One of my favorite things about autumn is getting to make hot chocolate again. Sure, I could make it any time of year, but when it’s 115 degrees for what seems like weeks on end, a hot drink is the last thing on my mind!

Now that the leaves in my area are finally turning and the air has a wonderful chill to it, it’s time to pick up some hot chocolate supplies on my next grocery ship to stock up the pantry.
I prefer a creamy hot chocolate, as opposed to a watery one or something from a packet, and the …read more

Caramel apples have come a long way since I was a kid. Back then the only thing we thought to do with them was dip them in caramel, which was just fine, of course, and it means I get to try the fun new ideas with my own kids!

Even though caramel has always been the default dip, chocolate is also an excellent option, and even better is chocolate with caramel!
Chocolate Caramel Apples
adapted from Food Network
12 Granny Smith apples
12 lollipop sticks
1 pound caramels
plastic wrap
melted dark, white or milk chocolate
1/2 cup nuts
1/2 cup M&M’s or favorite candy topping
waxed paper
~ Wash and dry …read more

One of my favorite fall treats are pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. When I saw this recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip squares, I knew I’d be giving it a try!

I’ll admit, these sound so great that I almost second-guessed myself with the brownie buttons I made yesterday for my sister’s visit today. But, I figure it wouldn’t hurt to have two desserts on hand, right? Especially with a couple of extra kids and some sweets-loving adults!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Squares
from TheStar.com
2 cups spelt or whole wheat flour
1 tsp each: cinnamon, baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp each: ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground …read more

The official start of my favorite season, fall, is just days away. Living in the desert southwest, we won’t be feeling the effects of the autumnal equinox for another month or so, but my mind is already working to find ways to bring autumn inside, even if it’s going to take its time making an appearance outside!

With White Chocolate Day coming up on September 23, I thought I would see what I could find that doesn’t involve the typical uses of white chocolate, like cookies, coatings, etc. I came across white hot chocolate and I’m intrigued.
I’m not a huge …read more

What could be better during a cool fall day than pumpkin spice and chocolate? Not much!

We’re only a few weeks away from the official start of fall, and while hunting around for some fun fall chocolate ideas I came across this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Truffles.
Both the recipe and the above picture come from the Evil Made Scientist blog, which also includes helpful step-by-step pictures.
Using the spice mixture from a can of Libby’s canned pumpkin and bittersweet chocolate, they found the perfect ratio for a chocolaty autumn flavor. The amazing thing is, the truffles contain no pumpkin!
Using a ganache …read more