Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts

8.28.2011

Salivation Sunday

"Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!"
-Author Unknown

Hello! All my best to those of you in Irene's path, be well! Once you have recovered, I think a nice dessert is in order and what can be better than Tiramisu? After all it means, 'Pick Me Up' in Italian!! Enjoy!

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”
-Ernestine Ulmer

Tiramisu

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup granulated Sugar
* 3/4 cups espresso or strong regular coffee
* 2 Tbsp coffee liqueur
* 12 ladyfinger cookies
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 8 oz mascarpone cheese
* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
* 1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
* 2 tsp vanilla extract
* Cocoa Powder

Equipment Needed:

1.) 8 - 6 ounce glasses (or serving dishes)
2.) Stand mixer
3.) Food processor w/blade attachment
4.) Cookie sheet
5.) Rubber Spatula

Directions:

1.) Prepare syrup:
a.)In small saucepan combine sugar & coffee.
b.) Bring to boil on med-high, stirring occasionally.
c.) Remove from heat and add 2 Tbsp coffee liquor.
d.) Allow syrup to cool to room temp before using.
2.) Line cookie sheet with plastic wrap.
3.) Dip each ladyfinger into room temp. coffee syrup.
4.) Let cookies set briefly on cookie tray to allow ladyfingers to absorb syrup.
5.) Cut ladyfingers in half width-wise.
6.) Arrange pieces in single layer on bottom of serving glasses.
7.) Set aside.
8.) Prepare tiramisu filling:
a.) Whip 2 cups of heavy cream to medium peaks in a stand mixer; set aside.
b.) Add mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, wine, vanilla extract, to food processor.
c.) Pulse 10-12 times, until all ingredients are well-combined.
9.) Transfer cheese mixture to larger mixing bowl; add whipped cream.
10.) With spatula, fold whipped cream into cheese mixture until well combined & the consistency of soft-to-medium peak whipped cream.
11.) Cover ladyfingers with tiramisu filling to top of serving glass.
12.) Level with spatula.
13.) Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight, covered.
14.) Prior to serving top filling with sifted cocoa powder.

(adapted from a Wegman's recipe)

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!



11.24.2010

✿ BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SALE ✿

Hello! In honor of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales taking place across the country I have decided to participate also. Happy Shopping!

My creation

WHERE:

Nicole's Homemade Treats

http://www.nikid.etsy.com

WHEN:

✿ Thursday 11/25/10 @ 11:00 PM to MONDAY 11/29/10 @ 11:00 PM

WHAT:

✿ 10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER - CODE: BF2010

✿ Door Buster: Free 1/4 Lb. cluster to the first 10 purchases on 11/26 (do not add it to your cart)

Miscellaneous:

✿ Enter code in designated area when checking out and the deduction will automatically be calculated.


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

8.03.2010

Tasty Tuesday!

"No one can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee's frothy goodness."
-Sheik Abd-al-Kadir

Hello! As I am sitting here the sun is streaming through my window saying, "WAKE UP!" However, I cannot seem to do that today. Several night of poor sleep will do that to you! The recipe I have to share today is the perfect pick-me-up for days such as today. It is non-alcoholic, but has coffee AND chocolate! I don't think it gets much better than that! (but that is just my opinion!) Enjoy!

“Coffee should be black as Hell, strong as death, and sweet as love”
-Turkish Proverb


Hot Coffee & Chocolate
Serves: 2

Ingredients:

* 40 miniature marshmallows
* 4 Tbsp chocolate syrup
* 4 Tbsp half & half
* 1/2 cup chocolate martini cocktail mixer
* 1 cup hot coffee
* Chocolate powder

Equipment Needed:

* Parchment paper
* Baking sheet
* 2 mugs

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2.) Make 2 piles of 20 marshmallows (pyramid shape) on parchment-lined baking sheet.
3.) Bake 4 min or until slightly toasted and set aside.
4.) Add chocolate syrup to large coffee mug and set aside.
5.) Place half-and-half and mixer to small microwave-proof bowl.
6.) Heat in microwave 30-45 seconds.
7.) Fill each mug with a 1/2 cup of coffee.
8.) Add half of the microwaved mixture to each mug and stir well.
9.) Top with marshmallows.
10.) Sprinkle with chocolate powder.

"Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee."
-Author Unknown

Silly Joke of the Day:

What did the necktie say to the hat?
..You go on ahead. I'll hang around for a while.

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

7.08.2010

Temptation Thursday!

"A man may be a pessimistic determinist before lunch and an optimistic believer in the will's freedom after it."
-Aldous Huxley

Hello! I hope you are having a wonderful week! I certainly am! As I sat down to work on this post I was thinking of several of my favorite foods, so I decided to spotlight them! I hope you enjoy!

"A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch."
- James Beard

Sacher-Torte
The Sacher-Torte has been one of the most famous cakes in the world since the 1800's and the original recipe is a well-kept secret of The Hotel Sacher in Vienna. An original Sacher-Torte is produced according to the hotels secret recipe: The base is a chocolate cake, thinly coated with apricot jam. The chocolate icing spread over the top is amazing. I think the Sacher-Torte tastes great topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream and accompanied by a nice cup of coffee. I order a size III torte every Christmas.

"Vegetables are interesting but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a good cut of meat."
- Fran Lebowitz

Frenched Lamb Rack


Many people do not like lamb, but I think it is wonderful! Niman Ranch has some of the best meat I have ever had the pleasure to cook. The frenched lamb rack is sweet and tender meat and does not have the strong flavor you find in a leg of lamb. It is very easy to cook and so versatile. I usually order these for New Year's Eve!

"Rice is born in water and must die in wine."
- Italian Proverb

Couscous from Tunisia



I am Italian! My parents were born in Italy and my husband's father was born in Italy (5 miles from my father - but that is another story!). Anyway, we LOVE pasta! However, couscous comes in a VERY close second. You can do so much with it: serve it as a side dish, make a salad out of it and there are even dessert recipes calling for couscous. I get this particular couscous from Zingerman's (I may have mentioned them once or twice before!) and it is as wonderful as they say it is! P.S. It is on sale at the moment too!

Silly Joke of the Day:

What do you get when you cross poison ivy & a 4-leaf clover?
.....A rash of good luck.

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!


7.03.2010

Saturday Sale

US_Flag
Hello!

Happy Birthday America! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I am going to be
out and about the remainder of the weekend, so I will not be doing anymore blog posts for a few days!

I am having a 4th of July sale at Nicole's Homemade Treats! 10% off you entire order until midnight July 5, 2010. Please enter code: USA10 in the notes to seller upon checkout and I will refund you via paypal!

Have a great weekend and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!


6.08.2010

Tasty Tuesday!

"I don't drown my sorrows; I suffocate them with chocolate chip cookies."
-Author Unknown

Hello! I hope you enjoy some of these tasty finds that I have found! Any of them will make a great Father's Day gift!! Enjoy!


















Ultimate S'mores from Dean and Deluca


"Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done."
-Author Unknown












Reuben Sandwich Kits from Zingerman's


"My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate. That's my philosophy."
-Thornton Wilder



















Coconut Lemon Layer Cake from Williams-Sonoma


Silly Joke of the Day:

Two peanuts were walking down a spooky road at night... One was assaulted!


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

2.02.2010

Tasty Tuesday!

Hello!

I do not have much time today, so a recipe is not feasible. Instead I leave you with some of my favorite, tasty foods! Enjoy!


Turkey Joints



This delectable treat has been a staple in my home since birth. My mother even worked in the candy shop that creates these when she was a teenager!

Yes, the name is misleading, but don't be fooled. The only thing the feathered version and the candy version have in common is the name and perhaps a slight resemblance to each other.

This unique candy was created by, Nora's candy shop, located in my birth city, Rome, NY. They use an old time process and a secret formula to achieve the end result: A decadent chocolate and brazil nut "bone marrow" center that is coated with a delicate, shiny and crunchy sugar "bone" outer shell.

Turkey Joints come in several varieties: Original, Chocolate Covered, and Coco-Monds. They are only available from October through May, get yours while they last!



Stone Crabs



For those of you who like seafood - if you have never tried a stone crab, then you are missing out!!! I love crab to begin with and stone crabs are my favorite!!

For those of you unfamiliar with this tasty food, here is some information about stone crabs:

Name: Stone Crab (Menippe Mercenaria)
Meaning:
Menippe - Greek - meaning force or courage
Mercinaria - Latin - something of value

1.) To assure the survival of the species: Only one claw may be removed so the crab can defend itself.
2.) Egg bearing females are not allowed to be declawed.
3.) The crabs are captured in baited traps. No spears or hooks are allowed.
4.) 4 inches from the first joint to the tip is the minimum legal size, about two oz.
5.) A colossal can weigh 25 ounces or more.
6.) The large crusher claw can exert extreme pressure. As much as 19000 lbs. psi.
7.) Although their massive claws serve as deterrents, it has been reported that the stone crab falls prey to the octopus.
8.) Stone crab season in Florida runs from October 15th to May 15th.
9.) Stone crabs exhibit carnivorous feeding behavior. They have been known to resort to cannibalism while trapped.
10.) The claws make up half the weight of the whole crab, they are removed by carefully grabbing from the rear and twisting.
11.) The crab is returned to water and the claw regenerates.
12.) It takes between 12 to 24 months to reach legal size again.

Since I do not live in Florida anymore I have to have my stone crabs shipped to me. I always order from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant in Hollywood Florida.


Have a great day and until tomorrow: Go Ahead & Indulge!

1.26.2010

Tasty Tuesday!

Hello!

I do not know how many of you frequent Saveur.com or receive the magazine, but I love both! They recently listed the editors tops 25 recipes - I am going to be featuring ones that I have tried! Many of the recipes can be time consuming, but they are well worth it!

For those of you that seem daunted by the recipes just remember a few simple rules that I live by in the kitchen:

1. Read the recipe thoroughly several times to familiarize yourself with it.
2. Make your shopping list while having the recipe on hand.
3. Don't skimp on key ingredients.
4. Baking is a science, so unless you have mastered a recipe, follow it to a "T."


A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.
-Tenneva Jordan
Photo: Michael Kraus


Chocolate Cream Pie
(adapted from Saveur)

Serves: 8 – 12

Ingredients:

* 16 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes & chilled
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 9-oz. package chocolate graham crackers, finely ground (2 1/4 cups)
* 3 1/2 cups half-and-half
* 2/3 cup + 2 tbsp. sugar
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 9 egg yolks
* 9 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
* 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
* 2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
* 2 cups heavy cream
* Dark chocolate, grated for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°.
2. Grease bottom and sides of a 9" glass pie plate with cooking spray & set aside.
3. Heat 8 tbsp. of butter and brown sugar in a 1-qt. saucepan until sugar dissolves.
4. Transfer butter mixture to a medium bowl & stir in ground graham crackers.
5. Place mixture in pie plate & press into bottom and sides, using the bottom of a heavy glass to compress crust.
6. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
7. Bake until set, about 15 minutes & cool completely.
8. Heat half-and-half in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat until it just begins to simmer, then remove pan from heat.
9. In a large bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup sugar and cornstarch.
10. Add egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
11. Drizzle half-and-half into egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly, until smooth. 12. Return mixture to saucepan & heat over medium heat.
13. Cook, stirring often, until bubbles rise to the surface and mixture is very thick, about 3–4 minutes.
14. Remove pan from heat and add remaining butter and chocolates in small batches, whisking vigorously until smooth.
15. Stir in 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla.
16. Set a sieve over a medium bowl and strain chocolate mixture.
17. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing plastic onto surface and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.
18. Remove plastic wrap from chocolate filling and stir mixture until smooth.
19. Spoon mixture into graham crust, forming a dome, and smooth surface with the spatula.
20. In a large bowl, whisk remaining sugar, vanilla, & heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
21. Spread on top of filling, forming a dome.
22. Sprinkle some of the dark chocolate onto top of pie.
23. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.


Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.
-Jim Davis

Have a great day and until tomorrow: Go Ahead & Indulge!

1.22.2010

Friday Food Facts!

Hello!

Welcome to another edition of Friday Food Facts. I aim to stimulate not only your brain cells, but your taste buds as well!

Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate.
-Sandra Boynton

The Four Classes of Vegetarians:

1.) True Vegetarians: Does not eat anything from animals, cooked or processed.

2.) Lacto-Vegetarians: Eats dairy products.

3.) Ovo-Vegetarians: The only animal product eaten is eggs.

4.) Pesco-Vegetarians: Do not eat red meat, but will eat fish, chicken, eggs and dairy products

Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!
-Author Unknown

Coffee Facts:

1.) The world's rarest coffee, Kopi Luwak costs $300 a pound. It is grown in Indonesia.

2.) It takes almost 2,000 coffee cherries to provide enough beans for one pound of
roasted coffee.

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love chocolate, and communists.
-Leslie Moak Murray

Rice Facts:

1.) There are thousands, perhaps as many as 40,000, varieties of rice grown on every continent except Antarctica.

2.) In the USA, the average person consumes around twenty-five pounds of rice per year, with about four pounds of that attributed to the rice used for brewing beer.

Look, there's no metaphysics on earth like chocolates.
-Fernando Pessoa

Candy Facts:

1.) The Baby Ruth candy bar was named after the daughter of U.S. President Grover Cleveland in 1921.

2.) The Dutch consume the most candy, 65 pounds per person a year; Americans eat about 21 pounds a year.

I prefer to regard a dessert as I would imagine the perfect woman: subtle, a little bittersweet, not blowsy and extrovert. Delicately made up, not highly rouged. Holding back, not exposing everything and, of course, with a flavor that lasts.
-Graham Kerr

Have a great day and until tomorrow:

Go Ahead & Indulge!

12.08.2009

Tasty Tuesday!

Hello!

I hope everyone is doing well!
We are now in the throes of the Christmas season - is everyone as busy as I am?

Today I would like to feature some tasty goodies that my family and I love!

Enjoy!




Gingerbread Coffeecake

This coffeecake's dark, mysterious, gingery flavor will appeal to everyone.

Beyond the usual great base of real butter, flour and fresh eggs, the pastry masters at Zingerman's use an array of ingredients to make this coffeecake. Crystallized and ground ginger, lots of dark molasses, a bit of brewed coffee, a splash of fresh orange juice, Indonesian cinnamon, cloves and Balinese long pepper.







Italian Torrone


This does not last long in our home!

A celebratory tradition since the 15th century, this Italian delight is created by master confectioners who handcraft the soft nougat from prized Piedmontese hazelnuts, almonds, honey and spices. The Pistachio torrone features crunchy pistachio nuts from Bronte, Sicily.







Francis Coppola Diamond Claret

My husband and I love this wine and keep a couple bottles on hand at all times.

Coppola's Claret is always very good, but this year it’s fantastic! It is very lush and smooth, with a great flavor, and lovely aromas. When served with classic dishes such as beef stroganoff, leg of lamb or potato's, you can create a wonderful dining experience.




Italian Cheese Plate

No matter how you serve them, your guests will love the three Italian cheeses in this collection. Robiola Bosina (my favorite) is a soft-ripened cow's and sheep's milk cheese with a mellow cream and wild mushroom flavor. Dolce Gorgonzola is a creamy sweet and salty blue cheese. And Taleggio is a mild, washed-rind cheese with a fruity tang and salt-studded crust.

Until tomorrow: Go Ahead & Indulge!




11.06.2009

Foodie Friday!

Hello!

Welcome to Foodie Friday!
Sit back, relax and enjoy!

This first recipe is an old favorite - I always make this when I am not feeling creative!

Chocolate Pot de Creme


Ingredients

Servings: 6

* 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
* 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon skim milk
* 1/4 cup evaporated milk
* 2 large eggs
* 1 large egg white
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* Pinch of salt
* Confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling


Directions:

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Line a shallow baking pan with a cloth towel, and set aside.
3. Place cocoa powder in a medium mixing bowl.
4. In another bowl, combine skim milk and evaporated milk.
5. Whisk 3 tablespoons milk mixture into cocoa powder until a thick paste forms.
6. Whisk in remaining milk mixture until thoroughly combined, and set aside.
7. In a large bowl, combine eggs, egg white, granulated sugar, and salt, and whisk together until thoroughly combined.
8. Whisk in cocoa-milk mixture until completely combined.
9. Divide the mixture among 6 (3oz) pot de creme molds (I use espresso cups).
10. Place in the prepared baking pan; fill the baking pan halfway with hot water.
11. Transfer to the oven to bake until the puddings are set and leave no residue on your finger when lightly touched, about 25 minutes.
12. Remove the baking pan from the oven, then remove the puddings from the water bath.
13. Transfer the puddings to a wire rack, and let cool 20 to 30 minutes.
14. When ready to serve, dust the puddings with confectioners' sugar.
15. Serve warm


These cookies are always a hit with my boys and never last long! Bake a double batch!

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies



Ingredients:

Servings: 24 cookies

* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temp
* 1 1/4 cups sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 350°F.
2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Put the confectioners' sugar into a bowl and set aside.
4. In another bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
5. Set aside.
6. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium
until creamy, about 3 minutes.
7. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
8. Add 1 egg and beat on medium speed until blended.
9. Add the other egg and vanilla and beat until blended.
10. Turn off the mixer and add the flour mixture.
11. Beat on low speed until blended.
12. Scoop up a rounded spoonful of dough and roll the dough into a ball.
13. Roll the ball in the confectioners' sugar until covered.
14. Place the balls on a prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
15. Bake the cookies until they are crackled and puffed, 10 to 12 minutes.
16. Cool about 15 minutes.


Have a good day and until tomorrow:

Go Ahead and Indulge!

5.30.2009

Saturday Night Specials!!



Hello!

Saturday Night Specials @ my shop!!


Nicole's Homemade Treats: Go Ahead & Indulge!





**Saturday Night Specials**

1.) Orders over $20.00 ---> 15% off (CODE: SNS15)
2.) Orders over $40.00 ---> 25% off (CODE: SNS25)

**Please use code at checkout and wait for an invoice, or pay and I will reimburse your discount through Paypal.
**Not valid on shipping costs or prior purchases.
**Sale starts at 5:30 PM and ends at 10 am Sunday EST.




Thank You!!!!

4.22.2009

Tasty Thursdays!

Hello!

Welcome to another installment of Tasty Thursdays!

This is the place for you to be! Satisfy your sweet tooth and don't gain any weight!

Enjoy the sites, savor the goodies and stay as long as you would like.

Please just turn off the computer and close the lap top on the way out! (oh, and leave some goodies for the next person!)


Edible, adj.: Good to eat, and wholesome to digest, as a worm to a toad, a toad to a snake, a snake to a pig, a pig to a man, and a man to a worm. -Ambrose Bierce



Shop #1:

Just Bakin'




Tea Pot-Luster Lollipops




White Chocolate Lemon Bars



Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.
-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin



Shop #2:

A Sugar Affair


Butter Finger Brownie Blast




Baby Themed Decorated Cookies


We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are.
-Adelle Davis


I hope you have a chance to visit these shops and experience the real products!


Go Ahead & Indulge!



4.15.2009

Tasty Thursdays!

Hello!

Welcome to another edition of my mouth-watering blog post, aka: Tasty Thursdays!

Wear a bib, have a tissue handy, use your hand-I don't care, just be prepared.
I am not responsible for any damage incurred while you are reading my blog!





Bears Baked Goods















Sugarsmitten



Caramel and Marshmallow Swirled Fudge



Orange Twist Oreo truffles




Don't Forget to stop by these two wonderful shops and all the wonderful shops of EEAT (Etsy Edible Arts Team).

Enjoy!!

4.08.2009

Tasty Thursdays!

Hello!

Welcome to the second installment of Tasty Thursdays!
Have a bib handy because your salivary glands are going to be working overtime!!
Did you know the April is National Food Month? Come on and participate. Stop by the two wonderful shops I have featured and the many other fine shops of EEAT members!








Triple Indulgence Caramel Apple




Pina Colada Caramel Popcorn










Giant Fortune Cookie





Mallow Pop


Have a wonderful day everyone!