Super Scrumptious Chocolate Frosting

This frosting is like none other that you've had.   It's so indulgent that you just can't stop eating it.  It has an additional layer of flavor that makes it super scrumptious.  I use it as a wonderful topping to spruce up package baked sugar cookies and family-sized, box made brownies.  It also works as a quick warm dip for fresh fruit such as strawberries and cherries.

Prep time: 5-10 minutes

Ingredients:

5 1/2 tablespoons of Evaporated Milk
5 1/2 tablespoons of room temperature butter or margarine
3/4 cups of granulated sugar (regular white sugar)
1/4 cup of confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar)
1/4 teaspoon of Mexican Vanilla Extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon of instant coffee granules *

*The coffee granules add that extra layer of flavor which makes the chocolate taste of the frosting more intense.*

Directions:
Combine evaporated milk, butter, and all sugar.  Once combined, bring to a rolling boil for 30-45 seconds.  Immediately remove from heat and add chocolate chips; whisk together to combine chocolate chips with milk mixture.  Once chocolate has started to melt, add instant coffee and continue to mix.

Add the chocolate frosting to warm, fresh baked sugar cookies or warm brownies. 

Either of these can be savored even more if a scoop of vanilla ice cream that has been mixed with a pinch of cinnamon is added or if eaten with a tall, cold glass of milk.  Enjoy!!

Remember, eat what you love and love what you eat!

Shea

A.I.O. Salad (Apple, Iceberg, and Onion)

Here's what you'll need....

1/2 - 1 head of Iceberg lettuce or 1 bag of shredded lettuce
2 Granny Smith Apples that have been refrigerated
1/2 Spanish or Vidalia onion


Salad Dressing:

4-5 Tablespoons of Vegetable or Canola Oil
4 caps full of Apple Cider Vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons of light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Directions:
Before using any fresh vegetable or fruit, please make sure to wash it first....

If using a head of lettuce, thinly slice the lettuce and add it to a bowl.  Peel both apples and  the onion.  Quarter the apples, thinly slice them and add them to the bowl with the lettuce.  Thinly slice the 1/2 onion and add it to the bowl with the lettuce and apples. 

Use a whisk to incorporate all ingredients used for the salad dressing.  Toss salad with the prepared salad dressing. **For additional flavor, top with more fresh ground black pepper and green grapes.**

Enjoy this cool, crisp, and refreshing salad with a nicely grilled pork chop!!!

Remember, eat what you love and love what you eat!!!!

Baby Lettuce Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

This is a lovely salad that is sure to please your pallet!  So, take a look at what you'll need.

Salad:

1 bag of Baby Lettuce or Arugula**
12 Strawberries (each quartered with stems removed)
1/2 Red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper
2 small Roma tomatoes thinly sliced


Strawberry Vinaigrette:

6 Strawberries (quartered and finely chopped)
1/2 teaspoon fresh peeled and minced ginger
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2-3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon light brown sugar
1/2 lemon--squeeze for juice
Black pepper to taste (1 pinch)

Garnish:

1/4 cup honey roasted pecans OR 1/4 cup of praline pecans
Danish Blue Cheese

Preparation:

Toss together salad leaves, strawberries, red onion, chopped roasted red bell pepper, and sliced Roma tomatoes.  Cover and set aside in refrigerator to chill.

**Butter lettuce, spinach leaves, or any dark green lettuce is a good option.**

In a small bowl, combine (by whisking) finely minced ginger, vegetable oil, balsamic vinegar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, and black pepper.  After whisking together, add chopped strawberries and chill for 15 minutes.

Remove salad and vinaigrette from fridge.  Whisk vinaigrette again.  Toss salad again with vinaigrette and top with pecans and crumbled blue cheese.

Great as a starter for any meal, or pair with a brown sugar, ginger, and soy sauce marinated pan roasted salmon fillet for a wonderful meal.

Add Pino Grigio for the perfect evening.  Enjoy!!!

Remember........eat what you love and love what you eat!!!
Shea