A Little Bit of Heaven, I Mean Paris, In Arizona!

 I knew that when Adam and I went to Paris for our Anniversary that I would enjoy the yummy pastries and desserts, but I never expected to fall so deeply in love with sipping hot cocoa at a cafe while the rain fell around us.  When I came home one of the first things that I attempted was purchasing French Hot Cocoa mix.  I learned that not only is there  not a lot of stuff like that out there (mostly machines), but their aren't many recipes either...  My new mission had become finding a recipe that would help me get by until I was in Paris once again.

After doing a lot of googling and experimenting with what others had come up with I have to say that this is pretty close!  I can't provide the amazing atmosphere, but I can get you close to the taste!  

Tips: 

* The darker the better!!  I don't suggest using anything lighter than 70% Cocoa.

* My husband enjoys adding a TBSP of Heavy Cream to his batch of hot chocolate.

* When you get a cup of Hot Cocoa in France it comes with sugar cubes. You can always add, but taste the richness of the chocolate first.  

*You don't have to use the blender if you don't want the froth, but the cocoa powder looks really cool on the froth!!

BIG PLUS...

We are told all the time that Dark Chocolate not Milk Chocolate is good for us.  People have even said the darker the better...I could never enjoy a 90% cocoa bar, but drinking it as Hot Chocolate is truly amazing.  Now I get to say that Hot Cocoa is a health drink :)

Enjoy!!!!

Can Dinner Be This Easy & Kid Friendly

We are BIG sports fans!  I was trying to create an easy dinner yesterday that could be eaten while watching Thursday night football.  I wanted it to be healthy and appealing to my little ones.  Usually they love anything they can dip chips into so I created a dip based on the chicken and salsa dinner that I have posted before.  Using a crock pot is always a plus too! 

Tips:

* You can always use store bought salsa that you enjoy.

* Heat can always be added but it is hard to take away.  If your family isn't keen on spices maybe back off on the green chili or serve it on the side.

* Dips are usually thick, but if you want it to be looser add more sour cream or salsa.

101 Different Varieties

 There truly are a lot of ways to make granola.  Tonight I was playing on the idea of peanut butter and honey sandwiches.  I have been asked about substitutions for coconut oil and if you have an allergy canola oil would work just as well.  I like using the coconut oil for the added level of flavor (it is healthy too though)!   Obviously if your family isn't gluten free you can use any type of oats for this recipe as well.  I use organic peanut butter and the same holds true for that as well.  Use what you have in your home!!

 I enjoy parchment paper a lot.  I enjoy the less dishes to be washed thing, but also the double use of a funnel when the granola is done cooking. (see below photos)

Granola can not only be made many different ways, it can be eaten a few different ways as well.  Tonight dinner was warm granola right out of the oven topped with almond milk.  Tomorrow when I am making lunches I will place the granola into little containers for the kids to eat as a snack.  The final and I am sure most healthy way is as an ice cream topping!!  I am really of fan :)  I am sure that I will be adding to my granola collection so if this isn't up your alley make a request :)