Healthier Hot Cocoa

If your children are anything like mine, the minute the weather gets frosty, they’re ready for steaming mugs of hot cocoa! Truth be told, I love this little wintertime ritual as much as they do, but I don’t feel great about the ingredient list in most hot cocoa mixes. It’s so easy to make a more natural version as a special treat – and here’s how! I’ve indicated that whipped cream is optional, but if you ask me what I really think, it’s absolutely mandatory.

 

Hot Cocoa

 

makes 1 serving

 

Ingredients:

1 cup 2% reduced fat milk

1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1 teaspoon stevia

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

light whipped cream (optional)

dash of cocoa powder (optional)

 

Directions:

1. Over medium heat in a small saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa, stevia, and vanilla. Mix together and heat, stirring until hot.

2. Pour into mug and top with whipped cream and cocoa powder, if desired.

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Easy Pear, Nut and Cheese Crostini

Holiday parties are in full swing this weekend, and if you’re searching for the perfect healthy holiday hors d’oeuvre, I have just the thing. While it still has the crunch and sweet/savory combination you’re craving, this is a simpler, more elegant bite that will be a welcome addition to any holiday fete. Pair this with a glass of champagne and toast to your culinary capability!

This recipe is versatile as well, so if you’re not crazy about Gorgonzola, you could use bleu cheese or goat cheese. If you don’t love pears, try apples and of course, choose your favorite nut for the perfect crunch.

 

Easy Pear, Nut and Cheese Crostini

makes: 10-12 servings

 

Ingredients:

1 baguette sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

4-ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola

2 medium pears, just ripe and thinly sliced

4 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

chives, for garnish

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

2. Combine cream cheese and crumbled cheese in a small bowl. Spread cheese mixture evenly on toasted bread slices. Top with a few pear slices. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with nuts.

4. Broil crostini for 1-2 minutes or until pears are tender and cheese is slightly melted. Garnish each piece with a teensy sprinkle of Gorgonzola and snips of chive. Serve immediately.

 

 

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Best Kitchen Gift Ideas 2012

Around this time of year, I start to get asked about my top gift picks for a well-equipped kitchen. And I must say, there are few things I love more than kitchen tools, so it’s a challenge for me to narrow down the list of must-haves! Nonetheless, I’ve given this some thought, made a list, and checked it twice. So without further ado, here are some of my favorite kitchen gift ideas for various gifting occasions.

 

THE REALLY BIG GIFT

A full set of All Clad Cookware

This is no run-of-the-mill gift, but if you’ve been extra good this year, here’s what you ask for! All Clad Cookware is my favorite brand; it’s virtually indestructible and it adds a little bit of luxury to your everyday life. These will last forever. Seriously.

 

THE BIG GIFT

A starter set of All Clad Cookware

You may notice a theme here; I’m a big fan of this top-notch stainless steel cookware. No more food stuck to sub-par pans.  This size set comes at a more accessible price point.

Wusthof knives

This excellent German set of knives will serve you for years and years and will make you actually look forward to chopping vegetables! Keep them sharp!

Cuisinart Food Processor

I still can’t believe I didn’t have a food processor until I got one as a wedding gift! A go-to gadget for so many recipes, this Cuisinart one is great.

 

HOSTESS GIFTS

Epicurean Cutting Board

Tie one of these up with a gorgeous bow and you’ll make your hostess’ night! This one is a good mid-size – they come smaller and larger than this; I have several that I use for different purposes.

Citrus juicer

Think of this as the centerpiece of as a fresh-squeezed juice kit! Drape a pretty kitchen towel inside a basket, fill it with oranges, lemons and/or limes, top off with the juicer, and add a big bow. Voila!

Nesting mixing bowls

I love that these are red. Add a box of gourmet pancake or muffin mix and a whisk and you have a breakfast kit!

 

STOCKING STUFFERS

Tongs with nonstick tips

You’ll be amazed by how many uses you find for these – I find that I use mine almost daily.

High-quality garlic press

Nothing makes short work of mincing garlic like a good quality press, and this one is my favorite.

 

So, what’s on your wish list?  Post it on my Facebook wall and join the conversation!

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