Category Archives: Entertaining

December 12, 2011 · 10:31 am

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate and Marshmallow Snowmen

At our Gingerbread House Party we served a crowd of people hot cocoa with this simple recipe made in a crock pot.  I prepared it the day before, stored it in the fridge, and reheated it the day of the party. We provided an array of treats to accompany the cocoa including some adorable marshmallow snowmen. The kids kept coming back for more!

by Elizabeth Savoie Dronet

Crock Pot Cocoa Ingredients

6 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

Method

Combine ingredients in the crock pot and turn on high.  Stir occasionally until warm.  Reduce heat to low or warm depending on how hot you’d like it served.  If you like, you can whisk the mixture until it becomes frothy. This recipe makes about 8 cups.

For our party, we made 1.5 recipes to serve around 20 people. I made the extra ahead of time on the stove and added it to the crock pot later. During the party, I warmed it in the microwave to give it a head start.

Marshmallow Snowmen Ingredients

3 regular marshmallows per snowman
1 Hershey Kiss for each hat
2 pretzel sticks for arms
Food Writer marker for face and buttons
Optional fruit ring or fruit by the foot for a scarf
Royal Icing or melted almond bark

Bamboo skewers (We had to cut ours in half.)
Floral styrofoam block for display
Colored tissue paper to cover block
Variety of marshmallows to fill in around the block on the platter

Method

Thread 3 marshmallows on the end of a skewer.  Attach Hershey Kiss hat with icing or almond bark. Let set.  Use a food writer marker to draw on buttons and face.  Place skewer into a tissue paper wrapped floral styrofoam block for easy display. Arrange the block on a platter and sprinkle marshmallows around. These extra marshmallows can be easily grabbed by kids to put in their hot chocolate.

I have also sent these snowmen in school lunches.  Just place them in a baggie.

Tip: Food writer markers can be found near the icing and sugars in the grocery store.  However, I recommend buying them from Hobby Lobby or Michael’s because you can use a 40%-50% off coupon.

Hot Cocoa Buffet Items

  • crushed peppermints
  • mint chocolate chips
  • a variety of marshmallows
  • cinnamon
  • candy canes
  • Redi-Whip

For an adult party, you could also include:

  • peppermint schnapps to make a Peppermint Patty
  • ginger and orange liqueur to make a Candied Orange
  • Bourbon
  • brandy
  • Kahlua
  • unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

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Filed under Candy, Drink, Entertaining, Holidays, Lunch Box

June 25, 2011 · 4:12 pm

Raspberry Fool

You’d be a fool to pass up this dessert.  With only three ingredients, it’s simple, quick, and delicious. It’s easily doubled for a crowd, like when Mary Ellen and her crew come over for dinner!

By Elizabeth Savoie Dronet

Ingredients

2 cups raspberries

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup sugar

Method

  1. Process 1 1/2 cups raspberries in a food processor until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, press through a sieve set over a bowl; discard solids.
  2. In a mixing bowl or kitchen aid mixer, whip cream with sugar to stiff peaks.  (To cool the bowl down before adding the cream, swirl some ice cubes around in it then toss them out.)  Gently fold in raspberry puree by hand with a spatula. Spoon into bowls or glasses, topping or layering with remaining 1/2 cups raspberries.
  3. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

    For my Desserts and Cocktails Christmas party, I served this Raspberry Fool in shot glasses with small spoons. Pipe the mixture into the glasses for a clean look.

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Filed under Dessert, Entertaining, Showers or Teas