Simple Chocolate Mousse

This chocolate mousse takes just minutes to make and requires only 3 ingredients. I suppose it isn't a traditional mousse. It may be more aptly named chocolate whipped cream, but it is quick, rich, and delicious. It makes the perfect dessert as is, but would probably be equally as delightful used as frosting for a cake or as a dip for fruit or maybe as a filling between cookies! Ready to change your life in the span of 3 minutes?

Ingredients
10 oz of heavy cream
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions
Pour all ingredients into a stand mixer. Beat on low until the dry ingredients get somewhat incorporated into the heavy cream to avoid making a mess, then beat on high until stiff peaks form. This should only take a couple minutes. You will want to keep an eye on it to keep from over mixing. Quite honestly, the amounts of the ingredients are more of a guideline. This is a forgiving recipe. Taste as you go to adjust for flavor and sweetness!

Chocolate Cake Waffles

Chocolate. Cake. Waffles. That's about as great as life gets folks. A warm chocolatey waffle topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream....pure bliss. I feel bad even calling this a recipe because you just need to follow the instructions on your favorite box of cake mix to make the batter and then make according to your waffle maker. Imagine serving these at your next birthday party. Instead of everyone getting a slice of cake everyone gets there own waffle to top with ice cream, berries, whipped cream etc. Maybe funfetti waffles instead of chocolate. Who knows?! The possibilities are endless. It's exciting!

Simple Saturday// Candied Orange Peel

 Guys. This recipe is divine. If you like those candy fruit wedges or chocolate oranges then you have to try making your own candied orange peel. It's super simple and the end candy is chewy and delicious! You could also use grapefruit, lemon, or lime peel. Keep in mind that the candy needs a day or two to dry out so plan ahead!

You will need:
2 oranges
2 cups of sugar
water
1 bar of dark chocolate (optional)

 1. Cut off the ends of your oranges and score the peel. You want to try to keep the peel as intact as possible when you remove it.

2. Remove the excess pith (inner white stuff on the peel) by gently sliding a knife along the peel. Slice the peel into quarter inch slices.

3. Boil the peel slices for 15 minutes. Drain the water, rinse the peels, then drain again. Set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of water with 2 cups of sugar over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Bring this to a boil then add the peel. Wait for the sugar water to reach a boil again then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the peel simmer for 45 minutes until very soft. Remove the peel and save the orange syrup for cocktails, ice cream, waffles etc.

5-7. Now you have a few options with what you can do with the peel. You can leave it plain, you can toss it in sugar, or you can coat it in chocolate. If you're leaving it plain, separate the slices on a sheet of foil and let it dry on the counter for a day or two. If you're tossing it with sugar, do so right after cooking then set out on a sheet of foil to dry for a day or two. 

8. If dipping in chocolate, lay the slices out to dry for a day or two then coat in chocolate. I found it easiest to melt my dark chocolate with a bit of butter over a double boiler just to make sure I didn't burn it in the microwave. Let it set up. If you're impatient like me, throw it in the freezer for a few minutes.

9. Devour!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

 Today I bring you: chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats aka food of the gods. This is a pinterest inspired recipe gone awesomely, deliciously, stupendously right. It is easy. It is quick. It tastes amazing. I will be making these regularly from now on! Oh, and it's perfect for a Valentine's Day treat too ;)

You will need: 
1 10.5 oz bag mini marshmallows
5 1/2 cups rice krispie cereal
1/4 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 1/3 cup chocolate chips

 1. Start by lining a baking sheet with wax paper. Spray the wax paper liberally with non-stick cooking spray. This will make rolling the krispies much easier later.
2. In a microwave safe bowl combine the bag of mini marshmallows with the 1/4 cup of butter and a 1/4 cup of the peanut butter. Microwave for 2 minutes.
3. Pour the 5 1/2 cups of rice cereal into the melted marshmallow concoction. Stir until well combined.
4. Dump the krispie mixture out onto the wax paper lined baking sheet. Put a little non-stick spray on your hands and press the cereal down into an even layer.
5. Combine the rest of the peanut butter (3/4 cup) and the chocolate chips (1 1/3 cup) in a microwave safe container. Microwave in 20 second intervals so as to avoid burning the chocolate. Stir to combine.
6. Pour the delicious chocolate peanut buttery goodness onto your krispies. Use a spatula to evenly disperse the chocolate.
7. Lift an edge of the krispies and roll them until you have a log. Press the edge together. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then slice into wheels.
8. Devour this magical creation.