Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

 

Winter has things slowing down around here, other than our living room repair/remodel project.  I, however, finally got the hot cocoa mix made.

A few parts arrived to install the gas heaters, but the fireplace has yet to be delivered.  It was supposed to be in November 30th.  It's been a frustrating time getting what we need to finish the living room.

The cost of paint is horrible right now as well. Sheesh.  My husband and I were flabbergasted at the price of one gallon to paint the trim.

Crafting ~ New Kitchen Project

Not sure if we will get more snow yet today, but we definitely got at least 3 inches yesterday.  Had to shovel out the mailbox (again).  After getting sweet potatoes in a crock pot, and walking 2 miles on the treadmill, I piddle-dinked around with the scraps of wall paper.  I just want this particular project done so I can really resume the purge.  Got one more dish scrubbie crocheted too.

My new switch plates arrived for my kitchen.  USA made.  I just need my handyman husband to replace the receptacles to match the color.  Although, after he saw them he thinks the color of receptacles we have may look okay.  I'll be putting one up to day to see.

There was of course more shoveling of snow to do, so I warmed up with a mug of homemade hot chocolate and a splash of peppermint vodka.

 

 

Grilling ~ More Tomatoes ~ Dinky Bell Peppers/Carrots ~ Chilly Temps

We recently grilled burgers and we took advantage of that open jar of canned caramelized onions.

 Mmm.  Goodness.  Grilled organic / non-gmo beef burgers, topped with swiss cheese, canned onions, and home canned ketchup.  I should have mixed some hot peppers and greens into the beef, but I was just so hungry, ha ha ha!

(15 lbs.)

Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate

With cooler weather coming upon us, the kids have been hankering a fall weather beverage.  A nice hot cup of hot chocolate sounded good.  This time we made a mint hot chocolate.

I simply place the peppermint leaves into my tea infuser, then pour boiling water in it.  Close the top, and steep about 3-4 minutes.  You can use fresh or dried leaves.

Cooler weather ~ Dinners "on the fly"

Cooler weather means it's time to fill the jar of homemade hot chocolate.  Mmmm!   It also means I have to get laundry on the clothesline much earlier to completely dry.

Dinners here have been,what I call "on the fly."  I take whatever is in the garden and cook what ever comes to my mind.  

Homemade Hot Chocolate

"What's that?" asked my 19 year-old daughter, pointing to the large jar of mix on the kitchen table (and very curious to try whatever it was).

"It's homemade hot chocolate?" I responded with a smile.  "Want to try some?"
 
Growing up, my mother made large batches of homemade hot chocolate, but I was determined to find one that was healthier.  Sorry Mom.