Homemaking Blog Hop Wednesday ~ January 1st | Hot Chocolate Cups

Happy New Year!

We have had a lovely Christmas, and hope yours was the same. We are feeling very ready for a new year! So many plans already. :) We are currently very busy with getting the winter issue of Seasons at Home out though... can hardly wait for everyone to get their issue in the mail!

Homemaking Blog Hop Wednesday was put on Christmas break last week, but this week I was so happy to post January 1st's Blog Hop Wednesday, I decided to post it a day early. Along with a little treat... 

Hot Cocoa Cups  

I had never really wondered before if there was a difference between "hot cocoa" and "hot chocolate", until I did these hot "chocolate" cups. There is indeed a difference - and if you do a little Google search like I did, you will find that hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder mixed with hot water or milk and sugar. Hot chocolate is melted chocolate mixed with warmed milk. So, here is my easy recipe for a fun and quick hot "chocolate" treat you can make up and save for later, make immediately, or give as a New Year's gift!

~ Recipe makes about 1 1/2 dozen hot chocolate cups ~

You will need: 

2 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy (optional)

paper muffin liners

1. Melt 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet, milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, or in the microwave. Don't burn, just heat until the chocolate is warm enough to stir smooth.  

2. Line a muffin pan with pretty muffin liners. 

3. Spoon about 2-3 tbsp. of melted chocolate into each cup (create a little swirl with the spoon to make it pretty!)

4. Sprinkle each with mini marshmallows and crushed peppermint candy if desired. You could also use crushed toffee pieces for a little bit more of a grown-up treat... 

Chill in the refrigerator until firm. Put a few in some pretty winter treat bags for a gift (perhaps with some extra marshmallows!) Keep extras stored in an air-tight container. 

To Make Hot Chocolate: 

Single Serving ~ Pop one hot chocolate cup into a mug. Pour 1 1/4 cups of very hot milk into mug. Stir until chocolate is melted. Top with extra marshmallows or whipped cream!

Enjoy! ~ Jessica

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Homemaking Blog Hop Wednesday

The Featured Hopper!

Each week, we are going to be picking our favorite link or links of the previous week's link-up and featuring them as the Featured Hopper!! Share your best blog posts with us and you might get featured!! :)

This Week's Featured Hoppers

JES at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth has posted a wonderful recipe for a homemade orange sugar scrub! And I saw a lemon sugar scrub on her blog as well. :) We are so glad that she has started sharing here on the blog hop, we have really been enjoying her blog! 

Make an Orange Scrub - Citrus Series

And Angela from Gallimaufry Grove shared a sweet post on hospitality and entertaining that I enjoyed reading. Thank you Angela for sharing!

Entertaining vs. Hospitality

Thank you for sharing, ladies!

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Participate in the Blog Hop!

Have fun sharing in this week's blog hop, and have a blessed week, Ladies! 

~ Jessica ~   

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One thing we love to do in our work is encourage ladies in making their homes... we are so pleased to host this Homemaking Blog Hop each week! Please join us, and share your links!

Topics can include... crafting, homemaking, encouragement, recipes, homeschooling, sewing, quilting, organizing, anything that has to do with making our homes! 

At the bottom, use the link tool to share your link, title and pick your image, it's so simple! And yes, you can share multiple links. =) 

Grab our Blog Hop button to add to your blog to share the fun! *Required to participate*

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An InLinkz Link-up

Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies

We normally don't make things quite like this. These have a rich, candy bar-like look to them, and taste every bit the way they look. Josh would describe these delectable bars as "precious". I agree that they came out very well! Rich, fudgy and crunchy, you must try them at least once.

Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies

Let's keep in mind that using a boxed brownie mix isn't a sin. I used Ghirardelli's Triple Chocolate brownie mix, and it was wonderful. However, you can use a good homemade fudge brownie recipe, it will be just as tasty. Personally, I have found that most homemade brownie recipes call for far too much butter and sugar, I therefore never feel like I'm gaining something by not using a mix!  

For this recipe, you'll need: 

One recipe or one box of fudge brownie mix

15 miniature peanut butter cups, chopped

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups crunchy peanut butter

1/2 tsp. sea salt

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups rice krispies

Prepare one recipe (or one box) of fudge brownie batter. Spread batter in a greased 9" x 13" dish and bake accordingly. Don't over bake - Only bake until the edges are firm and getting slightly crisp, but the center still has moist crumbs sticking to a knife inserted in the center. 

While the brownies are baking, chop the peanut butter cups. I cut each cup into 4-5 pieces. When the brownies are done, sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the top. No need to spread. 

Now, in a separate bowl, melt the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Add the peanut butter, and stir until smooth. Stir in the sea salt and vanilla. Add the rice krispies and stir to coat. Dollop the mixture over surface of the brownies, and spread carefully so you don't push the peanut butter cups around. Spread to the edges.

 Chill in the refrigerator for several hours, until completely firm. Cut into squares and keep chilled in the refrigerator. Dessert is ready! These freeze very well too, if you have extras, or would like to make this ahead. 

Have a blessed Friday! ~ Jessica