A Vanlentine Dream: Perfectly Pink Hot Cocoa . . .

In some parts of the world it is still downright cold outside and in every part of my world Valentine's Day will be here in a couple of short weeks.  And guess what goes perfectly with the most romantic day of the year? That's right....pink!!!

I just can't think of a happier way to spend your weekend than making Valentine cards with your little sweetie and sipping on some of this divine deliciousness . . .

PRETTY IN PINK HOT COCOA

Ingredients:

~ 1 cup white chocolate chips

~ 1 cup heavy cream 

~ 4 c. half and half 

~ vanilla (to taste)

~ red food coloring

Directions:

~ In a large saucepan, melt the white chocolate chips with the heavy cream, stirring until completely smooth. Add the half and half, vanilla, then the food coloring to get your desired color (I used 7-8 drops). Heat through. Serve in mugs, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows!

Recipe Courtesy of Brown Paper Packages

(pictures courtesy of Life is a Party)

And whatever you do, don't forget the homemade marshmallows!  You can find our recipe on how to make a few of your very own here: Juneberry Lane Homemade Marshmallows

Now all you will need is a heart-shaped cookie-cutter and your cup will be overflowing with love.  Or go ahead and add a few of the store bought kind if you are a bit pressed for time . . .  they are awfully cute too:

And head on back over to Juneberry Lane tomorrow for a magical little craft that will delight the little one's in your life:)  See you then!!

Desserts For Fall Part 2: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows!

Okay, I'll admit it, I can't quite get enough of the look of these homemade marshmallows.  In fact, I am afraid I will never be able to use those processed, store bought versions in my hot cocoa ever again!  

First off, my eye is always drawn most happily to anything square; from my engagement ring to the pillows of my couch that I had custom designed to be 'knife-style' (square, of course:)  So, not only is the shape of these treats making me happy, but the delicious flavors too!  And what's more, they are so very much fun to make!  So let's just take another look before we get a'cookin' . . .

Chocolate-flavored, yum!

Looking pretty in piping hot cocoa . . .

It might be a bit early, but a peppermint variety!

A Neapolitan version?!  Can you imagine how good these would be in milk chocolate cocoa??!

Pretty in pink . . .

Alright, enough day-dreaming already!  Let's get to work in the kitchen:

Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows

Ingredients:

~ 1 cup pumpkin puree, fresh or canned

~ ½ cup cold water 

~ ¼ cup powdered gelatin* 

~ ½ cup cold water 

~ 1 ¼ cups corn syrup 

~ ¼ teaspoon salt

~ 2 cups granulated sugar

~ ½ teaspoon ground ginger

~ 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

~ ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

~ 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons cornstarch

~ 1 teaspoon sweet curry powder, optional

* This is little more than 1 ¼ standard boxes of Knox gelatin, so be sure to purchase enough

Here's how you do it:

1.) Lightly spray a standard baking sheet (9 x 13) with non-stick cooking spray, then rub gently with a paper towel to distribute the spray and leave just the merest sheen of oil on the sheet. Similarly, lightly spray a large offset spatula and set beside the prepared tray.

2.) Combine the pumpkin purée, 1/2 cup of cold water, & gelatin in a medium bowl and mix until well blended and smooth. Set aside.

3.) Combine second quantity of water (the other 1/2 cup), corn syrup, salt, and sugar in a 4-quart saucepan and place over medium heat. When mixture boils, brush down the sides of the pan above the upper surface of the syrup with a clean, moistened pastry brush, or cover the pot with a lid for two minutes to allow the condensation to dissolve any lingering crystals.

4.) Place a candy or instant read thermometer into the syrup and continue to cook, without stirring, until syrup reaches 255F (hard ball). Remove pan from heat and carefully stir in pumpkin-gelatin mixture.

5.) Pour this mixture into the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Quickly cover bowl with loosely draped plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel in order to avoid splatters, and gradually increase the mixer speed to "high".

6.) Whip mixture for 10 minutes. At the beginning of the final minute of whipping, sprinkle in ginger, cinnamon and cloves and continue to whip.

7.) Scrap mixture into prepared pan and spread out smooth with oiled offset spatula. Set marshmallow aside, uncovered, at room temperature for at least 4 hours to over night before cutting.

8.) Before cutting the marshmallow, sift the three remaining ingredients together ( 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and curry powder-which adds a gorgeous extra layer & subtle savory note) into a medium mixing bowl. Cut marshmallows with a lightly oiled knife or pizza cutter and break into individual pieces. Toss with cornstarch mixture to completely coat, shaking off excess as much as possible. Store in an airtight container with the lid slightly ajar for up to three days.

Recipe Courtesy of Serious Eats

Who knew marshmallow-making was so easy to do?!  Now you are all set to throw your own hayride with a s'more bar and toasty cups of cocoa to go!  Have a lovely weekend!