Macaron Filling Ingredients Excerpt from “Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method”

Copyright 2018-2024 by Lisa Maliga

Macaron Filling Ingredients

I’ve been experimenting with making more creative fillings. Let’s face it, the filling is what flavors the macarons. While some of the buttercreams contain a cup or two of confectioners’ sugar, in some recipes I was able to decrease the amount significantly. For the American buttercream filling, keep in mind that the better the butter, the better the filling!

♥ High quality butter [President, Kerrygold, Plugra or any fresh high fat non-GMO local butter]. Unsalted butter is recommended. Also, the butter should be at room temperature when you’re making the filling.

♥ High quality vanilla extract, vanilla beans, vanilla bean powder OR vanilla bean paste. Yes, it costs more but the flavor is worth it. Imitation vanilla extract is very inexpensive but it isn’t nearly as good. I recommend real vanilla beans, powder or paste as it’s flavorful and contains the tiny seeds. These types of vanilla are ideal for flavoring macaron shells.

♥ For a rich, flavorful buttercream, use organic heavy cream. High fat creams always taste better! You won’t need to use a lot.

♥ Cream cheese. When baking cupcakes I finally got around to using a cream cheese frosting. As it’s not quite as sweet as butter, it’s perfect for sugary macarons. And what better ingredient for a cheesecake flavored macaron?

♥ Mascarpone Cheese. This is a rich creamy additive to your macaron fillings. Mascarpone cheese is similar to ricotta except for the fact that it’s made from cream and not milk. I’d never used it before but was pleased with how easily it blended with butter when I put it in the mixer. My first recipe using this lovely Italian cheese also combines honey and fig jam.

♥ Jam filling. Use either a natural jam/fruit spread or fresh fruit. Making a filling with fresh fruit is a little more work, but the taste is a lot better.

♥ Extracts/flavor emulsions/essential oils. I used a coconut extract for my buttercream and it was a very good flavor. Not excellent, but I’d make it again as it seemed to be a nice interpretation of coconut.

Book link: https://www.lisamaliga.com/book-baking-macarons-the-swiss-meringue-method

Visually-Enhanced Book Excerpt

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Key Lime Pie Recipe

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2023

How to cool off on a hot summer day? Enjoy a nice, cold slice of Key Lime pie! This deliciously tart and sweet crumb crust pie is easy to bake. Don’t have key limes in your area? Not an issue. Use regular Persian limes. They taste just as good.

Baking in the summertime isn’t always ideal, but when it comes to Key lime pie, your oven isn’t on very long. And, if the sun is shining, you can always melt your butter outside. It took 10 minutes for me. I used a small glass bowl and put a larger bowl over it to keep any insects away.

It won’t take long for you to be enjoying a nice, cool and tangy slice [or two!] of Key Lime pie.

INGREDIENTS:

Graham Cracker Crust

5 ounces graham cracker crumbs https://amzn.to/3NVi6Bh

5 tablespoons butter, melted

1/3 cup granulated sugar https://amzn.to/3rpalMg

For more flavor and/or health benefits, try 1-part golden sugar https://amzn.to/3lV1MXb and one part organic palm sugar https://amzn.to/3TYTM47

Key Lime Filling

3 egg yolks

1 1/2 teaspoons lime zest

1 can [14 oz.] sweetened condensed milk https://amzn.to/3DjD1sS

2/3 cup lime juice

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream [cold]

1 Tablespoon confectioners’ sugar https://amzn.to/3K3ype3

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract https://amzn.to/474S87g

Shimmer green glitter dust [optional] https://amzn.to/3pRXwKa

Oven temperature: 350 Fahrenheit / 175 Celsius

Instructions:

CRUST:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pour graham cracker crumbs into a large mixing bowl. If you only have the whole graham crackers, use a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, put in a sturdy plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Add sugar and melted butter and mix with a fork or until the ingredients look like wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a buttered 9-inch pie pan. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Set aside on a wire cooling rack.

FILLING:

In the bowl of the stand mixer, whip the egg yolks and lime zest at high speed until fluffy. Slowly add the condensed milk and continue to whip until thick. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the lime juice, mixing until combined. The mixture will start to thicken with the addition of the lime juice. Pour the mixture into the crust.

Bake for 10 minutes or until the filling has just set. Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate once the pie has reached room temperature. For best results, the pie should be chilled for 2-3 hours.

WHIPPED CREAM:

Chill the mixing bowl and whisk. Add the heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar. This will take 5 minutes at high speed. Lastly, add the vanilla extract. Pipe the whipped cream around the edges and in the center of the pie.

If you want to get a workout, you can add the heavy cream and sugar to a chilled pint-sized mason jar and shake. That usually takes about 10 minutes.

Have fun making and sharing this zesty Key lime pie with your family and friends.

Video

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Ruby Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2020-2023

Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies retain the lovely pink shade of the ruby chocolate callets. Two ways to retain the color are to lower the oven temperature and to only use baking powder as a rising agent. The undersides of the cookies are brownish in color.

Equipment:

Stand or hand mixer
Baking sheets
Cooling rack
Parchment paper or Silpats
Cookie scoop [ice cream scoop]
Sifter
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups/spoons
Spatula
Cookie jar or airtight storage container

Ingredients:

1/2 cup [115 grams] unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup [100 grams] firmly-packed brown sugar
1/2 cup [100 grams] granulated white sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups [185 grams] all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1 1/2 cups [262 grams] ruby chocolate chips/chunks + 1 Tablespoon [15 grams] for adding later

Oven Temperature: 325 Fahrenheit [160 Celsius]
Baking Time: 16 -18 minutes

Directions:

In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar and cream together well. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Add the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt to the butter mixture. Lastly, add the ruby chocolate chips and mix until incorporated. Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, scoop dollops of dough [about 1-2 Tablespoons]. Place onto a parchment-lined baking tray with about three- inches between the cookies. This step is optional, but you can put the cookies in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to one hour before baking. Bake for 16-18 minutes until browned around the edges. Cool the cookies on the baking tray. Let cool slightly and transfer to cooling rack.

TIPS: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
Cookies can be refrigerated or frozen if wrapped in freezer-safe plastic wrap and put in an airtight container.
Label and date your container[s] of cookies. Underbaked cookies can be reheated in an oven or toaster oven.

Video

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Apple Spice Macarons Recipe

Copyright 2018-2022 by Lisa Maliga

Apples and autumn go perfectly together. Think of apple cider, candy or caramel apples, apple crisp, and Apple Spice Macarons.

Welcome autumn with Apple Spice Macarons!

INGREDIENTS:

160 grams powdered sugar, sift with almond flour
160 grams almond flour, sift with powdered sugar
150 grams egg whites
185 grams confectioners’ sugar, sieved
1 Tablespoon [8 grams] arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon [3 grams] cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
several drops Burgundy gel food colorant

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 300°F.

~ Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together into a bowl. Stir in the arrowroot powder and set aside.

~ Put a template on a baking sheet and place a silicone mat or parchment paper over it. Set aside.

~ In the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites and confectioners’ sugar. Whisk until well combined.

~ Place bowl over pot with just enough water, as you don’t want the water touching the bowl. Heat on medium until meringue is hot. Test to make sure it’s hot enough by sticking your clean finger in the meringue near the center of the bowl. If using a candy thermometer the temperature should be about 130 F [54 C].

~ Remove from heat and place bowl onto stand mixer. Add the cream of tartar and vanilla bean paste.

~ Whisk on medium to high speed until firm peaks form. Egg whites should be glossy and if you flip the bowl upside down, nothing will come out.

~ Add food coloring and whisk until the color is incorporated.

~ Remove the whisk and add the paddle attachment [if using one].

~ Add the presifted almond flour and confectioners’ sugar mixture.

~ Turn mixer on low or medium speed and mix for up to 10 seconds. If that doesn’t mix the batter thoroughly, mix for another 10 seconds. Turn off mixer and with your spatula, run it around the sides and bottom of bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.

~ Test for the ribbon stage. When you lift your spatula above the bowl, the batter should fall back to the bowl as one continuous stream and create a ribbon pattern.

~ Pour batter into a pastry bag [14″ or 16″] fitted with a large round tip.

~ Pipe onto the silicone or parchment covered baking sheets.

~ When finished with each sheet, bang baking sheet on counter to remove air bubbles. If you see any air bubbles, pop them with a toothpick.

~ Let shells rest on a flat surface in a cool, dry area for about 30 minutes. The surface will change from glossy to matte. To make sure they’re done, gently touch the edge of one with your finger. There should be no trace of batter on your finger.

~ Bake for 15-20 minutes. This will vary depending on your oven. Carefully monitor the baking process and check your oven thermometer. After 8 or so minutes, rotate the tray to ensure even baking.

~ Macarons are done when you peel back the mat or the parchment paper and the shells don’t stick.

~ Remove from oven and gently slide the parchment or silicone mat onto a cooling rack. The shells should be cool enough to remove after 10 minutes.

~ Place macaron shells on a wax paper covered baking sheet or tray for filling. Match similar sized shells together. Pipe the filling on the flat side of one shell and gently place the second shell on top.

APPLE SPICE BUTTERCREAM FILLING

Apple Spice Buttercream Filling ready to pipe

INGREDIENTS:

115 grams [1/4 cup] apple butter
115 grams [1/4 cup] unsalted butter
150 grams [3/4 cup] dark brown sugar OR organic pure cane sugar
30 ml [2 Tablespoons] heavy [double] cream
2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice*
125 grams [1 cup] confectioners’ sugar, sifted

INSTRUCTIONS:

Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the apple butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium low. Continue to boil for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Add the cream, apple pie spice and cinnamon, whisking constantly, and return to a boil. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Whisk powdered sugar until smooth and it reaches a frosting consistency.

* Make your own Apple Pie Spice by combining: 1 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) allspice and two dashes of cloves. Add ingredients to a small container and shake until blended.

Video Tutorial

Click the picture to check out the book. Available in eBook and paperback formats.

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Mega Oatmeal Raisin & Walnut Cookies Recipe

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2022

Want to have a great big chewy cookie for a dessert, snack or even a meal replacement? The Mega Oatmeal Raisin & Walnut cookies will qualify. These big, chunky cookies have nice, plump raisins due to soaking them before mixing all the ingredients together. These aren’t just any oatmeal raisin cookies, they’re mega oatmeal raisin [and walnut] cookies that are sure to be a hit for cookie fans of any age.

Big cookies!

Mega Oatmeal Raisin & Walnut Cookies Recipe

All the ingredients

Ingredients:

2 sticks [8 ounces] butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup golden brown sugar
1/4 cup organic coconut sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cake flour
1/4 cup 2 tapioca starch OR corn starch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins, soaked in water for 30 minutes
3/4 cup chopped walnuts OR pecans

Equipment:

Hand or stand mixer
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups/spoons
Whisk
Spatula
Sieve
Cookie/ice cream scoop
Large baking sheet
Baking/cooling rack
Parchment paper/Silpat
Kitchen scale
Oven thermometer

Oven temperature: 400 F

~ Whisk dry ingredients [flour, tapioca starch, salt, baking soda and cinnamon] together in a large bowl.
~ Mix sugar and butter in a hand or stand mixer until well creamed.
~ Add eggs one at a time.
~ Add vanilla extract.
~ Add the dry mixture until well mixed.
~ Drain the raisins into a bowl and save raisin water for later.
~ The oatmeal, raisins, and walnuts should be added last. Mix until it’s stiff, which makes it easy to form into balls.
~ Measure out dough in 4-ounce balls. Lightly pack them and place on cookie sheets.
~ Let sit in the refrigerator for about one hour. Midway through the cooling off phase, preheat your oven to 400 Fahrenheit.
~ Bake for about 10 -11 minutes.
~ Cool on cookie rack for about 10 minutes before removing.

Yields:

One dozen 4-ounce cookies

• You can store in a cookie jar or airtight container for about 5 days [if they last that long]. They can also be frozen and heated in a toaster oven for about 5 minutes on 350.
• I used tapioca starch because I had more of it than I did corn starch. Either works well to soften these delightful oatmeal raisin & walnut cookies.
• Substitute pecans or go nut-free if you choose

Healthy Tip! You can save the raisin water in a mason jar and refrigerate overnight. Drink the next morning on an empty stomach. Raisin water is a healthy way to eliminate toxins from your body and give you natural energy. Some people drink raisin water before doing a workout.

Bite into this mega oatmeal cookie!

Check out the video tutorial:

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Jumbo Chocolate Chip & Ruby Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Two halves of a jumbo Chocolate Chip & Ruby Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Copyright 2022 by Lisa Maliga

This recipe is similar to the big, 6-ounce Levain-style cookies, but there are distinct differences. My recipe calls for ruby chocolate, the cookies are slightly smaller at four ounces, and I used three different types of sugar to enhance these distinctive cookies’ flavor. I also used a good amount of Neilsen Massey’s pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla extract. I had a difficult time refraining from eating the batter because it was so tasty!

Below is a photo of my newest addition: a Kitchen Aid 5-quart stand mixer with a white bowl. I also have the original shiny bowl. Two bowls are better than one, especially when making cupcakes and frosting. Even better, I invested in a flex-edge beater attachment which thoroughly creams the sugar and butter in seconds. I only had to scrape the bowl once. If you have a 4.5 or 5-quart Kitchen Aid stand mixer, I highly recommend this helpful, time-saving attachment. Kitchen Aid flex edge beater attachment link: https://amzn.to/3K99aGl

New 5-quart Kitchen Aid stand mixer with white bowl and lots of chocolate and other baking ingredients.

JUMBO CHOCOLATE CHIP & RUBY CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES RECIPE

Oven temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit/205 degrees Celsius

Bake time: 11-12 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, cold, cut into cubes
2 large eggs, cold
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup organic coconut sugar
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons corn starch
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
10 ounces chocolate chips
3.2 ounces chopped ruby chocolate bar OR ruby chocolate callets
1/2 cup chopped walnuts [optional]

Equipment:

Hand or stand mixer
Mixing bowl
Sifter
Measuring cups/spoons
Whisk
Spatula
Cookie/ice cream scoop
Large baking sheet[s]
Baking/cooling rack
Parchment paper/Silpat
Kitchen scale

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, corn starch, baking powder and salt. Whisk until combined.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, and sugar until it’s well-combined, which will be a paste-like texture. You can also use a hand mixer or mix with a whisk or wooden spoon.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Blend well.
• Stir in the dry ingredients until well blended.
• Mix in the chocolate chips, ruby chocolate chunks [or chips], and walnuts.
• Form into balls approximately 4 ounces [120 grams]. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat. Refrigerate for one hour.
• Preheat oven.
• The cookies should be at least 3 inches apart. Bake on center rack for about 11-12 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

NOTES:

This recipe made a dozen [12] 4-ounce cookies.

Store cookies in an airtight container.

If serving the next day, bake in oven/toaster oven for about 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees.

You can also heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Chilling the dough in the refrigerator before baking helps to keep the cookies higher so they won’t spread a lot. You want dry dough. Mix minimally but mix enough to ensure that everything’s well incorporated.

Adding nuts makes cookies healthier, more rustic looking, and helps hold the shape better. If you don’t like walnuts, substitute pecans, macadamia, cashews, etc. Or don’t use any at all.

Watch the recipe video!

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Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Review

By Lisa Maliga copyright 2022

The chewy center of a lovely Levain cookie

I’m a huge fan of Levain style chocolate chip walnut cookies. Yes, I refer to them as style, as I’ve never tasted the large six-ounce cookies from the New York City bakery. Even if I ordered them online, they’d still have to be heated up in the oven to get that bakery fresh goodness.

Instead, I make them myself. I’ve learned how by watching dozens of videos and reading baking blogs and cookbooks. I’ve not duplicated them in size as mine are slightly smaller, four ounces, and I add pure vanilla extract to make them even more flavorful. But when I learned that Levain sells their cookies in various supermarkets, I simply had to buy a box and give them a try.

Right out of the box

I bought this box at Whole Foods for only $7.99, as it was on sale. The cookies are sold in packages containing eight, two-ounce frozen cookies. They are also available in Two Chip Chocolate Chip and Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

Since I had other errands to run, the cookies arrived back at my place thawed out. That’s okay, I was able to taste one as-is. In a way it reminded me of a packaged Chips Ahoy! Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie. I’m joking, because even at just-below-room temperature, that little cookie was thick and chewy and tasted so good I didn’t bother to heat it up.

After dinner, I put a piece of parchment paper on a small baking sheet, placed a cookie on it, and baked it in the toaster oven at 350 degrees for 7 minutes. Some of the chocolate chips melted and the color darkened up just like a freshly baked cookie. I weighed it and was pleased to see it was 2.3 ounces, so I got even more Levain goodness.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie ready to eat

For best results, don’t heat cookies [or any other food] on aluminum foil. Heated aluminum will get into your food and, of course, your body. Parchment paper or a silicone mat [Silpat] are your best options.

There are many pros to these cookies, especially if you don’t live in the New York or Washington DC area and can’t access the freshly baked ones. The smaller size is perfect if you’re watching your weight or aren’t very hungry. Three of these boxed beauties compare to one standard Levain cookie. Obviously, it’s much easier to warm these up than bake them from scratch.

WHERE TO BUY:

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3B1cChw

Whole Foods link: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/levain-bakery-chocolate-chip-walnut-cookies-16-oz-b08j5mbvnd

Want to make your own? https://lisamaliga.wordpress.com/2022/01/12/jumbo-chocolate-chip-walnut-cookies-levain-style/

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Jumbo Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies [Levain style] Recipe

by Lisa Maliga, copyright 2022

If you like big cookies, have I got a recipe for you! These jumbo chocolate chip walnut cookies are similar to the famous Levain Bakery cookies. But they differ in two ways: the cookies are just over four ounces, [Levain’s are 6 ounces], and contain pure vanilla extract. They are still big, thick and chunky — yet soft on the inside due to the cake flour and corn starch. Another key is the short baking time on a higher temperature than conventional chocolate chip cookies.

With Valentine’s Day coming soon, these will be a sweet and thoughtful gift. Bake someone happy with these delightful jumbo chocolate chip walnut cookies!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut in cubes

1 cup organic raw brown sugar https://amzn.to/3zNFh99

1/2 cup granulated cane sugar https://amzn.to/2JLTRrX

2 large eggs, cold

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract https://amzn.to/3qls56e

1 cup all-purpose flour https://amzn.to/3mJ8TNu

1 cup cake flour https://amzn.to/34AzGrj

2 teaspoons corn starch https://amzn.to/3Fg2xOi

1 teaspoon baking powder https://amzn.to/3r2FTDP

3/4 teaspoon baking soda https://amzn.to/3tg5qfK

1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt https://amzn.to/2Vymifl

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips https://amzn.to/39KAVEL

1 cup chopped walnuts https://amzn.to/333p6bU

EQUIPMENT:

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Measuring cups/spoons
Whisk
Spatula
Cookie/ice cream scoop
Large baking sheet
Parchment paper/Silpat
Oven thermometer

A stack of freshly-baked chocolate chip walnut cookies

INSTRUCTIONS:

Oven temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit/205 degrees Celsius

Bake time: 11 minutes

* In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, corn starch, baking powder and salt. Whisk until combined.

* In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, and sugar until it’s well-combined, which will be a paste-like texure. You can also use a hand mixer or mix with a whisk or wooden spoon.

* Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Blend well.

* Stir in the dry ingredients until well blended. The dough will feel quite stiff.

* Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

* Form into balls approximately 4.2 to 4.5 ounces [119 to 127 grams]. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat. Refrigerate for one hour.

* Preheat oven.

* The cookies should be at least 3 inches apart. Bake on center rack for about 11 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

NOTES:

This recipe made nine [9] 4.2 to 4.5-ounce cookies.

Store cookies in an airtight container.

If serving the next day, bake in oven/toaster oven for about 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees.

I’ve added links to some of the ingredients. They are only suggestions, of course.

Chilling the dough in the refrigerator before baking helps to keep the cookies higher so they won’t spread a lot. You want dry dough. Mix minimally but mix enough to ensure that everything’s well incorporated.

Adding nuts makes cookies healthier, more rustic looking, and helps hold the shape better. If you don’t like walnuts, substitute pecans, macadamia, cashews, etc. Or don’t use any at all.

I used callets [Callebaut brand chocolate chips] and some chunks of a chopped up 70% cacao chocolate bar.

Happy baking!

Freshly baked and split in half to show the inner goodness. Bake someone happy with these cookies!

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Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe & Video

By Lisa Maliga, Copyright 2021

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

There is something very comforting about having a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night. When I was a child, I had two options for drinking hot chocolate: Swiss Miss packets with mini marshmallows, or the “homemade” type heated up in a saucepan with milk and a scoop of Nestle Quik powder. No sugar was added as that was the main ingredient, followed by cocoa and some anti-caking agents and preservatives. Topped with a generous swirl of Reddi Wip, it was the best hot beverage to sip while I sat on the couch and read.

The Swiss Miss hot cocoa packets might have been labeled as “rich chocolate”, yet they always contained stale mini marshmallows. Hot water was poured into my pink porcelain mug. Even if my mom mixed it for me, there were always little clumps of unmixed cocoa powder.

This year, I decided to try genuine European hot chocolate. Thick, but not quite like chocolate pudding. Unlike those packets, this delicious hot chocolate contains rich melted chocolate with a touch of cocoa powder and pure vanilla. I adore the Chocolove brand which contains 55% cacao and real peppermint oil. As always, use whatever brand you prefer and if it isn’t peppermint flavored, just add peppermint extract.

Garnishing with candy canes makes it look more festive. Peppermint Hot Chocolate is perfect for celebrating the Christmas season.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ingredients

Excellent chocolate bars make for excellent hot chocolate!

PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:
2 ounces peppermint dark chocolate  https://amzn.to/3dFqMd7

5 ounces whole milk

½ Tablespoon coconut palm sugar https://amzn.to/3rLBlnq

1 teaspoon cocoa powder, sifted https://amzn.to/3lPk4Wv

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract https://amzn.to/33fpuUr

1 mini peppermint candy cane, crushed https://amzn.to/3rOtzch

1 large peppermint candy cane for stirring https://amzn.to/3ECNGxW

8-ounce mug OR two 4-ounce mugs

DIRECTIONS:

Crush mini peppermint candy cane and set aside.

Chop up the peppermint chocolate.  

In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in the milk and sugar. Using a whisk, mix constantly once it heats up to a simmer.

Add the cocoa powder and the chopped chocolate. Cook for about 4 minutes, whisking constantly. If using vanilla extract and/or peppermint extract, add that just before you’re ready to pour. Put a candy cane into your mug and pour in your hot chocolate.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and top with the crushed peppermint candy cane.

SUGGESTIONS: You can also use your favorite chocolate bar and just add a dash of peppermint extract as the last step so as to retain the flavor.

By all means substitute a plant-based milk if you wish. However, it won’t be as thick as it is when made with whole milk.

I made the whipped cream by pouring 8 ounces of whipping cream into a chilled 16-ounce mason jar and shaking it for about 10 minutes. Then I stirred in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of powdered monkfruit sweetener.

Enjoy your hot chocolate and have a very Merry Christmas/Holiday Season!

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No Bake Cookies Recipe & Video Tutorial

By Lisa Maliga

Copyright 2021

No Bake Cookies

These No Bake Cookies contain Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa powder, a very fine chocolate that I’d bought a few months ago and just got around to testing. Even though these are what I refer to as ‘stovetop cookies’ as no oven is used, the rich flavor of this brand of chocolate stands out.

According to the company: “Our gourmet baking cocoa is Dutch-processed for rich flavor and appearance. Our cocoa contains one of the highest levels of cocoa butter on the market, ensuring superior chocolate flavor. From rich hot cocoa to fudgey brownies, Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa makes a difference you can taste.”

I also used a salted peanut butter so that no extra salt needs to be added.

This recipe is so easy to make, any time of the year. If you don’t want to turn your oven on this summer, and crave homemade cookies, I definitely recommend making these!

NO BAKE COOKIES RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

½ cup granulated sugar

1 cup coconut sugar https://amzn.to/3lyrPB8

½ cup milk

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted https://amzn.to/3CrpCNV

½ cup peanut butter https://amzn.to/3lvYuaa

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract  https://amzn.to/3yqnSC7

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats https://amzn.to/3Aq5aLx

Stovetop Temperature: Medium

In a large saucepan, add butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined. Boil for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat.

Add vanilla extract and mix. Add peanut butter and oats and mix until well combined.

Use either a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop cookies on parchment or wax paper.

Let cool for several hours. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They probably won’t last that long.

Yield: makes about 25 cookies.

I provide links to items on Amazon that I’ve bought and used or have used in the past. For butter, I recommend Kerrygold, Plugra, Vital Farms or President. Perhaps there’s a dairy in your area and that would be the best for you. As always, the better the ingredients, the better the cookies!

Want gluten-free cookies? Make sure your oats are labeled as gluten-free.

If you want these to be vegan-friendly, use coconut oil or vegan butter.

Allergic to peanut butter? Substitute almond butter or sunflower butter.

Happy Cooking!

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