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.

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.

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!