Hotcha-Chocolate

As I was sitting here tonight "working" at my computer and thinking about my chilly toes, the thought came to me that I have not yet had a cup of hot chocolate this winter season. So guess what? I'm on my way to kitchen to remedy that little problem. Here's a recipe and a photo to inspire you... go make you some and get your warm on!

HOT COCOA MIX

5 cups non-fat dry milk powder

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup non-dairy creamer

Sift all ingredients together. Store in a jar or other container with a tightly-fitting lid. 

To prepare: place 4 tablespoons mix into a large mug. Add approximately 1 cup hot water and stir well. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired. Go to your favorite cozy corner of the sofa, grab a good book, put your feet up, relax, and enjoy!

Until next time...

Left-over Christmas Ham?

Here is a delicious way to use up some of that left-over Christmas ham... Steph and I have enjoyed a few of these sandwiches this week! I paired mine with a handful of roasted pecans on the side. Yummmmmm!

GRILLED HAM & CREAM CHEESE SANDWICHES

Approximately 1 cup Ham, finely diced

1/2 cup softened cream cheese

1/2 cup finely-grated cheddar-jack cheese

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon dry Italian Dressing Mix (such as Good Seasons)

1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sliced Bread
Butter (for grilling)

Sliced Tomatoes

Sliced Avocado

Shredded Lettuce

Combine first seven ingredients in a mixing bowl; stir until well-combined. Spread a small amount of ham mixture between two slices of bread. Heat butter in a large non-stick skillet. When pan is hot, place prepared sandwiches into pan and grill until golden brown on both sides, turning and adding more butter to the pan as needed. Remove from heat, add tomatoes, avocado and lettuce if desired. Slice sandwiches and serve warm.

I hope everyone is enjoying their week after Christmas! Only two more days until the new year!

Until next time...

J&D Reception Photos

Wow, what a wonderful Christmas weekend we have had! We've been thoroughly enjoying ourselves with good company, good food, gifts, restful times, beautiful music, and thankful thoughts of the birth of our Savior. Christmas is truly a blessed time of year.

So my friend Kim sent me some of the photos she took of J&D's reception from last weekend. Here's how the food buffet looked. I am so pleased with how everything turned out! Given the time of year the decor was slightly Christmas-y, but mostly just white, silver, soft, and lovely. Thanks again Kimmie for sharing these photos.

So are you hungry yet?

Until next time...

Just Getting Started...

Okay, here we are on my *new* food blog! As a home cook who just can't leave well enough alone, this blog will give me a place to share some of my favorite recipes and food-lovin' adventures. So here goes...

First of all, my new friends J&D became a forever family yesterday, and I was lucky enough to be asked to help out with the food. It was so fun, and I got to spend the day doing what I LOVE to do, which is cook and serve beautiful and delicious food to lovely people!

The menu from yesterday was a big hit. The reception was held in J&D's beautiful home and was a small friendly affair with approximately 30 guests, and the food was arranged buffet-style. Here's what I served:

Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Basil & Caramelized Onions

Smoked Turkey & Cranberry Roll-up Sandwiches

Herb-Grilled Chicken Skewers

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegetarian Pasta Salad with Almonds, Artichoke Hearts, Peas, & Tomatoes

Whole-Grain Parmesan Bread Sticks

Thanks to everyone for the compliments on the food and presentation, and I especially enjoyed getting to chat and catch up with some old friends! And Kim took some pictures of the buffet table so I hopefully will get one or two of those posted soon.

Until next time...