Thursday, January 18, 2007

Betty Crocker Wannabe


So, I've been on a cooking kick lately. It felt like I was making the same dishes over and over and it was getting old. I've decided I want to try a new recipe each week to broaden my epicurean horizons. So far, I've tried Martha's mac & cheese and homemade marshmallows (not together), barley soup, and, our new favorite, Starbuck's hot chocolate*. I've also made Stratton-fam staples caramel brownies and dutch babies. Do you have any favorite recipes you'd like to share?

*Here's the recipe, in case you're interested:
1/4 cup water
2 T. cocoa
2 T. sugar
1 1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine water, cocoa & sugar in 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well to create chocolate syrup.

Add milk to the mixture (I also add 4 starlight mints for peppermint hot chocolate) and microwave for 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract (and fish out the leftover peppermint) and pour into a 16-oz. mug. Serve with whipped cream (and crushed peppermint pieces).

9 comments:

undefined said...

Hm ... let me dig around a little and I'll send you some recipes via email. I think I've got one or two worthwhile ones up my sleeve.

mandy said...

Thank you, thank you, Emily!! I need new recipes!

Anonymous said...

Pasta Melissa is always a favorite....I'll send it right over!! And don't forget a Brookie fav, Malaskas (or Molasses cookies as others know them)

Anonymous said...

I went to Sonic and got hot chocolate last night. I so want some of yours instead. Sonic=gross.

Matt said...

This hot chocolate is especially good while watching episodes of 24!

Anonymous said...

I about died when I just read your post on cooking! How funny that we both posted on cooking within the past week! Love it!

mandy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mandy said...

You should definitely all try making the hot chocolate -- it's super easy and so good. I make it all the time now. They even had peppermint flavored spray whipped cream, which is a nice extra treat. {For you Strattons, it's just as good directly out of the can!}

Carina said...

I would recommend picking up a copy of New Basics by Rosso and Lukins. You can find used copies for a couple bucks. It's the next step beyond BC, but you couldn't find a more preperatory cookbook. There are basic dishes but also a ton of more interesting varieties. Some of my most raved-about dishes have their origins in this book.