq7uYut-s/U_1d4eL1TlI/AAAAAAAADGU/YLnuweJeP2E/s1600/oatmeal-cookie-chunk-ice-cream_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOIq7uYut-s/U_1d4eL1TlI/AAAAAAAADGU/YLnuweJeP2E/s1600/oatmeal-cookie-chunk-ice-cream_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oatmeal Cookie Chunk Ice Cream with Chocolate Pretzel Magic Shell. There are no words. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now for the Golden Oreo Funfetti Ice Cream. I photographed it with the Smucker's items, but there was so much going on with it that I actually didn't even feel the need to add to it with toppings (though I'm sure the results couldn't be anything but good). So, my apologies the picture is slightly misleading!<br />
<br />
This is for all those people who love homemade ice cream, but weren't convinced buying an ice cream maker was worth the investment (despite my case for it): homemade ice cream WITHOUT an ice cream machine.<br />
<br />
Even better - homemade funfetti cake batter ice cream with Golden Oreos that you can make WITHOUT an ice cream machine. *Happy dance*<br />
<br />
It's very sweet (as with all cake batter ice cream), but it is incredible. The consistency is also great. I gave it a few minutes to soften after pulling it from the freezer, but even when it's straight out it's not remotely icy. I had to give the rest of the batch to my bf because I was sneaking in huge spoonfuls every time I passed the freezer, and we haven't quite gotten to the point of the year where I justify eating more desserts than usual because it's "sweater-weather"...<br />
<br />
But if you've been upset with me for posting so many ice cream recipes all summer when you don't have a machine, now is your chance to get in on it too! Also, a word to the wise, don't use the standard nonpareils because they will start bleeding into the ice cream almost immediately. I knew it would happen, and for some reason I did it anyways. Stick with the other kinds of jimmies so that you don't end up with some weird brown and green shade of ice cream.<br />
<br />
Make this ice cream stat! And enter the giveaway above so that you can score yourself all sorts of delicious toppings to throw an ice cream party (or to keep to yourself). <br />
<br />
<b>No-Ice Cream Maker Funfetti Cake Batter Golden Oreo Ice Cream</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2013/06/no-ice-cream-maker-funfetti-cake-batter-golden-oreo-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Averie Cooks </a><br />
<div class="ingredients">
<h3 style="clear: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="ingredient">
<span style="font-size: small;">24 <a href="http://www.snackworks.com/products/product-detail.aspx?product=4400003258">Golden Oreos</a> or vanilla-flavored sandwich cookies, coarsely chopped<br /> One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk<br /> 2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br /> 1 teaspoon almond extract<br /> 2 cups heavy whipping cream - for the No-Ice-Cream-Maker version (if using an ice cream maker, use 4 cups/1 quart)<br /> 3/4 cup+ sprinkles </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="directions">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<h3 style="clear: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Directions:</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="instructions">
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">These <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2013/06/no-ice-cream-maker-funfetti-cake-batter-golden-oreo-ice-cream.html#" id="itxthook3" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; display: inline; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap" id="itxthook3p"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook3w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #009900; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px 0px 1px ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;">directions</span><img class="itxtrst itxtrstimg itxthookicon" src="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png" id="itxthook3icon" style="margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 4px ! important; vertical-align: baseline ! important;" /></span></a> (through number 7) reflect the <b>No-Ice-Cream-Maker</b> method.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Chop the Oreo cookies and set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">In a large bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and almond extract to combine; set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">To
the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or large
mixing bowl and hand mixer),
whip 2 cups heavy cream to very stiff peaks, the time this takes will vary based on your mixer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Gently add about half the whipped cream to the sweetened
condensed milk mixture, and fold the cream in gently. As Averie points out, fold means turn
the mixture over with a spatula from the bottom of the bowl up, rotate
the bowl, repeat until the mixture is homogenous. The goal is to keep
all that fluffy cream you just made as fluffy as possible. Take your
time and be gentle. When you get the first half of the cream folded in
and combined, add the remaining cream, and fold it until until mixture
is smooth. Be patient with this part!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Add the cookies, sprinkles, and gently fold them in to distribute evenly, being careful to stop if you start noticing that the sprinkle colors are bleeding into the base. If you see this happening it's ok, but you should take that as a sign to go ahead and transfer it to the container. If you are folding them in correctly, it won't take much to fully incorporate all of this into the base.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Transfer
ice cream mixture to a freezer-safe 2-quart container with a lid or
freezer-safe bowl that can be covered with plasticwrap. Cover and freeze
for at least 6 hours, or until solid. Ice cream takes about 5 minutes
to come up to room temperature. Ice cream will keep airtight in the freezer for up to 3
months.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">If you <b></b>are <b>Using an</b> <b>Ice Cream Maker</b>
- Steps 1, 2, 3 are the same. Skip steps 4 and 5. Instead, add 4 cups
heavy cream to the sweetened condensed milk mixture, and stir to
combine. Step 6 is the same. For step 7, follow processing directions on
your ice cream maker, noting to chill the mixture if necessary before
churning.</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AcWnSHyK1cU/U_1ilymUNYI/AAAAAAAADGg/uogw3_2tkOI/s1600/golden-oreo-funfetti-cake-batter-ice-cream_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AcWnSHyK1cU/U_1ilymUNYI/AAAAAAAADGg/uogw3_2tkOI/s1600/golden-oreo-funfetti-cake-batter-ice-cream_my-chocolate-therapy.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FosyaD6hwYQ/U_3V7QVBzaI/AAAAAAAADHc/LNAOi8WQCaY/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_no%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bmaker%2Bfunfetti%2Bcake%2Bbatter%2Bgolden%2Boreo%2Bice%2Bcream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FosyaD6hwYQ/U_3V7QVBzaI/AAAAAAAADHc/LNAOi8WQCaY/s1600/my%2Bchocolate%2Btherapy_no%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bmaker%2Bfunfetti%2Bcake%2Bbatter%2Bgolden%2Boreo%2Bice%2Bcream.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODA83OJehIM/U_9_ZszFi-I/AAAAAAAADIQ/fx0xAdQtEIo/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_funfetti-golden-oreo-ice-cream(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODA83OJehIM/U_9_ZszFi-I/AAAAAAAADIQ/fx0xAdQtEIo/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_funfetti-golden-oreo-ice-cream(1).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKBKZ6NReoo/U_1jdpRb4KI/AAAAAAAADGw/HbcDEqX-f8E/s1600/chocolate-therapy_funfetti-cake-batter-golden-oreo-ice-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKBKZ6NReoo/U_1jdpRb4KI/AAAAAAAADGw/HbcDEqX-f8E/s1600/chocolate-therapy_funfetti-cake-batter-golden-oreo-ice-cream.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-4534407567644882622014-08-15T11:40:00.002-05:002014-08-15T11:47:31.807-05:00Bakery-Style Lemon Blueberry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPeXtvAt9d-JvAIykyrZZwMiy08xzxUe9wcJ8WtWtUpTy18OCeO5vgsuHIHDFLvuDH4B-1DV0GWjizWw3smnoSFD42ARbzY6kJgkBPlNELjjCsc436faLmuIiGyvCIIikyll3IcHimjst/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_bakery+style+lemon+blueberry+muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPeXtvAt9d-JvAIykyrZZwMiy08xzxUe9wcJ8WtWtUpTy18OCeO5vgsuHIHDFLvuDH4B-1DV0GWjizWw3smnoSFD42ARbzY6kJgkBPlNELjjCsc436faLmuIiGyvCIIikyll3IcHimjst/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_bakery+style+lemon+blueberry+muffins.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Every time I make muffins I find myself wishing I made them more often. I realize there are healthier things I could eat for breakfast than a muffin, but starting the morning with orange juice and a freshly baked blueberry muffin just feels right. It's the one muffin flavor we can all agree on (I'm sure there are some blueberry haters out there who disagree). <br />
<br />
There are a few components to the perfect blueberry muffin. It can't be so dense that you need something to wash it down. It has to have blueberries in every single bite, and the top always needs to be the best part. Maybe the top is the best because it has that fully-baked yet still gooey thing going on. Maybe it's sprinkled with sugar. I personally love streusel. These muffins are chock full of berries, they're not too heavy and the streusel on top is amazing. I've never made a blueberry muffin recipe with oatmeal in the streusel, but I've been missing out. <br />
<br />
When I went back to grab this recipe for the post, I realized there was a glaze that I completely skipped. Note to self: don't get so distracted by the amazing smell of the muffins coming out of the oven that you forget everything else you were doing. The good news is that they were already great without it, so when you make them they will be even better! Do as I say, not as I do....except the part about making and eating these muffins. Because that part you should absolutely do. <br />
<br />
<b>Bakery Style Lemon Blueberry Muffins</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://thecafesucrefarine.com/2014/04/bakery-style-blueberry-lemon-muffins/" target="_blank">The Cafe Sucre Farine</a><br />
Serves: 12<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
CRUMB TOPPING<br />
5 tablespoons butter<br />
½ cup sugar<br />
½ cup flour<br />
½ cup oatmeal<br />
¼ teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
MUFFINS<br />
2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder<br />
½ teaspoon salt<br />
½ cup butter, softened<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
½ cup buttermilk<br />
finely grated zest of 1 lemon<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries<br />
<br />
GLAZE<br />
3 tablespoons lemon (juice)<br />
1 cup powdered sugar<br />
<br />
Instructions<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li> Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners</li>
<li> Make the crumb topping by combining the melted butter, sugar, flour, oatmeal and salt. Stir with a fork until crumbs form. Set aside.</li>
<li> Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium size bowl. Set aside.</li>
<li> If using frozen blueberries, place them in a small bowl and return to freezer until ready to use. If using fresh berries, place in a small bowl and set aside.</li>
<li> In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter for 1 minute until soft and fluffy. Add sugar and continue to beat for 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time and beat just until incorporated. Add buttermilk, vanilla and lemon zest and mix on low until combined.</li>
<li> Remove bowl from mixer. Add flour mixture and stir, by hand, until flour disappears. Do not over mix or muffins will be tough. Gently stir in blueberries.</li>
<li> Divide mixture evenly in the prepared muffin pan. Sprinkle with the crumb topping.</li>
<li> Bake at 350˚F for 22 to 25 minutes or until light golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing to a wire rack. Drizzle lightly with the lemon glaze.</li>
<li> For lemon glaze, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice in a medium size bowl. Stir with a fork or whisk until smooth.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TY56PRS899w/U-43XEJpptI/AAAAAAAADE0/MifsT31qLN8/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_blueberry-lemon-blueberry%2Bstreusel-muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TY56PRS899w/U-43XEJpptI/AAAAAAAADE0/MifsT31qLN8/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_blueberry-lemon-blueberry%2Bstreusel-muffins.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaZ2fsbqhYc/U-42yO02NpI/AAAAAAAADEk/EUleAnn43Uk/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_blueberry-lemon-blueberry%2Bstreusel-muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yd4rcvt7-7M/U-43LFTR6VI/AAAAAAAADEs/vH72B-su4Jw/s1600/my-chocolatetherapy_bakery%2Bstyle%2Blemon-blueberry-muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yd4rcvt7-7M/U-43LFTR6VI/AAAAAAAADEs/vH72B-su4Jw/s1600/my-chocolatetherapy_bakery%2Bstyle%2Blemon-blueberry-muffins.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-57590207827477801352014-08-08T13:08:00.003-05:002014-08-08T13:08:51.030-05:00Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lw4j36OqNRk/U-UR5gb0gOI/AAAAAAAADDc/gUu3w7GcHlA/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_chocolatechip+cookie+dough+ice+cream+sandwiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lw4j36OqNRk/U-UR5gb0gOI/AAAAAAAADDc/gUu3w7GcHlA/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_chocolatechip+cookie+dough+ice+cream+sandwiches.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'll keep this post short and sweet. These ice cream sandwiches are the perfect summer treat. No ice cream maker needed. It's just little squares of (eggless) cookie dough sandwiching chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Cut them into small squares or go ahead and make yourself a giant ice cream sandwich--your call. Regardless, this is absolutely a crowd-pleasing dessert.<br />
<br />
I guess you could fill them with homemade chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, but I don't really see the need to do that. Take the shortcut and use your favorite store-bought cookie dough ice cream. I personally think it's worth the extra few dollars to get name-brand ice cream because I find that it tastes better, scoops better, and, in the case of these sandwiches, is easier to slice through. <br />
<br />
The only part that seems complicated in this recipe is the layering of the parchment, but it's actually very simple once you get the hang of the process. Check out Mel's page for her step by step pictures. <br />
<br />
Enjoy! <br />
<br />
<b>Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-ice-cream-sandwiches/" target="_blank">Mel's Kitchen Cafe </a><br />
<br />
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients">
Ingredients</div>
<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients">1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup granulated sugar
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons milk
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 teaspoon salt
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients">1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup mini chocolate chips
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients">Nonstick cooking spray
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients">Quart cookie dough ice cream, softened to spreadable consistency</li>
</ul>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions">
Directions</div>
<ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions">For
the cookie dough, in a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with
the brown and granulated sugar. Stir to combine. Stir in the milk,
vanilla, and salt until well blended. Stir in the flour until completely
smooth. Let the mixture cool completely (so the chocolate chips don't
melt) then stir in the chocolate chips.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Line
an 8X8-inch baking pan (preferably with very straight sides) with two
pieces of parchment paper (cut into 8-inch strips) so they extend well
beyond the edges of the pan on all four sides; this will help to lift up
and easily remove the frozen sandwiches.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Scatter half of the dough into the pan and use your hands to press it into an even layer.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Top
with a second set of parchment strips that extend over each side.
Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Scatter the
remaining dough over the top and press into an even layer.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-4" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Fold the overhanging parchment over the dough and freeze for at least an hour (can be frozen for several days in advance.)
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-5" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Use the parchment strips hanging over the edge to lift out the top layer of cookie dough. Then remove the second layer.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-6" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Place
another set of parchment slings (I know, enough with the parchment
already!) in the pan. Peel the parchment from one square of cookie dough
and set it inside the pan with the smoothest side down.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-7" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Spread
the softened ice cream over the top into an even layer. Peel the
parchment from the remaining square of cookie dough and place it,
smoothest side up, on the ice cream. Gently press it into the ice cream.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-8" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Cover
the pan (with the parchment overhangs, if desired) and freeze for at
least 2-3 hours but preferably 6-8. Using a long, sharp knife, run it
under hot water, wipe dry, and slice the cookie dough ice cream
sandwiches into squares, repeating with hot water after each slice (you
can lift up on the handles to remove it from the pan before slicing - I
found I had to run a knife around the edges to loosen any ice cream that
had stuck to the pan corners). Eat fast so they don't melt!</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uOL15B2bV8/U-UR5iqm_cI/AAAAAAAADDk/s67T6xmTPfQ/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_chocolate+chip+cookie+dough+ice+cream+sandwiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uOL15B2bV8/U-UR5iqm_cI/AAAAAAAADDk/s67T6xmTPfQ/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_chocolate+chip+cookie+dough+ice+cream+sandwiches.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-9451938056237299332014-08-08T12:51:00.002-05:002014-08-08T12:51:24.055-05:00Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Salted Caramel Ice Cream
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9Qzhf2DXCA/U-UNVA6a-TI/AAAAAAAADC0/7u__SE01d0o/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_chocolate-fudge-caramel-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9Qzhf2DXCA/U-UNVA6a-TI/AAAAAAAADC0/7u__SE01d0o/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_chocolate-fudge-caramel-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not hard to make an ice cream that tastes good.
Honestly if you’re making a somewhat standard flavor it’s probably harder to
make something that doesn’t taste good. After all, it’s cream, milk, vanilla
and sugar. What sets ice creams apart, in my mind, is consistency. Recently a
few of my favorite ice cream flavors haven't used eggs. They’ve stayed soft
and easy to scoop without getting icy, and the flavor is creamy, smooth and
delicious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another plus is that these recipes don’t require any heating
of the milk and cream, incorporating the eggs, straining, ice baths, etc. Any
time I can cut these things out I am all for it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I was already throwing brownies into this
base and I
wanted the fudge taste as well (without having to buy fudge pieces), I
just drizzled some hot fudge between layers of the ice cream.
And while I was at it, I thought why not add in some salted caramel?
Good decisions all
around. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It helped that the good folks at Smuckers were nice
enough to send me over some items from their Simple Delights line of
ice cream toppings. I’ve been trying them out on everything
I can, and I haven’t hit one I don’t like. I’ll be having a giveaway for
readers in the next week to give you the chance to win some yourself!
More
details to come on that soon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to this ice cream: perfect chocolate base + brownies + gooey fudge and salted
caramel swirls. Be still my heart. I loved every bite, and so did everyone else
who tried it. Once you find a good base you can change it up with mix-ins
however you’d like. I've also crumbled up the chocolate pudding cookies and thrown them into this mixture<b> </b>instead of the brownies. You can't go wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream with a Salted Caramel Swirl</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.cravingsofalunatic.com/2012/10/chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream-for-sundaysupper.html" target="_blank">Cravings of a Lunatic </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading">
Ingredients</div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup good quality cocoa powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ cup granulated sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">½ cup brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">Pinch of vanilla salt (regular salt is fine to use)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup whole milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 cups of heavy cream</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 cups brownie pieces</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup hot fudge (I used <a href="http://www.smuckers.com/products/ice-cream-topping/simple-delight-toppings/simple-delight-hot-fudge-1330" target="_blank">Smuckers Hot Fudge</a>)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup caramel (I use <a href="https://www.smuckers.com/products/ice-cream-topping/simple-delight-toppings/simple-delight-salted-caramel-1332" target="_blank">Smucker's Salted Caramel</a>) </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading">
Instructions</div>
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">In a stand mixer combine cocoa powder, both sugars, salt and whole milk. Mix until the sugars dissolve.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add
heavy cream and vanilla and mix until fluffy, should be the consistency
of pudding. Cover and stick in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour. You
can even leave it overnight, it helps the flavour to let it age a bit.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Remove
from fridge and transfer the liquid to a FROZEN ice cream maker bowl.
Place bowl on your ice cream machine and turn on. Churn according to manufacturer's instructions.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Once ice cream base is complete (about 20 minutes for my ice cream maker), fold in three cups of
crumbled brownie pieces. </li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Spread a layer of the chocolate and brownie base into
the bottom of a freezer safe container (about ¼ of total batch). Use a spoon to
swirl in ½ of the warm caramel. </li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Add another layer of the base on top and
drizzle/swirl in ½ of the hot fudge. Repeat with another layer of the base and
remaining caramel followed by the rest of the ice cream and hot fudge. </li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Place in
freezer for 6 hours, or until ice cream has firmed. It will be best after 12+
hours of freezer time. </li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRekWMeRQ0a2PAP3nGbBxUREFVXN9KsacEipPJTCyAXh4FeQ7OtUOCDs7uvICMwx0fyQtu1VpJCOl4NxF8n1byugE4rtFTEqu9GGaFFvarAyu0TmO2AxvvPjmPUtJobP2KxilnPX9oNdwE/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy-chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRekWMeRQ0a2PAP3nGbBxUREFVXN9KsacEipPJTCyAXh4FeQ7OtUOCDs7uvICMwx0fyQtu1VpJCOl4NxF8n1byugE4rtFTEqu9GGaFFvarAyu0TmO2AxvvPjmPUtJobP2KxilnPX9oNdwE/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy-chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb6ukXEIKCM/U-UNVPTG7hI/AAAAAAAADC4/xVZmlL4hQcM/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_chocolate-brownie-caramel-fudge-ice-cream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb6ukXEIKCM/U-UNVPTG7hI/AAAAAAAADC4/xVZmlL4hQcM/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_chocolate-brownie-caramel-fudge-ice-cream.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLwIfGNA2zE/U-UNVmLNTII/AAAAAAAADC8/VAg9aczmLio/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_caramel-chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-crem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLwIfGNA2zE/U-UNVmLNTII/AAAAAAAADC8/VAg9aczmLio/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_caramel-chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-crem.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8FVjLJf-7iNbDZrXkiWDTNmAX9u2Kx2Eln5XYiIWKsNalNmYKDxLAG5TtGeWLj8yJP7gtgIkm9nwJMgNbBbIFSwbDNNw4-T9Fx9Jq2aNSZRMUw8GkPy1PPa_RgAsfkd2S0LIiSreDzKZ/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_salted-caramel-chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8FVjLJf-7iNbDZrXkiWDTNmAX9u2Kx2Eln5XYiIWKsNalNmYKDxLAG5TtGeWLj8yJP7gtgIkm9nwJMgNbBbIFSwbDNNw4-T9Fx9Jq2aNSZRMUw8GkPy1PPa_RgAsfkd2S0LIiSreDzKZ/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_salted-caramel-chocolate-fudge-brownie-ice-cream.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-73646764965027111032014-07-25T13:43:00.000-05:002014-07-25T13:50:17.581-05:00Homemade Oatmeal Cookie Chunk Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a1F_USwOW0/U9Km1IQ9jZI/AAAAAAAADCI/fLoJCAw-Vro/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_oatmeal+cookie+chunk+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a1F_USwOW0/U9Km1IQ9jZI/AAAAAAAADCI/fLoJCAw-Vro/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_oatmeal+cookie+chunk+ice+cream.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been on an ice cream binge recently. It is National Ice Cream Month, after all. I have seven more days before I can no longer justify my consumption based on the need to celebrate such a worthy occasion. The other day, my mom asked if I was planning on making ice cream during our family beach trip at the beginning of August. Since my ice cream maker is just an attachment to my stand mixer, I informed her that sadly lugging all of it down to South Carolina was not an option. <br />
<br />
That was 45 minutes before the ice cream gods presented me with a more portable Cuisinart ice cream/sorbet maker for only $21 on Gilt. How could I not? So, now I own two ice cream makers, which means this binge isn't going to die down any time soon. <br />
<br />
I won’t run through my perceived benefits of having two ice cream makers (trust me, I've thought of plenty) because I realize for any normal person one should do it. That said, if you don’t even have one, find a deal like that and buy it. We all waste $21 on things a lot less useful than an ice cream maker....and I also feel bad for posting so many recipes that are useless to anyone who doesn’t have one. <br />
<br />
This recipe, in particular, is one you need in your life. My favorite flavor of all time is Ben & Jerry’s Oatmeal Cookie Chunk, which sadly they discontinued a few years back. I don't understand why on earth they did this because it was the best flavor ever, but no one consults with me on these decisions. Alas, I took matters into my own hands, and I now have this incredible mock version. The base is a creamy, flavorful cinnamon that’s filled with chocolate chips and chunks of the <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2014/07/best-ever-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> I posted last week. It will leave you speechless. It will also make you question why you’ve never considered cinnamon ice cream one of your favorite flavors. <br />
<br />
The cookies don’t harden inside the ice cream. They taste more like little chunks of cookie dough. The cinnamon base on its own was already a knockout, so with the addition of these cookies (which are my new favorites) and chocolate chips it’s a whole new level of good. If you want to use a different oatmeal cookie recipe you're more than welcome to, but no raisins!!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Cinnamon Ice Cream</b><br />
Base recipe adapted from <a href="http://susikochenundbacken.blogspot.com/2010/05/ice-cream-fridays-oatmeal-raisin-ice.html">Susi's Kochen</a> <br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Base</b><br />
1 cup (250 ml) whole milk<br />
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream<br />
1/3 cup (70 g) packed dark brown sugar<br />
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon<br />
5 large egg yolks<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<b>Add-ins</b><br />
3 cups <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2014/07/best-ever-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Best Ever Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>, crumbled into medium and small sized chunks*<br />
1/2 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
To
make the ice cream, warm the milk, granulated sugar, and salt in a
medium saucepan. Whisk the cream, brown sugar, and cinnamon together
into a large bowl and set a mesh strainer on top.<br />
<br />
In a
separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the
warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, then scrape
the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan.<br />
<br />
Stir the
mixture constantly over medium heat with a heatproof spatula, scraping
the bottom as your stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the
spatula. Pour the custard through the strainer and stir it into the
cream. Mix in the vanilla and stir until cool over an ice bath.<br />
<br />
Chill
the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator (3+ hours or overnight). Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Three minutes before mixture is finished, add in chocolate chips and 2 cups of the cookie pieces. <br />
<br />
Spread finished ice cream into a freezer safe container, tossing in pieces from the remaining 1 cup of cookie crumbs as you go. Cover, and place in the freezer until firm.<br />
<br />
*Think about it like you would cookie dough pieces in cookie dough ice cream. It's always disappointing when you eat it and you don't have any cookie dough in your spoonful. Leave enough quarter-sized chunks that you will get bites of cookie, but don't have them so big that a spoonful would have only cookie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2h5ezmDBnU/U9KkIAkRpdI/AAAAAAAADB8/klXF3hR5cp0/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_homemade+oatmeal+cookie+chunk+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a2h5ezmDBnU/U9KkIAkRpdI/AAAAAAAADB8/klXF3hR5cp0/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_homemade+oatmeal+cookie+chunk+ice+cream.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-83440715051867164892014-07-18T12:18:00.001-05:002014-07-18T13:04:32.418-05:00Best Ever Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2y9TwA8vwIc/U8ktD9zM49I/AAAAAAAADBA/orWFT7wPx0I/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-ever-oatmeal+chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2y9TwA8vwIc/U8ktD9zM49I/AAAAAAAADBA/orWFT7wPx0I/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-ever-oatmeal+chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These cookies are excellent in every way. I only baked them to add to a batch of cinnamon ice cream I was making, but they deserve so much more than
just being a complementary player. These cookies are a star on their
own. Seriously. <br />
<br />
Sometimes oatmeal cookies spread too much.
Sometimes they dry out. They'd be high up on my favorite cookie list, but until now I've never had a dependable recipe to use. For the ice cream I wanted to make (a
homemade version of Ben & Jerry’s Oatmeal Cookie Chunk - recipe coming soon!), I needed a
great oatmeal chocolate chip cookie to add. This one fit the bill.<br />
<br />
I like to make recipes
based on how people describe them. Mel over at <a href="http://melskitchencafe.com/" target="_blank">Mel’s Kitchen Cafe</a>
posted the recipe in 2009, and at the time she wrote that she’d made them three
times in two weeks. She posted an update in 2013 that said 4 years later
she was still making this recipe. <br />
<br />
I can see
why after trying these for myself. We managed to finish off the first batch before they stood a chance
at making it into the ice cream. I was happy to make a second batch since it meant a few more days of these cookies. I would eat them every day if that were a viable option (sadly, it's not).<br />
<br />
Since it's a fairly large batch they will probably last longer than a few days for most people--in which case, you could keep the extra dough in the fridge for up to two days to make them in multiple batches or pop it in the freezer for fast cookies in the future. I refrigerated the dough overnight before baking them, but this isn't a necessary step with these cookies. Some people (myself included), prefer to always refrigerate the dough if time permits, but it's nice to know you can skip that step if you're in a rush.<br />
<br />
Enjoy! <br />
<br />
<b>Classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies</b><br />
Recipe from <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/classic-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">Mel’s Kitchen Café</a><br />
<br />
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients">
Ingredients</div>
<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup packed light brown sugar
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">1 cup granulated sugar
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">2 large eggs
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon vanilla
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon baking soda
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-6" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon baking powder
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon salt
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients">2 cups all-purpose flour
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients">2 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-10" itemprop="ingredients">2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips </li>
</ul>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions">
Directions</div>
<ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Cream
together the butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until light
and fluffy. Add baking soda, powder, and salt and mix. Add flour,
oatmeal and chocolate chips. Mix until combined.
</li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rxOJ5UEzVcM/U8ktb8JyPXI/AAAAAAAADBI/oj6x8_WxJNE/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rxOJ5UEzVcM/U8ktb8JyPXI/AAAAAAAADBI/oj6x8_WxJNE/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp4Z_Gw3vuc/U8kr8BWrluI/AAAAAAAADA0/2gTGHwYkqQ0/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp4Z_Gw3vuc/U8kr8BWrluI/AAAAAAAADA0/2gTGHwYkqQ0/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-88836734124474404312014-07-14T14:33:00.003-05:002014-07-21T10:44:33.039-05:00Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBRyla8AFps/U8L8vm1jGcI/AAAAAAAADAM/kbYaOA1qTHk/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_best+strawberry+cheesecake+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBRyla8AFps/U8L8vm1jGcI/AAAAAAAADAM/kbYaOA1qTHk/s1600/my+chocolate+therapy_best+strawberry+cheesecake+ice+cream.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For all of you ice cream lovers who haven't ventured into the world of making your own ice cream, now is the time. Honestly, this ice cream alone makes investing in an ice cream maker completely worth it. Trust me. It is some of the best ice cream I've ever eaten, and that's coming from someone who typically doesn't even like strawberry ice cream.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My apologies for not posting it while we were still in the peak of strawberry season, but per usual I kept eating the whole batch before taking pictures (I had some help from people equally obsessed with this ice cream). This is a frequent occurrence. One of these days I'll learn to practice some restraint, but that day is not today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's hard for me to pick what I love about the recipe best. It could be that it's one of the easiest ice creams I've made. Unlike most other ice creams I make, this one is egg-free and doesn't require using a stove. It could also be that all of my favorite flavors involve some sort of alternating layering of toppings (examples <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2013/06/double-butterfinger-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.mychocolatetherapy.com/2013/06/double-oreo-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and this recipe is no exception. It's the key to getting swirls of toppings in every scoop. Or maybe it's that it has cream cheese, and I've met very few cream cheese recipes I didn't like. Too many good things to choose just one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The base is smooth, creamy and rich. Usually I'm hesitant to use fruit in ice cream because it has a tendency to get icy, but that's not the case with this recipe. Every single bite is as good as the last...and when you do get to that last bite, I guarantee you will want more. You will be sad that you finished your bowl, and you will sneak over to the freezer and get another scoop. Diets be damned. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/roasted-strawberry-cheesecake-ice-cream-recipe/" target="_blank">Baked by Rachel</a></div>
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
1C whole milk<br />
1C heavy cream<br />
8oz cream cheese, softened<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp vanilla</div>
1 1/4C granulated sugar, divided<br />
2C strawberries<br />
2/3 C graham cracker crumbs, roughly 6 sheets<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Directions:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Slowly add the cream and milk, making sure that the liquid is fully incorporated roughly every 1/4 cup or so. If you pour all of the liquid in at once, you will likely end up sloshing milk and cream everywhere, so be sure to go a little at a time. Once all ingredients are combined, use a spatula to transfer the mixture to a clean bowl. Cover and chill the mixture overnight. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While the base is chilling, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Hull and slice strawberries, tossing with remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Roast on a parchment lined baking sheet for 15 minutes. Transfer berries and sugary liquid from the parchment sheet to a clean bowl, cover and chill.</div>
<br />
Churn liquid according to manufacturer's directions. In the last 5 minutes, drop strawberries and liquid into the base a small spoonful at a time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sprinkle an even layer of graham cracker crumbs on the bottom of a freezer safe container. Carefully spread a layer of ice cream on top of the crumbs. Alternate layers of ice cream and graham cracker crumbs until container is full. Freeze until firm. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYlGB2C2wFk/U8L8vj55bUI/AAAAAAAADAI/YEsxv-HcosM/s1600/chocolate-therapy_strawberry-cheesecake-icecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYlGB2C2wFk/U8L8vj55bUI/AAAAAAAADAI/YEsxv-HcosM/s1600/chocolate-therapy_strawberry-cheesecake-icecream.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sg1nQ5HtN_4/U8L8vlqDVzI/AAAAAAAADAE/DNi0uNcXJp8/s1600/chocolate-therapy_strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sg1nQ5HtN_4/U8L8vlqDVzI/AAAAAAAADAE/DNi0uNcXJp8/s1600/chocolate-therapy_strawberries.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5rlo3sb2fc/U8L8wZ9EUuI/AAAAAAAADAU/2-kQ7Z9ZcE0/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-strawberry-cheesecake-ice-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5rlo3sb2fc/U8L8wZ9EUuI/AAAAAAAADAU/2-kQ7Z9ZcE0/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_best-strawberry-cheesecake-ice-cream.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4236329823432144723.post-11882740346218778872014-06-27T12:09:00.001-05:002014-06-27T12:09:04.735-05:00Fresh Strawberry Margaritas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQg1sa2byuw/U62kzMNA38I/AAAAAAAAC_I/jYELUKNxOP4/s1600/chocolate-therarapy_strawberrymargaritas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQg1sa2byuw/U62kzMNA38I/AAAAAAAAC_I/jYELUKNxOP4/s1600/chocolate-therarapy_strawberrymargaritas.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The other day I went strawberry picking for the first time in years. I purchased my carton and was determined to get as many strawberries as possible. They were everywhere -- ripe, juicy, perfect strawberries. I felt like a kid in a candy shop. I moseyed along the fields adding and adding to my box until it was completely full of the most beautiful strawberries you've ever seen.<br />
<br />
I ended up with 12lbs. I realized shortly after leaving that piling fresh strawberries on top of one another meant the bottom ones ended up bruised (rookie mistake). <br />
<br />
I froze some for smoothies, used some for ice cream, made cupcakes and muffins, and then decided the rest needed to go into making strawberry margaritas.<br />
<br />
I was at dinner a month or so ago and somehow the waitress and I got to talking about soaking strawberries in tequila. I'm a fan of all fruit/alcohol combinations, so this idea was right up my alley. If you soak them in tequila for long enough, you can strain the strawberries and have delicious homemade strawberry tequila. If you really love tequila I guess you could also eat the soaked berries plain, but I wasn't feeling up for that. I decided that I would use my fresh, bursting with flavor strawberries to make strawberry margaritas. I made a lot more strawberry tequila than I've posted in the recipe, but I had 12lbs of strawberries and 1.75 liters of tequila, so I saw no reason not to go all out. I froze the rest of the strawberry mixture that I didn't use for future margaritas. <br />
<br />
I wanted the flavors to really blend together, but if you don't want to soak the strawberries, just skip that step and use fresh strawberries with tequila. That said, it's VERY easy to hull strawberries, pour tequila over them in the morning and leave them soaking all day to use that night. You can do it more in advance if you'd like. <br />
<br />
Point is: you need to be making these margaritas. Channel your inner mixologist and ditch the pre-made margarita mix. It's full of sugar and not nearly as good as these. Feel free to adjust the recipe proportions to your liking. Basically anything with this strawberry tequila is going to be amazing. <br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Fresh Strawberry Margaritas</b><br />
<br />1 1/2 cup silver tequila <br />
1 pint strawberries, hulled <br />
4-6 limes, juiced (about 1/2 cup)<br />
4 oz Triple Sec<br />
4 oz simple syrup<br />
<br />
Hull strawberries and place in pitcher. Pour 1/2 cups tequila into pitcher. Allow strawberries to soak in the tequila for 3+ hours.<br />
<br />
When you're ready to make the drinks, pour the strawberry-tequila mixture into a blender and pulse until strawberries have blended into the mixture, but some strawberry pieces remain. If you completely pulverize the strawberries you lose the pieces of good tequila soaked strawberries that you so patiently waited for. Alternately, you can muddle the strawberries into the tequila in the pitcher if you do not have a blender.<br />
<br />
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. To serve, add servings into cocktail shaker with ice, give it a good shake and pour into salt-rimmed glasses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AM-Hx6oqMBQ/U62kJ5fwFOI/AAAAAAAAC-s/1FzisBvpqsU/s1600/chocolatetherapy_strawberry-margaritas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AM-Hx6oqMBQ/U62kJ5fwFOI/AAAAAAAAC-s/1FzisBvpqsU/s1600/chocolatetherapy_strawberry-margaritas.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk24t1tjM6o/U62kJwL3gUI/AAAAAAAAC-o/ags67-2tSmE/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_strawberry-margaritas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk24t1tjM6o/U62kJwL3gUI/AAAAAAAAC-o/ags67-2tSmE/s1600/mychocolatetherapy_strawberry-margaritas.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgk1O34B3JI/U62ka6Z8xvI/AAAAAAAAC-4/IFXXd1KqDbw/s1600/chocolate-therapy_margaritas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgk1O34B3JI/U62ka6Z8xvI/AAAAAAAAC-4/IFXXd1KqDbw/s1600/chocolate-therapy_margaritas.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HKE6Zj7EREU/U62krdsCI5I/AAAAAAAAC_A/nLEvgrv4tMY/s1600/chocolate-therapy_strawberry-margaritas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HKE6Zj7EREU/U62krdsCI5I/AAAAAAAAC_A/nLEvgrv4tMY/s1600/chocolate-therapy_strawberry-margaritas.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PC3UFs_yq7E/U62lBseGoSI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/1NbuHIy42d0/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_fresh-strawberry-margaritas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PC3UFs_yq7E/U62lBseGoSI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/1NbuHIy42d0/s1600/my-chocolate-therapy_fresh-strawberry-margaritas.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08233685924354666440noreply@blogger.com0