Salted Chocolate Milk

I got this recipe from my May 2011 Food Network Magazine. They created this recipe in response to an episode of Modern Family where Manny wanted his chocolate milk with a pinch of salt in it. This afternoon i was craving chocolate milk and decided to try it. It was delicious!

1/2 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup Water
1/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Kosher Salt (I used fine sea salt)

Make the chocolate syrup:
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool completely.

Spoon about 2 1/2 Tablespoons of the chocolate syrup into the glass. Add 1 1/2 cups milk and agenerous pinch of salt. Stir until syrup and salt dissolve.

Groundhogs Day 2011

Eat your heart out 'Cupcake Wars'... I felt obligated to top last year's cupcakes so I went searching the internet for ideas and came up with this... -->

I made cupcakes using a box cake mix mixed with a can of pumpkin puree and a few tablespoons of water.

While they were cooling I unwrapped a package of Almond Joy candy bars. I found it easiest to use the end that did not have the nut. I used two dollops of white icing for the eyes, topped with a mini chocolate chip. If i could have found mini brown M&Ms at the store I would have been able to use them for the cheeks but they didnt have any SO i used the bottoms of regular chocolate chips (i cut the tips off). A little pink icing for a nose and more white icing made the teeth. The ears are also mini chocolate chips.

I cut a slit in the cupcake and pushed the Groundhog in. Then i iced it with "snow" aka white frosting and added crumbled chocolate graham crackers to simulate dirt.

It took me most of the evening to make them but they were a huge hit at work.

Blue Cheese Stuffed-Bacon Wrapped Dates

This may sound a little odd, but it is the ultimate combination of salty and sweet. Sadly, in my rush i didnt take any pictures but they are very easy to make, and only a little time consuming.

1-2 pkgs dried and pitted dates (depending on if you find them in the plastic container in the fresh organic section or in the vacuum packed bags in the baking isle)
1-2 packages bacon
1 container blue cheese crumbles.

Simply cut one side of the date open so it opens up. I find a fillet knife works fab for this. Press inside just enough blue cheese crumbles so that its full but you can still push the sides back together. Wrap and secure a 1/2 slice of bacon around the date and secure with a toothpick. (personally i like to bake my bacon for a short while first to cut down the cooking time, not so long that it starts to crisp but about 10 minutes at 400). You could either then bake them at 400 for about 15 minutes (use your best judgement, when the bacon looks done, they are done). Or you can refridgerate until your ready to bake them for your party.

Halloween Rats and Cheese

I made evil halloween rats with their cheese.. aka cookie dough shaped as rats and a cheese cake with holes.

Monkey Birthday Cake

I brought this cake to work for my birthday. Everyone thought it was so adorable, and thus no one wanted to be the first to cut into it.

St. Paddys Day Cupcakes

I wanted to make a festive "irish car bomb cupcake" that I had found a recipe for but I just didnt have the time this week. Instead i used the ever popular Funfetti mix with white icing and sprinkles. To top it off each one got a chocolate coin.

Happy Groundhog's Day

What is the best part about Groundhog's Day??? The cupcakes of course...

I simply made funfetti cupcakes using a box cake mix. Then topped with chocolate frosted and inserted the 'groundhog'. The Groundhog is a Nilla Wafer with almond slices frosted to the back of its head, and frosting eyes/nose.