Think Summer Cocktail Recipe Contest #1

It’s been freezing outside for what seems an ice age, so we decided it’s time to take matters into our own hands with a little positive forward thinking.

It’s time to haul out your sundresses, wide straw hats, G-strings and favorite tropical cocktails.

Have you a special Pina Colada concoction, potent Rum Punch, new angles for Sex on the Beach, especially inspired Daiquiris?  Are you a mixologist extraordinaire and creator of your own summer specials?  Virgin or spirit laced–we want ‘em all.

Send them to us at info@bitchesonabudget.com or leave them in the contact box on our website. Contest ends 1/31/11 and the winner receives a copy of Bitches on a Budget.

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Hot Chocolate Contest #1

As we were gearing up for this recipe contest we asked which would you prefer: desserts or cocktails? We should have known better than to ask such a silly question. Your answer? Both.

Since it’s freezing out, we’re just lusting after a cup of thick, rich, chocolaty, chocolate, hot chocolate and we’re always happy to have a lazy weekend late afternoon aperitif, so we decided to combine the two. We want your favorite hot chocolate recipes. Virgin or not. The one and only rule: the recipes must be made from scratch. No slouching and using a mix.

Winner receives a copy of Bitches on a Budget (just in time for holiday gift giving:).

There are so many ways we’ve made hot chocolate and so many kinds of chocolate we’ve used, we can hardly wait to see what you love. Do you use boiling water and chocolate and finish it with heavy cream? Or is it milk all the way? Don’t forget to tell us how you like to finish your cup. Are you virgin chocolate drinkers? No marshmallows, no whipped cream, no rum. Are you spicy gals? Hot pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon.

Leave your recipes in the Contact Section on our site or e-mail them to us at info@bitchesonabudget.com. Contest ends 11/30/10

AND THE WINNER IS….TAMM CHAMBLESS

“Kickin’ Hot Chocolate!”

Ingredients:
•           1/2 cup “half and half”
•           1 cup whole milk
•           3.5 oz (one bar) Lindt Chili Dark chocolate, finely chopped
•           3 oz Cuarenta & Thres (43) Brandy
•           1 oz Grand Marnier
•           Whipped cream (see below)

Preparation:
Heat half and half & milk until just boiling.
Place about 1/2 cup of hot milk in a mixing bowl.
Add the chocolate and whip until smooth.
Add the rest of the milk and whisk again.
Pour chocolate mixture back into the pot and simmer for around 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and add Brandy & Grand Marnier
Pour into mugs, add a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa or chocolate shavings for effect, and serve.

Basic Whipped Cream Recipe:
(enough for 8 servings)

Ingredients:
•           1 pint heavy whipping cream
•           1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•           1/4 cup powdered sugar

Preparation:
Make sure that bowl and beaters are ice cold!
Mix the cream & vanilla in a bowl. Mix the sugar in with the liquid ingredients.
Whip the mixture with an electric hand mixer until raised peaks form and hold their shape. It should take about four minutes (longer if using a manual hand mixer or a whisk).

Add 1.5 tablespoons of Bailey’s, Kahlua, Amaretto or Frangelico at the end if you’re so inclined…

Don’t forget to add Bitches on a Budget: Sage Advice for Surviving Tough Times in Style to your reading  list.

Let everyone know you are a Bitch on a Budget by adding our badge to your blog or website. Click here to find out how to do that.