Recipe: Frozen Hot Chocolate

Frozen Hot Chocolate

With the heat index and humidity up right now in Ohio, what could possibly sound better than a sweet COLD treat? 

With it being the middle (eh..closer to the end) of the week, and work, school, chores and homework clogging up any free time we would have at night for perhaps...a swim (if we had a pool...the kiddie pool does NOT count people), although it would still be rather warm to enjoy the dip. 

And then...there is that thing about it being so HOT you don't want to bake so it's living in the land of no-bake treats around here. (don't judge) 

And, frankly, there is only so much ice cream, shakes and malts you can handle before your body craves something new, something fun, something that brings out the fall/winter in you but cools you down too. 

If you have never had a frozen Hot Chocolate...well, you're missing out!  

It's frosty, freezy, cool, yet icy and super yummy. 

You get:

• chocolate
• creamy cocoa 
• in a frozen version. 

Then add the: 

• whipped topping 
• drizzle with chocolate syrup 

and you will be dancing in heavenly goodness for the rest of the evening!

OK...now that your craving this cool treat..I will get you the recipe! 

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk 
• 3 cups ice
• 3 (1 oz) packages of hot cocoa 
• 2 tsp  Pure Chocolate Extract
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup

Instructions

1. In a large blender, blend together the milk, ice, hot cocoa packets, chocolate and vanilla extracts on high speed until blended and smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Pour into two tall glasses and top with fresh whipped cream and chocolate syrup. You can also drizzle the inside of your glasses with chocolate syrup before pouring.
3. Drink up and most importantly....ENJOY!

@KelleyAmstutz

/kel.amstutz

KAMSTUTZ09

Also posted on: https://kam0900.wordpress.com

Recipe of the DAY: Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole

Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole

Who is ready for a yummy, crockpot pleaser?  

Can you resist those potatoes?  

How about that cheese? 

And don't get me started on the bacon!  

This Hashbrown Casserole is so good, super simple to put together and a great way to use that crockpot that you tell yourself you are going to use more....but then, you don't.  Plus, the prep is not to bad!  

Of course, I would say, this would be excellent for breakfast, but...let's face it...I love HASHBROWNS and will admit to eating them for dinner on multiple occasions.  Hey, at least I am honest!

I love hashbrowns so much that I went to Sam's Club twice this month and without even thinking, picked up the 6 lb. bag both trips. (Opp!)  I just get out my handy dandy scale and weigh out my 20 ounces from my jumbo bag.  (Hunny, guess what, your having Hashbrown Casserole for breakfast and lunch...all week!) 

Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole

Serves: 6 to 8 (as a side)

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup finely chopped onion (can use frozen)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1 package (20 ounces) Ore-Ida shredded Hashbrowns (can get at Sam's Club) 

3/4 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and Pepper (your discretion)

Optional Topping: 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms, cooked and chopped bacon, fresh parsley. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Add in chopped onion (and mushrooms if adding)  and saute until tender. Add in garlic powder. Briskly whisk in the flour until a thick dough forms.  Cook for about 1 minute.
3. Very slowly add in the milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
4. Reduce heat to low. Simmer to thicken.  Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. 
5. Spray a large slow cooker (6 qt) with nonstick spray.
6. Pour in the creamy base.  Top with the whole package of Hashbrowns and shredded cheddar cheese. (note: if you like cheese, top with full cup)
7. Add salt and pepper and stir together.
8. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours.  Remove the lid and allow to cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour to get crisp on top.  Depending on crock pot, may need to watch. 
9. Top with toppings of choice, such as bacon, parsley, seasoning. 

@KelleyAmstutz

/kel.amstutz

KAMSTUTZ09

Also posted on: https://kam0900.wordpress.com

CopyCat Recipe: Panera Bread Potato Soup

Panera Bread Potato Soup

With all this talk of fall, it has me craving soups and one of my favs, of course, is Potato Soup.  We all know that Panera knows how to do soup, which is why I think we can all enjoy this copy cat recipe- minus the bread bowl!

PREP TIME:   5 Minutes

COOK TIME:  25 Minutes

SERVES:  4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Quart Chicken Broth
• 8 large potatoes, scrubbed, peeled, diced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped (check your freezer section)
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic 
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons chives
• 2 tablespoons of real bacon bits

In a medium sized pot, add cubed potatoes with chicken broth.  (you can add water to make sure liquid covers potatoes)  Cook potatoes in stock over medium heat for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. 

In a large pot, heat butter over medium heat until it melts.  Add in onions and saute until the onions are translucent.  Spring flour over the butter, and cook for a minute or two.  The butter and flour mixture should become fragrant.  Add in the potatoes and chicken broth in 1 cup increments and stir until soup mixture is well blended.  Continue to add all of the potatoes and broth. 

Add in the cream cheese, stir until it has melted.  Add salt, black pepper, chives and bacon bits. 

If desired, you can garnish with paprika, red pepper, shredded cheese, bacon bits and/or sour cream.

And....there you have it!  

Pretty easy, right! 

I would like to note that I AM NOT A CHEF, by any means. I actually can make some great soup...but besides baking, that is about it!  But, this is tried and tested and it a HIT.

Happy Souping! 

@KelleyAmstutz

/kel.amstutz

KAMSTUTZ09

Also posted on: https://kam0900.wordpress.com