A CHOCOLATE TREAT AND TRIVIA

Are you already thinking about all the desserts you're going to make for the holidays when guests come to visit?  This is a perfect treat to serve up at a family gathering, and is simple to prepare. I love the addition of fresh raspberries mixed with yummy chocolate for a unique flavor combination! I snagged this from Better Homes and Gardens.




Raspberry Cocoa with Chocolate-Hazelnut Cream

Ingredients

• 1cup premium unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 - 1/3cup sugar
• 1/4teaspoon salt
• 1/2cup hot water
• 4cups half-and-half or light cream
• 4cups whole milk
• 1/3cup bittersweet chocolate pieces or 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2cup raspberry liqueur
• 1tablespoon vanilla
• 1cup whipping cream
• 2tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread
• 2teaspoons sugar
• fresh raspberries (optional)
• shaved chocolate (optional)

Directions

1. In a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker combine cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Stir in the hot water until mixture forms a paste. Whisk in half-and-half and milk.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. (Do not boil.) Add bittersweet chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted.
3. If necessary, skim "skin" from surface; discard. Serve immediately or keep warm, covered, on warm-heat setting or low-heat setting for up to 2 hours.
4. To serve, stir in vanilla and raspberry liqueur.
5. Meanwhile, in a chilled bowl combine whipping cream, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and 2 teaspoons sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Pipe or spoon cream mixture onto cocoa. If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries and shaved chocolate.
   

ARE YOU ORGANIZED FOR REAL?

When my son was a baby, I found the perfect babysitter.  In addition to being this really great person, Nina had some over the top organizational skills. To this day, I have still not met anyone else who alphabetizes an entire refrigerator and pantry! Have you?

According to a recent survey Redbook Survey of 1000 women, 8 out of 10 women say they are organized, yet 72% admit it takes from 5 to 20 minutes of their time looking for misplaced items! I'm definitely in this category. (lol)                   

COLOR INSPIRATIONS

Are you ready to make some decorative changes with furniture, walls or bookcases, but not sure about colors?  If you're a shoe-aholic like me, take a peek in your closet.

The color of your shoes speaks to your personality, and can provide really neat design ideas you may not have considered.

 Grab one and take to Home Depot or Lowes for expert advice on choosing that perfect tone.  

Around since 1992, http://www.onewarmcoat.org/ has provided thousands of coats to those in need, and they always appreciate donations.