Another EASY treat …

Okay.

I know it’s only November 5th, but I think it’s safe to introduce you, my friends, to my new favorite recipe … one for the holidays … one that is SUPER EASY to make (because simple is all I can do!).

Get ready for it.

It’s soooooo good ……
Homemade Chocolate-MINT-syrup …. oh yes, I said MINT and CHOCOLATE together …. oh man! My *FAVORITE* combination EVER!

As expressed before, I rarely get out for a fancy coffee (which is fine by me – saving me money!) but I do like a yummy treat on a cold night after the kids are in bed. I whipped this up after dinner in five minutes flat. I tell you – it’s easy.

All you need is:

3/4 cup of sugar

3/4 of water

Boil these two together in a saucepan … once all the sugar is dissolved, add in:

– mint (I didn’t have mint leaves so I just used mint extract) – I didn’t measure this. Sorry.  I just added and checked the taste at the end to see if it was minty enough for me. So add a small amount and then taste test it to bring it to your desired minty level. You can always add some more. 🙂

– 1/2 cup of cocoa power

Stir together in the saucepan on low heat. Once everything is mixed well and dissolved, pour into a small jar to store in the fridge. I’m not sure how long it lasts as this is the first time I’ve made it – but I would guess up to a month in the fridge, maybe a bit more. (But don’t quote me on that – I will find out in a few weeks if this syrup last that long!)

Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, dip half of your sugar cookies in it or spice up your favorite coffee with this AMAZING chocolate-mint syrup.
Oh my. Heaven. Just heavenly.

This is what I’m drinking while I finish up some proofing tonight.

Oh, this is LOVE in a cup!

{P.S. If you follow my facebook page, you would’ve read that I DROPPED my beloved 50 mm 1.4 lens into a very cold, fast moving river last week during a crazy-fun-maternity shoot … I’ve had it sitting in a bag of rice for a week and was able to use it tonight for these photos in very low light. I’m thinking my lens might be okay! Oh, thank GOD! One of my favorite lenses and I really didn’t want to buy a new one …}

On another note – it’s time to pick the winner of the Christine Taylor Quilt’s giveaway of a $30 gift certificate! Yippee!!

Using random.org, the winner is # 25 – Jenn – who wrote:

“What a beautiful idea to capture memories with precious items that are dear to our heart.”
Congratulations, Jenn!!! You are going to have SO MUCH fun picking out some pretty awesome ideas handmade by the super-talented Christine Taylor!
Thanks, everyone, for entering. I do so love reading your comments!
Stay tuned for some more sneak peeks – there are going to be tons!!!

November 7, 2011 - 10:05 pm

Jenn Mmmm, you always have the best receipes! I will have a great time picking something out too 🙂

November 6, 2011 - 7:22 pm

Jen I just made this even though I don’t even like coffee!! You inspired me to make it anyway!! 🙂

November 6, 2011 - 8:34 am

Sherri Smith Your pictures are so festive! I can almost smell the chocolate mint syrup through my screen. mmmm. So glad your lens is not wrecked (hope your phone survived too), it would be a shame to have to buy a new one. Keep up the blog tips, everyone loves them. 🙂

November 6, 2011 - 12:30 am

Melanie Myers Glad to hear your 50mm 1.4 is okay, this too is my favorite lens 🙂 Thanks for the recipe, ny husband will love it!

November 5, 2011 - 10:10 pm

Heidi That sounds scrumptious Gillian! And would those be Christmas decorations I see!? :):) I’m so inspired…I’m going to bring out our Christmas boxes tomorrow!! Thank you for sharing another yummy recipe!

November 5, 2011 - 9:50 pm

Tricia Nugen Oh My goodness… You made hom
ade Christmas in a cup! I knew I loved your blog!

November 5, 2011 - 9:20 pm

Sharyn Looks yummy Gillian! And so happy to hear your lens is ok… My 50mm 1.4 is my absolute favourite lens so I would hate to see it meet a watery demise!! (I once dropped it out of a tree though – and it survived. I guess they’re a tough little lens!)

November 5, 2011 - 9:11 pm

Corrie One of my favorite drinks is a simple hot chocolate, made with milk of course and put a mint tea bag into it! The smell is heavenly! You can even get this on the go at Timmy’s if you ask. Love Christmas for all the good treats!

November 5, 2011 - 9:00 pm

Catherine Robertson MMmmmmmmm!!!!! 😀