Hi, I’m Lisa from Stop and Smell the Chocolates. I’m a married mom of one amusing son and I love chocolate! Take a little chocolate break during your stressful day – come by and you might find a yummy recipe, a funny story, a cup of tea, a household tip, a lovely picture, or a new friend. I look forward to meeting you and sharing some chocolate!

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, you may be looking for a nice chocolate dessert to make (’cause every mom I know loves chocolate). This recipe is rich and delicious. The presentation is nice too. All chocolate fans will love it!

The recipe was from a magazine and sat around my house for a couple of years. I happened to have some mini liqueurs in my cupboard (either one could be used in the recipe) because I liked the bottles. I never really thought to get them all together and try it out until I had a blog full of chocolate! I’m so glad I did. Enjoy! It will be hard to share, but I highly recommend it.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 oz. baking chocolate, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons Frangelico or Godiva chocolate liqueur

Garnish:

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped, toasted hazelnuts or almonds
• 1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together cream, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer, stirring several times, until reduced by a third, about 40 minutes.

2. Stir in chopped chocolates until well-blended.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in liqueur. Can be refrigerated up to 2 days ahead (gently reheat to serve).

To Serve:
Whip the cream until frothy. Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue to whip until the cream holds soft peaks. Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate bits. Place a large scoop of the whipped cream in the center of each serving bowl and pour the warm chocolate soup around the whipped cream.

Makes 4-6 servings

What’s everyone doing for New Years??  Are you all heading out to a party or staying home?  I’m sure we will get together with some friends but that’s about it.

Please folks, if you drink…DON’T drive.  Just spend the night, call a taxi, or you can even call the police and ask for a ride home.  While that might seem extreme or embarrassing, it’s not near has extreme as riding in a funeral car!

I think a fun way to liven up a party is by serving jello shooters.  I’ve had them once and it was at my sister-in-law’s bachelorette party.  I thought they were great and added some “flavor” to the party mix:) 

•  6 oz. vodka
• 6 oz. water
• 3 oz. Jello gelatin, any flavor

Think jiggly or slushy or syrupy. Imagine the slide of a semi-solid down your throat. Combine vodka and water in a saucepan and bring to boil. Stir in Jello. Let set in refrigerator. Experiment to choose the length of time you want it to set. Longer = firmer.

Jello shots are simple to make and do their job exceptionally well. The only other trick to them is using different alcohols and Jello flavors to create new tastes.