Chocolate Hearts

I sadly didn't get a chance to make these this Valentines Day, but I for sure will try these out next year! So cute! Thanks to Bailey Ence for blogging about them!

Chocolate Hearts:
Melt some semi sweet chocolate chips on the top of a double broiler or in a bowl in the microwave at 50% power. I usually do it in the microwave. Start out with 30 seconds and then stir, and then 15 second increments until they are melted.

Put the melted chocolate into a pastry bag with a very small tip (#2,3,4 would work) or you can use sandwich bag. Simple scoop the melted chocolate into the bag and cut a tiny bit of the corner off (really small).

Have a silpat (or waxed paper) lined cookie sheet ready. With your pastry or sandwich bag of melted chocolate, write XOXO or draw hearts onto the silpat lined sheet. When you have the amount desired put the whole tray into the freezer to set for 10 minutes or so. Once the chocolate is set, carefully lift them off and place on the top of the frosted brownie bite. ENJOY!

Glazed Carrots

Carrots are cooked with brown sugar and butter, resulting in a sweet, flavorful brown sugar glaze.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces baby carrots
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup water
• dash salt
• pepper, to taste

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, combine the baby carrots with remaining ingredients. Stir to blend ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and continue boiling (uncovered) for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until carrots are tender and the liquid has evaporated.
Serves 4 to 6.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding:
5-6 cups white bread, cut into cubes
1 cup pumpkin spice egg nog (cream or regular egg nog may be substitued)
1 cup milk
4 eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup white sugar
1 cup Pumpkin Puree
3 Tbs butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
dash of clove
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, pour milk and eggnog over cubed bread and stir to coat.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with brown and white sugar. Add pumpkin, butter, vanilla and spices. Add to the bread mixture. Stir well. Pour into an 11"x 7" baking dish. Sprinkle top with cinnamon and sugar mixture and make for 45-60 minutes, until set.

Serve with Maple Cream Sauce and whipped cream.


Maple Cream Sauce:
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup cream
1 1/2 Tbs butter
1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan. Bring almost to boil.
Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Serve over Pumpkin Bread pudding.