Cold "Hot" Chocolate

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
I've had this at a restaurant, always wanted to do it myself.

Chocolate syrup
- 1/2 c Cold Water
- 1/2 c Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tbs Sugar
- 1 oz Bittersweet Chocolate, 70%, Finely Chopped

For Each Serving
- 1/3 c Chocolate Syrup
- 2/3 c Cold Milk
- 2 Tbs Cordial Syrup ( Ex: Caramel, Butterscotch, or Irish Cream )
- Ice Cubes

1) In a small saucepan, mix cold water, cocoa powder and sugar. Heat until the cocoa and sugar are completely dissolved and the syrup starts to thicken. Take off the heat and whisk in the chopped chocolate. Cool.
2) For each serving (about 1 1/4 cup) of cold hot chocolate, place 1/3 cup of chocolate syrup, 2/3 cup cold milk, and 2 tablespoons (or to taste) of cordial syrup in blender or the mixing cup for the immersion blender. Blend well until frothy at the top.
3) Fill the serving glass with ice and pour the cold hot chocolate over the ice. Place in the freezer for 2-3 minutes to chill and let the foam set.

Notes:
• The bittersweet chocolate is optional and you can make the chocolate syrup with just the cocoa powder. The bittersweet chocolate does add the creaminess and more of the chocolate flavor to the drink.
• If you only want the chocolate flavor, skip the cordial syrup. You can also add another ounce of bittersweet chocolate.
• You can use other ingredients to add the flavors to the cold hot chocolate such as liqueurs or extracts. Just taste test to get the right amount of flavor (a splash of a liqueur or a drop or two of an extract should be enough).
• You can make homemade syrups. For example to make a caramel syrup: melt 1/2 cup sugar, stirring constantly until it turns into golden liquid, then slowly stir in a 1/2 cup of hot water and boil for a few minutes, stirring. Cool and store in the airtight container until ready to use.
• If you have leftover chocolate syrup, store it in an air tight container and use it later for another serving of cold hot chocolate.
• You can also make a larger quantity of the chocolate syrup and use it as a homemade chocolate syrup for ice cream sundaes and other desserts.

Testimonials: by D. Archer
I've never made this myself, but I fell in love with it and always wanted to do it. I found this recipe on a nice site 5 Star Foodie. The site has wonderful photos and tips, check it out.

Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Sinfully delicious!









- 2 Tbs Nutella
- 1/2 Tbs Butter ( I used Smart Balance )
- about 1/4 c Milk ( thin to desired consistency ) • ( Heavy Cream could be used )

1) In small sauce pan melt butter and Nutella, stirring frequently.
2) Once the butter and nutella have been blended together smoothly, add milk slowly stirring constantly.
3) Once the sauce has come together remove from heat, serve warm.

Testimonials:
by D. Archer
This dessert sauce is versatile and oh so good. It is for pure indulgence and decadence. We used it to top Vanilla Ice Cream. Could be used over a variety of things, pound cake, over an eclair, drizzled over fruit.

NOTES:
Don't know what Nutella is? It is quite similar to the very common peanut butter. However it is made with hazelnut and a touch of cocoa. A lovely, smooth, rich treat to spread over bread, english muffins, bagels, croissants, and the like.

Limeade Concentrate

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Nice to have on hand.

- 1 c Fresh, Strained Lime Juice
- 1 1/2 c Granulated Sugar
- 1 1/2 c Water

1) Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Cool.
2) Add lime juice, stir, then refrigerate or freeze.

To Make Limeade:
1 c Limeade Concentrate
2 c Water

This recipe was found on a truly wonderful site: One Perfect Bite . Please check it out, I find it just inspiring and wait 'til you see the photos of all the wonderful dishes! 

Watermelon Limeade

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
A must for this heat!

- 8 c Cubed Watermelon or 1 qt Watermelon Juice
- 1/2 c Sugar ( or to taste )
- 1 c Lime juice ( fresh is better when possible )
- Lime slices for garnish ( optional )

1) Place half of the watermelon cubes in blender and process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl; discard solids. Repeat with remaining watermelon.
2) Add lime juice and sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Taste and add sugar if needed.
3) Transfer limeade to a glass pitcher and refrigerate until chilled.
4) Serve over ice with lime slices as garnish.

This recipe was found on a truly wonderful site: One Perfect Bite . Please check it out, I find it just inspiring and wait 'til you see the photos of all the wonderful dishes! 

Watermelon Smoothie

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Sounds like a refreshing and new treat.


Modified slightly from the original recipe.
- 2 c Seeded Watermelon Chunks
- 1 c Cracked Ice
- 1/2 c Yogurt ( plain or vanilla would be best )
- 1 to 2 Tbs Sugar ( if sweetening is needed )
- 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
- A few Mint Leaves ( save a couple for optional garnish )
Optional:
 - 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
    ~ or ~
 - A few mint leaves blended in


1) Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
2) Garnish with mint. ( optional )

This recipe was found on a truly wonderful site: One Perfect Bite . Please check it out, I find it just inspiring and wait 'til you see the photos of all the wonderful dishes! 

Ice Cream In a Bag

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Super fast & easy, great for the kids!

- 1/2 c Milk
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 Tbs Sugar ( to taste )
- 6 Tbs Salt
- Ice
- Gallon sized freezer bag
- Quart sized freezer bag

1) In the quart sized freezer bag, fill with milk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Seal bag well.
2) In the gallon sized bag, add the ice and salt.
3) Place small bag into the larger bag and seal well.
4) Shake the bag for about 10 minutes. This is where having the kids play with their food is actually ok! The bag does get cold though so you may consider using a towel.

NOTE:
Do NOT double this recipe, it doesn't work too well. Just make separate servings. Each one makes about 1 scoop worth of ice cream.

Testimonials:
by D. Archer
This is fun to do, takes very little. BUT it does take arm power. Tossing the bag back and forth is a good way to make it easier and make the time pass quicker. It makes a sort of soft ice cream, but it is tasty.

Additionally, you can substitute cocoa powder for vanilla if you want a chocolate version. You could also add flavored extracts or syrups for different varieties. Lemon would work nicely for a refreshing version.

Chocolate Snowballs

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
This recipe is from Betty Crocker, sounds like one to try.

- 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
- 1/2 c Butter or Margarine, melted
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 c Gold Medal All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 c Unsweetened Baking Cocoa
- 1/2 c Finely Chopped Almonds
- 1 tsp Almond Extract
- 60 Hershey's Kisses milk chocolates, unwrapped
- 3/4 c Powdered Sugar


1) Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, egg, flour, cocoa, almonds and extract until soft dough forms.
2) Shape dough into sixty 3/4-inch balls; wrap each around 1 milk chocolate candy. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3) Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
4) Roll cookies in powered sugar. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Re-roll cookies in powdered sugar. Store tightly covered.

Tropical Iced Tea

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Refreshing, easy and summery tea.

- 4.5 c Water
- 4 cups Iced Tea
- 1 can ( 12 ounces ) frozen pineapple-orange juice concentrate - thawed
* Mint leaves for garnish

1) Mix all in a large pitcher, chill in the refrigerator.
2) Serve over ice, garnish with mint or small piece of pineapple on the edge of the glass.

Notes:
by D. Archer
I haven't tried this yet, but I mean to do it very soon. I bet this would also be nice with some fresh berries blended in. If you want more flavor, try adding a flavored iced tea, like raspberry or mango. Additionally, this would probably blend well with ice for a frozen drink ~OR~ blended with ice cream for a refreshing dessert style drink.

Cake Truffles ( AKA Cake Balls )

Recipe & Photos sent in by:
D. Archer

So deelish! They look elegant and are surprisingly luscious.










- 1 box Cake Mix ( flavor of your choice )
- Eggs ( number according to the instructions on the box )
- Vegetable Oil ( according to the instructions on the box )
- Water ( according to the instructions on the box )
- 2 C Frosting ( flavor of your choice )
- 1 ( 3 ounce ) Bar Chocolate Confectioners Coating ( I melted chocolate chips )


1) Make cake according to box. When cake is done, and still warm, crumble into large bowl.
2) Stir in the frosting until well blended.
3) Melt chocolate in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until melted and smooth.
4) Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the cake mixture.
5) Dip ( or drizzle ) the balls in the chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on wax paper to set.
* If desired, roll in nuts, coconut, chocolate chips, non-pareils ( sprinkles ), or drizzle white chocolate to decorate.

Testimonials:
by D. Archer
I made these last night, I really thought they'd be "okay".. but.. they were SO good, people are requesting them for gifts for friends! Highly recommend trying these yourself! I used Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and coated with Semi-sweet Chocolate. Photos to follow!

As promised, here are some pictures. I took some step by step shots to make sure everything was as clear as could be. Enjoy!

Cake & frosting mixture

Uncoated cake balls

Melted chocolate over a pan of simmering water

Just dipped

Again, just dipped and not yet cooled

Finished! Ready to enjoy!