Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

When Clara was baby, Jimmy and I used to made hot chocolate with melted down Lindt Chili Chocolate bars and cream.

(That was totally, sickeningly, decadent and we don't really do that any more.)


Really, hot chocolate is not something I normally enjoy.

In general, I'm more of a coffee person.

(And now that I've talked you out of trying this...)

With the right person, just the right chilly night and the right book...I was persuaded to make a batch of mix for hot chocolate.

This hot chocolate mix is so simple and, I think, better than what you would find in a paper package or tin.

I found this recipe on Martha's site and added a couple handfuls of micro marshmallows.

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
(marthastewart.com)

3 1/2 C unsweetened cocoa
2 1/4 C sugar
1 Tbsp salt
some micro marshmallows (I buy these an Amish bulk food store called E&S in Indiana)
milk for serving

In a large bowl, stir together cocoa, sugar, and salt.  (I added my marshmallows here too.)
Store in a large mason jar or hinge top canning jar.

When you're ready for a cup, heat 1 cup milk in a small sauce pan (or in the microwave, if you have one) and stir in 1 Tbsp mix when the milk is steamy.

Baby Likes Green

Me being creepy with the VMix

Jibs Says, Green is Good!

Vita mix Love

Jibs is having a hard time waiting for his juice.

Im not sure how I got along without my Vita-Mix. About five years ago, my parents bought us the Vita-Mix for our anniversary present. Since then, we have made probably hundreds of different smoothies and juices in it. Somehow the favourites have usually been green. If you dont drink green juice, it may seem gross to you but it really is good. If the green comes from either spinach or kale, it really doesn't add any flavour to the juice. It does, however, add calcium, Vitamins A and C, potassium and iron.

I generally like pear in any juice because it adds sweetness. I also get bananas that are very ripe, cut them into chunks and throw them in a ziplock freezer bag. It's easy to take out a couple handfuls of them for your juices.

Here is what we do:

Baby Loves Green Juice

1C spinach

1C kale

1 banana (frozen and cut in chunks)

1 pear

1C yogurt (plain or vanilla)

1C water, Orange juice or milk

1T honey or maple syrup

Blend all ingredients in a Vita mix or powerful blender.

Rhubarb...Oh the possibilities

Rhubarb Lime Spritzer

Makes 6 drinks

• 3/4 pound rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup turbinado sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 36 ounces sparkling water or prosecco
• 6 lime wedges

1. Place the rhubarb, sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a medium saucepan. Cover and place over medium heat. Simmer until the rhubarb is soft enough to mash with the back of a spoon -- then mash it! Stir in the vanilla.

2. Pass the rhubarb mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible. You should have 3/4 cup syrup.

3. Fill 6 tumblers with ice. Add 2 tablespoons of syrup to each glass. Top with sparkling water (or prosecco). Squeeze a lime wedge into each glass. Give each drink a stir. Then toast to your thirst and happiness.