It's a snow day! My 10-year-old usually runs around the house in inside-out pj's, putting ice in the toilet and a spoon under his pillow the night before a predicted storm ~ this generation's snow dance ~ but with school closings announced way in advance of the nearly two feet we're now buried under, we just got comfy with tv and movies and set no alarms for the morning.
Soon he'll be headed out with friends and dad's to the local parks for sledding, while me and my friends do what we need to do before happy hour begins! In the meantime, cozy clothes, warm homes and comfort foods prevail.
If you're home like I am (or just wishing you were) here are some great cold weather recipes to help you enjoy the day. Get up, hit your pantry, spend a quick few minutes in your kitchen, and then grab the remote and snuggle on the couch enjoying this gorgeous gift of a day!
If you've got kids around, take 4 TBSP of sugar, 3 TBSP of cocoa (make sure it's non-dairy), 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and 2 1/3 cup of soy or almond milk (and a dash of cinnamon or cayenne if you'd like!) Combine the sugar, cocoa and any additional spice in a saucepan over medium heat, slowly adding the milk. Whisk constantly until heated, and add vanilla once you have removed the saucepan from the stove. If you can get out, you can also pick up Ghirardelli double chocolate or white chocolate mix, and just substitute your favorite non-dairy milk for what they recommend.
If this is for adults only, add some Kahlua!
If apple cider's more your thing, try this sexy version of the old classic, courtesy of Rachael Ray:
In a large pot combine 2 quarts of apple cider, 1 cup of apple brandy, 2 tsp of ground cinnamon, 1 tsp of ground cardamom (I'd omit it but that's just me) and 1 tsp curry powder (hmmm...funky!) Turn the stove to high heat and bring to a simmer. To serve, strain through a fine mesh sleeve and ladle into mugs. Repeat as desired :-)
For a little bite to go with your warm mug of comfort, grab a box of Keebler low fat cinnamon grahams, vegan marshmallows (readily available at Whole Foods) and a vegan chocolate bar (or Ghirardelli semi-sweet chips.) Line your toaster oven with aluminum foil, and place the grahams on the tray. Top with marshmallows and a generous serving of chocolate. Toast until gooey, grab a bunch of napkins, and enjoy!
Soon he'll be headed out with friends and dad's to the local parks for sledding, while me and my friends do what we need to do before happy hour begins! In the meantime, cozy clothes, warm homes and comfort foods prevail.
If you're home like I am (or just wishing you were) here are some great cold weather recipes to help you enjoy the day. Get up, hit your pantry, spend a quick few minutes in your kitchen, and then grab the remote and snuggle on the couch enjoying this gorgeous gift of a day!
If you've got kids around, take 4 TBSP of sugar, 3 TBSP of cocoa (make sure it's non-dairy), 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and 2 1/3 cup of soy or almond milk (and a dash of cinnamon or cayenne if you'd like!) Combine the sugar, cocoa and any additional spice in a saucepan over medium heat, slowly adding the milk. Whisk constantly until heated, and add vanilla once you have removed the saucepan from the stove. If you can get out, you can also pick up Ghirardelli double chocolate or white chocolate mix, and just substitute your favorite non-dairy milk for what they recommend.
If this is for adults only, add some Kahlua!
If apple cider's more your thing, try this sexy version of the old classic, courtesy of Rachael Ray:
In a large pot combine 2 quarts of apple cider, 1 cup of apple brandy, 2 tsp of ground cinnamon, 1 tsp of ground cardamom (I'd omit it but that's just me) and 1 tsp curry powder (hmmm...funky!) Turn the stove to high heat and bring to a simmer. To serve, strain through a fine mesh sleeve and ladle into mugs. Repeat as desired :-)
For a little bite to go with your warm mug of comfort, grab a box of Keebler low fat cinnamon grahams, vegan marshmallows (readily available at Whole Foods) and a vegan chocolate bar (or Ghirardelli semi-sweet chips.) Line your toaster oven with aluminum foil, and place the grahams on the tray. Top with marshmallows and a generous serving of chocolate. Toast until gooey, grab a bunch of napkins, and enjoy!