It's not always about the hot chocolate

  

Just wanted to share the 1-year adoption anniversary of our puppy Wally.  Although he is no longer a puppy since he is 2+ years old, he is our baby nonetheless. 

We celebrated with doggie cupcakes and treats! 

Treats from Barker Street Bakery in The Woodlands, Texas



Chip, our 92 lb 8-month old German Shepherd, participated in the festivities as well!



Chip and Wally playing outside



Wally tired out from the festivities



Milk Frothing Made Easy

Just added the Breville Electric Milk Frother to my birthday and holiday wish list.  This little stainless steel beauty stirs and froths milk while using induction heating. Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, the Breville Frother eliminates the need to use a double-boiler or microwave to heat milk for hot chocolate creations or Vanilla Steamers.  Exclusive to Williams-Sonoma.com, the frother retails for $160.00.

Tribeca Treats: Hot Cocoa Recipe

Easy instructions from Tribeca Treats for hot cocoa on dailycandy.com

Farewell Original Hershey Chocolate Factory

The home of the Hershey's Kiss is closing it's doors after breaking ground in 1903.  Although chocolate production will continue at a newly built modern facility nearby, Milton Hershey's dreams came to life at this iconic location.

Toot, Toot! All a board a Vanilla Steamer!

With all the travel I've been doing lately, it's sad when airport security recognizes me in line.  Every airport has 50 billion Starbucks and I've become one of those sleepy eyed travelers waiting in line for a pick up me up.  However, it is the Vanilla Steamers with whip (whipped cream) I crave, not coffee.  It is eaiser to have these cravings when someone else is footing the bill.  So, when I am no longer traveling, the budget gourmet in me kicks in.

Here is my own spin on Vanilla Steamers:

1 cup Milk
1 tbls Honey
1/2 tbls Vanilla

I've made this two different ways:

Option 1 -

1.  Blend ingredients in a double boiler over low/medium heat until heated through

2.  Pour into a mug 

3.  Use a handeld frother to add volume

Option 2 -

1.  Blend ingredients in a mug

2.  Microwave for 45 seconds and remove from microwave

3.  Use a handheld frother to mix and add volume

4.  Microwave again for 1 minute

5.  Remove from microwave and froth one last time with frother

It's all about the cupcake

Alright chefs-in-the-making.  Scharffen Berger's Chocolate Adventure Contest is back!  This year's theme is chocolate and cupcakes.  An award winning recipe will get you $20,000 prizes.  The contest entry period ends January 2, 2011.