There is a difference between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa. Hot Chocolate is made with real chocolate that has been shaved and then melted into the milk. Hot Cocoa is made with Cocoa powder. Both are very enjoyable! If you have never tried "Hot Chocolate" stop by any Williams Sonoma this season. They are usually setting out samples of Hot Chocolate to try.
If you want to make Hot Cocoa there is trick that will make it easier. First make sure you have a quality Cocoa Powder. Most recipes will have a pinch of salt. Mix the Sugar, Salt and Cocoa Powder together and then add a small amount of hot water to make a paste. When you do this is much easier to add the hot milk and have a smooth blended drink.
Stay Warm!!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Food Safety
Someone asked me how long they should keep the turkey from Thanksgiving. Here is what several food safety experts say.
1. No longer than three days - it is best to cut the meat from the carcase and either freeze or use it within 3 days. Every time you take the bird out to slice some more meat, the bird warms a bit. So you are giving Bactria an opportunity to grow.
2. Dressing/Stuffing = two day max. After that freeze or toss. Do not keep dressing anywhere but the fridge. Also - do not add to the dressing. That can introduce new bacteria to the dressing. BAD IDEA!
3. Fresh Cranberries can be frozen. Cranberry Sauce can be kept for up to five days.
So be careful - it is easy to forget what to do.
1. No longer than three days - it is best to cut the meat from the carcase and either freeze or use it within 3 days. Every time you take the bird out to slice some more meat, the bird warms a bit. So you are giving Bactria an opportunity to grow.
2. Dressing/Stuffing = two day max. After that freeze or toss. Do not keep dressing anywhere but the fridge. Also - do not add to the dressing. That can introduce new bacteria to the dressing. BAD IDEA!
3. Fresh Cranberries can be frozen. Cranberry Sauce can be kept for up to five days.
So be careful - it is easy to forget what to do.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Christmas Breakfast
The Holidays present some challenges for menus. Most families with young children get up early to open presents. So what do you prepare for a chaotic morning? Some ideas include the usual pancakes and waffles. Or you could have some Cinnamon Rolls or even a coffee cake to tide everyone over until lunch or dinner. For those who don't have young ones try a Fritatta or a Strata. Easy to do and you can use almost anything in them.
A Strata is basically a savor bread pudding. You can use meats like sausage or ham or chicken sausage in them there are several great recipes on line for these. The best part is that you make them the night before and pop them in the fridge. Then when you get up they go in the oven.
My cookbook has a great recipe for Cinnamon rolls too.
So what do you do?
A Strata is basically a savor bread pudding. You can use meats like sausage or ham or chicken sausage in them there are several great recipes on line for these. The best part is that you make them the night before and pop them in the fridge. Then when you get up they go in the oven.
My cookbook has a great recipe for Cinnamon rolls too.
So what do you do?
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