mexican hot chocolate

not the prettiest of pics, but sure tasty. i tried a new sugar substitute this past week called sun crystals. it is a combination of pure cane sugar and extract of the stevia plant. you can read more about it here. i really like it. it is amazingly sweet, so you need less than that of the pink, blue or yellow stuff, besides i have given up the pink, blue and yellow stuff. i have mostly been using the sun crystals in my tea and coffee, but went and explored their site. they have lots of recipes listed and this is one. i changed it slightly, just less milk. i really enjoyed this for breakfast, warm, chocolate-y and filling. i would opt out of the cinnamon next go around. i just didn't care for it. i look forward to trying more of what they offer. enjoy.

beth's mexican hot chocolate (adapted from the sun crystal's website)

heat one cup in milk in the microwave till hot, about one and half minutes.

meanwhile have ready in a blender, a tbsp. of cocoa, one tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate chips(i used the mini's), t tsp. of vanilla, pinch of salt, pinch of cinnamon and two packets of sun crystals(next time i am going to try only one packet). pour in the hot milk and blend about 30 seconds. serve in a mug. you know, some cool whip would be good on top, too. what a treat!

simple soda

three ingredients are all you need to make a simple and refreshing summer soda; seltzer water, flavored syrup and ice. grab your favorite glass, add a generous splash of flavored syrup, (i like raspberry), add some seltzer and ice. now give it a quick stir and viola. you have a sweet, bubbly soda.

you can find a large assortment of syrup flavors at your local mega mart. i like to keep a variety on hand because they are also great for snow cones and iced tea. enjoy.

strawberry julius

i opted to make a strawberry julius with my quart of freshly picked berries. it was exceptionally delicious and loved by all, but my three year old. he had rather suck the life out of his scooby doo go-gurt than give it a try. i will make these babies often and have already devised a plan to tweak it-dream whip! i am thinking that the dream whip powder will thicken the mixture a tad more and lend a little flavor. i was also thinking that you could make it a grown up strawberry julius with a shot of rum or alcohol of choice. try this, its berry good. enjoy.

oh, btw, i used about six ice cubes instead of the water.

6/5/09 i wanted to add that the dream whip powder did squat to the julius, so i gave instant vanilla pudding a shot. i threw in about a tbsp per batch and it made the mixture really thick and creamy. that little secret is between you and me. have fun.