Spiced Hot Chocolate (Mexican Hot Chocolate)

I was visiting a friend in Atlanta and was so completely taken by this Mexican Hot Chocolate that I had. It reminded me of a spicy brownie that I like to make. Now the recipe called for Pepper Vodka. So I went in search of Pepper Vodka. But I was annoyed to find out that I was going to have to buy an entire bottle and the cost. I mean I am trying to budget here in this economy and I don’t have space and I was not sure I was going to even like this Pepper Vodka.
So the solution let’s try infusing our own vodka. Which made me think there are a lot of fun things
that one could infuse. I was even told you could infuse candy like skittles and starbursts into vodka. Ingenious I thought. We didn’t have a lot of time so this is what we did to
make our Pepper Vodka. One Liter of Vodka and 1 Tea Ball Filled with Chili Peppers and let sit for at least 36 hours. You could also chop chili Peppers and throw them into a jar of Vodka and then strain before using.

1 Cup of Milk
¾ oz of Khaluha
1 oz. of Pepper Vodka
3 Tablespoons of Sugar
3 Tablespoons of Cocoa Powder
A pinch of Cinnamon
Whipped Cream to Top

In a saucepan add milk, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir and heat milk to a comfortable hot temperature and pour into a mug. Stir in Vodka and Khaluha and top with Whipped Cream. Enjoy!

Posted by Patty in Budget, Drinks, Make Your Own, Recipes, Sweets. 1 Comment »

Roasting Garlic

Pretty much anything with Garlic, I love!

Roasted Garlic

1 Garlic Bulb
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Preheat Oven 400
Cut the top of the Garlic Bulb off and drizzle with Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper. Wrap the Garlic in tin foil so that it closes on the cut part. Place in oven for 1 hour.

Posted by Patty in Make Your Own, Recipes, Sides, Tips, Terms & Tools. 2 Comments »

Granola Bars

These are great for both the novice and the experienced cook as they aren’t very complicated and are often a forgotten recipe. I know, for me, they were something I was interested in trying but never had until recently. The best part is you can make them however you want and can decide on your own toppings! This would be a great rainy day project with a child.

5 Cups of Granola
1 Cup of Light Brown Sugar
1 Cup of Honey
2 Teaspoons of Vanilla
1 Cup of White Chocolate Bits
1 Cup of Dried Cranberries

Preheat Oven 400 Degrees

In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients together and spread evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes
Patience is a virtue I do not have when it comes to wanting to try things directly out of the oven. But with these, you have to let it cool or there is no way you will be able to cut them in to bars.

Posted by Patty in Make Your Own, Recipes, Sweets. 3 Comments »