Hot Chocolate Pot

After the holidays, all the stores decide to clear out their pre-wrapped novelty gift-ready goodies for half price, or even less. For fashionistas, this means big deals on their favorite sweaters, handbags, and jewelry. For foodies, this means chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.

Sometimes, foodies can find deals on novelty cooking equipment, generally the type that makes something to do with chocolate.
This year, my find was a Hot Chocolate Pot from William Sonoma.

I saw it sitting on one of the sale tables when I went to the mall after Christmas. It was the last one, and I figured it was kind of unnecessary. But when I was about to put it down and walk away, several other women came up and started looking at it, so I made a quick decision that I wanted it and needed it and ran to the register.

I actually wouldn't be surprised if stores hire people to pretend to be interested in last-one sale items to push real customers to buy them. I'm not ashamed to admit that it worked on me. Or that I'm seven years old and love hot chocolate enough to buy a special pot for frothing it.

The idea of the pot is that the frothing attachment on the lid creates a foamy texture in the hot chocolate, so that it's lighter and more restaurant-esque.
Thankfully, I'd already received hot chocolate mix and peppermint marshmallows, so I have all the ingredients for the perfect cup of hot chocolate.

The only problem is that I can't stop making hot chocolate now!

I just add the milk to the microwavable pot, along with the chocolate shavings.

Pop it into the microwave, then add the lid, and push down for 60 seconds.

The result? Foamy, frothy, restaurant-style hot chocolate.

Don't forget the marshmallows...

Full price, $29.95, the hot chocolate pot isn't worth it. BUT, thanks to post-holiday sales, this hot chocolate pot is only $9.99 online here. DEFINITELY WORTH IT. 

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Please Sir, Can I Have S'more?

The other day, I decided to redeem my free birthday drink coupon from Bigby Coffee. I was intrigued by one of their fall drink offers.
A S'more Latte.
Yup, you heard me. A S'more Latte.

For all of you out there who want your morning/afternoon/evening coffee to be a dessert as well as a caffeine boost, I highly suggest this scrumptious latte smothered in graham crackers, marshmallow sauce, and chocolate sauce.

Mallory and I grabbed two as we sat down to Skype with Katie and hear all about her merry times in London town thus far.

And my photo attempt ended up blending all our faces together in a crazy collage of awesome.

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Molten Marshmallow Lava Cups

I developed this recipe tonight when I set out to make a dessert that was extremely easy and delicious. My goal was to re-create the molten marshmallow lava cake that I had at Diamond Jim Brady's with my friend Maria. However, most recipes for marshmallow cakes I looked up required a lot of ingredients and careful technique. I wanted to accomplish this with simple ingredients that most people could whip together quickly for a movie night with friends.

Now, before I unveil this incredibly short ingredients list, I want to warn you. This recipe is both delectably tasty and dangerously simple....

For this recipe, you will need:

One box of brownie mix
One egg
One bag of marshmallows
Oil
Water
12 baking cups

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Follow the recipe on the brownie mix box of your choice (though I recommend selecting one with the word "fudge" in the title). Make sure to go according to the directions for fudgey brownies, not cake-like brownies. Mine dictated to use one egg, 1/3 cup oil, and 1/3 cup water. Add an extra tablespoon of water to the batter and mix the ingredients well.

Next, line a muffin tray with baking cups and place one marshmallow in each cup.

Before you start this recipe, be sure you have some baking cups to use! Much thanks to my friend Maria who was quick to lend me some when I realized I didn't have any! (oops!)

THANKS MARIA!!

Next, spoon the batter into each marshmallow cup. This works best if you start by pouring the batter around each marshmallow, then covering the tops completely.

Place the tray in the oven and set your timer for 16 minutes.

When they're done, resist the urge to dig in immediately and allow the brownies to sit on the counter for 2 minutes so they can finish cooking.

After you've tortured yourself and your guests, use your fingers to pull the baking cups out of the tray. Plop one, two, three, or however many you can eat on a plate and dig in! Don't be afraid to top them with strawberry or caramel sauce!

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