Chocolate Week - Day Two

People ask us all the time where we get our recipes.  (We'll take that as a good sign that they like them!)  The answer is simple, although the process is not: our heads.  We develop all of our own recipes.  They usually start with an idea for something fun or something we want to master.  Then we play around on our "test kitchen" days trying to create our own recipe for something, whether it's something we've had or seen somewhere and want to put our own stamp on it, or something we've dreamed up and want to bring to life.  

They don't always work out.  Some recipes are wildly successful.  Others... not so much.  But the best thing about baking is that every step is fun.  If it turns out well you get to indulge in something sweet after cleaning the dishes.  If it doesn't, well, you have a fun time with your partner trying (and laughing at yourself).

Since we can't share the recipes we've created for How Sweet It Is, we thought we'd instead share a couple of Corinne's favorite no-bake recipes.  Here are a few ways to whip up something chocolatey and fun!

So here are the Corinne-approved chocolate treats-- the first is no-bake cookies.  While there are many different recipes, this has become her personal favorite.  And yes, it is much better if you use crunchy peanut butter!  The second is a recipe for a easy s'more.  Made with one of the best cereals and chocolate chips, this version of a campfire favorite is sure to please!

No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients:

· 2 Tbsp butter
· 2 Tbsp cocoa
· 1/2 c milk
· 2 c sugar
· 1 tsp vanilla
· 1/2 tsp salt
· 3/4 c peanut butter (crunchy is best)
· 2 c old-fashioned oatmeal

Directions:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan.  Stir in cocoa, milk, and sugar.  Stir to melt ingredients together.  Bring to a boil that spans the whole surface of the mixture (rather than just the edges). Remove from heat immediately.  Allowing the mixture to boil for even a few minutes will dry out your cookies, so watch it well!

Stir in vanilla, salt, peanut butter, and oatmeal until well mixed.  Continue to stir until mixture has thickened a bit.  Scoop heaping spoonfuls onto wax paper and allow to cool. (Or eat as soon as it has left boiling temperatures, either way is just fine!)

Makes about 2 dozen

S’more Please!
Ingredients

· 1 (12 oz) box graham cracker cereal (i.e. Golden Grahams)
· 1½ c semisweet chocolate chips
· 1 (10.5 oz) package mini marshmallows
· 4 Tbsp butter

Directions:

Place cereal and chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl and set aside.  In a large saucepan, melt marshmallows and butter over medium heat, stirring often.  Continue melting until a few small bumps remain, but the majority of the mixture is smooth and gooey.  Pour marshmallow mixture over the cereal and chocolate and stir to combine. The heat from the marshmallows will melt the chocolate chips.  Continue stirring until cereal is well-coated.

Pour mixture out onto waxed or parchment paper to cool.  Alternately, you can press the mixture into a 9 x 13″ pan and allow to cool.  Cut and enjoy!

Be sure to store in an air tight container or zip-lock bag.