Day 96

Day 95 - The children loved the muffins!  When we got home from church we had a roast with potatoes and carrots in the oven waiting for us!  Was it ever good!  I think that is one of my favorite meals!

Day 96 - Our fist day of getting any snow.  Of course the children had to go out and play with it for a little while!  They are also use to getting some hot cocoa when they come inside, and so they asked for some today.  So after a little research and a little more here is what I came up with:
Homemade Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups milk (whole milk for creamier)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 8 ounces chocolate, preferably dark
• 3 teaspoons maple syrup or natural sweetener of choice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:
1) Chop the chocolate very finely.
2) In a medium saucepan, bring the milk and cream to a low simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
3) Add the chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Whisk vigorously until all of the chocolate has melted. Cook for an additional 4 minutes, whisking constantly.
4) Serve with maple whipped cream (recipe follows) if desired.
Serves 4 generously
Maple Whipped Cream
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup (more if you like your whipped cream very sweet)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and beat until stiff.

I did not make the cream!  But I would have loved to try it with it!  And I also used 60% cocoa chips!  So my children ended up getting their hot chocolate and asking for more!