Hershey's Cocoa Fudge Sauce

Rich, homemade fudge sauce. The perfect topping to any sundae!

We had a family barbeque last night for our holiday weekend. It was the typical menu with burgers, brats, potato salad, slaw and baked beans. Man, was it good! There's nothing like the first summer barbeque.


When it comes to summer desserts. I like to keep things simple. For our dinner last night, I made some homemade brownies and let everyone create their own sundae with vanilla ice cream and various toppings. No brownie sundae is complete without some rich, hot fudge. This hot fudge recipe is one my mom has made for many years. It's from the 1934 Hershey's cookbook and has always been our "go to" hot fudge recipe.

It's so simple and takes no time at all. Don't buy store bought chocolate sauce...make this sauce now!

Ingredients

•  1/4 cup cocoa (I used Hershey's Special Dark cocoa)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• A pinch or two of salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a saucepan, whisk all dry ingredients together. Add corn syrup and milk and whisk until incorporated. Bring to a boil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes*.
2. Remove from heat and stir in softened butter and vanilla extract. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Cool completely before storing. Store in the refrigerator up to two weeks.
Yields: 1 1/2 cups of sauce
*The cooking time depends on the consistency you like. For a syrup-like consistency, cook for 5 minutes. For a fudge-like consistency, cook for 7 minutes.

Source: Hershey's 1934 Cookbook Revised 1971 Edition

A special thank you to the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our country. They are the reason we live in this blessed country. To that I do not say "happy" memorial day but, "thank you" for the sacrifices you have made for our freedom. God bless America.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thick, gooey, chocolate chip cookies with a deep, brown butter flavor. These chocolate chip cookies are unlike any traditional chocolate chip cookie you've ever had!

We had two gatherings over the weekend. We recently joined a young marrieds small group through our church. We had a our third meeting Friday night and the meal theme was Mexican. I spent Thursday night making the enchiladas, all I had to do Friday when I got home from work was pop them in the oven to bake. Saturday we another get together with a young adult group from our church. We were having a cookout so the food theme was a little simpler. I decided to keep it simple since I had spent so much time making enchiladas the nights before. I whipped up a batch of these delicious cookies and had dessert done in no time.

I feel that I've gone overboard with the chocolate chip cookies recipes on my website. I looked back and realized this is the only cookie recipe I've posted. I am unapologetic-ally posting another one--because I feel you can never have too many chocolate chip cookie recipes!

I came across this recipe several months ago, but had yet to try it. I typically fix one of my other chocolate chip recipes (recipes here and here) instead of trying a new one. I aim to always improve my recipes and I realize, I need to do that by trying others. This recipe is unlike any other I've seen. Most recipes cream softened butter into brown and white sugars. This recipe not only melts the butter, but browns the butter as well. The browning adds a depth of flavor you don't get any other way. I almost want to call these cookies, "caramel chocolate chip" as the batter has the appearance of a rich caramel.

The recipe is pretty self explanatory, except for the browning part. You need to start with a cold skillet, add ten tablespoons of unsalted butter, and melt it over medium-high heat. Once the butter is completely melted, begin to swirl the pan so that the butter moves constantly, allowing for even browning. The butter will begin to  pop a little so you will want to stand back. The process takes about 3-5 minutes or until the butter is a deep brown color. Once you had a good color, pour the melted butter into a heat-proof mixing bowl. Add in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and gently stir until melted (be careful, the butter is really hot!). Add sugars, salt and vanilla and whisk until incorporated. Add in the egg and egg yolk and mix for 30 seconds. Allow the mixture to sit for 3 minutes, then repeat the process two more times. This resting and mixing part is crucial as it allows for the sugars to melt and incorporate, and for the flavor to develop. After whipping together, the batter will be smooth and shiny, with an velvety like texture.

Once you are finished with that step, you are ready to mix in the flour, baking soda and chocolate chips. It is crucial to refrigerate the cookie dough before using. Actually, it is best to refrigerate any cookie dough for at least a few hours before using (overnight is best). I didn't plan ahead well and only got to chill mine for an hour and a half. I sped up the process by sticking in the freezer for about 20 minutes and then into the fridge for the remainder of the time. Refrigerating allows the flavors to come together and keeps the cookies from spreading out too much when baking.

I made my cookies slightly smaller than the original recipe. The original calls for 3 tablespoon of dough and I made them one and a half tablespoons. I like smaller cookies because I don't feel as guilty about eating two or three of them at a time.

Yeah, I know that makes no sense...

I also like to make smaller cookies when I am taking them a get-together (as I did these on Saturday). Bake them until they are lightly browned around the edges. Allow them to cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a rack.

The cookies were a hit and the full plate I took to the dinner, was empty by the end of the night!


Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 granulated white sugar
• 3/4 cup packed, dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 whole egg  + 1 egg yolk
•  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 3/4  cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Adjust oven rack to middle position. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper(or baking mats, if using).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside. In a medium skillet, melt 10 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until completely melted. Continue cooking over medium heat, swirling pan to ensure even browning. Cook until butter is golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 3 minutes. Transfer melted butter to heat-proof mixing bowl. Stir in remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until melted.

3. Add both sugars, salt and vanilla to melted butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Whisk in egg and egg yolk and whisk until smooth with no lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand for 3 minutes. Repeat process of resting and mixing two more times, until batter is thick, smooth and shiny. Using rubber spatula, stir in flour mixture until incorporated, about 1 minute. Carefully stir in chocolate chips and just mix until incorporated and no flour pockets remain.

4. Chill dough for at least 2 hours, overnight is best. Shape dough into balls measuring 1 1/2 tablespoons. Arrange on cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes rotating sheet halfway through baking for even browning. Bake  until edges are lightly browned, and centers are set but still soft. Allow to cool slightly on cookie sheet before transferring to wire rack. Cool before serving.


Adapted from America's Test Kitchen   

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Pan-Seared chicken breast in a bright, marinara sauce with three cheeses and topped with toasty breadcrumbs. It's a simple recipe for chicken Parmesan. Best of all, you only need one skillet!

I'm back! Sorry to have disappeared from the blog for so long. It's been a whirlwind these last few weeks. We were gone for vacation, came back and I started a new job. Needless to say, I've been busy and very tired. I've mainly cooked many of my quick, staple recipes instead of experimenting for the blog. I did manage to make this wonderful Chicken Parmesan that is delicious and very simple.

When I think of chicken Parmesan, I think of the first time I cooked for my husband (then boyfriend). My parents were out of town one evening so I decided to invite Mark over and make dinner. Chicken Parmesan was one of our favorites to order at an Italian restaurant so I thought I'd give it a try. I had never made it on my own before, but I figured it couldn't be that hard. I mean, all it is breaded chicken, marinara and pasta right? It wouldn't take that long...

Oh my...

While I knew how to cook, I had never taken on a meal like this. Since I was still living at home, my mother did all the cooking and I occasionally made a meal or dessert/snack item for us. I knew how to make the sauce, chicken and pasta. However, I had never practiced this dish (nor was I using a recipe) and didn't take in account the preparation, organization and time.

I had three pots going: one for boiling pasta, one for making sauce and one for frying the chicken. I decided to make "homemade" breadcrumbs by tearing up some french bread. Not a bad idea, but the fresh bread didn't adhere well. And for some bright idea, I decided to "stuff" the chicken breast with cheese before breading and frying. Boy was that a mess.

Mark waited patiently in the living room watching TV while I prepared dinner. By the time I made the main course, garlic bread and salad, I had spent a good 1 1/2 to 2 hours on the meal. I can't remember what time we ate. I just remember how fast the meal went by and how it didn't taste up to my expectations. I also had a huge mess to clean up. Between cooking and cleaning up, my evening was spent.

I'm not sure that Mark remembers that frustrating evening. I for some reason, can't forget it. Every time I see a chicken Parmesan recipe:

I think of that night and...

I run.

Okay, not really, but I have no desire to make traditional chicken Parmesan.

One evening, I was watching Cook's Country and they were making a super, simple recipe of "Skillet" Chicken Parmesan. It only required one pan (a skillet) for all three steps and was ready in 30 minutes or less.

Gah! Could it be possible?

I decided to give it a try and it produced the most delicious, Chicken Parmesan I've ever had! Never again will I try a traditional Parmesan recipe. This recipe takes the fuss out of the recipe but doesn't sacrifice flavor. Unlike traditional Parmesan, there is no breading/frying and then baking in the sauce. The chicken is sauteed, and then added back to the pan when the sauce is done. Top it with three delicious cheeses, let them melt and then top with toasty breadcrumbs. It's a genius idea!

And best of all, this is the perfect dish to make for a date night at home, when you are having guests, or just a weeknight family meal. You can prep all your ingredients early and put it together quickly before dinner. It's a dish that looks like you put a lot of work into it, but is very simple.


Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• 2 Chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into cutlets. 1/2-3/4 of a pound
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup grate Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Slice of french bread or hearty white sandwich bread
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1-14.5 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup provolone cheese, shredded
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In food processor, pulse bread until coarse crumbs; 10-12 pulses. Toss bread crumbs with olive oil and toast in a non-stick 12-inch skillet, stirring constantly; about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and one tablespoon basil. Wipe skillet clean with paper towel.

2. Using sharp knife, hold chicken securely and slice each breast horizontally into two cutlets of even thickness. Lightly salt and pepper each side. Place flour in a shallow dish (I like to use a pie plate) and lightly dredge the chicken in flour. Shake off excess. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides. About 5-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Wipe skillet clean with paper towel.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add one tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic to skillet. Saute until garlic is fragrant, 30 seconds to one minute. Add crushed tomatoes. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in basil and salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken to skillet and press down into sauce to cover. Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone and remaining Parmesan cheese over chicken. Cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Uncover and top with toasted bread crumbs. Serve.

Notes:
*Unlike some Parmesan chicken recipes, this does not include pasta. You really don't miss it! If you desire to serve with pasta and marinara, make extra marinara and serve with the pasta of your choice.
*I halved the original recipe to make it more friendly portioned for two people.