Today is Chocolate Custard Day!

I try to keep up on what's going on in the world...today I googled "Today is..." (using my fancy schmancy smarts that got me that college degree).  Seriously, if you've never done that, just go to Google and type in "Today is" -- that's all!  I found lots of fun stuff, really, but I like to look at the calendars and find out what kind of weirdness and food are being celebrated on any particular day.  Today, to my delight, turns out to be Chocolate Custard Day!

I have never before attempted to make chocolate custard from scratch.  But it sounded intriguing.  So then, of course, I had to start searching for the perfect recipe.  There were a few (I have added several to My List), and I chose this particular one because it required no baking and minimal chilling time -- I wanted to be able to enjoy it tonight!

Much to my delight, it turned out to be really pretty easy, quick and the end result was thick and rich -- very yummy!  My hubby gave it two thumbs up.  This only makes two servings (though they're pretty good sized), so if you're planning on entertaining more than just you and a friend, plan ahead to increase the amounts!

Chocolate Custard
(from foodandwine.com)
1/4 c. milk
3 Tbs. sugar
1 large egg yolk
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
pinch of salt
2 Tbs butter

In small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and sugar; heat until steaming and sugar is dissolved.
Put egg yolk in small glass bowl, and gradually (verrrrrrrrrrrry slowly as to not cook the egg) whisk in hot milk.  Return to saucepan, and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until mixture thickens (about 2 minutes).
Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate and salt until smooth.  Whisk in butter.
Pour into 2 shallow bowls.  Chill 10 minutes.

For whipped topping, beat 1/2 c. heavy cream with a pinch of ground cinnamon (using a chilled bowl and beaters) and 1 Tbs sugar until softly whipped.  Dollop on top of custards before serving.

 

♥Happy Valentines Day♥

Happy Valentine's Day to my darling husband!  He is my forever Valentine!
Tonight for dinner, we had some filet mignon, stuffed sole, garlic mashed potatoes...
And for dessert?  Fabulous Chocolate Fondue!

8 oz. heavy cream
12 oz. bittersweet or dark chocolate, chopped
pinch salt
tsp. vanilla

Heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to bubble.  Whisk in chocolate, whisking until smooth and thickened.  Whisk in salt and vanilla.  Pour into serving dish or fondue pot.  Serve with assorted fruit, marshmallows, pound cake, graham crackers, etc. 

Countdown to Valentines Day ~ Chocolate Crescent Hearts

Holy Smokes!  5 more days?!?!  Sorry I missed yesterday, lots going on in my world.
Day 9 ♥ of sweet treats for my Valentine.

This is super easy, and I promise - totally worth it!  
Chocolate Crescent Hearts

 

Easy, cute, and most importantly -- Delicious!!

Recipe

1 can crescent rolls (8 oz) 

1/2 c. bittersweet chocolate chips  

2 Tbs butter, melted

1 Tbs raw sugar

Preheat oven to 375.

Roll out crescent dough.  Cut into 8 equal squares (press perforations to make seamless).  Place each square on a baking sheet (baking stones work wonderfully for these!).  Put about 1 oz. of chocolate chips on each square.  Fold corner to corner, making a triangle.  Fold in the two corners to form top of heart shape.  Brush each completed heart with melted butter, sprinkle with sugar.

Bake 12-14 minutes, until lightly golden.  Meanwhile melt about 1/2 c. chocolate chips in microwave, or over double boiler.  After removing crescent hearts from oven, use a fork to drizzle melted chocolate over each heart.  Serve warm.