February 17, 2011

Mexican Hot Cocoa Mix

February 17, 2011/ Kristin Rosenau

I've been following American Idol this year. While the show and its contestants certainly have their ups and downs, I can't help but enjoy watching the stars emerge and the trains wreck. Perhaps the worst of it is that after watching an episode, I tend to get a false perception of my own singing ability. For a few (too many) moments, I actually believe that I can sing.

I can't sing.

My singing voice is reminiscent of the sounds of an angry cat. There is screeching, hissing, and a good chance you'll want to cover your ears. Oh, she's just being modest, you're probably thinking. No one is actually that bad. When I was younger, my mother would ask me to stop making "that noise."

I wish I could tell you I'm being modest.

My singing is limited to the car, with the windows up and the radio loud. In the privacy of my metal cage, there is no one to judge me. No one to cringe when I'm out of tune or in the wrong key. No one to wince when I fall flat trying to hit the big notes.

Alone in the car, I am Celine Dion. I am Madonna. I have the voice of Stevie Nicks and the vocals of Freddie Mercury. I can sing the blissful melodies of Ella Fitzgerald and the pop hits of Lady Gaga. My range knows no bounds. In those few short moments, I can sing.

I don't have to sing for you, my family, or my friends. I sing for myself. And that's good enough for me.

This Mexican Hot Cocoa Mix is smooth, rich, and oh so creamy. The cocoa has deep chocolate tones and the cinnamon gives it just the right amount of spice. Though I made mine with water, you could easily make this with milk but be sure to anticipate a truly creamy drink. Feel free to top it with whipped cream or marshmallows, but this drink doesn't need the toppings to stand out. The cocoa would satisfy even the purist of hot cocoa drinkers. This mix can be stored in your cupboards for months and months to be enjoyed whenever you need your hot cocoa fix.

February 13, 2011

Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

February 13, 2011/ Kristin Rosenau

Dear Computer,

I know you are on your last leg of life. We have entered the final days. It is hard to admit (to both you and myself) that you are past the point of repair. You are old. You've had a good life. It is time we begin our goodbyes.

You and I, we've been together for a long time. Four years, to be exact. We've traveled the world together. I protected you from the great rolling fogs when we lived in England. We struggled to learn French together while in Quebec. We've seen the Rocky Mountains, we've been from sea to shining sea. But now you are old; the 3 foot journey from the kitchen counter to the dining room table has become too much for you.

When I was feeling down, you were there to cheer me up. You showed me pictures of baby animals and delighted me with beautiful pictures of food. We watched hours of television together. I was always surprised that we had the same taste in music. But now a 4 minute YouTube video completely shuts you down.

Then you broke your hip (or hinge, as it may be). It was sad, but we dealt with it. We worked around your new disability. But then you cracked the other, breaking yourself cleanly in half. I taped you together, but the tape wouldn't hold. I held you up with wine bottles, first full and then empty—it was a rough moment for the both of us. Your screen is dim, your track pad no longer recognizes my touch. Now you are held together with rubber bands and rulers.

We've had a good run, you and I. Soon you will go to a better place, where memory is unlimited and your battery never runs of juice. I will have to find a replacement, you know. But don't worry, no computer can replace the space you have made in my heart.

After you leave this earth, the next thing to go will be my bank account.

Love,
Kristin

PS: These heart shaped rolls are for you. Pay no attention to the fact that Valentine's Day is tomorrow.

These cinnamon rolls are heart shaped! The dough is soft, full, and easy to work with—what more could you ask for? The filling is rich, buttery, and just oozes that gooey brown sugar. The filling isn't too sweet, which I enjoy; this is breakfast, not dessert. The glaze is made from cream cheese and has this lovely tang. Each flavor is distinct and independent—the yeasted dough, cinnamon, and cream cheese. This is a perfect Sunday morning pastry.

February 11, 2011

Chocolate Blueberry Ice Cream

February 11, 2011/ Kristin Rosenau

I find the attitudes towards winter and summer interesting. 40 degrees in the middle of winter is equivalent to a summer heat wave, where people start wearing shorts and sandals and children want to eat ice cream and go swimming (I kid you not, just drive by a school and you will understand what I mean). 40 degrees in the middle of summer is equivalent to a bad case of frostbite. All I want to wear is my winter coat and snow pants and snuggle up to the fireplace and cry.

Today it was a whopping 35 degrees F. From the frigid, ice cold, people-start-hibernating-like-bears temperatures North Dakota has been experiencing all week, this was a very welcome change. It felt like the middle of spring.

Scarves and mittens (even coats!) suddenly became scarce. I didn't wear pants. I drove around with my windows down because it was so warm. And I made ice cream. Because when it is the middle of winter and it suddenly feels like summer, this is what you should do.

Perspective is everything.

This chocolate blueberry ice cream is soft and oh so creamy. When the rich chocolate base is combined with the blueberries something magical happens. These aren't just frozen blueberries added to chocolate ice cream; the blueberry juices penetrate the ice cream creating a blueberry infusion. The ice cream is littered with pieces of blueberry. If you are wary of this flavor combination, you will miss out. I guarantee it.

Also, if you are still in need of some last minute Valentine's Day ideas for Monday (or the weekend), I have selected a few ideas for you!