Monday, December 15, 2008

Santa Clause came to Town

Our ward Christmas Party had a surprise at the end....Santa came to town! Our kids all enjoyed sitting on Santa's knee and telling him what they wanted for Christmas, and if they had been good this year. Of course--they are angels (ha!). Actually, we do have pretty good kids...I sure think they are awesome!
I think that Santa will be visiting our home this year.
Holiday Fun!

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Friday, December 12, 2008

Cocoa

I am a huge fan of hot cocoa. I usually have at least 1 cup a day during the colder months--it warms me from the inside out and is very soothing. Have you noticed that a small can of semi-decent cocoa in the store is at least $4 and makes maybe 6 mug-fulls?? Expensive!! Well, I found this recipe in Good Housekeeping and thought I'd share it with you... I tried it this morning--and it was quick, easy, and awesomely delicious (and I'm pretty picky about my cocoa). I could see making up a batch and putting it in a cute tin as a nice (and useful) Christmas neighbor/friend gift. Hmmm....

ingredients:
1 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/4 cup sugar
6 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used semisweet chocolate chips)

**I MADE 1/2 OF THIS RECIPE**

directions:
1. In food processor, with knife blade attached, blend cocoa, sugar, chocolate, and 1/4 tsp. salt until almost smooth. Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature up to 6 months.

2. To make cocoa: For each serving, in a microwave-safe mug, mix 3 Tbsp. Cocoa Mix with 1 cup milk. Microwave on High 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until blended and hot, stirring once.

*Top with a dollop of whipped cream on top, or marshmallows.

Makes about 3 1/2 cups of mix.
18 servings.

variations:
*Mexican Spice
Prepare Cocoa Mix recipe as above, adding 2 tsp. ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper *cayenne) before blending in a processor.

*Vanilla Variation
Prepare Cocoa Mix recipe as above, adding half of a vanilla bean (pod and seeds) before blending in a processor.

A great tool for making hot cocoa...Mr. Coffee's "CocoMotion." It blend the cocoa so smoothly and makes it light and luscious. It retails for $10-$15 at places like Wal-Mart. I LOVE MINE. My brother and sister in-law got it for me 2 Christmases ago (they drew our name) and it was a great gift...packaged with mugs and cocoas.

For This Recipe & More Visit My Recipe Blog At:

http://www.SaraColoradoRecipeSpot.blogspot.com/