Here We Are...with Luci

Chocolate Pots de Crème: Sounds Fancy But It's So Simple! Très Facile!

Can you be anything but happy looking at this scrumptious treat? It tastes even better than it looks! This simple recipe makes it easy to enjoy this french dessert known as "pots de crème" - AKA pot of cream or custard - any time you have a chocolate craving.

Expect a deep, rich chocolate flavor from this little cup of love. The texture is thicker than a pudding, and firmer than a traditional mousse. The bonus is that it also has less fat and calories because you don't use heavy cream and can opt for low-fat or fat-free milk. In fact, you may already have the ingredients in your kitchen to whip a batch up tonight!

Ingredients

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1½ Tbs. sugar

1/3 cup milk - regular or low-fat (I could not detect any difference between the two milks in taste or texture, so go with low-fat and save the calories)

1 5oz. can of evaporated milk - it can be regular, low-fat, or fat-free

3/4 cup dark chocolate chips - semisweet are fine, too, but higher cocoa content in dark chocolate provides antioxidant benefits

1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract - you can also substitute the Vanilla with Almond or Mint extract to change the subtle, underlying flavor

1/4 tsp. cinnamon - add more if you really like it, but leave out if you use Mint extract

Pinch of salt

optional: Whipped Cream & Cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Use the center rack.

2. Set up for a Bain-marie (water bath): Boil a small pot or tea kettle of water. Put 5 or 6 small ramekins into a roasting pan. Do NOT add the hot water yet. TIP: Put a paper towel on the bottom to prevent the cups from sliding around when the water is added.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar with the egg and egg yolk; set aside.

4. Mix the milks together in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil; stir this often so it doesn't scorch. At the first sign of a boil, remove the milk from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir in and return to heat. Whisking continuously, bring to a simmer for about 1 minute, be sure the chocolate is melted.

5. Using a ladle in one hand & a whisk in the other, scoop up a small amount of the melted chocolate mixture and slowly whisk into the eggs. TIP: You don't want to cook the eggs from the heat of the chocolate mixture, so whisk continuously throughout this process until all the chocolate is incorporated evenly.

6. Whisk in the Extract of your choice, cinnamon (if using), and pinch of salt.

7. Pour the chocolate mixture into the ramekins in even amounts. Tip: To avoid spilling, do not fill to the top. From the picture above, you can see that I filled 2/3 of the ramekin - just below the fill line.

8. Pull out middle oven rack, and place the roasting pan securely. Fill with the hot water until the ramekins are immersed - approx. 2/3 up the sides. Carefully slide the rack into the oven. Bake 25 - 30 minutes until set - they should be tight in the cups like a thick custard.

9. Leave the roaster in the oven, and carefully remove the ramekins with tongs, place on a wire rack to cool. NOTE: Be sure to wear a water resistant oven mitt when transferring the pots de crème.

10. Allow at least an hour or so to cool on the wire rack. Chill in fridge.

To serve, add whipped cream and a cherry. Voilà! A rich creamy, chocolate dessert that delights the chocolate lovers palette! Try all three extract versions and see which is your favorite. All are very good - I did a lot of testing before I would share this recipe... It was hard work but someone had to do it!! Enjoy!

 

Chick Flick Chat: "The Bachelor" S. 16, Ep. 3

CLICK HERE to listen to the Chick Flick Chat review and discussion of ABC-TV's "The Bachelor" Season 16, Episode 3.

NOTE: If you missed the original explanation regarding this recurring CFC series, check out Episode 1's article for details about why this particular reality show was selected for a recurring series.

Episode 3: The best word to describe what occurred in Episode 3 is "meltdown." The producers got ratings for the bikini clad street skiing, and the 16 remaining contestants got loopy over a new (or used - depending on how you look at it) bachelorette seeking Ben's affection. Neither scenario was pretty, nor entertaining; both were, unfortunately, a downhill slide into the worst of reality television. I'll leave this week's details on this frosty episode for you to hear!

If you haven't listened yet, please do, and if you are following this recurring discussion, let me know your thoughts. The CFC series featuring "The Bachelor" show is about the guts of reality TV, not the glory. Join me to chat live about Episode 4 of The Bachelor next Tuesday, 6:30pm EST. Whether you love it or hate it, it's all open for discussion, so chime in!

➠ A big thank you to Andy Dehnart, TV critic, and publisher of the popular website Reality Blurred, for allowing me to quote his May/June 2011 RealScreen magazine article One (Real) Life To Live.

Walk your path one step at a time...

Life's circumstances are not always what you may wish them to be. The pattern of life does not necessarily go as you plan. Beyond any understanding, you may at times be led in different directions that you never imagined, dreamed, or designed. (via positive-thoughts.typepad.com)

via billvanloan.typepad.com

This weekend, a relative of mine was hit by a car as he was crossing the street. Now, we are all praying that this father, son, husband, grandfather, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend recovers. Get well, Anthony.

When I saw this quote, it highlighted how one second can change everything... A random, split second of abstract energy can alter one's course, and those with whom we share our lives, onto an unexpected path. 

I share this to remind you, and myself, to make every day count and to be grateful for the moments that make up each day. ~ Luci

Chick Flick Chat: "The Bachelor" S. 16, Episode. 2

CLICK HERE to listen to the Chick Flick Chat review and discussion of ABC-TV's "The Bachelor" Season 16, Episode 2.

NOTE: If you missed the info regarding this recurring CFC series, check out Episode 1's article for details.

Episode 2: A week later and the drama heated up quickly this season. This is not surprising since the ratings for the first episode were down by 17%. Perhaps a bit of re-editing was performed before Ep. 2's airdate? In any case, we saw two one-on-one dates with Ben Flajnik, the sweet and playful bachelor. According to "Bachelor" protocol, these were successful dates because he gave both girls, Kacie B., and Courtney, roses at the conclusion of their respective time with him.

We were also treated (or shall I say tortured?) to the fairy-tale group date from hell. I won't go into detail here, but on the show I dish the dirt about the corniest of set-ups ever! This ensemble date, complete with taffeta, sparkles, and forced smiles, would make the toughest of competitors cringe with embarrassment.

When I recorded this week's CFC, I didn't realize that the hostility engendered during the group date extravaganza might actually have resurfaced at the cocktail party. The humiliation suffered by 11 of the 12 girls who didn't receive a rose on the group date - after putting aside their self-esteem - was revisited upon the girl who did get the rose, Blakeley. While there appeared to be "production" driven contrived interaction during the party, the display of anger and jealousy by several of the bachelorettes toward Blakeley was appalling. Call her any name in the book, but she may be the only one who understands this is a competition.

Were you thinking that this CFC series featuring "The Bachelor" show is all roses and candy? Not so much so! Join me to chat live about Episode 3 of The Bachelor next Tuesday, 6:30pm EST. Whether you love it or hate it, share your thoughts!

P.S. Thank you to Henry for calling in to ask a very challenging question on the CFC Ep. 1 show; and to Marie for her insightful comment about Jenna on the CFC Ep. 2 show. I loved hearing from you!

Full Moon Wishes

Part 12 of the HWA Series: Live Your Life Out Loud

Dreamers can find their way by moonlight and their only punishment is that they see the dawn before the rest of the world. ~ Oscar Wilde

This is a picture of the first full moon of 2012 (taken from my backyard deck). As children, we're taught to look up at the sky and "wish upon a star." There are also beliefs about wishing on a "new" moon's crescent. Whatever you like to wish upon, I think you'll agree that the light and energy of a full moon draws us in and calls to us to make a wish, share a dream, express a hope, set a goal.

Each month it shows up in all its glory, not just as a twinkle or a sliver, but as a full-faced presence. It has worked and waited each day to achieve its grandeur for the world to see.

Tonight I made a wish on the full moon, and I encourage you to express a wish, a dream, a hope, or a goal on it, too. Track yourself and see where you are next month. Let its light guide you toward your dreams, month to month, working each day to shine your light on the world! Wishing you fulfillment in 2012!

Chick Flick Chat: "The Bachelor" Season 16, Episode 1

CLICK Here to listen to the Chick Flick Chat review and discussion of ABC-TV's "The Bachelor" Season 16, Episode 1.

NOTE: This is a weekly show for the 2012 season of "The Bachelor," which I am hosting solo - please consider calling in to chat with me when the show airs live!*

What the heck is going on with the never-ending search for love on reality shows!? When I first heard the premise for the original show 15 bachelors ago, I was shocked that anyone (aka a producer) could get 25 women together - on television - to tear it up over a man they've never met. While I haven't watched every season, I have run the gamut of emotions from happiness for certain contestants, surprise by the depth of human drama that is displayed, to utter disappointment in how women (and men) will behave in certain circumstances. 

In Episode 1, there is a lot to discuss; the important first impression steps out of the limo, Ben Flajnik's reactions, and the results of the first rose ceremony. Hear my take on who the producers picked to get roses - yes, the producers - it is a TV show after all, and TV shows need conflict in order to get ratings. Sad, but true!

Then we'll do it again next week on this recurring Chick Flick Chat series following every episode of Season 16 to the Final Rose Ceremony. As we go along, we'll dish and dissect the drama, the tears, the joy, the jealousy, the competition, and the emerging love that is propagated by reality dating. Call in to help me to explore what it all means. Is it real? Scripted? Why do people take this route? And more!

Whether you love or hate this show, watch any reality television, hear about it at the water cooler, or see the video clips... The saturation into our lives is here to stay. If you are interested in the human condition and how the images, behavior, and vocabulary in television and film influence our society, then join me live for these chats every Tuesday at 6:30pm EST.

*Here is the link for the upcoming show covering S.16, Episode 2 of "The Bachelor" series.

January 2012: Romancing The Stone

Announcements, Updates, & Reminders

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

New Year, Lighter You: Hello to 2012, and good-bye to 2011! While it is technically a man-made calendar date, the start of a new year is a great time to lighten up your stresses so you can Live Your Life Out Loud every day of the year. Now is the time to look back so you can look forward with a fresh approach. Take a long look at what is weighing you down. Clear out last year's clutter, change what needs changing, and toss out any residual baggage.

This will allow you to start the year with clear vision, excitement about the possibilities, and renewed purpose. No matter what it is you desire, it's easier to get there if you are a lean, mean, fightin' machine - access the old, analyze its meaning in your life, then say au revoir (and mean it!). Voilà! You're already pounds lighter on day one of your diet resolution!

Will You Accept This Rose?: I've debated for a long time about hosting a recurring Chick Flick Chat featuring one of television's reality series... Well, since we've already chatted about The Housewives, it's time to chat about the never-ending search for love on reality TV.

Join me this Tuesday at 5:30pm EST for Chick Flick Chat: The Bachelor to dish on each week's episode throughout season 16. We'll chat about the ups and downs of reality dating - the tears, the joy, the ensuing competition to win the bachelor's heart by the 25 bachelorettes - then the final rose. This is not a bash-fest, but a chance to explore what it all means about love, relationships, dating, marriage, and more... Let the drama begin!

UPDATES

Birthstones: Throughout 2011, each Announcements article contained a "Flower of the Month" item in the Reminders section. To continue this tradition in 2012, Here We Are will bring you fun facts on the "Gemstone of the Month." I hope you enjoy learning about each stone as we move through the year.

2012 Bling: The November gift, a gingerbread cookbook, went to Diana P. Congrats! NOTE: The Gift of the Month is morphing into scheduled giveaways and contests that will coordinate with radio show guest topics, specific HWA articles, the HWA video channel, and the HWA page on Facebook... More details will be announced soon! If you haven't yet subscribed by email to this website or liked us on Facebook, please do so to be included, thank you!

REMINDERS

Ruby Lips & Lipstick Tips: Throughout the holiday season, I relied on Maybelline's SuperStay lip color. The product stayed in place despite indulging on lots of champagne, chocolates, hello and goodbye kisses, and long dinner conversations. I hadn't worn it in a while and was reminded about how good it really is (just remember to reapply the balm).

Gemstone of The Month: The January gemstone is the Garnet. We recognize this mineral in shades of violet red to a deep brownish-red color. It is known as a symbol for purity, truth, love and compassion. The word "garnet" is from the Greek word, "granatum," meaning pomegranate seed, which reflects the shape and color of the stone. It carries the energy for love, luck, money, and healing.

Homemade Marshmallows: Fluffy, Eggless, and Fun To Make

Making homemade marshmallows is easy and fun to do for the whole family. There is something very pleasing about watching the ingredients turn into creamy white, delicious marshmallow dreaminess. This fluffy recipe mixture makes it hard to wait until they are ready to cut, so have a few spoons available for a quick tasting preview!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 tsp. salt

2 1/2 Tbsp. or 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (NOTE: There are vegan gelatins on the market, but I used Knox brand for this recipe.)

1 cup cold water, divided in half

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup Confectioner's sugar sifted together with 1/2 cup Cornstarch

Instructions

Add the gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water into a large mixing bowl of an electric stand mixer (NOTE: because of the long beating time, a hand mixer isn't practical). Let it soak for about 30 minutes.

Dust a 9 - 10 inch ceramic or glass baking dish with the Confectioner's sugar and cornstarch; set aside. Reserve the extra mixture for later. HINT: Be generous with the mixture and don't worry about using too much in the pan, most of it will be brushed off when you remove the dried marshmallow. NOTE: I use a 10 inch tart pan pictured in the Here We Are EASY Apple Tart Recipe. The ceramic allows the marshmallow to release more easily than a metal pan. BONUS: The edges get cut off anyway, so it doesn't matter that it is a round pan.

In a medium saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup cold water over low heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Brush down any sugar on the sides of the pot, and stop stirring. Clip on a candy thermometer and raise the heat to high until the temperature reaches about 245 degrees; immediately remove from heat. Carefully pour the syrup mixture into a heat proof measuring cup. SAFETY TIP: Put the measuring cup into the sink and pour the hot ingredients into the cup to avoid splashing (this also keeps your cooktop clean!). UTENSIL TIP: If you don't have a candy thermometer, bring the mixture to a hard, rapid boil for about a minute but be careful not to burn it.

Turn the mixer on low and begin to slowly pour the hot syrup mixture into the gelatin. Once it is all added, turn the mixer to high speed and beat for about 10 minutes, then add in the vanilla extract and continue beating for another 3 to 5 minutes until white, fluffy, and thick. HINT: Toward the end of the beating cycle, slowly work backward on the mixer speeds until you are at the slowest speed, then slowly and SLIGHTLY raise the attachments until the marshmallow mixture is released into the bowl.

Using a flexible rubber spatula, ease the marshmallow mixture into the dusted pan and smooth. Generously dust the top of the marshmallow with the confectioner's sugar and cornstarch; smoothing out the sugar/starch on top with your hands. Place uncovered in a cool, dry area, overnight to dry.

The NEXT day: use a butter knife along the edge to loosen the marshmallow. To contain the sugar, place the slab of marshmallow on a large platter or cutting board. With sugar/starch dusted hands, smooth the sugar/starch mixture over both sides removing the excess. Cut off any rough edges with a pastry knife or a kitchen scissor. Cut into strips, then cubes (or any shape you like), and dredge each cube in the sugar/starch. TIP: Use a brushing on and off motion on each side of the marshmallow cube to get a nice, smooth finish from the sugar/starch mixture. This part takes a while, but it is a fun step for kids to do. Store in an airtight container if there are any left!

My recent batch yeilded about 24 large cubes (see picture) that averaged 1.5 inches each. Using a scissor makes this job go much faster. Besides being a preservative free treat, this recipe is also egg-less. Most store bought marshmallows are not preservative free AND contain egg whites. I don't know why, but marshmallows from this recipe seem to last longer in a cup of hot cocoa than store bought types. If you aren't a hot chocolate drinker, use this recipe to make mini-marshmallows to add to yam dishes, rocky road ice cream, fudge recipes, popcorn balls and more! Don't be put off by the long instructions, I've included lots of extra tips to help you enjoy making this messy, but fun and easy treat!!

We Wish You All A...

Today is the official start of the holiday season, beginning with Hanukkah, followed by Christmas, which kicks off Kwanzaa. Whatever holiday you celebrate, in addition to health and happiness, I wish for you a gift similar to the one I received this morning.

During an early morning phone call, a regular reader of Here We Are shared with me that the Live Your Life Out Loud Series gave her the inspiration to do just that over the past year - live her life out loud. Learning this fact is an unexpected, but wonderful gift for me.

No matter what it is you do throughout the year, week to week, day to day...

There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone's life. ~ Sister Mary Rose McGeady

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With much gratitude, and humility, I wish you all a Happy Holiday and a fabulous New Year! ~ Luci

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