Romantic Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries & My Roses

 

 

For Valentines Day I wanted to make dark chocolate covered strawberries as a treat for the love in my life, my amazing husband!!!  He loves them and I do, too!  This is probably only the second time I've made a batch of them, because I think they're more of a special thing to make.  I find something about chocolate and strawberries quite romantic and perfect for Valentines Day or wedding anniversary.  Mom has made a large batch for a cousin's wedding shower, and they weren't only a huge hit but looked so pretty on the table.

 

For Valentines I originally wanted to make a dessert ridiculously rich, insanely decadent and inevitably calorie-laden, but I decided since we had an indulgent dinner that these beautiful strawberries dipped in bittersweet chocolate would be a better idea.  I'm so glad I went with my instincts, because they were perfectly delicious and Mr. Cozy loved them!

 

I'm not a chocolate covered strawberry expert, but I do have know a couple of things that seem to make them a little better.   (Please remember they're very easy to make!) 

 

1. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the fresh strawberries off really well if you're not using organic strawberries, because berries really hold pesticides and dirt well.  You don't want those things on your dessert...not very romantic! 

 

2. Wash the strawberries just before using them.  It's not a good idea to wash them ahead of time, like the day before.  They can mold easily!  Which brings me to the next point.

 

3.  Gently dry them off very well!   You don't want to dip damp or wet strawberries in chocolate if want the chocolate to adhere well. 

 

4. Do not make these days in advance, but make the day you are eating them.  Also do not store for longer than 15 minutes in the fridge.  When they stay in the fridge long at all they'll develop annoying condensation that makes them seem slimy and appear not fresh.

 

These are all little tips I've learned from myself and other's trial and error, but above all, have so much fun with this!  It's great when you're working with yummy melted chocolate and can plop a couple of fresh ones in your mouth as you make them! 

 

Treat someone special in your life to some beautiful homemade chocolate covered strawberries and enjoy the chocolate covered fruit of your labor!!!

 

 

Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries

 

8-10 Medium- Large Fresh Strawberries

3 oz. 60% Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped (I used Ghiradelli)

1 oz. White Chocolate, chopped (I used Ghiradelli)

1/2 tsp. Coconut Oil or Canola Oil

 

 

Rinse off and dry unblemished strawberries.

 

Pull up the leaves from the strawberries so they won't get coated.

 

In a small glass bowl, put about about 2/3 of the chopped bittersweet chocolate and oil.  Microwave for about 30 seconds, take out and stir with a whisk. 

 

Place back in the microwave for about 15 second intervals until the chocolate is almost smooth when whisked.  You do this to not burn the chocolate at all.

 

Add remaining 1/3 of chocolate and allow to sit in the melted chocolate about 1 minute.  Then vigorously stir with a whisk until very smooth and shiny. 

 

Congratulations, you've accomplished tempering the chocolate! This is the best way to melt chocolate and will keep it from turning a dull gray.

 

Hold each strawberry and carfully dip the the chocolate but leave a little of the red strawberry at the top.  You'll probably want to tilt the bowl to make it easier.  Let the excess drip over the bowl.

 

Place on a aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.  I don't mind if the chocolate pools a little, it's just tastier that way!

 

In a very small bowl, melt the white chocolate and once melted place in a Ziploc bag.  Snip the very end and carefully pipe the strawberries with white chocolate.

I was having trouble taking the photo and piping at the same time...sorry for the blur!

 

You can pop this sheet pan in the fridge-- if you want-- for just 5-10 minutes to flash harden these.  The dark chocolate doesn't take long to set and the white takes a little longer.

 

There are always those ugly ducklings, right?

 

Meet "Baldy".

 

This is "Spiky" or "Sloppy".  :/

 

Good thing, despite what they look like they're all Yummy!

Enjoy.

 

Mr. Cozy was gave me a few of my favorite things on this extra special day of love, but I wanted to show you the gorgeous deep pink-orange hue roses he gave me!   Flowers are a thoughtful gift from my husband, because he always makes the best decision on which ones to buy and often comes home with the bouquet and arranges them for me himself.  Doesn't he do a fabulous job!?  I love this man!!

 

 

I love beautiful things in life, and these sure look lovely in our home. 

 

 

 

 

Finally I'll leave you with a glowing snapshot of the romantic table setting I created for our Valentines Day dinner ..... 

 

 

 

I'm linking up with:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Thanksgiving Excitement!

 

 

This morning is a very cold and frosty November day outside.  Last night we had the lowest temperatures this season!  I sit here warm under my blanket and in front of the fire with my coffee and my Beth Moore devotional Breaking Free Day by Day.  I truly need to have time with my Lord--my Friend--every morning!  There definitely are mornings that are busy and for whatever reason it doesn't happen, but when I don't make time to spend with Him I don't seem to be as equipped to face the day.  I'm more likely to let things get the best of me.  (It does happen!)  I find it so sweet to know that everyday He has a new anointing, a fresh outpouring of His Spirit for us!  The more time I spend with Him, the more my heart becomes like His... and I want His desires to become my own!

 

 

I'm so excited today!  

This weekend my immediate family is coming up to our house for Thanksgiving dinner!   They knew that we wouldn't be able to come home at all for Thanksgiving, so my parents said they would all come to our house the Saturday before because my husband will have time off this weekend!  They're basically bringing Thanksgiving to us!!!

 

For a family like mine, whose holidays--especially Thanksgiving and Christmas--are extremely set in a well-loved tradition, this is a huge gesture of thoughtfulness!  So my parents, my sister and her new hubby are coming to stay.  My brother lives here already, so it will be 7 that I'll be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for--yay!!!  This will be my first time to cook a turkey, and while I've asked mom to still make her famous dressing and lemon cake, I'll be making all the other sides! Faith is bringing a pumpkin pie that I know will be delicious! 

 

I'm thrilled to do this. 

 

It's a busy week for me around here.  I've have my list going to deep clean the house, get out my "special dishes" and have them washed, decorate the table, make a huge grocery run, and prepare the delicious food we look forward to eating year after year!  We'll still celebrate the very same way as we do each year.  Going around to say what we thank God for this year happens right after dinner.  It's usually a sentimental time that recaps our year!  It also gives our tummies a few minutes to settle before filling them up again with mouth-watering desserts. We'll enjoy our pie and cake as we snuggle up in front of the fire and watch The Christmas Carol!!  These are traditions that have been alive almost as long as I remember!  

 

I feel as though I'm rambling a bit now, but I'm just typing with excitement in my hands.  God is good to provide a way when there seems to be no way! :o)  If I'm not around much this week, that is why!  I'll take pictures and be sure to share with you about the food and fun next week.  Please stay warm today and enjoy the anticipation of the upcoming holiday with joy in your heart!

 

 

I want to show you a special little Thanksgiving package my parents sent to me a few days ago!  It was waiting on my stoop for me to open the door and see it's brown paper package surprise!  Mom decorated the box by drawing precious pumpkins around the edges, so cute!!

 

 

How sweet of Mom to find these things she knew I would LOVE!!!  It was part of their "thank you" for us hosting Thanksgiving.  They didn't have to give us one thing, but their hearts said otherwise! 

 

Some of my favorite things:  The new Gooseberry Patch cookbook, The Harvest Table, which has the coziest cover and wonderful recipes inside! (I love that name, and perhaps if I ever had another blog I may use that!)  She also sent the cutest handmade turkey kitchen towel from a favorite local boutique.  This is so cute in my kitchen!!! Also a bag of fall candy to munch on while browsing through the new cookbook.  Yummy!

 

 

I can't thank Mom enough for this precious surprise!  She knows me all too well!!!

 

 

Enjoy this wonderful day!!!


I'm joining up with Friends at:

 

 



Amazing Chocolate Praline Bark & Christmas Decor

I'm pretty excited to share with you with a recipe I just made last night!  It's soooo good!  Buttery like toffee, sugary like pralines and rich with chocolate....it's delicious and so easy to make!

I've made versions that are very similar to this --thanks to Shareen!-- but I just kind of winged this recipe with what I had and it turned out scrumptious! 

I was trying to make something to give to my husband to take to work today for his fellow med students.  I wanted to use ingredients that I had on hand, because it was a very cold, rainy night last night and I really didn't want to get back out to the grocery. I was just fine in my snuggly home that I do not take for granted!

 I wanted to make something that I don't usually make, but something incredible! 

This chocolate praline bark really fit the bill!   We were both surprised at how addicting these little things are.

I must say though, I made all of them to only eat 2 tiny pieces!  It was very bittersweet to give all of these yummies away, although I do LOVE baking for other!  Especially at Christmas-time!  

It's a time for giving.

These little goodies would be perfect gifts to package up!  Simple and easy with everyday ingredients.  You can really add whatever candy you want on top, but whatever you do you must use the pecans!  We both agreed that they not only make the house smell unbelievably cozy while baking, but they really make this candy over the top!!

I hope this chocolate praline bark gives you a new idea to add to your baking-palooza  this holiday season!

(Enjoyed my fire this morning, and isn't this little gingerbread tea pot adorable!?  I love him:)

Christmas-Time Chocolate Praline Bark

 1 sleeve graham crackers

1/2 c. butter

1/4 c. brown sugar, packed well

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. vanilla

1 c. pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 c. white chocolate chips

2 squares chocolate "bark"/candy coating, chopped

1/2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.  Spray with cooking spray.

Lay out the graham crackers right next to each other on the sheet pan.

In a saucepan, melt butter and sugar together and bring it to a boil for 2 minutes.  Take off the heat; add vanilla.

Pour mixture over the graham crackers.  Spread with spoon if you need to reach all the corners.

Sprinkle pecans evenly all over the top and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt chopped chocolate bark carefully. (I did it in the microwave).  I melted in 30 second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning.  When bark is melted, add chocolate chips.  Stir until melted and heat a few more second in microwave if you need to.  Please remember chocolate burn easily.

(I did add a tiny smidgen of corn syrup here to give the chocolate a gloss. Optional.)

When the praline bark comes out of the oven, wait a few minutes, then sprinkle white chocolate chips all over and drizzle with melted chocolate.

Refrigerate to harden up faster.  Will only take about 30 minutes.

Break your yummy candy into shards to resemble bark.  Store tightly and enjoy!

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I wanted to share with you a bit more of my Christmas decor! I decorate my home to my taste...something that's cozy-classic with a bit of whimsy!

He's my very favorite little birdie!  Gotta love the hat!

I got these stockings last year at an antique&gift shop.  I thought they were cute!

The basket is for our Christmas cards we receive.



The Gift!

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."  Psalm 37:4

This is just one of the wonderful scriptures that come to mind as I'm telling you this story of how God used a thoughtful and generous person in my life to remind me of just how much He knows me.  He loves me. 

He loves us.....

God truly cares for even the small details in my life.  Really.  This shouldn't be a revelation after years of serving Jesus Christ as my Lord, but there are times in my life that He-- as any loving father-- wants to surprise us with something that we never expect.

Anyone who knows me very well at all knows that my husband and I have been struggling for years trying to have a family.  

(No, I'm not pregnant (yet!) so that's now what this blog post is about...but I assure you that day is coming!)

We have been blessed with a beloved baby girl in Heaven that we'll spend eternity with!

I'm not extremely open about this subject, because it's a very personal and delicate issue between my husband and I. It's huge that I'm sharing even this with you all right now, for this is something I can't help but feel very emotional about.  Wanting children is part of the core of my being.  I wanted to share this with you, just to give you all a bigger picture of why this story is just so special to me.  The past 5 years have been filled with the most extreme highs and lows in my lifetime.  I won't candy coat that there have been many hard times my husband and I have encountered together in our short married life, but I can still confidently say with a shadow of a doubt that, God is still good!!!

I'm a very optimistic person, and all of you who know my parents know that I was born that way!   I love my family and I love my husband and have an amazing life with them...I love cooking, baking, beautiful days, snowy days, holidays, I really love life!  Everyday is not an easy one, and the past 5 years there have been more bad ones than good.  Thankfully, I serve a God who not only knows my future but also has plans for me.  Awesome plans, that are better than we had ever dreamed about.  When you follow Christ and seek Him for guidance in your life, and tell Him that "my life is for Your glory"... I believe that He will turn the plans we envision for our life into something far better than we could ever hope for.  I want my life to be a testimony of the Mighty God I serve!

So anyways, God has not forgotten about my hearts desire to have children, and last week He reminded me of that by showing us that He knows and cares about even the smallest things that we care about.  The things that we can live without.  The things that are definitely trival in the grand scheme of things. 

...Because He wants to pour His love on us.

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October 9th, I put as my Facebook status, 

"You all can have your new iphones, but all I REALLY want is a candy apple red or buttercup yellow Kitchen Aid stand mixer with a glass bowl!!  One day..."

Simple! No biggie, really!  Just saying that I've basically been pining to have one for years now, but I don't want to complain because I have a fine hand mixer. (Fine as in okay, as in, gets very hot when mixing meringue or anything else for over 3 minutes.) With Mr. Cozy in Med school, needless to say, our funds don't really give us everything we want.  

Thankfully, we have a Heavenly Father that will supply all my need according to HIS riches in glory! (Phil. 4:19)

I have never prayed for a mixer, I have never even asked for a mixer (from anyone at all!) and I haven't put much thought into dreaming about one when I knew there was no need to wish for something so trivial.  Although my mind would occasionally wonder, how much easier and even more fun would it be to bake in a kitchen with a beautiful stand mixer, like on Dessert First or Barefoot Contessa?! :) After all, I do consider myself an avid baker and would get so much good use from something as wonderful as that!!!

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October 13th.  I got off work late that night, as I always do on Thursdays.  When I pulled into my driveway it was dark outside and I was making sure all my little kittens were okay as they frolicked around me.  

What was by the back door?  What was in this enormous box?  Did Mr. Cozy order, I don't know....a book?  A whole lot of them?? Umm...confused.

I'm actually on the phone with him as I'm walking up to the house.  He has no idea what the box is.  It says Bed, Bath & Beyond and looked like some postal service dropped it off.  Weird, I thought.  I tell him and he still doesn't know!  I'm getting a little excited just from the mystery of it all.  I open the door and put him on speaker just so I can bring the box in.  It's heavy! VERY heavy!!  I wasn't expecting to have so much trouble trying to get it through the door!  Hmmm.

I open it up and stand amazed.  It looked like another box inside with the picture of a Kitchen Aid stand mixer?!!  I'm squealing, and I'm sure he thinks I'm frightened when in fact I'm quite the opposite. Mind you, there is no return address, note, name, or any facts whatsoever to link back to the giver of this gift. 

This is unbelievable.  I open the box to find a Candy Apple Red, Kitchen Aid stand mixer with a glass bowl!!!!!!!!

Ok.  "Oh, Honey!!  I love you, thank you!!!!"

How can we afford this right now?

"It's not from me.  Seriously...I'm confused.  I know nothing about this!" he claimed with sincerity.

Hmmm.....I'm baffled  and thrilled at this point and so is he!  After getting off the phone with him, we both call our parents.  I'm pretty sure that mine probably wanted to surprise me with an amazing gift of my dream mixer!

No. They were excited, but clueless. Really.

(Friends, trust me I know my hubby and parents well enough to know they're telling the truth, and they were!)

To this day, we have no idea who the very wonderful person is that secretly sent me my heart's desire, a Kitchen Aid stand mixer!  We do know, however, that God used that person to restore hope.  He gave me something I thought I would probably have to wait years before getting--and I would've been okay with that--but He had other plans, better plans than I had for myself!  Miraculous!  

This gift felt like a big, warm hug.

I only hope that one day we can do the very same thing someone in need, or want.  I'm assuming this person doesn't want us to find out who they are.  What a huge gift, this humble and kind person gave to me. God knows who you are and will bless you in return!  THANK YOU!

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So there you have it, Folks.  Thanks for listening to my story!  I'm excited to bring you recipes with help of my new mixer!  It seriously takes baking to another level of joy!!!

God works in mysterious ways!  

See how it sparkles on my counter?

Have a blessed Autumn weekend!

~Leslie

I'm linking up with:

Delicious Thyme & Lemon Pork Loin Chops with a Tomato & Balsamic Reduction

This is just a simply fresh and delicious recipe.  I kinda came up with this on the fly, and it turned out very yummy!  You can definitely substitute skinless, boneless chicken breasts if you have that.  I am still using that huge pkg. of discounted thin pork loin chops that I bought and froze a couple of weeks ago.   It begins with a simple "marinade" if you want to call rubbing a few things on the pork and allowing it to sit for 30 min.- 1 hr.  Pan searing the meat to get all crispy on the edges and removing it, only to add grape tomatoes, thyme, a bit of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and all the pan juices that followed the meat to the aluminum foil.  Pour this balsamic tomato sauce over the pork and Voila!-- easy, gorgeous, and so good to eat!  The marriage of the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar balance each other well in taste and color!  This was a fun dish to make.

I think I actually began to make this just for an excuse for me to use my brand new, beautifully shiny, All-Clad French Skillet!!  It was fun to cook with such a nice piece of cookware (this is my first All-Clad) and I must say that it definitely served me well-- I'm hooked!  I got the recent deal at William's Sonoma for the 9 and 11 in. French Skillet.  Well, actually Mr. Cozy is the one who told me I should get it--yes, he knows that kitchen treasures are my favorite!

I served this with just whatever I had on hand.  (You have to realize that I made this meal right after getting back from vacation, and I wanted the challenge to use whatever ingredients I already happened to have!)  Fresh roasted corn and hot whole wheat rolls rounded out the meal.  A salad would be perfect here, too! So here I go explaining in "Leslie's terms" this easy recipe. --I do not have an organized recipe here...just to warn you--

Thyme & Lemon Pork Loin Chops with Tomato & Balsamic Reduction

Lay out your pork loins and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, fresh thyme, lemon juice and a little extra virgin olive oil.  I let this set for about 30 minutes or so.

Get about 2 Tbsp. olive oil hot at med high heat and throw in a couple bunches of thyme sprigs.  Let them fry for about a minute, turning a couple of times.  Take out, place on a paper towel to drain, and set aside.

Now that your oil is delightfully seasoned with thyme, pat your pork to get the excess liquid off and place the pork in the pan to cook for only about 2-3 minutes on each side.  (This cutlets are quite thin.)  Try to only turn them once, to allow the edges to get nice and crispy!

Take pork out of the pan and place in aluminum foil to rest.

Back to the pan:  add a little more oil if necessary, the tomatoes, more thyme leaves, and balsamic vinegar.  Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to get all of those tasty bits in the sauce.

This will cook down for about 5 minutes or until tomatoes get soft and the balsamic vinegar reduces down a bit and gets thicker and sweet.  Add a touch of minced garlic and all the juices that have pooled  in the bottom of the foil your pork is in; cook for a couple minutes longer.  (If you can continue to add the vinegar until it looks like there is enough for your pork.  Taste along the way.)

Plate your pork and pour the balsamic tomato goodness err..I mean, reduction all over the pork.  Garnish with the fried thyme leaves!

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