Food Blog: TWO RECIPES to Keep You Warm!

Sunday, January 1, 2023

TWO RECIPES to Keep You Warm!

Like Tweet Pin +1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Over Christmas we had a record hard freeze several nights in a row, which is really unusual for our area. It got down to 9°F (-12°C) and with strong winds the wind chill was -5°F (-20°C). I know some of you live in areas that get a lot colder than that but BRRRRR, that was plenty cold for us!

So how did we face those winter chills? With hot chocolate, of course!

And I have TWO must-make hot chocolate recipes for you that will warm both your body and soul.

The first is from my neck of the woods and dates back to 18th century Colonial America. It features a wonderful mixture of warm and fragrant spices. The second is from France, specifically the Parisian way of making hot chocolate and what you'll find served in cafés throughout Paris. Both are so incredibly delicious and I highly recommend trying both!

Stay warm!

My love and best wishes for this new year,

Kimberly

Though chocolate in the 18th century wasn't the smooth, refined stuff we know today, melted into a hot beverage made it not only palatable but downright delicious - something the ancient Mayans had already known for centuries. Once the American colonists caught on to it, hot chocolate became wildly popular throughout the colonies.

Favorite spices to add to the hot chocolate of Colonial America included cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, nutmeg, and sometimes a pinch of red chili powder. Orange rind commonly made its way into the mixture as well. My Colonial Hot Chocolate incorporates these delicious warm spices for a rich, old-fashioned, and nostalgic flavor that is truly unforgettable!

Take Me To The Recipe!

A simpler hot chocolate than the Colonial version above but not remotely simple in the incredible drinking experience that awaits you!

If you're a chocolate lover there are two things you have to try that, in my opinion, provide the ultimate chocolate experience: Pot de Crème (one of my all-time favorite indulgences) and this Parisian hot chocolate.

Parisian hot chocolate is luxuriously thick, smooth, creamy and flavorful. It's like drinking hot molten chocolate and is just positively swoon-worthy!

Take Me To The Recipe!

We just got back from a two-week trip to southern Italy where we explored everything from Rome and the Amalfi coast, all the way down to Sicily and everything in between, and then back up and over to Puglia. Lots of beautiful sights and lots of delicious food (yes, I will be replicating and sharing some of my favorite recipes)! And I was reminded of a dish I had on a previous trip to Italy, Osso Buco, and I'm happy to finally be able to share it with you.

This classic Italian dish features beef shanks that are slow-simmered in a deliciously rich gravy until the meat becomes fork tender and practically melts in your mouth. If you're looking for something to make for a special occasion or for that special someone, this is it. I'm thinking of making it for Christmas Eve this year. Osso Buco represents Italian comfort food at its best and is one of my most favorite Italian dishes. I'm confident you'll love it too.