Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts

The Best Hot Cocoa. Ever.

November 28, 2010


Prior to my introduction of this product, I made my cocoa the old fashioned way:  Swiss Miss.  Little did I know what I was missing, until I met my husband who pretty much laughed at my prepackaged, individualized, chocolate powder with mini dehydrated marshmallows.  Now I know better, so I wanted to share my love my this chocolate treat with y'all.

Usually Abuelita can be found in the hot tea/coffee section or the Mexican food section of your local grocery store.  Each container of Abuelita contains about six of these paper-wrapped chocolate rounds:  I usually split mine in half because 1) it's easier to make half a batch of cocoa and 2) I don't feel quite as bad for consuming it all by myself. 


They're kind of hard, so cut them in half with a knife.  Bring 2 cups of milk to a boil and add half the chocolate to your pot.


Stir your cocoa until all of the chocolate is dissolved and your mixture is nice and warm.  Now get out your blender (this is KEY).  Pour the cocoa into the blender, until it's about half full.  


Grab a towel (that you don't mind getting dirty).  Hold the lid on with your towel and blend. (Liquid shouldn't come spewing out of the top, but during the blending, hot liquid will hit the lid of your blender and it's HOT- I may or may not speak from experience).

Here's the result:  Foamy, chocolate-y goodness.


Pour into your favorite mug. Add cinnamon and marshmallows.


Enjoy!

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Recipe: Italian Stew

October 18, 2010

I first discovered this stew last fall at Upper Crust Bakery in north Austin.  It's only served seasonally in the late fall and winter, but it's so good.  So when they stopped serving it, I tried to make it at home.  The basic ingredients:


  • mushrooms
  • fresh oregano
  • red potatoes (3-4)
  • red diced tomatoes (canned)
  • sausage (one link)
  • salt & pepper as needed
Remove eyes (or peel) and slice potatoes into quarters.  Bring one pot of water to a boil and add potatoes.  Boil until potatoes are soft.  Drain water and set aside.

    Slice up one sausage link into small pieces.  Heat skillet and brown sausage.


    Once sausage is browned, remove from pain and set aside.  (I place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease).

    Check to see if potatoes have cooled.  If they have, slice cooked potatoes into small pieces and set aside.


    Open can of diced tomatoes and bring to simmer on stove.  Dice one stem of oregano and add to tomatoes.


    Add potatoes, mushrooms, and sausage.  Simmer for 10-15 mins.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

    Enjoy!


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