Tag Archive | chocolate

Marble Banana Bread

Sep1
Marble Banana Bread

Marble Banana Bread

The yummy tastes of chocolate and banana are good enough on their own, but when they’re combined and baked into bread, they’re even better.

Banana bread swirled with a rich chocolate batter that’s embellished with mini chocolate morsels is a treat that will appeal to folks of all ages.

So if you’re looking for unique ways to make use of overripe bananas, try this recipe. After all, you can’t go wrong the pairing of chocolate and bananas.

MARBLE BANANA BREAD

Vegetable shortening, for pans
2 cups flour, divided
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs
3 medium overripe bananas, mashed
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate morsels, plus 2 tablespoons

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottoms of two 8×4-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, bananas, sugar, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened.

Remove 1/3 of the batter to a small bowl; stir cocoa powder and chocolate morsels into this batter. Stir the remaining 1/2 cup flour into the plain batter. Spread half of the plain batter into both prepared pans. Using half of the chocolate batter, drop heaping tablespoons randomly onto plain batter in both pans. Spread the remaining plain batter over chocolate batter in both pans. Drop the remaining chocolate batter over plain batter in the same manner in both pans. Using a butter knife, swirl through the batters to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle loaves with the remaining 2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate morsels. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Makes 2 medium loaves

White Russian Hot Chocolate

Dec21

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

White Russian Hot Chocolate

White Russian Hot Chocolate

When the landscape glistens with new-fallen snow, it’s time to gather with family and friends and have a cup of cheer.

The perfect potion on a cold winter’s day, this seasonal sipper will warm everyone’s spirits. Of course you can leave out the alcohol and just enjoy the creamy hot chocolate instead, if desired.

Whichever way you prefer, here’s wishing you a holly, jolly Christmas—this year. Cheers!

For more tasty tidbits, cozy concoctions, and easy diy ideas, pick up a copy of my latest book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

WHITE RUSSIAN HOT CHOCOLATE

2 cups half-and-half or fat-free half-and-half
1 1/4 cups milk
1 (4-serving size) package cook-and-serve chocolate pudding and pie filling mix
1/2 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
1/4 cup vodka
Fresh, lightly whipped cream
Chocolate shavings (optional)

In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together half-and-half, milk, and pudding mix. Microwave on HIGH until hot and slightly thickened, 7 to 9 minutes; whisk in coffee liqueur and vodka until well blended. Ladle into mugs; top with lightly whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Fudge Brownies

Aug23
Fudge Brownies

Fudge Brownies

Fudgy home-baked brownies will add a sweet touch to any occasion. A time-honored treat, they’re the perfect choice for a summertime gathering.

Whether it’s a backyard get-together, a family reunion, or a picnic by the lake, these crowd-pleasing goodies are simple to make and are easy to transport.

One thing is certain: old-fashioned goodness never tasted so good.

FUDGE BROWNIES

Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon brewed coffee
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend beyond edges on 2 sides. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, vegetable oil, and sugar. Add eggs, coffee, and vanilla; whisk to combine. Add flour and cocoa powder; stir until smooth. Spread into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Remove brownies by lifting foil ends; peel off foil. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares. Makes 16 brownies.

Easy Rocky Road Candy

Dec16

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Easy Rocky Road Candy

Easy Rocky Road Candy

Easy Rocky Road Candy

Short on time but still want to make homemade treats for those near and dear? Then grab a bag of chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, and chopped walnuts and you’ll be on your way to crowd-pleasing confections in no time.

Simply melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stir in the marshmallows and walnuts, and refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares and store, covered, at room temperature for up to one week.

You can substitute milk chocolate chips in place of semisweet chips, and chopped peanuts for walnuts, if desired. However you make it, this quick and easy recipe will help make the season bright.

EASY ROCKY ROAD CANDY

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend beyond edges on 2 sides. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in the microwave according to package directions. Stir in marshmallows and walnuts. Spread into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Remove candy by lifting foil ends; place on a cutting board. Remove foil; cut into squares. Makes 24 candies.

Double Chocolate Muffins

May15

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Double Chocolate Muffins

Double Chocolate Muffins

Double Chocolate Muffins

Craving the taste of chocolate? Then make these flavor-packed muffins. Rich with chocolate goodness, these not-too-sweet muffins combine cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate deliciously.

In addition to including the miniature chocolate chips in the batter, it’s easy to create bakery-style muffins by topping them with a sprinkling of these yummy morsels before baking.

Enjoy!

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MUFFINS

1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup regular or light sour cream
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 15 muffin cups or line with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, milk, sugar, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Whisk until well blended. Add flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Divide batter among muffin cups. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 17 to 21 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes 15 muffins.

Fudgy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

Apr22

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Fudgy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

Fudgy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

Fudgy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

Save time in the kitchen and savor homemade cookies with this quick to prepare recipe. Chewy, dark chocolate oatmeal cookies laced with walnuts can be ready in no time by simply embellishing a package of brownie mix with a few ingredients.

Ideal for any gathering, this recipe makes it easy to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends.

FUDGY OATMEAL WALNUT COOKIES

1 (18-ounce) package double chocolate brownie mix
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/4 cup water
1 egg
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, oats, cocoa powder, butter, water, and egg. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. Stir in walnuts. Shape dough into 2 1/4-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets; dip fingertips in water and press cookies to slightly flatten. Bake until centers are almost set, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Jun26

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Satisfy the craving for chocolate and peanut butter by baking a batch of these flavorful cookies. Just in time for July Fourth celebrations, these no-fuss treats are an excellent choice for summertime get-togethers.

Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a hike through the woods, or a day at the beach, these little goodies are terrific for toting anywhere. Enjoy!

Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar, plus more for finishing
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, combine butter, shortening and peanut butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup sugar and brown sugar; beat until combined. Add egg and vanilla; beat until combined. Gradually beat in as much flour mixture as possible; stir in the rest. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Roll in additional sugar, place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Press cookies with the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass to slightly flatten. Bake until centers are set and edges are crackled, 7 to 9 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Truffles

Feb11

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate Truffles

Sweeten your valentine’s day with gourmet-style confections made fresh in your kitchen. Quick and easy to prepare, these time-honored treats are the ultimate Valentine’s Day indulgence.

Made with minimal ingredients, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to serve, roll again in confectioners’ sugar, if desired. For the best flavor, allow truffles to come to room temperature before serving.

With rich chocolate goodies like these, Cupid is sure to strike. Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Here are more Easy Valentine’s Day Recipes.)

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

2/3 cup heavy (or whipping) cream
12 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
In a medium saucepan, bring heavy cream to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Drop 24 portions by tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. Shape into balls. Roll 12 of the balls in cocoa powder; place in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Roll the remaining 12 in confectioners’ sugar; place truffles in a container with a tight-fitting lid; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Makes 24 truffles.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Jan23
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

A cup of hot chocolate is a delightful indulgence on its own, but the addition of cinnamon makes it extra tasty.

Similar to Mexican-style hot chocolate, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a flavorful beverage with a spicy twist. And it makes good use of pantry staples so there’s no need for specialty shopping or exotic ingredients.

Top with light, freshly whipped cream and serve with cinnamon sticks, if desired. Whether it’s to enjoy on a snow day or anytime, this soothing sipper will warm you up from the inside out.

CINNAMON HOT CHOCOLATE

3 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream (optional)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
In a small saucepan, combine chocolate, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup milk. Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add the remaining 3 1/2 cups milk and sugar. Cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. (Do not boil). Whisk in melted chocolate mixture until well blended. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Ladle into mugs; top with whipped cream and serve with cinnamon sticks, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

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Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Jan16

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Similar in taste to brownies, these mouthwatering cookies are filled with rich chocolate goodness. Simple to prepare with on-hand ingredients, the microwave makes it easy to melt the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk.

By adding the remaining ingredients to the melted chocolate mixture, a decadent batter is ready for baking. Pair with a glass of milk and savor the ultimate in homespun comfort.

CHEWY CHOCOLATE COOKIES

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk. Microwave on HIGH until chocolate chips have melted, about 2 minutes, stirring once halfway through; stir until smooth. Whisk in egg and vanilla. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips. Add flour mixture. Stir until smooth. Drop by heaping teaspoons 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake until centers are almost set, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.