Sunday, November 29, 2015

PEPPERMINT WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE


INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups of milk of your choice
  • 8 oz. white chocolate, chopped into small pieces (or white chocolate chips)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more/less to taste)
  • optional toppings: whipped cream, crushed peppermints, marshmallows

DIRECTIONS:

Stir the milk and chopped white chocolate together in a medium saucepan.  Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the chocolate is melted.  (Do not let it come to a boil or let the chocolate burn on the bottom.)  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peppermint extract.
Serve warm, with optional toppings if desired.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Yield 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless thin-sliced chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup milk, or more, as needed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Within the last 2 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli; drain well.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, to taste. Add to skillet and cook, flipping once, until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let cool before dicing into bite-size pieces.
  • Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and garlic powder until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in Parmesan until well combined, about 1 minute. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed.
  • Stir in pasta, broccoli and chicken. Gently toss to combine; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.