Homemade Chocolate Syrup Recipe

As seems to happen so often, just when I think I have finalized a recipe or the way I do things, I decide to try something else.  Invariably, I then like the new method better and switch to using it.  So, after posting the "final" version of the recipe for homemade hot cocoa mix, I have not made another batch...because I remembered I had an older recipe for chocolate syrup, decided to get it out and try it again, and have been using that instead. :)  I honestly have no idea where this recipe originally came from.  I do know that my mom and I modified it years ago and I further adjusted it earlier this month.

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

1 c cocoa
3/8 t salt
¾ c water
¾ c honey
2 t vanilla

In 4 cup glass measuring cup, mix cocoa, slat, water and honey and stir until smooth.  Microwave on high 1-2 minutes until mixture comes to a boil, stirring twice.  Boil 3 minutes (50% power), stirring as needed to prevent boiling over (also WATCH carefully!). Stir in vanilla and allow to cool.  Store in fridge.  Makes ~ 2 cups.

OR

In small saucepan, mix cocoa, salt, water and honey.  Bring to boil over very low heat, stirring constantly.  Cook 5-8 minutes or until syrup is completely smooth.  Stir in vanilla.

I simply use a couple of tablespoons of this syrup in milk (either cold or hot), coffee, or more often a combination of hot coffee and milk. This syrup is also very good over ice cream, stirred into smoothies, etc.

*NOTE: infants under 1 year of age should NOT have honey because of the risk of botulism. 

Pretty in Pink

I am very late in announcing this via blog, but I have a new niece!  Olivia Michelle was born March 6 and is a sweet, adorable little girl!

Olivia's mommy graciously sent me some recent pictures of Olivia with the afghan I crocheted for her.  My camera does not work reliably, thus I have no pictures of my own. Besides, when I get to see Olivia, I'd rather hold her than photograph her! 

Here is Olivia at 5 weeks old.

Yes, I really did make her blanket in just under a month!

Homemade Guacamole

This recipe is one my mom sent me last spring (with a few minor adaptations).  I have made it several times since then.  Fresh, homemade guacamole with fresh, homemade tortillas makes an amazing snack!

2 ripe avocados

2 T chopped onion (or ~1 t onion powder)

2 T sour cream (or plain yogurt)

1 small clove garlic, crushed (or ~ 1/8 t garlic powder)

2 t lemon juice

½ t salt

Beat till smooth with electric mixer.  (Or mix in blender.)  Place pits in until time to serve. (I don't know if this really helps keep it from turning brown.)  Just before serving fold in 1 finely chopped tomato. (Or garnish with tomato rather than folding it in.)

I use the blender for this recipe and it works great.  I have switched to using plain yogurt in place of sour cream and the yogurt works fine for this recipe as well.