Addiction

I think it's probably pretty obvious by now that I have a serious addiction to chocolate. I mean, it's bad. You know something's not right when you'll willingly eat celery all day just because you know that means you can have a milkshake later. And out of the HUNDREDS of recipes I have on my computer, it's safe to say that over half are chocolate. What can I say? I'm in love.

Well, friends, even if you don't share my affinity for all things cocoa, I'm here to share with you a recipe that will make you addicted, too. Believe me. When I say this stuff is good, I ain't lyin'. You'll just keep going back for more. And the best part? So. Easy. I've had this at bridal showers, at home, and even my lovely future mother-in-law made it for our girl's night for Camp! Even then, I found girls who were originally hesitant hovering over the bowl waiting for seconds.

And I know that you'll see the recipe and think to yourself, "Self: why on earth is she posting a recipe with ice cream in it? Doesn't she know it's November?" Yes, yes I do. But you have to trust me on this one. We're friends, right? Answer: yes.

So here it is, y'all. Enjoy! This is a perfect recipe for dessert-time during the holidays!

Cappuccino Punch

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup instant coffee granules
  
• ½ cup sugar
  
• 1 cup boiling water
  
• 2 quarts milk (and for the love of Pete, don't use skim! You'll be fine. Promise.)
  
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
  
• 1 quart chocolate ice cream, softened

In a small bowl, combine the coffee granules and the sugar. Stir in the boiling water until the coffee mixture is dissolved. Then cover and refrigerate until chilled. No, seriously. You have to let it cool down. I know it’s hard, trust me, but it’ll be worth it.

Just before it’s go-time, pour the COOLED coffee mixture into a 1-quart punch bowl and stir in the milk. Then, add scoops of your ice cream and stir until melted.

Serve to family, friends, or yourself on the back porch while reading a good book. Be prepared to be bombarded with pleas for the recipe!

Beginnings and Indoor S'mores!

Listening to: "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap

Hello, all! So here it is...I caved and made a food blog! You'll have to bear with me on the times when I don't post pictures. I just have a point-and-shoot camera that doesn't produce the high quality pictures that I would like, so for now it might just be recipes sans pictures! You'll live. Promise.

My first recipe is a childhood favorite of mine. I would always bring it to elementary school on my birthday. I found it about a month ago and have made it a couple of times and it's always a hit! Give it a shot. You won't regret it.

[Picture from Not So Secret Family Recipes]

Indoor S'mores

Ingredients:

• 8 cups (13 oz box) Golden Grahams cereal
• 6 cups (10 oz bag) miniature marshmallows, divided: set one cup aside for later!
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 5 tablespoons butter or margarine (make sure to cut it up! It will melt better)
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat the 5 cups of marshmallows, chocolate chips (If you get the smaller, 8 oz I think, bags feel free to dump the whole thing in...a little more chocolate never hurt anyone!), butter, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan over low heat. Keep stirrin' until it's all smooth and melty. Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla extract.

2. Refrain from eating chocolate mixture with a spoon.

3. Refrain from eating chocolate mixture with your finger. Just speakin' from experience, here.

4. Pour the cereal into a large bowl. Make sure it's big enough that you can really stir it around.

5. Pour marshmallow mixture over cereal; stir until well coated. Stir in remaining marshmallows. You have two options for serving this tasty delight (I know, right? I'm just so generous). If you want to go traditional, press the mixture into greased 9x13 pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm then cut it into bars. If you want to get fancy, cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper and just dollop out some of the mixture into individual servings. Refrigerate until you can't stand it anymore and have to try one.

So there it is! Make it for your next event, pot luck, or rainy day and you're sure to be a celeb in no time.