For the Love of Chocolate

Obviously, the Holiday Kitchen hearts food and cooking in a big way. But we're like everyone else-sometimes we crave certain ingredients more than others and sometimes, we just can't get enough of a good thing. So that's what today's post is for-and some that will surely follow-a dedication to the one food, spice, herb, or general ingredient that is currently driving us crazy and how we're choosing to alleviate the pain. :)

The doctor wouldn't see us if we told him what the ailment was this week...the old sweet tooth. That's right, chocolate. Maybe it was all the candy in our Christmas stockings, but we just can't get enough-and we're not ready to start sticking to any New Year's resolutions yet.

The recipe below is for an amazing little slice of heaven we like to call Chocolate Pecan Pie. It has been known to inspire intense feelings of euphoria-especially great when you're riding high on a chocolate bender. Don't feel bad when you find yourself up at 3am, polishing off the entire thing.
We've been there too. We're there right now.



Ingredients

4 eggs
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of dark corn syrup
3 squares of unsweetened chocolate
2 cups of pecan halves
1 pie shell

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a mixer bowl, place eggs, sugar and dark corn syrup.
3. Attached with a flat beater turn to speed 6 for 1 minute then Stop and scrape the bowl.
4. Reduce the speed to 4.
5. Gradually add melted unsweetened chocolate and beat for 1 minute until well blended.
6. Reduce the speed to stir and add pecan halves.
7. Now pour the mixture into an unbaked pie pastry in an ungreased pie plate.
8. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until slightly soft in the center.

Lots of whip cream and chocolate shavings on top finish off the job.

You say party, I say POTLUCK!

So, the other day, we mentioned the idea of Potluck for your Super Bowl party. We received a bunch of emails in response-some asking more questions, some giving advice. The info was too good not to post, so, you'll find everything you need to know below-sure to make your next potluck party a fabulous success!

*Potluck dinner party*

Hosting a dinner party is quite a production unless you decide to kick up your heels, have some fun, and split up the work between your guests. Enter the Potluck Recipe Swap Party! The party that gets everyone involved. The concept is that everyone brings one dish and with it a few printed versions of the recipes, so people can bring them home to save and try later.

As the host there are some things you should keep in mind.
1. You want an idea of what everyone is bringing. You want to make sure there are no duplicates or dishes that are too similar. This will make sure that you have a nice variety.
2. Make sure you touch all the bases. You want a little bit of everything-appetizers, sides, mains and desserts.
3. Make sure you have extra dishes and utensils; some dishes that arrive might not be "serve- ready."
4. Remind your guests that all dishes that arrive must be fully prepared in advance. The only thing that should be done in the kitchen is re-warming.
5. And, let your guests know this is fun, and the dishes don’t necessarily have to be fancy. The best dishes are the ones passed down from generation to generation.

The best part of this party is that everyone who brings a dish will be bringing a printed version of their recipe as well. So you’ll be able to leave with a full stomach and a new collection of recipes and cooking inspiration!

In a Nutshell

Ha! Here's a little HK humor. A friend sent us these images the other day. What do you think?

"The World's Most Essential Cooking Tool..."



...Even for the Pros!

Food for Football?

Happy New Year!
We've been extra busy around here lately. After much party-planning, video-sharing, and of course, recipe-creating, we can definitely report that we are exhausted...but in a good way. And, we're not ready to stop yet! Come on people, Super Bowl is right around the corner-which means you're hosting or attending yet another party. Granted, Super Bowl parties don't usually fall under the category of "fancy soiree," but they do require a little bit more planning than your typical weeknight dinner. A new year calls for a new approach, so why not suggest something different to your friends and family this year?
We're thinking Potluck. Potluck suppers aren't just for church functions anymore! They're an easy way to entertain a lot of people and experience a lot of food for very little effort. The basic concept is that each person coming to the party brings one dish to share with everyone else. Combine this with Super Bowl Sunday and you'll have one perfect party! And, the best thing about all of this is that we've already pulled together a list of great recipes for you to make and share (and packaged them in a convenient player that we discovered online-see below. If you click on the bottom navigation of the player, you can scroll through all of the recipes we put in it).

Now, possibly, the idea of having something like chocolate pot de creme for Super Bowl, doesn't seem to make much sense. But remember how we were advocating new year, new ideas? Well, here you go! We found that certain recipes, such as this one, worked great for the holidays because they could be made quickly and easily, and always came out tasting absolutely delicious. They will do the same duty for your Super Bowl party.
A lot of these recipes can be made ahead of time and then served potluck-style, as a spread of finger food. Trust us, hungry football fans will appreciate the variety. Chocolate pot de creme is really just a chocolate pudding. It's a quick, no-bake dessert that can be made ahead of time. Plus, unlike cakes or pies, there's no cutting involved-make in seperate ramekins and put out as part of the spread for guests. All you need to know is how many people are coming (and plan on making some extra!). Another great recipe is the baked camembert, which can be assembled and then stored in the freezer for a couple weeks before baking. On game day, take it out and pop it into the oven. It's that simple. And for a fast munchie, try the sugar glazed pecans. One batch will keep a houseful going strong all night.
So, lesson learned today: Super Bowl party does not equal the same old tortilla chips and dip. Have fun. Try something new. And keep on cooking with us!