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    Red Party Punch

    ha scritto per te

    This kid-friendly Red Party Punch will be a staple in your recipe box for birthdays, showers, and all kinds of holidays. Lime sherbet added at the end creates a sweet frothy topping.

    This is one of those old school recipes that gets a lot of love at our house around the holidays. The bright red color is perfect for Christmas. But it’s not limited to any holiday or event. Chances are, you’ve probably had a version of it at a birthday party or a shower. It’s kid-friendly. Although you can change that very easily if you’re looking for a sweet, spiked drink for New Year’s Eve. Everyone needs a recipe for Red Party Punch, if you ask me. It is unsophisticated by design, but what it lacks in refinement it makes up for in vibrant, happy color and fruity sweetness. It’s like a cup of hummingbird nectar for people.

    Key ingredients.
    Crack open a large can of pineapple juice, along with packets of strawberry Kool-Aid and a 2-liter of ginger ale. These ingredients, along with cold water and granulated sugar make up the red punch.

    Room to grow.
    Stir the ingredients together in a large punch bowl or large container that has a wide mouth. You need something that has wide surface area for the sherbet to spread out and foam. The sherbet foam will grow outward and upward – it’s fun to watch!

    Place scoops of sherbet in the punch then top it all off with a touch more ginger ale. The addition of ginger ale will make the sherbet foam and grow a beautiful frothy layer that tastes like dessert!

    See what I mean about the surface area? Look at all that beautiful sherbet foam. This red party punch is fun to serve in small punch cups with a heaping topping of froth.

    The flavor of this punch is similar to Hawaiian Punch, except with a fun carbonated fizz. And with an extra dollop of sweetness on top. You can use your choice of Kool Aid flavor for this punch, but I think Strawberry tastes best and gives the brightest red color.
    If you’re looking for other nonalcoholic punch recipes, check out my Mocha Party Punch. It’s creamy like a milkshake, although quite caffeinated.
    Adorable North Pole City frosted glasses by Catstudio, who creates all kinds of geography-inspired products.

    Red Party Punch

    Heather Baird

    This kid-friendly red party punch is great for birthday parties, showers, and holidays. We love making it at Christmastime because of its festive red color. See the recipe notes for variations and suggestions for serving it as a mixed drink with champagne.

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    Prep Time 10 minsTotal Time 10 mins

    Course Dessert, DrinksCuisine American

    Servings 25

    Equipmentlarge punch bowl
    Ingredients  1 1/2 cups granulated sugar2 packets strawberry Kool-Aid unsweetened drink mix 0.13 oz. each4 cups water46 oz. pineapple juice not from concentrate 1 large can2 liters ginger ale1 quart lime sherbet frozen dessert softened
    Instructions In a large punch bowl, combine the sugar and powdered drink mix. Add the water and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the punch base is consistently bright red.Stir in the pineapple juice. Add in half of the ginger ale. Stir briefly.Place scoops of sherbet on top of the punch. Pour the remaining ginger ale over the sherbet. Give the mixture a brief stir and let the sherbet foam rise naturally.Serve this sweet dessert punch in small 4 oz. punch cups, topped with some of the frothy foam.
    NotesVariations:
    Any flavor of Kool-Aid can be used, but I think Strawberry tastes best and gives the brightest red hue. Cherry would also make a fine red punch.
    Swap the lime sherbet for pineapple or orange – your choice! Lime is pretty for Christmas, but all flavors seem to dissolve into a pink foamy head on top of the punch.
    The foam will dissipate as you dip servings from the punch bowl. Expect this. It’s just the nature of sherbet-topped punch.
    This recipe doubles well to serve 50 people.
    Swap the ginger ale for an equal amount of champagne or prosecco for a toast-worthy New Year’s Eve drink.

    Keyword Ginger ale, lime sherbet, pineapple juice, Strawberry Kool-Aid

    You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

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    • in Recipes

      Homemade Cherry Liqueur

      ha scritto per te

      This Homemade Cherry Liqueur infuses quickly and makes a wonderful homespun holiday gift. Use it in cake and pastry recipes to impart cherry flavor, or stock it in your bar for cocktails.

      Here’s something easy and satisfying to make. And if you start infusing right now, it will be ready just in time for holiday gifting. Homemade cherry liqueur is something I keep on hand. Not so much for drinking, although it is sweet and tasty stuff, I tell ya. I love using it to impart cherry flavor in cakes an pastries. There are so many classic bakes that call for cherry liqueur, such as cherries jubilee, clafoutis, and my favorite – Black Forest cake.

      Start with two big mason jars (quart jars are ideal) and divide a large bottle of vodka (1 liter) between them. Add in two cups of cherries per jar. I like using dark frozen cherries, thawed, because they are frozen at peak ripeness and I don’t have to pit 492 cherries. Also because two 16 oz. bags does the trick.

      Sweeten the pot!
      Pour in some granulated sugar, lid the jars and give them a shake. The sugar here is variable, but if you’re a cake maker like I am, then I recommend using the full amount. This makes a great stand-in for Kirshwasser in my favorite Christmassy Black Forest Dome Cake.

      Steep the cherries for at least a month, but longer is better. Aim for about 2 months. Store the jars in a cabinet or dark place and shake them occasionally. The sugar will completely dissolve over time. These jars are two months old. When you deem them ready, strain out the liqueur. (And save the cherries! More on that later.)

      Pick up some pretty bottles if you plan to gift the liqueur. Using these 8.5oz. stopper bottles you’ll get four gifts. Seal them up and they’ll keep indefinitely!

      Now. What to do with those leftover cherries? Transfer them all into one large quart jar and top off with rum. (Or bourbon. Or your favorite spirit!) Now your bar is well stocked with cocktail cherries. You could also divvy these up into jars for gifts. Just make sure the cherries are completely submerged in the spirit of your choice so they’ll keep very well preserved.

      I found these (free!) printable cherry liqueur labels online, so I printed some off on a sheet of self-adhesive paper and cut them out. You can find them here. If you’re gifting, a pretty velvet ribbon makes a nice presentation.

      The cherry liqueur will be deep red, and I think the green velvet ribbon dresses them for the holidays. If you’re not a cherry fan, then I have good news! You can use nearly any fruit in place of the cherries. Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and peaches are all great choices for infusing. See the recipe notes for more tips!

      Homemade Cherry Liqueur

      Heather Baird

      Homemade cherry liqueur infuses quickly and has a variety of uses. I use it to flavor cakes and pastries, but it’s also great for cocktails. It makes a wonderful holiday gift for the amateur mixologist in your life, or give it as a hostess gift.

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      Prep Time 10 mins1-2 months to infuse 30 dTotal Time 30 d 10 mins

      Course DrinksCuisine American

      Servings 4 bottles, 8.5 oz. each

      Equipment32 oz. (quart) canning jars with lids (2)8.5 oz. liqueur bottles (4)
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1 large bottle vodka 1.75 liter, about 4 cups4 cups frozen dark pitted cherries thawed, 32 oz. bag2 cups granulated sugar
      Instructions Divide the bottle of vodka evenly between the two large canning jars (slightly more than 2 cups per jar). Add two cups of cherries to each jar. Add 1 cup of sugar to each jar. Screw the lids on tightly and give them a good shake. Keep the jars in a cupboard or other dark place for at least 1 month. During this time, shake the jars at least twice a week, or whenever you think about it. The sugar will fully dissolve. The vodka will be flavored at 1 month, but longer will result in deeper flavor and color.When the liqueur is steeped, strain a jar of liqueur into a large glass measure with a pour spout. Decant the liqueur into two sterilized 8.5 oz. bottles with tight fitting lids. Repeat the process with the second jar.Pack all of the cherries into one of the quart jars and top off with rum, bourbon, or brandy. Keep for cocktail cherries. You can also divide these into small jars for gifts (perfect for the old-fashioned cocktail fan in your life!).Store bottles of liqueur and cherries in a cool dry place, such as a cabinet or pantry.
      Notes
      Use your favorite fruit in place of the cherries in this recipe. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and peaches are all good choices to infuse.
      Frozen fruit, thawed, is easy to use in this recipe and yields excellent results, but you can also use fresh fruit. Frozen fruit is usually sold in 16 oz. bags. Pick up two bags for this, or one 32 oz. bag. 
      Infuse for at least one month for best flavor. Some people steep this only for a week, but when I tested this recipe over time it was flavorful at 1 month, and even better at 2 months. 
      Adjust the sugar content to your taste. I always use the full amount because it takes the edge off the tartness of the cherries. Also because it lends itself well to sweet applications, such as flavoring cakes and pastries.
      Cherry liqueur will keep indefinitely. Store it in a cool dry place, like you would any spirit. 
      Use the liqueur to make simple syrups for cakes, or brush it directly on for tart cherry flavor. Use it in most any recipe that calls for kirshwasser. Mix it into cocktails. Give it as a fine hostess gift. 

       
      What to expect:
      This recipe yields a sweet, slightly tart liqueur that’s smoothness depends on the quality of vodka you use. I use and recommend Smirnoff.
       

      Keyword frozen dark cherries, granulated sugar, vodka

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea

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      Ice cold, brimming with coconut flavor and eye-popping color, this Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea is summer’s best refresher!

      I’ve been so eager to try butterfly pea flower tea for months now, but I didn’t know where to start. I’ve seen it used by pastry chefs in cakes and mousses with beautiful (naturally blue!) results. However, since I’m a butterfly pea flower tea newbie, I started with its intended purpose. Which is herbal tea. Paired with sweet coconut milk and boba (bubble) tea pearls, it makes a lovely sippable dessert.

      A magic ingredient.
      The butterfly pea flower plant is native to most South East Asian countries, but has only recently been introduced outside its natural territory. You won’t find it at the grocery store (but I hear Whole Foods is trying to procure some). Instead you’ll have to purchase it online.  Aside from being used for tea or as a food ingredient, it’s been used as a popular plant dye for centuries. One of the neatest things about the tea is its color-changing properties. In its brewed state it is vibrant blue. Change the pH level with a little lemon juice and it turns bright purple!  

      Wow! SO pretty. The brewed tea has a slightly wheat-y flavor that I think has the aroma of whole grain cereal. Other people have described it as earthy and grassy, but it’s not as assertive as, say, matcha green tea (which is my measuring stick for ‘earthy and grassy’). It’s so light, and hides itself behind other bolder flavors easily.

      Bubble love.
      You may remember my first boba tea post (here) from years ago. For those uninitiated, “Bubble tea” or boba originated in Taiwan in the 1980’s. It first came to the states through Asian American communities. Now boba enthusiasts are everywhere! (Including right here, hi!). Reportedly, boba tea shops are in the midst of a boba shortage due to supply chain issues, but smaller packages seem to still be available for purchase online. However, if your local bubble tea shop is experiencing a shortage, you can still support them by purchasing their other menu items. It’s the least we can do to keep these shops alive and well!
      So. The very first order of business is cooking up some boba. You can usually find a small bag at international markets and online. This is the kind I used, which cooks quickly. Use the 5-minute variety for this recipe.

      Next, brew up the tea. Let it stand for about 10 minutes. It will go through several beautiful color intensities as it steeps. You’ll know it’s ready when the color is deep sapphire blue.

      Strain the flowers out and press with the back of a spoon to remove as much liquid as possible. Let it cool down before you use it.

      Next – the sweetest part! Combine coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk in a glass measure. Whisk together until no lumps of coconut milk solids remain.

      The serving size of this recipe is variable depending on your glass size. Poured in 12 oz. glasses you’ll get about 5 servings. Layer in as much boba as you’d like (I like a lot!) and fill each glass about 1/3 of the way up with the milk mixture. Fill up the glass to the top with crushed ice.

      Tea time!
      Pour in the steeped tea to the top of the glass. The milk and tea will slightly swirl and intermingle but they’ll stay mostly separated because the sweetened milk mixture is heavier than the tea. They’ll stay beautifully semi-swirled until you decide it’s time to mix it all up!

      This drink is sweet and creamy with refreshing coconut flavor. The soft, chewy tapioca pearls make this half beverage, half snack. The butterfly pea flower tea is present more in color than flavor, but it’s more than just a novelty to me. It’s a whole new sandbox to play in! The color is so beautiful, it reminds me of ocean water and I just want to dive into it head-first. And I pretty much did just that (yum!)!

      Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea

      Heather Baird

      This beverage is like a cool breeze on a hot day! So refreshing and more than just a drink – it’s sippable dessert.
      This recipe will yield about 5 servings if portioned into 12 oz. glasses. Simple syrup, butterfly pea flower tea, and sweet coconut cream can all be made one day ahead and chilled, if desired. Boba pearls are best eaten the same day they are made.

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      Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 7 minsTotal Time 27 mins

      Course Dessert, DrinksCuisine South East Asia, Taiwainese

      Servings 5

      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Simple syrup1 cup sugar1 cup water1 teaspoon coconut extractBoba10 cups water1 package 8.8 oz. dried boba tapioca pearls quick cooking 5-minute typeButterfly pea flower tea1 cup dried butterfly pea flower buds2 cups boiling waterSweet coconut cream1 can coconut milk well shaken2/3 cup sweetened condensed milkCrushed ice for serving
      Instructions Simple syrupMake the simple syrup: Combine the water and sugar in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes at 100% power. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. If granules remain, heat at full power in 1-minute intervals thereafter until the sugar is melted. Stir in the coconut extract. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator to cool. If you don’t have a microwave, the simple syrup can be made in a saucepan on the stove top.BobaBring the water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add the boba and cook for 7 minutes, stirring gently until the pearls float to the surface of the water. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 3 more minutes. Remove the pot from the heat source and let it stand for 5 minutes. Drain the boba with a colander, and rinse them in cool water for 20 seconds. Remove the simple syrup from the refrigerator and transfer the boba to the simple syrup. Let stand until completely cool, about 1 hour. Or, speed cooling in the refrigerator, about 30 minutes.Butterfly pea flower teaPlace the buds in a large glass bowl or container and pour over the boiling water. Stir the buds around and then let steep uncovered for 10-15 minutes. When the liquid is deep sapphire blue, strain out the buds using a sieve and transfer the tea to the refrigerator to cool.Sweet coconut creamCombine the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk in a large glass measure. Whisk until completely smooth.AssemblePut as little or as much boba as you like in the bottom of a 12-ounce glass (I used about 1/4 cup per glass). Pour sweet coconut cream about 1/3 of the way up the glass. Add crushed ice and fill to the top. Pour the butterfly pea flower tea over the ice to fill to the top of the glass. Serve immediately with bubble tea straws or with spoons. Stir together before enjoying. Assemble more glasses as needed. Store the boba tea in its syrup in the refrigerator. Also store the coconut cream and butterfly pea flower in the refrigerator until ready to use.
      NotesI cook the boba slightly longer than the package directions. This seems to keep them softer a little longer.
      Boba pearls are best fresh. Leftover boba should be tossed at the end of the day.

      Keyword boba tea, bubble tea, butterfly pea flower tea, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, tapioca pearls

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Aperol Creamsicle Ice Pops

      ha scritto per te

      These ice pops are made with Aperol, the intensely orange Italian liqueur that packs a bittersweet punch. A touch of vanilla syrup transforms the intensity with a creamy note reminiscent of an orange creamsicle.

      It’s almost like a switch was flipped that turned on the heat and humidity here in the southeast. Last Sunday I hosted a family get-together outside, and we enjoyed the prettiest blue skies with puffy clouds and a cool breeze. My mom mentioned she should have brought a cardigan. However, today we had 90 degree weather and it felt like a shock. Wilted from a walk across the lawn, I dreamed up these Aperol Creamsicle Ice Pops. They are too easy, just four ingredients, so you can make them on your laziest day.

      Aperol is an Italian liqueur with low alcohol content and a nuanced bittersweet orange flavor. It’s so refreshing! The first thing you’ll do to make these ice pops, is make a sugar syrup. I did this in the microwave, but you can also make it in a pot on the stove top. When the sugar is dissolved, mix in some vanilla beverage syrup such as Amoretti or Torani. This is what brings the creamsicle flavor forward (and I DO love a creamsicle dessert riff). Next, add in the Aperol. Mix it all up, and you’re halfway there!

      Forgo the popsicle stick!
      Use these zip top popsicle pouches for a bit of nostalgia – you’re practically making a highbrow popsicle here (fancy meets fun!). Funnel the mixture into pouches. If you stand the popsicle inside a glass, it will catch dribbles if they happen.

      Easy peasy, almost ready to freezy! Zip the top closed and continue filling the pouches. This recipe makes about 6-7 ice pops.

      I like to squeeze the tubes gently to make sure the zip-tops are well sealed before I pop them in the freezer. This is important if you lay them down on their sides in the freezer. Or you can freeze them upright in a container, like the picture above.

      They are so delicious as-is, but you can also use one as a frosty cocktail starter!

      Top with champagne, prosecco or ginger ale. Instant umbrella drink!

      These are simple to make ahead and the perfect treat to serve on a hot day. They’d be great for a pool party or a fun ending to an intimate dinner party with friends.

      Aperol Creamsicle Ice Pops

      This is no ordinary creamsicle! These ice pops are made with Aperol, the intensely orange Italian liqueur that packs a bittersweet punch. A touch of vanilla syrup transforms the intensity with a creamy note reminiscent of an orange creamsicle. See the recipe notes for a non-alcoholic version.

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      Prep Time 10 minsCook Time 2 mins4 hours freeze time 4 hrsTotal Time 12 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American

      Servings 6

      Equipment6 ice pop pouches with zip topsSmall funnel
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1/4 cup granulated sugar1 1/2 cups water1/3 cup vanilla beverage syrup such as Torani or Amoretti1 cup Aperol liqueur
      Instructions Combine the sugar and water In a 4 cup or larger glass heat-proof measure with a pour spout. Stir briefly. Microwave for 2 minutes at 100% power; stir until the sugar dissolves. (Alternatively heat in a saucepan on the stove top). Stir well.Pour in the vanilla syrup and stir well. Allow the mixture to cool 5 minutes. Pour in the Aperol. Mix well to combine.Insert the funnel into an ice pop pouch and fill with the liquid; seal the zip top closure. Divide mixture between the 6 ice pop pouches. Lay filled pouches on a baking tray and freeze until solid, 4 to 6 hours.Serve frozen.
      NotesA non-alcoholic version can by made by simmering the Aperol for 10 minutes. This cooks out the alcohol content.
      Create a frosty beverage by placing the frozen ice pop contents in a cocktail class and top with champagne, prosecco, or ginger ale.

      Keyword Aperol, granulated sugar, vanilla beverage syrup

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Peanut Butter Cup Hot Cocoa Bombs

      ha scritto per te

      Stir up the delicious flavors of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in a mug of hot cocoa. Hot cocoa bombs are spheres of chocolate that hold instant hot cocoa inside. Simply drop one into a large mug and add hot water or milk to enjoy.

      At long last, I’ve joined the hot cocoa bomb craze! I’ve been wanting to make my own version ever since they became popular last year, but I couldn’t settle on a theme or a flavor. I wanted something that was different and fun, and this year inspiration finally struck. 

      It’s hard to beat the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter together, so I altered my favorite scratch-made instant hot cocoa recipe with the addition of Reese’s peanut butter chips.

      I had considered several options for imparting peanut butter flavor, such as peanut butter powder, but the best option was right in my pantry – peanut butter chips. They melt easily and impart the right amount of flavor without thickening the hot cocoa. 

      You’ll need a food processor for this recipe, because the peanut butter chips should be ground fine. The finer the pieces, the more easily they melt.

      A mold is required to make the chocolate spheres which hold all the good stuff inside. I found this 2-pack for less than $10, which worked perfectly and makes 12 spheres in one go. Use a pastry brush to coat the molds with melted semisweet chips, then freeze. From their frozen state, they unmold smoothly from the silicone mold.

      The edges of the chocolate half spheres can be neatened by pressing the edges to a nonstick pan set over medium-low heat. Hold it in place for less than 1 second, because melting happens fast! Fill half of the spheres with the cocoa mix, more peanut butter chips, and – yes – a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup. It makes the cocoa so decadent!

      You’ll close the bomb in the same way the edges were smoothed – by placing a half sphere on a hot nonstick pan just long enough to melt the edges. Immediately top a filled half-sphere with it to close and complete the bomb. I added a peanut butter drizzle on their exteriors which could be optional but I love how it looks (and tastes!).

      After making a batch of these, I definitely understand the fascination and trend. They are fairly easy to make, so fun to assemble, interactive, and you can really get creative with flavors. They also look beautiful tied up in a cellophane bag with pretty ribbon, which makes a sweet gift for any occasion.

      Mixing instructions are included at the end of the recipe. Be sure to stir well. Some of the peanut butter from the mini Reese’s cup will lie at the bottom of the mug for a final, sweet hit of peanut butter cup flavor – enjoy!

      [click to print]
      Peanut Butter Cup Hot Cocoa Bombs
      Instructions for molding 6 bombsYou’ll have lots of leftover instant hot cocoa mix after molding six bombs. It can be sealed air-tight and stored for up to 6 months. Or, you can repeat the hot cocoa bomb shell recipe until all of the instant hot cocoa is used.Instant Peanut Butter Cup Hot Cocoa Mix
      Yields about 5 1/2 cups of dry mix
      10 oz. (1 bag) Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
      1 cup (114g) confectioners’ sugar
      1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa
      1 cup (120g) nonfat dry milk powder
      1 1/2 cups (135g) malted milk powder
      2 teaspoons cornstarch
      1 teaspoon saltShell and bomb ingredients (for 6 cocoa bombs)
      2 cups (12 oz. or 1 bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
      Instant peanut butter cup hot cocoa mix (from recipe above)
      1/2 cup (3 oz.) peanut butter chips
      6 mini-Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrappedPeanut butter drizzle
      1/4 cup Reese’s peanut butter chips
      1 teaspoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)Make the instant hot cocoa mix
      Place peanut butter chips in a food processor and pulse until chips are finely chopped. Sift the sugar, cocoa, milk powders, cornstarch and salt ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Add this mixture to the food processor with the chopped chips and pulse until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and peanut butter chip fragments are coated.
      Transfer to a large air-tight container or hermetic jar to store. Stored air-tight at room temperature, this mix will keep for 6 months.Mold the hot cocoa bombs
      Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals, stirring together with a silicone spatula until all chips are thoroughly melted. Dollop out a large tablespoon portion of melted chocolate into the cavities of a silicone sphere candy mold. Spread the chocolate evenly in a layer around the inside of each cavity, all the way to the top, with a pastry brush. When cavities are all filled, place the mold on a small baking sheet to keep them rigid, and place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.To unmold, remove a mold from freezer and carefully pop out six sphere halves immediately before filling. In a nonstick skillet on medium-low heat, place half sphere flat side down on skillet surface for about 1 second, and remove immediately to clean up edges.Lay each sphere half open side-up on a tray or baking sheet. Scoop 3 tablespoons of cocoa filling into three of the halves. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter chips and 1 mini peanut butter cup to each of the three filled halves.Remove the other six sphere halves from the freezer. With the filled half-spheres close by, place each newly unmolded half sphere on a heated nonstick skillet (as before) to melt edge; immediately top a filled sphere to close and complete the bomb. Run your finger around the edges of the sphere where the two halves meet to remove any excess melted chocolate, and to neaten the join. Repeat with remaining half spheres. Let stand until set, about 10 minutes.For the drizzle
      Place the hot cocoa bombs on a baking sheet. Combine the peanut butter chips and oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals until the mixture can be stirred smooth. It should be a little runny and pourable. Transfer the mixture to a zip-top bag with a tiny hole in the corner snipped. Drizzle over hot cocoa bombs. Let stand until set, about 15 minutes.Mixing instructions
      Place a hot cocoa bomb in a large mug. Pour about 11 oz. of hot water or hot milk over the bomb in the mug and stir well to dissolve.

      link Peanut Butter Cup Hot Cocoa Bombs By Heather Baird Published: Friday, February 12, 2021Friday, February 12, 2021Peanut Butter Cup Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Instant Malted Hot Cocoa Mix

      ha scritto per te

      This instant hot cocoa mix is rich and creamy with a heaping helping of malted milk powder. Chopped malted milk balls melt as you stir this hand-warming drink, which adds even more malt flavor! Just add hot water for instant gratification.

      This has been my favorite warm beverage for the past two months. I’ve made instant hot cocoa before, but this malted milk version is my favorite of them all. It’s made with both dry nonfat milk powder and malted milk powder, which, with all its other awesome ingredients, stirs up with just hot water and makes a very creamy cup of cocoa.  It’s too good not to share, so dig out your mason jars or upcycled jam jars! This recipe makes plenty to pass around.

      The most work you’ll do is gathering the ingredients and chopping the malted milk balls. It’s an easy-peasy homespun gift, and with more cold weather on the way, I’m sure it will be much appreciated by any deserving person on your gift list.

      A few marshmallows on top is always a good idea!

      A jar of this mix looks extra-sweet with a mini whisk tied to its lid (you can find them here) and it’s super efficient at stirring up single servings.

      Instant Malted Milk Hot Cocoa
      [Click for Printable Version]
      Yields about 5 1/2 cups of dry mix

      2 cups (227g) confectioners’ sugar
      1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa
      1 cup (120g) nonfat dry milk powder
      1 1/2 cups (135g) malted milk powder
      2 teaspoons cornstarch
      1 teaspoon salt
      5 oz. chocolate-covered malted milk balls, chopped

      Sift the first six ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Transfer to a large air-tight container or hermetic jar; top with chopped malted milk balls. Alternatively, divide the dry mix between 8 oz. jars and top each with some of the chopped malted milk balls. Lid and tie on a tag with mixing instructions.

      Mixing instructions: Place 4 tablespoons of mix with some of the chopped milk balls in the bottom of an 11 oz. mug. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and stir until dissolved.

      Stored air-tight at room temperature, this mix will keep for 6 months.

      link Instant Malted Hot Cocoa Mix By Heather Baird Published: Wednesday, December 09, 2020Wednesday, December 09, 2020Instant Malted Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

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      Six Spooky Cocktails for a Spirited Halloween!

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      Bring the boo(ze) this Halloween with a sweet, spirited cocktail! These six sips are easy to concoct for an evening of magic and mischief.I can’t believe Halloween is this weekend! It’s one of my favorite holidays, and my excitement always escalates the closer we get to Trick-or-Treat time. We’re celebrating in low-key fashion this year, but I’m still planning to make our night extra-special with a triple feature of Beetlejuice, Frankenweenie, and Corpse Bride. And! I’m mixing up some scary good cocktails to go with our feast of sweets!All of these cocktails were developed especially for HGTV.com, and all of the recipes are linked in this blog post. Let’s dig in!Continued, click to read more… LEGGI TUTTO

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      Whipped Tiramisu Coffee

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      Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, is the layered South Korean drink that is taking the internet by storm. This version, made with instant powdered espresso, is inspired by the flavors of Tiramisu and served with crisp savoiardi cookies on the side.For the past two months I haven’t been able to scroll through any social media feeds without a recurring sight – glasses of milk with fluffy mounds of whipped coffee floating on top. Dalgona coffee is arguably the beverage of quarantine 2020. As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve been dying to try it for myself. It is made with instant coffee but the only kind of instant coffee I keep on hand is espresso powder. I’m happy to report that it whips into the most luxurious, sweet and intensely caffeinated clouds fit for topping ice cold milk.The bold flavor of the whipped espresso reminded me of My Favorite Tiramisu recipe, so I was eager to bring some of those flavors to this unique coffee treat.
      Whipped coffee is made with instant coffee granules (in this case, instant espresso), granulated sugar, and hot water in 1:1:1 ratio. That’s fairly easy to commit to memory, and you can increase the amounts according to how many servings you need. I highly recommend using an electric mixer for efficient whipping. I’ve heard you can whip this coffee by hand, but it would take some time and major elbow grease.
      After about 5 minutes on high speed, the mixture will become thick and glossy, and lighten considerably in color. It’s almost the same consistency and glossiness of meringue cookie batter.
      I just love a layered coffee drink – and this one has about 5 layers! Prepared hot fudge sauce brings chocolaty goodness, while a little sweetened condensed milk in the bottom of the cup helps to make this beverage more dessert-like.
      I added a little heavy cream for richness, and a nice big measure of ice cold milk to temper the intensity of the whipped espresso on top. If you pour the cream and milk into the glass over a spoon, it will not disturb the pretty abstract splashes of hot fudge inside the glass (see video for technique).
      Serve with crisp lady fingers (savoiardi) and you’ve got yourself a proper afternoon pick-me-up! I also had some prepackaged pizzelles, and they were lovely crunchy treats with this drink, too.I first sampled all the layers by dipping a spoon through them, which was nice, but in the end I stirred them all together for a blended sippable treat.
      I am mostly skeptical of booming food trends, but I found that this one is worth the hype. If you’re a coffee lover, then it’s a must-try! It’s like sweet rocket fuel that will power you through the day. I’ve really been enjoying this drink, but not too late in the day. It’s potent and best enjoyed early afternoon, as to not disturb nightly slumber.

      Whipped Tiramisu Coffee(Tiramisu-inspired dalgona Coffee)Yields 1 serving1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (tested with DeLallo)1 tablespoon granulated sugar1 tablespoon hot water1 tablespoon hot fudge sauce, melted1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk2 tablespoons heavy cream2/3 to 3/4 cup ice cold milk (tested with almond milk)1/4 teaspoon dark cocoa powderCrisp lady fingers (savoiardi) for servingIn the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the espresso powder, sugar, and hot water. Whip on high speed until the mixture is thick and glossy, and has lightened in color.Drizzle the hot fudge on the insides of a glass. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon into the glass, layering it on top of the condensed milk. Pour the milk over the back of a spoon also. Spoon the whipped coffee on top of the milk and lightly dust with the cocoa powder. Serve immediately with crisp lady fingers.Notes:Omit sweetened condensed milk for a lighter, less dessert-like coffee drink.For plain dalgona coffee, use instant coffee granules in place of the espresso; whip and pour over ice cold milk.Ground coffee will not work in this recipe, you must use instant coffee granules or powdered instant espresso.
      link Whipped Tiramisu Coffee By Heather Baird Published: Friday, May 08, 2020Friday, May 08, 2020Whipped Tiramisu Coffee Recipe LEGGI TUTTO