Some Things Should NOT Last Forever!

My sister-in-law recently told me about a necklace made of real chocolate dipped in resin. Can you imagine, hanging chocolate around your neck? A chocolate bar belongs on the palate, not in the jewelry box! The whole thing reminds me of my own great idea...as a teenager, to save a bit of chocolate "Forever." My boyfriend at the time had given me a giant chocolate kiss for Valentine's Day. I couldn't bear to eat it and not have a token of his adoration. So I painted it with varnish...it looked so shiny and delicious. But, soon turned white and disgusting and I had to throw it away! What a waste. Don't learn this the hard way...Chocolate is meant to be eaten, the sooner the better!

Ready for Winter with Hot Chocolate

I can't be caught without hot chocolate in the winter! There's nothing like getting cozy with a warm cup of chocolate on a cold day. Even better if it's storming outside. Here's a hot chocolate mix you can make right now and store in your pantry.

2 cups dry milk powder
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/8 tsp salt

Whisk in mixing bowl until blended. Makes about 4 cups of mix. Store in an airtight container. To serve: add 3-4 heaping tablespoons to a cup of boiling water.
(Substitute mini chips with chopped mint chocolate or white chocolate chips for a flavor variation.)

Chocolate Meal Chasers

Last night we had delicious shredded beef fajitas for dinner. Afterward I had to have chocolate. My children offered various chocolate morsels from their left over Halloween candy. They know the sweet glories of chocolate after a good savory meal. Mexican food, pizza, yes, even sushi is best chased by a bit of chocolate.