Middle-Class Martha

Pig Dinner EXTRA Starch

2013-05-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

Middle-Class Martha is here to tell you Karma is alive and well!

My husband is a FIJI and every year his fraternity has a Pig Dinner. It is a formal dinner for Alumni to socialize with each other. My husband’s traveling schedule was preventing him from attending this year so I scheduled a profractional laser facial on the previous Friday. This procedure left my face looking like raw hamburger meat. In a good way…I mean, I paid to look this way, so when it heals my skin looks fantastic.

His flight Friday to Denver was cancelled, leaving him free to attend Pig Dinner Saturday. On the way out the door Saturday morning, to my son’s District Boy Scout Pinewood Derby, he mentioned he would be going to Pig Dinner that night. He also mentioned he was wearing his cream colored shirt with a suit and tie. He asked me to wash it and have it ready, since he was on a tight schedule.

Of all my domestic goddess gifts, ironing is not one of them. I panicked! The shirt came out of the dryer resembling crepe paper. I would have taken it to the drycleaners, IF I had known he needed it. WORSE, I had no spray starch and with my face looking so terrible, was not likely to be dropping in anywhere to buy some.

This is where Karma and Grace come into play. I remember “slightly “ making fun of one of our mutual friends, Tracey about a year ago. Her husband is a patent lawyer with a firm, whom needs to be impeccably dressed everyday at work as part of his career plan to make partner. She was spending entire days boiling starch and ironing his clothes. I finally harassed/convinced her that was total non-sense.

Hi Karma! Here I am a year later trying to remember how she did it. My saving grace, Tracey……. thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tracey’s Starch Recipe:

½ cup starch

1-cup cold water

Additional water

2 quarts for heavy starch

4 quarts for medium starch

6 quarts for light starch

1. Stir cold water and starch in a bowl

2. In a large pot boil additional water (pick the amount of water to make the type of

solution, you need (i.e. Heavy, Medium or Light starch)

3. Add the bowl starch mixture to the pot with the boiling water

4. Dip clothes in the starch solution

5. Let clothes dry

6. Spray lightly with warm water then iron as usual.

Homemade Spray Starch:

2 cups cold water

1-tablespoon cornstarch

1. Add water and cornstarch into a spray bottle. Shake well.

Tip: Cornstarch is the cake maker’s BEST FRIEND when working with fondant. Lightly dusting a paintbrush with cornstarch, allows you to move or touch up your fondant without damaging it.

Homemade SUNBURN relief:

1 cup of cornstarch

Add to bathtub full of warm water and soak for 30 minutes.

Homemade SUNBURN relief wrap:

1-tablespoon cornstarch

1-tablespoon baking soda

½ cup water

Gauze

Mix water, cornstarch and baking soda in bowl. Dip gauze in bowl and wrap on sunburn. Leave for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

A Day in the Life of a Chocolatier

2013-05-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today Middle-Class Martha made Sea-Salted Carmel and Chocolate covered Oreo’s for baby shower favors. A very sophisticated shower, so no cute bears, ducks, cute little feet or trucks. I had a great time but would someone living near me PLEASE HAVE A GIRL???

SWEETHEART SEA SALTED CARAMEL:

Choose Your Wedding Chocolatier Wisely!

2013-05-02T21:03:00.003-07:00

Middle-Class Martha doesn't do anything middle of the road and apparently that applies to advertising. I am taking an enterpeurneurial advertising and marketing class currently. The teacher is the CEO and President of Itancan LLC, Lesa Crowe. Last month, we were assigned the task of designing a post card for mailings. The above magazine advertisement is a result of Mrs. Crowe's idea and our meeting. It was later entered into a national advertising competition called the Communicator Awards. It won a Silver Communicator Award of Distinction! Last month, I had no idea this award even existed. I simply smile every time I see the advertisement.

Middle-Class Martha has been a busy bee this year! My small chocolatierie opened in October 2012 within a small business incubator system. It has been an interesting road trip trying to find a middle line between social media, guerilla marketing, advertisting, customer service, product placement, community service and keeping true north on your vision for the company's future.

Here are 2 pictures from some of my chocolate projects this year.

A proto-type of a dark chocolate shoe filled with truffles and matching milk chocolate sea salted toffee clutch, I made for a JWL Gala auction basket. My first attempt with using colored cocoa butter.

Literally a busy bee! I have been exclusively taking custom orders. I made the above dark chocolate dipped short bread cookie with fresh grated nutmeg, included in a custom bee basket for someone's grandmother Bea.

I hope to post a few new recipes soon. I am entering a small business plan competition tomorrow.

Oh Honey, I need a sweet relaxing weekend.

ENJOY your weekend!

Sincerely,

Middle-Class Martha

White Chocolate Key Lime Bread Pudding with Key Lime Whipped Cream and TART Key Lime Sauce

2011-03-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Middle-Class Martha went to Fairhope, AL for Spring Break. Two days before we left I opened my Southern Living Magazine to find an article about touring Fairhope. One of the "must see" restaurants was called "The Wash House". It was said to be famous for Keylime Bread Pudding. I have had Keylime pie before but had never heard of bread pudding with Keylime.
I really wanted eat at The Wash House but it did not fit into our itinerary :( I returned home at the end of the week, still thinking about Keylime.

Beautiful Sunset at the Bay!

The following White Chocolate Key Lime Bread Pudding Recipe is my version of the Southern Treat. I would LOVE to hear from anyone, who has eaten at The Wash House, to see how my recipe compares.

I created the recipe and after a few variations, did a test run on my MOPS group (Mother's of Preschoolers) with RAVE REVIEWS!

White Chocolate Keylime Bread Pudding

Tres Sucre Chocolatiere Original Recipe

1 Loaf French Bread
1 Baguette
2 Cups Heavy Cream
2 Cups Milk
1/2 Cup Lime Sugar (*Recipe Below)
1/2 Brown Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
5 Eggs
1/2 Cup Fresh Squeezed Key Lime Juice

6 Tbs Butter cubed
1/2 cup Pecans
8 oz White Chocolate

1. Cube Bread and set it out Overnight to dry.
2. Mix Cream, Milk, Lime Sugar, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Eggs
   and Key Lime Juice
3. Layer cubed dry Bread, Butter, Pecans and White Chocolate in a well buttered
   crockpot.
4. Pour cream and egg mixture over bread. Carefully press down on bread to make
   sure all of the bread is covered.
5. Cook on low for 3 hours in crockpot or in a well buttered pan in the oven at 350 for
   35 to 45 mins.

Save yourself the trouble of scrubbing your crockpot with Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners!
Thank You Marjorie for the AMAZING TIP!

Left to Right: Lemon Sugar, Orange Sugar and Key Lime Sugar

KEY LIME SUGAR
Zest from 8 Key Limes
2 Cups of Sugar

Place in Food processor until blended. Set out on baking pan for 1 hour and then place in an airtight container.

Top Left: Lemon Sugar
Middle: Orange Sugar
Bottom Right: Key Lime Sugar

Lemon Sugar: Use Zest from 2 Lemons and 2 Cups of Sugar.
Orange Sugar: I used Zest from 2 Oranges and 2 segments of orange with as much white pith removed as possible and 3 Cups of Sugar.

Serve the Key Lime Bread Pudding with TART Key Lime Sauce, SWEET Key Lime Sauce and Key Lime Whipped Cream and Ritz-y Graham Cracker Topping

Top Sauce: TART Key Lime Sauce
Middle: Key Lime Whipped Cream
Bottom Sauce: SWEET Key Lime Sauce

TART Key Lime Sauce

1 cup Key Lime Sugar

1/4 Cup Lemon Sugar

1/2 Cup Water

1 cup Fresh Key Lime Juice

1 drop Green Food coloring

2 TBS Cornstarch

5 TBS Water

1. In a sauce pan Dissolve Cornstarch in 5 TBS Water stir well to prevent clumping.

2. Add all the above ingredients and bring to a boil

*This Sauce was far to TART for me. My husband, Son and some of our friends LOVED IT!

So What is a Chocolatier to do but add White Chocolate and Try AGAIN!

SWEET Key Lime Sauce

1 Cup TART Key Lime Sauce

2 Cups Heavy Cream

6 oz White Chocolate

1/4 Cup Sour Cream

1. Heat TART sauce, Heavy Cream and White Chocolate in sauce pan over medium to low heat. Stir continuously until chocolate in melted and blended completely.

2. Remove from Heat and Stir in Sour Cream

Key Lime Whipped Cream
1 cup Heavy Cream (Very Cold)
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
2 Tbs Lime Sugar
1 Tbs Fresh Key Lime Juice

1. Combine all ingredients in Stand Mixer and Beat until soft peaks form

RITZ-Y Graham Cracker Topping
2 oz Ritz Brown Sugar Cinnamon Crackers
2 oz Graham Crackers

Place the Ritz Crackers and Graham Crackers in food processor and mix until no lumps remain.

Tres Sucre Chocolatiere Original Key Lime Bread Pudding

Enjoy!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Habitat for Humanity Dinner

2011-03-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

Bite-sized Milk Chocolate and Toffee Houses with a Heart!

Middle-Class Martha's MOPS group (Mother's of Preschoolers) had the opportunity to host a dinner for a group of 23 College Students, who volunteered their Spring Break to travel across the country to help our community. The Students are spending their week, building a house with Habitat for Humanity, aiding a local Parenting Ministry by working in their warehouse and consignment store and also spending time serving at a local soup kitchen. I wish I had been so thoughtful in college.

My Deepest Appreciation and Thank You goes to these Very Special Students. One in particular, Bridget to whom I would like to thank for organizing this trip. Bridget had a friend at another University, whom visited our quaint little town last year and worked on a Habitat for Humanity House. We have been hosting Marquette University for just over 25 years. Bridget was inspired to organize a trip for her University. She was able to gather 23 students, all willing to give up going to the beach inexchange for a week of hard work.

Todays youth, give them a chance... they will surprise you!

The Dinner was Fabulous thanks to our Fantastic Moms and their generosity. The students were so happy with the home cooked meal, they even asked for a few of the recipes.

Stephanie's Corn Souffle

1 can Cream of Corn
1 can Whole Corn
1 Jiffy Corn Bread Mix
1 Stick of Butter
8 oz Sour Cream

Mix all the ingredients together and place in a greased dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 mins until golden.

DelRae's Spicy Fritos and Corn Recipe

3 cans corn, drained
1 can green chilis, drained
1 cup real mayo
1 bag chili cheese fritos

Directions:
Mix the first three ingredients together and refrigerate a few hours before serving. Immediately before serving, mix in the bag of fritos and enjoy!

Thank You Card From the Students describing their deep LOVE of the food!

Thank You to both the MOPS and the Students!

Sincerely,

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Milk Chocolate Ganache Bannana Bread Pudding in the CROCKPOT

2011-03-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha is back with a new crockpot recipe. I did happened to notice a recipe for brownies in the crockpot in a popular food magazine. This left me scratching my head slightly. I can barely wait the 30 minutes for the brownies to be done in the oven. I am fairly certain at some point during the 4 hour SLOW cook period I would be eating half baked brownies with a spoon :) That thought makes me smile! It also makes me think I need to post a homemade vanilla bean icecream recipe.

I do enjoy my SLOW cooker / Crockpot bread pudding recipes. Mostly, because I am fast asleep during the cooking process and get to wake up to a wonderful breakfast. I suppose someone could place the brownie mix in the crockpot and set the timer. You could return home at the end of a hard day to a house that smells like brownies. This also makes me smile and wish my ice cream maker had a timer.

Chocolate Ganache Bannana Bread Pudding in the Crockpot

Tres Sucre Chocolatiere Orginal Recipe:

1 pound loaf Wheat french bread left out to dry and cubed.
10 ounces Milk Chocolate chopped (or Dark Chocolate)
2 - 4 ounces of Milk Chocolate Chips
2 cups Heavy Cream
5 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Cinnamon
1 ripe bannana mashed.
1 cup chopped pecans

1. Butter inside of crockpot well. Place Bread, Pecans and
   Chocolate Chips in layers in the crockpot
2. Place Chocolate in a bowl. Bring Cream to just below a
   boil on the stove over low heat. Pour cream over the
   chocolate and stir until completely smooth - Ganache :)
3. In a large bowl beat the eggs, sugar, cinnamon and
   mashed bannana together until blended.
4. Incorporate the chocolate ganache and mix well.
5. Pour chocolate and egg mixture over bread in crockpot.
   Stir slightly making sure to press the bread
   down into the liquid.
6. Cook in the crockpot on low for 3 - 4 hours.

Serve with Sauteed Bannanas (or fresh sliced), Spiced Rum sauce, Carmelized Pecans and fresh whipped cream.

Sauteed Bannanas

2 Tablespoon Butter

2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

2 Bananas sliced

1. In a skillet over medium heat melt butter and brown
   sugar. Slice bananas and lay slices on caramelized
   sugar mixture for about 3 mins flip and repeat on other
   side about a minute. Remove from heat and set aside to
   cool.

Spiced Rum Sauce

1/2 cup Butter

1 cup Sugar

1/2 Cup half and half

2 - 3 Tablespoons Spiced Rum

1. Combine Butter, Sugar and half and half in heavy sauce pan

2. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

3. Bring to a Boil

4. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 mins.

5. Remove from heat... cool and then add Rum

EASY Caramelized Pecans

1 Tablespoon Butter

1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

1 Dash of Cinnamon (Optional)

1/2 Cup Pecans

1. Melt Butter in a skillet
2. Add Brown Sugar and Cinnamon.
3. Coat pecans with mixture and brown them. Takes 2-3 mins

Spicy Carmelized Pecans
1 Egg White
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Dash Vanilla
2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
2 Cups Pecans

1. Pre-Heat oven at 275
2. Beat Egg white until stiff
3. Add Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper.
Stir Until Smooth.
4. Coat the Pecans with the Mixture
5. Bake until Browned 10 -15 mins.

Enjoy!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Blogger Block

2011-03-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha has been suffering from Blog Fright or Bloggers Block or Blog-xiety. I had some success with my blog and began taking a blog class, only to find out I should be posting once a week not everyday and my layout should be light background with dark text. I am basically breaking all of the rules of blog-gagement. I even visited a few of my followers blogs. I came face to face with very professional blog sites that had dazzling pictures, fabulous writing and I felt frozen.

I have been busy in the kitchen however, making Chocolate Bannana Bread Pudding in the crockpot, creating Strawberry Lemonade, Blueberry and Sloe Gin Fizz Truffles, Macaroons and Petits Fours.

This is my attempt at scaring my blog fright away...It works for hiccups, right?

I think I see the light at the end of the blogging tunnel or is it the beginning?

Enjoy,
Middle-Class Martha

SAMPLES PART 1:

2011-02-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

Mini Violas, Mini Roses and Strawberry Blossoms

Middle-Class Martha is so Excited! Being a Chocolatier, not only do I get to dive into chocolate everyday as a job but also companies send me FREE stuff to sample.

My first sample to review is by a company named Crystallized Flower Company, who specializes in crystallized edible flowers. The flowers arrived today and they are beautiful! In exchange for these free products, they would like me to make a creative dessert and send them a picture for their website.

Bonus, recipe creation is one of my Favorite activities.

They sent me a variety of flowers including: Crystallized Sechuan Buttons, Mini Violas, Strawberry Blossoms, Micro-Mini Roses & Sugar Rose Petal Confetti. I am most excited about the sechuan buttons. They are said to cause a tingling sensation and numbness in your mouth. Very exciting! This company is believed to be the only company in the world to sell them in candied form. All flowers are shelf stable for one year.

Sechuan Buttons

Interesting! I just couldn’t wait to try. At first the Sechuan button is extremely tart with almost a lemony zing and then tingle as it dissolves in your mouth It is equivalent to a gastronomic version of a 1^st time ride on a roller coaster. As the anticipation builds, first the tart then as the tingling becomes more intense….I started thinking, oh no what have I done?... knowing I can’t get off of this ride. I was relieved once the tingling sensation weakened and ready to go again. This is a 10-minute sensation that I intend to repeat again and again. It was very similar to a tart pop rock candy sensation, without the constant popping. Now hmm? What chocolate recipe would be most enhanced by this experience???

Sugar Rose Petal Confetti

The ideas are already racing through my head.

I hope to be posting some delicious pictures and recipes in a few days!

Enjoy!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Pig Dinner EXTRA Starch

2011-02-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha is here to tell you Karma is alive and well!

Of all my domestic goddess gifts, ironing is not one of them. I panicked! The shirt came out of the dryer resembling crepe paper. I would have taken it to the drycleaners, IF I had I known he needed it. WORSE, I had no spray starch and with my face looking so terrible, was not likely to be dropping in anywhere to buy some.

Hi Karma! Here I am a year later trying to remember how she did it. My saving grace, Tracey……. thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tracey’s Starch Recipe:

½ cup starch

1-cup cold water

Additional water

2 quarts for heavy starch

4 quarts for medium starch

6 quarts for light starch

1. Stir cold water and starch in a bowl

2. In a large pot boil additional water (pick the amount of water to make the type of

solution, you need (i.e. Heavy, Medium or Light starch)

3. Add the bowl starch mixture to the pot with the boiling water

4. Dip clothes in the starch solution

5. Let clothes dry

6. Spray lightly with warm water then iron as usual.

Homemade Spray Starch:

2 cups cold water

1-tablespoon cornstarch

1. Add water and cornstarch into a spray bottle. Shake well.

Homemade SUNBURN relief:

1 cup of cornstarch

Add to bathtub full of warm water and soak for 30 minutes.

Homemade SUNBURN relief wrap:

1-tablespoon cornstarch

1-tablespoon baking soda

½ cup water

Gauze

Mix water, cornstarch and baking soda in bowl. Dip gauze in bowl and wrap on sunburn. Leave for 20 minutes.

Tip: Cornstarch is the cake maker’s BEST FRIEND when working with fondant. Lightly dusting a paintbrush with cornstarch, allows you to move or touch up your fondant without damaging it.

Enjoy!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

White Chocolate Coconut Chocolate Chip Caramelized Banana Mousse

2011-02-23T01:04:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha is pretty sure when Banana Pudding grows up it wants to be White Chocolate Coconut Chocolate Chip Caramelized Banana Mousse. I had serveral bananas that were fully ripe and no idea what to do with them. I could make banana bread but where is the thrill for a chocolatiere in that? ?? Banana pudding, Nah! My kids participated in Jump Rope for Heart campaign today and I wanted to do something special for them. This sweet, fruity and coco"nutty" concoction is for them.

ENJOY!

White Chocolate Coconut Chocolate Chip Caramelized Banana Mousse:

Tres Sucre Chocolatiere Original Recipe

1 Tablespoon Butter

1/2 Tablespoon Coconut oil (optional)

1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

2 Bananas sliced

2 cups Heavy Cream

1/2 cup Coconut Milk

12 ounces White Chocolate (Roughly 2 cups) * This recipe could easily be changed to

milk or dark chocolate

1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon

2 oz Mini Chocolate Chips

Nilla Wafers and Fresh Whipped Cream

1. In a skillet over medium heat melt butter and brown sugar. Slice bananas and lay

slices on caramelized sugar mixture for about 3 mins flip and repeat on other side

about a minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Place 1 and 1/2 Cups Heavy Cream into cold mixing bowl. Whisk on high.

3. Meanwhile Heat 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream and 1/2 cup Coconut milk over medium

heat to just under a boil. Pour over white chocolate and stir until smooth

4. Fold Chocolate mixture slowly into Mixing bowl with the heavy cream that has

already been whipped. Add Cinnamon.

5. Whisk on High until mixture makes stiff peaks. Fold in Mini chocolate chip and

caramelized bananas. Chill Mixture for 3 hours. Serve with Nilla Wafers and

Fresh Whipped Cream.

ENJOY!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips

Gently!

Fold in Caramelized Bananas.

Smores get a makeover!

2011-02-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

It recently became clear to Middle-Class Martha that traditional Smores needed a little tweeking. We had a lovely weekend at the Lake. Lots of games, fishing and ending with a fire bowl on the "beach." The kids LOVE Smores, so my job was to prepare the graham cracker and chocolate bar for the next incoming marshmallow. I attempted this task in the dark with 3 Boys taking turns, landing semi-flaming marshmallows in my lap, while I "tried" to keep the chocolate bar balanced on the graham cracker. This left me saying "NOMORE" instead of "SMORE!" It was soon clear this traditional process needed a little makeover.

NEW and Improved SMORES:
The following recipes are Tres Sucre Chocolatiere Original Recipes.

Graham Crackers broken into squares
Marshmallows (Roasted)
Smores Chocolate Spread

Spread one or both Graham Cracker Squares with Smores Chocolate Spread. Place roasted Marshmallow between two graham cracker squares.

Smores Chocolate Spread:

4 oz Softened Cream Cheese
6 oz Hershey's Chocolate (I used Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips)
2 Tablespoons Sweetened Ground Chocolate Powder
3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar

1. Place softened Cream Cheese in a bowl. Cover with 4 oz. Chocolate Chips. Microwave for 20 seconds and stir. Repeat until smooth.

2. Stir in Sweetened Chocolate Powder and Powdered Sugar

3. Stir in 2 oz of Chocolate Chips (I like mine to remain unmelted)

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Sweet and Simple Smores Spread:
2 oz softened Cream Cheese
2 oz Mini Chocolate Chips (Do not melt the chips into the Cream Cheese)
Powdered sugar to taste

Mix powdered Sugar and softened Cream Cheese to taste. Stir in Mini Chocolate Chips. Spread on Graham cracker add toasted marshmallow.

Smores Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread:
This adds protein to your child's snack as well as dairy. Win-Win!

2 oz Cream Cheese
4 oz Chocolate
2 oz Peanut Butter

1 Tablespoons Sweetened Ground Chocolate Powder

2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar

1. Place softened Cream Cheese in a bowl. Cover with 4 oz. Chocolate Chips. Microwave for 20 seconds and stir. Repeat until smooth.

2. Stir in Sweetened Chocolate Powder and Powdered Sugar

3. Stir in 2 oz Peanut Butter

Enjoy!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Pinewood Derby Pie Recipe

2011-02-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

My Son's Pinewood Derby Car!

Pinewood Derby Pie

Ingredients:

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 cup sugar

½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 to 4 tablespoons bourbon

¼ teaspoon Vanilla

1/8 teaspoon of salt

1-1/2 cup Pecan Halves

1 cup Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips

10 inch Pie Crust

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees

2. In the bowl of your Kitchen-Aide Mixer Combine; Beaten Eggs, Sugar, Brown Sugar, Corn syrup, Butter and Salt. Mix at Medium Speed until blended.

3. Fold in Vanilla, Bourbon, Pecans and Chocolate Chips

4. Pour into pie shell

5. Bake 45-55 minutes until filling is set.

I am adding Boy Scouts of America Emblem Chocolates along the edge of my crust, once it is cooled.

My son’s pack is in charge of bringing desserts to the Blue and Gold Banquet after the Pinewood Derby Race!

Did I mention Middle-Class Martha doesn’t do anything “Middle of the Road?”

Enjoy!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Saucy Friday. Sauces for White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding in the Crock-pot

2011-02-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha LOVES Bread Pudding with Buttered Rum Sauce so I thought I would share a few Bread Pudding Sauce Recipes. I also happen to have an EASY Lemon sauce recipe that can be microwaved in about 5 minutes.

Fresh Lemon Sauce - Microwavable

1 cup water

1/2 cup Sugar

2 Tablespoons Cornstarch

Pinch of Salt

1 Tablespoon Butter

2 teaspoon grated lemon rind (Zest)

1/3 cup Lemon Juice

1. Combine; Water, Sugar Cornstarch and Salt in a 2 cup microwavable glass measuring cup

2. Microwave on HIGH for 2 mins. Stir. Microwave again for 1 minute then stir again

3. Repeat until smooth. Microwaving 1 minute then stirring

4. Add Butter, Lemon Zest and lemon juice

5. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute and stir well

Butter Rum Sauce

1/2 cup Butter
1 cup Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 egg
3 Tbs Rum

1. Cream the butter and sugar
2. Add Vanilla
3. Slowly Stir in Egg
4. Add Rum
5. Place mixture in a medium sized sauce pan and heat for approximately 5 mins. Ready to serve.

Whiskey Sauce

1/2 cup Butter
1 cup Sugar
1/2 Cup half and half
2 Tablespoons Whiskey

1. Combine Butter, Sugar and half and half in a heavy sauce pan
2. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a Boil
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 mins.
5. Remove from heat... cool and then add Whiskey

Vanilla Sauce
2 Cup Water
1 Cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup Butter
1/2 Tablespoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon Salt

1. Place 2 cups water in microwave and bring to a boil
2. In a Sauce pan place sugar and cornstarch and pour boiling water over
3. Bring mixture to a Simmer, stirring constantly until smooth about 5 mins
4. Stir in Butter, Vanilla and Salt until well blended.

EASY Blueberry Sauce

3 cups of blueberries (1-1/2 pints)
1 cup *Vanilla Sugar (Don't have vanilla sugar Add 1 cup Sugar and 1 tsp Vanilla extract)
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1. Bring all of the ingredients to a boil and simmer for about 15 mins.

* Vanilla Sugar is WONDERFUL and made by placing 2 cups of Sugar in a airtight jar with the
scrapings from the inside of 1 vanilla bean for 2 weeks.

Enjoy!
Middle-Class Martha
www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding in a Crockpot Recipe and FUNNY STORY!

2011-02-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

White Chocolate Blueberry Bread PuddingBefore Cooking

Middle-Class Martha had a bit of a White Trash Martha day! I had a MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) meeting today. I made an amazing White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding this morning but also had to deliver the Favor boxes filled with sea-salted caramels to a fellow member. In addition, I was in charge of the icebreaker. I stayed up late trying to decide which Ice Breaker to try, going over the MOPS International Facebook page ideas. I decided on “Which Pie are you and Why?” Cheesy, Yes! Necessary, Nonetheless!

Did I mention I was running behind? Despite My 5AM Alarm, I find myself running to the store for French bread at 6AM. I actually forgot the MAIN INGREDIENT! Bygones! I coax my printer, which was low on ink to print the remaining two sheets for the icebreaker. I showered, got ready for my meeting and dropped the kids off at school. I ran back home to pick up the chocolates and the crock-pot bread pudding. I even found the small dog, who ran passed me when I went out to take the trash to the curb. I found the dog named “NEMO,” remained hiding in the house, while I was “SWEETLY” calling his name. Thanks to my Chocolate Laboratory, who was staring through the backdoor, straight at him, hiding under the sofa, with a look of “HAHA you’re going to get it, you made her LAAATEEE!”

Finishing Touch on Favor Boxes...CUTE!

I arrive slightly late to the meeting but barely noticeable. I discover, I do not have enough hand to carry the HOT Crock-pot and the CHOCOLATE favor boxes, which Can NOT touch the crock-pot and the Syrup that MUST NOT get on the boxes of Chocolate. I grab my purse and devise a plan. Being a Mom is kind of like being a pack mule so I am well equipped for this particular task.

I made it inside and took my seat before anyone was even aware I had been late.

After the meeting I help clean up and easily walk to my car having already delivered the chocolates. I stopped by Walgreens to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. I waited patiently. The Pharmacy Tech is now staring at me a little more than usual. She asked if I need anything else and shoots an expectant glance at my purse. I say no and while reaching for my pocketbook, discover the syrup bottle I had stowed neatly in the “saddle bag” of a purse I carry. I look embarrassed but just reply, “it’s syrup”. Thank Goodness, it is only syrup. Walgreens doesn’t carry syrup, DO THEY??? What if they think I shoplifted it? Oh, No! At least I have 30 - 40 witnesses that saw me with a syrup bottle this morning. Then I notice the large serving spoon I had stashed in there too, while trying to carry the crock-pot out to the car. I simply say, “I had a MOPS Meeting” and leave it at that. Imagining the gossip in town to twist this into “Don’t be LATE to MOPS or they will force you to carry a syrup bottle in your purse as a reminder”

The Bread Pudding did turn out great and White Chocolate for a White Trash Martha Day….Even Better!

Breakfast: White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding in a Crockpot

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried blueberries

• 3 Tbsp bourbon *“applecider”

• 4 oz. white chocolate chips

• 4 Tbsp. butter cubed

• 6 cups stale French bread

• 4-5 eggs

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1-2 tsp Cinnamon(optional)

1. Soak the Blueberries in Bourbon or Apple Cider for 30 mins…I used apple cider since my MOPS group is a Christian group that meets at a Baptist Church. I will use bourbon when I am cooking at home.

2. Coat the entire inside (the Crock) of a 3-½ quart slow cooker with butter-flavored cooking spray. Or just a stick of butter.

3. Cube the French Bread

4. Drain the liquid off of the fruit

5. Layer in the Crock-pot starting with half of French bread cubes

6. Follow with half of the blueberries

7. Follow with half of white choc.chips

8. Follow with half of the cubed butter

9. Repeat steps 5-8

10. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth.

11. Whisk in Heavy cream and Vanilla to bowl until well mixed

12. Pour egg mixture over the French bread

13. Gently Press down on the bread to ensure it is covered with egg mixture

14.Cook for 1 hour and 45 mins with the LID ON. DO NOT LIFT

THE LID during the cooking time until the bread has gotten puffy and a solid bread pudding has formed.

I served mine with Syrup, kept warm in my purse….(a little joke, but let that be a lesson to all of you, NEVER BE LATE!) on the side. I did not have time to make a delicious sauce.

Check back later for a Vanilla drizzling sauce and a butter rum sauce.

FOR FUN: A copy of the Pie icebreaker adapted\ borrowed for MOPS Facebook page but pie number 9 and10 are all mine...What kind of chocolatier would I be if I left out chocolate cream pie?

Choose a favorite pie that describes you….AND WHY?

1. 1. Cherry

2. 2. Blueberry

3. 3. Apple

4. 4. Pecan

5. 5. Lemon Meringue

6. 6. Banana Cream

7. 7. Pumpkin

8. 8. Coconut

9. 9 Chocolate Cream

1010. Make-up your own Pie (any type you like)

Cherry – Of course you’re edgy, and outgoing. You are the most spontaneous of ...this bunch, and are most likely to sky dive.

Blueberry – You like nature and are a determined, easy-going soul. Would an uptight person eat blueberries knowing that they stain? Exactly.

Apple – You’re All-American, traditional, and predictable. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, so you might be a bit boring as well, but healthy.

Pecan – You like the simple things in life, but because pecan pie is super delicious and sweet, you secretly seek more love in your life.

Lemon Meringue – Congratulations you are the most sassiest and lively one of them all. Even though lemons seem refreshing, when you bite into a lemon meringue pie you enjoy the fact that it surprises you with tartness.

Banana Cream – Ok overachiever, we know you secretly want to relax and let someone else take control.

Pumpkin – If you crave pumpkin pie, you probably live in the past because it reminds you of your childhood. Everyone knows the best part of eating pumpkin pie is the cool whip you pile on top. So you also enjoy the present moment.

Coconut – This is an easy one. You do not live in reality, and would rather be living on a beach

Chocolate Pie – Congratulations! You are the sweetest and most sophisticated pie.

Make-up your own Pie – You don’t like to play by others rules, perhaps a trouble maker?… You definitely, creatively color, outside the lines of life J

A Day in the Life of a Chocolatier

2011-02-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: A FEW PICTURES FROM A PREVIOUS SHOWER

TODAY'S PROJECT:

FAVOR BOXES

CONSISTING OF CHOCOLATE DIPPED OREO'S AND SEA-SALT CARAMELS

OREO

SEA-SALTED CARAMEL COVERED WITH FLUER DE SEL SALT

THE BOX IS NOW READY FOR THE HOSTESS TO PLACE HER FAMOUS OREO TRUFFLES INSIDE!

Sweetheart Fleur de sel Salted Caramel:

·1 1/3 cup heavy cream

·2 cups superfine granulated sugar

·1/2 cup light corn syrup

·1/3 cup honey

·6 tbsp butter, cubed

·1 tsp vanilla extract

·2 tsp sea salt, such as fleur de sel

Extra Salt for Garnish

Instructions

1. Spray an 8-inch glass baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Bring heavy cream in a large saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Stir in the suga

4. Immediately Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and 2 teaspoons of Fleur de sel salt.

5. Pour into glass baking pan and allow Caramel to cool at room temperature. It will become firm and you may cut it.

I CUT CARAMEL INTO 1 INCH SQUARES.

TEMPER CHOCOLATE AND DIP CARAMELS THEN GARNISH WITH SEA-SALT.
REFER TO RECIPE PAGE ON BLOG FOR TEMPERING TEMPERATURES

I LOVE THE WAY THEY TURNED OUT...

BUT SERIOUSLY SOMEONE PLEASE HAVE A GIRL!

IT TRUELY IS HARD TO BELIEVE I GET PAID TO PLAY WITH CHOCOLATE ALL DAY!

ENJOY!

MIDDLE-CLASS MARTHA

WWW.TRES-SUCRECHOCOLATIERE.BLOGSPOT.COM

Recipes for when Tuesday turns into Monday’s “Do-Over”

2011-02-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha’s Morning began with the sound of my alarm at 5:30 AM. I was just trying to get a head start on my very busy day. My day would be filled with Laundry and Cleaning (you know the kind of cleaning you do when you are about to pretend your house ALWAYS looks like this). A chocolatier during Valentine’s Day is a like being an accountant during tax season and my house is showing signs of needing a deep clean and reorganization.

My groggy sons after much preparation are safely at school and “my day” can begin. I am preparing my kitchen for a chocolate order I need to fill for a friend, who is hosting a baby shower. Chocolate dipped strawberries, Oreos and sea-salted caramel top the list. My friend Kate will be helping me prepare her chocolates. I have picked out the cutest ribbon and boxes for packaging.

Outside I see my chocolate Labrador, named “Chocolate” eyeing my son’s homemade Fruit loop necklace, which he had accidentally left outside this morning. A slow motion scene from Matrix meets Mom unfolds as I attempt to make it out the door in time to rescue the dog and the fruit loops from imminent danger. My foot gets caught in the vacuum cleaner cord. I stumble but regain my balance. There is still time. I grab for the door but it sticks a little. Still time. I rush outside just in time to grab the unharmed necklace. Just then my feet are made aware that the mounds of melting snow had left behind a muddy bed equal to a banana peel scene in a cartoon. I slip and fall flat in the mud. My dog is so concerned about my injury; she is only able to choke down half of the necklace, yarn and all. I gain my footing and begin pulling on the remaining yarn, which is half way down Chocolate’s throat. She clenches her teeth so she may scrape off every fruit loop left on her half of the necklace, all the while opening her mouth just enough to not really be considered disobedient.

At that point, I felt like Monday had asked for “do-over’s”. I get cleaned up and while in the shower begin thinking what the heck am I going to make for dinner. I really don’t feel like cooking much of anything.

Please Enjoy My Monday "Do-Over" Dinner Plan!

Glazed Pork Chops

4-5 frozen pork chops

¼ cup Spicy Mustard

¼ cup Brown Sugar

Mix Mustard and Brown Sugar. Place pork chops in a glass-baking dish. Cover Pork chops with the mixture. Place in oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Ovens are different so make sure your pork chops reach at least 160 degrees in the center.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes, a Side of Green beans and a small salad.

Dessert: Oatmeal Ice Cream Sandwiches

Iced Oatmeal cookies: 2 per serving.

Ice Cream

Sprinkles (Optional)

Place Ice Cream between two cookies. Roll the edges in Sprinkles. Place in an airtight container and refreeze for 30 mins to 1 hour.

TIP: The extra mashed potatoes and green beans will go nicely in a quick Sheppard’s pie if …Monday was “Not ready for do-over’s and says not fair! Re-do-over’s”

Enjoy!

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

White Chocolate Cheesecake

2011-02-14T15:19:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha is making her first Cheesecake ever. In the oven now!
Pictures to follow soon :) The recipe is easy enough and I hear from a close friend it is AMAZING!

White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe:
5 ounces White Chocolate
17 ounces cream cheese at room, temperature
1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Eggs
1 and 1/2 Tablespoons Egg White
2 Tablesponon flour sifted
1/4 Tablespoon salt, sifted with the flour
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 Tablespoon Vanilla
1 cup fresh berries for topping cheesecake
10 inch graham cracker pie crust

Preheat oven 300 degrees

1. Melt white chocolate in microwave. 30 seconds and stir Repeat
   until smooth.

2. Place cream cheese in bowl. cream in the sugar using your
   paddle attachment. Add melted chocolate. Add Eggs and egg
   white slowly.

3. Add flour and salt mixture slowly to mixture in the mixing
   bowl.

4. Add lemon juice and vanilla.

5. Pour mix into graham cracker crust leaving 1/4" from top.

6. Bake 45- 55 minutes in the center of oven until set 3" from
   edge but center will still be jiggly when cheesecake is moved.

7. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature

8. Cover and Chill for atleast 4 hours.

9. Place berries on top of cheesecake and serve.

WILD about My Cricut!

2011-02-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha is a tiny bit afraid of Technology. To date myself slightly, my first computer was a TRS-80. I had a DOS manual for goodness sake. My first website took actual programming and HTML knowledge to launch. I later went on to teach in a high school that was part of a cutting edge program for Palm pilots. Every student was assigned a Palm pilot and each classroom had wireless Internet and infrared printers. Assignments were graded and posted in portfolio's on-line for parents.

I had my children and became an At-Home-Mom. Life as I knew it CHANGED! The term controlled substance now referred to markers and chocolate milk. The world went on and published books for “Dummies.” My Space was no longer my craft room. People began Tweeting, Blogging and Facebooking. Threads, no longer required buttons to reach their true potential.

I began blogging in February 2011, so it only seemed fitting that I would dive into the world of cricut too during Valentine’s season! I bought the Circut to create a vinyl wall phrase for my son’s wall. My 8 year old and I watched the set up video and we were off and running. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!

Looking forward to many Projects to come!

As you know, Middle-Class Martha doesn’t do anything “Middle of the road”

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Not So Sweet Hearts for Valentine’s Day!

2011-02-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

Play-dough Valentines

It is a sad state in the educational system that homemade treats are no longer permitted at school holiday parties. This is especially true for Middle-Class Martha, whom has hundreds of chocolate molds for all occasions. Valentine’s Day being one of my favorites.

I dislike that parents substitute the lack of homemade treats with mountains of Candy. Enough Simple Carbohydrates to produce a Sugar Rush and then CRASH to Rival any stock market volatility in our country’s history.

Two years ago, I decided to make the kids’ Homemade Play-dough Valentines instead of buying candy treats. They are pretty and contain ZERO Sugar. We cut the dough into heart shapes and stamped them with craft stamps and non-toxic ink. We wrapped each one in a plastic bag with ribbons and the kids LOVED THEM! I was asked to create a station for my Pre-K child’s class party and the whole class got to design and take home their own. It was a huge hit.

I am not anti-sugar. I just don’t like to see an entire hawaiian sugar-cane plantation’s worth of treats on my son’s plate at a holiday party. My kids still attach a little candy with their Valentines sometimes but I don’t buy 30 cupcakes for the classroom parties anymore. With all the Chocolate, Cookies and Sweetheart conversation candy, people forget… You don’t need Sugar to celebrate Love

Middle-Class Martha doesn't do anything middle of the road.

Kayden dressed like a Rock Star for Valentines Day with his Valentines Stage Box!

We got the foam pieces at Michael's Craft Store.

Kayden's Valentines were Guitars attached to Pop Rocks!

Play-dough Treats for the class party instead of Cupcakes.

Homemade Play-Dough Valentine Recipe:

6 cups Flour

3 cups Salt

2 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar

2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

6 cups Water

10 drops food coloring

2 packets of Kool-aid

Combine Dry ingredients in a large pan

Add Vegetable oil and stir

Color the water before adding to the pan (this makes sure your play-dough is evenly colored)

I like to heat the water in the microwave to decrease dissolving time.

Add food coloring (I like the darker pink color food coloring makes)

Add Kool-aid (I like the smell of Cherry Kool-aid)

We used sugar-free Kool-Aid sticks.

Add Kool-Aid mixture to the dry ingredients in the Pot.

Stir constantly and heat over medium heat until a ball of dough forms

COOL the play-dough then knead on a floured surface

The kids will not be able to keep there hands out of the warm play-dough.

Roll out play-dough.

Cut into heart shapes with a cookie cutter.

Stamp with craft stamps and non-toxic ink.

Wrap in Plastic bags (play-dough will dry out otherwise.)

Store the rest of your play-dough in an air-tight container.

Enjoy!

Middle-Class Martha

www-tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Snow Day SNOW-Rita

2011-02-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

Snow Day. School is out for the third day in a row. Cabin Fever has set in.

Middle-Class Martha was joking with a friend that MY kids were driving me CRAZY!

The constant I’m bored, He threw a snowbaaaalll at me on purpose, Moooom, where are my gloves, Moooom my gloves are wet, Mooom, I want hot chocolate, Mom, the hot chocolate is HOT….. or I want to watch Star Wars Clone Wars but He is Watching Nitro Circus, NOT FAIR!

A friend called to check on us. We laughed about the fact that I told my kids I was changing my name from Mom but I wasn’t going to tell them what it was!

I also joked that I was going to post a martini recipe for every snow day increasing the alcohol content by 2X for each additional day.

It is only a joke. Please use responsibly.

Snow Day Number 3: SNOW-Rita’s

8 oz Tequilla

1 can frozen limeade

2 oz triple sec

1 juice from fresh squeezed lime

10 Cups of Packed Snow

***Salt for Martini glass rim

1 Willing Father(Willingness Optional)to watch the kiddos.

1 group of Moms enjoying ADULT TALK!

Garnish with Chocolate Cake and a few FUN stories

Snow Martini Anyone, Sounds like Fun (Must be 21)

2011-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

Snow Godiva Chocolate Martini Ice Cream

Tres Sucre Chocolatiere Orignial Recipe

4 ounces Godiva Milk Chocolate Liquor

2 ounces Vanilla Vodka

2 ounces Heavy Cream

2 ounces French Vanilla Liquid Coffee Creamer

5 cups of packed Snow

Place 5 cups of Snow in a Bowl and set aside.

Shake Godiva Liquor, Vodka, Heavy cream and French Vanilla Creamer over ice (or Snow) in a Martini shaker.

Pour over Snow in the bowl and Stir

Serve in Martini Glasses and Garnish with Godiva infused Cherries on a glass stir stick.

Godiva Infused Cherries

Tres-Sucre Chocolatiere Original Recipe

1 jar Maraschino Cherries

Godiva Milk Chocolate Liquor

Pour half of the cherry liquid out of the jar. Replace with Godiva Liquor. Let Sit in the Refridgerator overnight. Serve as Garnish.

Godiva Infused Chocolate Dipped Cherries

Follow Recipe above

Dry Cherries with Stem

Dip in High Quality Chocolate

Place on Wax Paper unil set

ENJOY!

Middle-Class Martha

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Kids, I Know What We Are Going To Do Today!

2011-02-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

Middle class Martha woke up to a foot of snow surrounding her house after being awakened by the automated call announcing, No School Today! I was so excited. I LOVE these special moments when school is out of session and you have this tiny feeling like you are getting away with something. - Devious Smile :-}

I felt like Disney’s Phineas and Ferb this morning. “Kids, I know what we are doing today!” Snow Ice cream! We tried this a few years ago and it turned out great. Today, I think we will experiment with a few new recipes. I’m thinking Strawberry?

Here is the basic recipe we used a few years ago.

Snow Ice Cream

Snow (approximately 8 cups)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix in a large bowl and serve :)

We ended up making a simple syrup for my little one (3 years old then). We heated 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar over medium heat in a sauce pan. We stirred in a package of Koolaid once the sugar had dissolved. Refridgerated the syrup and then poured it over our ice cream.

Breakfast:

We will get started after an Amazing Mom Breakfast. The ever allusive "Mother of the Year Title" has escaped me so a nice "Thank You Mom" will have to do. :) I made Star Wars Pancakes with hidden sweet potato puree (Williams Sonoma Pancake Molds), Bacon and Eggs. They turned out really cute!

Santa placed the Star Wars Pancake Molds in my husband’s stocking this year. It was a bit of a joke. We moved to our current house a year ago and had the movers mark my husband’s original mint condition Star Wars Toys as “High Value” and had them insured. (If you could see the huge smile on my face, you would know Santa has a sense of humor!)

The Star Wars Pancakes are a hit but I am partial to the Christmas Molds. We use the Reindeer and Snowman molds Christmas Morning. (Santa brought those for the family) Apparently, Santa has Williams Sonoma on "Speed Dial." I like to look at it like I was REALLY REALLY GOOD!

The Cutest Christmas Pancakes EVER also made with Williams Sonoma pancake molds. Middle-Class Martha doesn't do anything middle of the road so Yes, We added Icing to our yummy delicious pancakes! I snapped a Pic Christmas morning long before I knew I would be blogging.

Check Back this evening. I hope to have a Middle-Class Martha designer snow ice cream recipe posted.

Enjoy!

www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Middle-Class Martha

A Few of Middle-Class Martha's Favorite Things

2011-02-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha is preparing for the next winter storm. I am dreading the cold but LOVE the Snow. I found myself in the grocery store composing a list of a few of my favorite things. I decided I should share.

A Few of Middle Class Martha’s Favorite Things

Parody of Julie Andrews “Favorite Things”

Snowflakes on cars and Snowmen with pockets

Bright colored mugs and More hot chocolates

Dark chocolate brownies with burnt sugar icing

These are a few of my favorite things!

Crème Brulee recipes and Ganache filled truffles

Martini glasses adorned with chocolate ruffles

Cinnamon Chocolate Cake fit for a king

These are a few of my favorite things!

White chocolate key lime and chocolate dipped strawberries

Warm sugar cookies and tortes topped with raspberries

Aroma of chocolate and the smiles it brings

These are a FEW of My Favorite Things!

During snowball fights

When the frost stings

When I’m feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so Bad!

Snow Days and Marshmallow Dreams

2011-02-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

Middle-Class Martha took a little trip to the country this weekend so the kids could enjoy the snow. A weekend of Hot Chocolate, Warming yourself by the Fire and Snow Sweet Snow. All of that white fluffy snow made me crave my homemade marshmallows.

The View:

The Snow Ball Fight:

The PERFECT Snow Ball!

Thanks to a Snow ball maker from Target!

I lost!!!

While the Boys where playing outside, I was busy making them a treat:

Homemade Marshmallows cut into a heart shape to go with our salted caramel hot chocolate on a spoon.

Homemade Marshmallow Recipe:
3 packets of unflavored gelatin (.75ml) *I used Knox gelatin
2 cups superfine granulated sugar
2/3 cup corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 Tablespoon clear butter flavoring
1/2 Tablespoon almond extract

Powdered sugar for dusting marshmallows

1. Line 8 inch square glass pan with syran wrap. Spray with cooking oil (butter flavor)

2. In the bowl for your Kitchen Aid mixer, put 1/2 cup cold water in and sprinkle with Knox gelatin.
   Set aside.

3. In a sauce pan, place 1/4 cup water, sugar, corn syrup. Bring to a rolling boil, allow it to remain
   boiling for 1 minute.

4. Remove from heat and pour slowly over the gelatin in the mixer bowl. Using the whisk attachment
   begin on low and slowly move the speed up to high.

5. Add Salt and mix for 10 minutes

6. Add Butter flavoring and Vanilla extract at low speed. Mix until incorporated.

7. Pour mixture on top of syran wrap lined pan

8. Spray a second piece of syran wrap and cover marshmallow mixture.

9. Press lightly to make air tight seal.

10. Let sit overnight or atleast 3 hours if you are like me and can't wait :) Don't Judge. These are
   wonderful!

11. When ready to cut. Cover mixture with powdered sugar and cut in to squares. Dust the entire
   marshmallow in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

12. Store in an air tight container.

Middle-Class Martha dusted a heart shaped cookie cutter and made heart shaped marshmallows.

ENJOY!

Middle-Class Martha at www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com

Middle-Class Martha Doesn't Do Anything Middle of the Road

2011-02-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

In a fashion that would make my "name sake" proud. I never can just create a "normal" project.

It must be BIG. It must be the BEST. It must stay on BUDGET! Well I may "fudge" on the last B just a little.

Back on track with my production of Valentine's Simple and Sweet Hot Chocolate on a Spoon. With my Starbucks salted caramel hot chocolate in hand, I begin my adventure. I have made my own caramel before but have been experimenting with a Fleur De Sel Salted Caramel. And YES...Wouldn't it be GREAT if it could be on the Spoon with the hot chocolate?

And the answer is OMG! Yes! Sweet Success!

Sweetheart Fleur de sel Salted Caramel:

·1 1/3 cup heavy cream
·2 cups superfine granulated sugar
·1/2 cup light corn syrup
·1/3 cup honey
·6 tbsp butter, cubed
·1 tsp vanilla extract
·2 tsp sea salt, such as fleur de sel

Extra Salt for Garnish

Instructions

1. Spray an 8-inch glass baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Bring heavy cream in a large saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Stir in the sugar, corn syrup and honey and stir until it begins to boil again.
Occasionally, brush the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in ice water to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
3. Use a Candy Thermometer. Stirring constantly, until the temperature reaches 260 degrees.
4. Immediately Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and 2 teaspoons of Fleur de sel salt.
5. Pour into glass baking pan and allow Caramel to cool at room temperature. It will become firm and you may cut it.

Middle-Class Martha used heart shaped cookie cutters to cut the caramel for use with the Sweet and Simple Hot Chocolate.

Middle-Class Martha placed the Sweetheart Fleur de sel Salted Caramel Hearts on the Birchware Spoon before molding the Sweet and Simple Hot Chocolate on a Spoon.

Enjoy!
Middle-Class Martha at www.tres-sucrechocolatiere.blogspot.com