Halloween Gold

This candy is super simple to make and absolutely addictive to eat. Originally introduced to me as a Christmas treat with red and green M&Ms, a slight switch of color has instantly transformed it into an All Hallows Eve classic. Dubbed "Halloween Gold" by one of my neighbors, it's as easy as spooning a dollop of melted chocolate onto a bite-sized pretzel and dropping an M&M on top. Once the chocolate has cooled, it's ready to be packed up and handed out to the special little goblins and ghouls in your life. There's nothing better than free gold, so share the wealth!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Dessert For Breakfast

Chickpea flour is my latest muse in the kitchen. Originally purchased for some experimental pasta making, it has turned out to be a versatile, go-to ingredient. One of my favorite recipes, so far, is eggless chocolate french toast. To be perfectly honest, it's a dessert disguised as a breakfast item. A nod to those who believe "life is uncertain, eat your dessert first", it is a delicious mixture of french toast texture and brownie decadence. A pinch of cardamom in the recipe adds a unique taste and the warm strawberry drizzle takes it over the top. Go ahead... eat your dessert first. I won't judge.

French Toast Batter:

1/2 C chickpea flour

1/2 C cocoa powder

1/4 C sugar

1/2 C almond milk or water

1/4 tsp vanilla

pinch of salt

pinch of cardamom

sliced bread of your choice ( I used nine grain for a hearty taste )

In a bowl, sift together dry ingredients. Stir in wet ingredients to create the batter. Heat oiled griddle or skillet to medium. Coat bread slices in batter. Cook slices until crispy on each side. Drizzle with warm strawberry jam.

Snack Madness

March Madness is upon us. Tonight, the brackets will be announced and the frenzy of competition will ensue. We will start prognosticating at the water cooler, wearing the colors of our favorite teams, and incessantly checking the sports ticker while at work... all for the love of basketball. One common problem for fans of The Madness is fatigue. It's easy to forget to properly feed the machine when there are 60+ games to think about. Stamina is crucial for a successful tourney run and true fans must maintain their energy for couch coaching and executing all the superstitions required to ensure the "W". Here is a power packed snack to kick off Selection Sunday. Let the games begin, and may the best team (you know who you are) win.

RECIPE:

1/2 C popped amaranth

1/2 C chopped raw almonds

1/2 C golden raisins

1/2 C pepitas

pinch of salt

1/2 C dark chocolate chips

Melt chocolate in double boiler. In a separate bowl, mix together popped amaranth, almonds, raisins, pepitas and salt . Pour melted chocolate into amaranth mixture and stir to coat all the ingredients. Drop by the spoonful onto silpat or wax paper and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. Enjoy.

Custom Confections

There is nothing more thoughtful than handmade gifts for the holidays. Figuring out what to create for everyone on your list can be daunting, so here is an idea I found that is easy and impressive - chocolate truffles. Cross all the chocoholics off your list with these sinful delights. Not only is this recipe simple, it is adaptable. Easily adjust the flavor to suit your recipient's taste. I added 1 teaspoons of vanilla to boost the sweetness in mine, but other tasty additions could be orange extract, brandy, or coconut flavoring. Try crushed nuts or even chocolate sprinkles to dress up the outside of the truffles. Personalizing the treat makes it evident that you spent time thinking about the person, making the gift even more special. After all, it's the thought that counts... right?