Happy Monday! Hosting a Holiday get together this season? I not only have you food, but your entertainment, as well! Fondue party! The folks at Vitamix (we are friends now, after all — remember the Berry Kissed Sorbet?) provided this TOP SECRET recipe for fondue — with an extra kick – espresso! For those who like to enjoy the *other* kinda kick, it was recommended to add some brandy, as needed.
Enjoy.
Chocolate Espresso Fondue
Yield: 3 cups
Speed: Variable 1-10, High
Time: 4 to 5 minutes
½ cup water
1 to 1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee
3 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
Select Variable 1. Turn on machine and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High, using tamper as needed to keep the mixture flowing. Blend for 3 to 4 minutes or until melted and smooth. Pour into fondue pot and serve.
For Dippers: Get creative! Some ideas – Pretzel sticks, strawberries, ladyfingers, fresh pineapple chunks, cubes of pound cake, cubes of angel food cake, marshmallows
Remember the awesome Vitamix event I attented? As I shared in the comment section, I learned that everyone can take advantage of the same outlet prices online and Vitamix will include free shipping. Just use the following code to take advantage of the offer: https://secure.vitamix.com/Default.aspx?Coupon=07-0066-01-06
Partially thaw frozen berries for 15 minutes; set aside.
Place ginger, water and sugar into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
Select Variable 1.
Switch machine to Start and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then High.
Blend, using tamper as needed, for 20 seconds until ginger is finely chopped. Stop machine and remove lid.
Add berries, mint, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla to the container with ginger mixture and secure lid.
Select Variable 1.
Switch machine to Start and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then High, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.
In about 20 to 30 seconds, the sound of the motor will change and four mounds should form.
Stop machine. Do not over mix or melting will occur. Serve immediately.
This would be perfect to serve at any get together around the holidays – so festive! Serving tip (from me) — serve in large, festive goblets garnished with fresh mint or berries.
What’s your favorite thing to make in your Vitamix? Stay tuned for a CHOCOLATE FONDUE recipe — no stove top or heating required! I’m still dreaming about it. You are gonna love it. Now if you excuse me, I’ll be looking for some mistletoe to enjoy my berry kiss
The Mister, Bean and I had an incredible weekend — no plans whatsoever, just playing, relaxing and lots of laughing
Yesterday the Mister and I spent a good chunk on the evening going through all our photos over the past 6 months, sorting and archiving them on our big computer. Re-living each little moment made me once again realize just how lucky I am to be living my life. I truly could not ask for anything more and the Mister and I are SO blessed to have each other. Together + bean, we really do form the most perfectest little family I could have ever hoped and prayed for.
After such a blissful weekend, I knew getting back into the swing of things this Moday would be a little challenging. To make things easier for myself, I threw together tonight’s dinner yesterday evening. All I’ll have to do tonight is pop it in the oven and wait
If you are also running on a time-crunched schedule, or simply just want less time in the kitchen after work, I suggest you do the same.
The recipe is super easy.
You’ll need:
2 packages of white mushrooms (sliced)
3 gloves of garlic, minced
rosemary
extra virgin olive oil
4-6 chicken thighs (boneless and skin removed) — I’ll use leftovers for lunches
salt + pepper
Layer mushrooms at the bottom of a roasting pan. Toss with minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and a good pinch of rosemary. Next, layer chicken thighs on top of mushrooms and drizzle with olive oil. Top with additional rosemary and some salt + pepper. Cover and stick in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
If cooking immediately, place on the center rack of a 400 degree oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, uncovered.
Hope you are all having a terrific Monday. What are you back-to-work/Monday cooking tips that help you ease back into the work week with limited time in the kitchen?!
Bean says, whatever you’re cookin, don’t forget your veggies!
