Did you all (and by “all” I am referring to us Mid-Atlantic/Midwest/East Coasters) enjoy the big snow over the weekend?

As I dropped R off for afternoon kindergarten on Friday, it was snowing “snow globe” style much to the glee of R’s schoolmates. When we arrived at school, the 1st – 5th graders were outside having recess, making humungous snowballs for a giant snow man. What fun. Is there anything better than a snowy recess?

Kids have it all right when it comes to snow attitude. Have fun, let loose, and enjoy the magical transformation that a big snow creates. Some of us grown-ups get far too grumpy and bent-out-shape.

Perhaps one of the reasons my boys in particular love a big snow, besides the fact that playing in snow is just plain fun, is that we have a special Sweet Pea tradition. Whenever we go sledding, shoveling or playing in the snow, we have to come in and have a big ole’ mug of hot chocolate.

This is a quick and easy way to make a quick cup of hot chocolate. Of course you can use the instant packets, but this works just as well and is all natural.

Snowy Hot Chocolate

6-8 ounces of milk
3 Hershey Kisses
Sprinkling of coconut (the snow!)

Combine the milk and kisses in a microwave safe mug.

Microwave on 50% power for one minute increments until the chocolate has fully melted. Stir between each session in the microwave. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and let sit for about 3-4 minutes to let the coconut get nice and soft.

When I say that hot chocolate is in the works, suddenly my boys become the most eager of shovel-ers, quickly moving to go outside. Now, if I can only ensure this eagerness continues when they are teenagers?

SPC

Love is in the air and Valentine's Day is around the corner. Love it or hate it, this pie is perfect for the big love day. If you love Valentine's Day, make this for your special honey. If Valentine's Day draws your disdain, then appease your anger with this heavenly sweet.

Light, this recipe ain't, but it is goooood. If you have to, tell yourself that it is fruit, and for that, you can feel good.

Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie
(Adapted from Gourmet Magazine)

For the dough:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces [more]

(Happy Groundhog's Day everyone...I am writing this early, so I have yet to know what good ole' Phil saw this morning, but I am pulling for an early spring!)

One of my favorite tools to ease potential dinner time stress, without sacrificing healthfulness, is our freezer. When I mash sweet potatoes, I mash far more than we need, and freeze the extra in a muffin tin. Once frozen, I pop the little sweet potato "muffins" out of the tray, and pop them into a storage bag or container for quick future use. [more]

A couple of nights ago I was at a friend of a friend's home for a casual get together. The homeowner clearly had style, and had the panache and talent to pull off really hip style on a budget. Among the artistic creations in her home, there was a piece of linoleum that she had transformed into the coolest, neatest kitchen "rug." It had nearly a dozen people "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" over the skill it must have taken to accomplish the amazing transformation.

Her response, "*Anyone* could do this. Anyone. It just takes the time." [more]

Here's a quick tip to help you in your kitchen that you may have never considered. Have you ever checked out your local library's cook book collection? I know, I know, many home cooks don't even rely on cook books anymore, preferring to rely on the Internet to search for recipes. But there are so many great cook books out there, and I venture to guess your local library has a good selection. [more]