IN THE KITCHEN Mom's Hot Cocoa

Much to my daughters' delight—and mine—it snowed at the farm yesterday. It was the first snowfall ever for Indi Joon, and since Rumi Joon and I are Southern California girls, it was a huge thrill for us, too.  The three of us snuggled up in front of the fireplace as the flakes floated by, with cups of cocoa for Rumi and me. I can't send snow to the less wintery parts of the country, but I can share my mom's cocoa recipe, now mine, soon to be Rumi's and Indi's. 

Mom’s Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:

4 cups whole milk

1 vanilla bean

½ cup semisweet chocolate, chopped

½ cup milk chocolate, chopped

Warm milk in a pan over medium heat. Split vanilla bean down the middle, and scrape out the seeds using the back of the knife. Add seeds and vanilla bean to milk. Simmer milk for a few minutes. Whisk in chocolate until melted. Remove vanilla bean and serve with marshmallows.  

Images via:

Apartment Therapy

Blueberry Lake

IN THE KITCHEN Meyer Lemon Sorbet

After binging on junk food on the Fourth of July, we're craving something fresh and yummy. This divine-looking recipe for Meyer Lemon Sorbet has us drooling. It looks amazing on its own, but if you're still in indulgence mode, mix yourself a treat by pouring some raspberry Italian soda over the sorbet for a fresh take on a float. 

xo, The Chicological Chicks

Recipe via: This Homemade Life

Images via: This Homemade Life, Healthy Green Kitchen

WHAT WE'RE EATING farmer's market finds

It’s the beginning of the best produce season of the year. Here are the recipes we can’t wait to try with finds from the Farmer’s Market.

Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Sweet Cherry Pie

Rubarb Lemon Balm Margarita

Arugula Salad with Fennel and Pine Nuts

IN THE KITCHEN Veggie Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Sunday is fast approaching and what does this mean? I'll be traveling back from a week in New York and looking forward to some rest. But perhaps you will be gathering for the biggest football game of the year with mountains of snacks. I can't blame you. It's a fun celebration! That being said, I thought I'd get in the spirit and find a yummy recipe for you that is hearty, great for a crowd, but healthy and fresh, too. Hey, if you're going to eat like this, at least get a some nutrition in there, right? This recipe, from Real Simple, packs a punch of cruelty-free protein, iron, and beta carotene from the vibrant sweet potatoes. Serve yourself a bowl, pour a good beer and have a great time! May the best team win.

Photo by Con Poulos.

IN THE KITCHEN Simple Vegetable Soup

On a rainy day like today, there is nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade soup. As for this recipe, it is a real vitamin-packed cold-fighter (both of the sickness and the temperature) and it is wonderfully delicious on the second day. We recommend making a batch in the evening for supper and then taking some for lunch the next day. Paired with toasted bread and a bit of shaved parmesan, mmm....stupendous.

We suggest you make it your own by using whatever vegetables you love as it is completely fool-proof. Around here we've added some fresh corn, zucchini, even some organic Italian soy sausage for extra protein. You can find the recipe here.

Do you have any gray day soup recipes? Tell us!

WHAT WE'RE EATING Thanksgiving 2011

Being the foodies that we are, we've decided to throw together a little potluck at the office the day before Thanksgiving. Everyone is bringing in their favorite dish and the verdict? It's going to be a "side show" filled with plenty of carbohydrates and a dash of sugar. We recommend a week of dedicated exercise after a party like this. 

What about you? Does your work do anything in honor of giving thanks?

Food + Words: Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar

Tartlette: Drunken Pumpkin Pie

My Baking Addiction: Sweet Potato Casserole

Gourmet: Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Verses from my Kitchen: Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Martha Stewart: Mushroom and Walnut Stuffing