Treats Thursday!

Happy almost Friday! Today, marks the first official day of the NYC Fashion Week for fall 2011. We wonder what hot, new trends are going to emerge for next year! We'll be scoping them out and reporting on what we see so that when it comes time to do some spring cleaning, you will know what to keep and what to ditch!

V-Day is only a few days away and like many of you, we have been hit by cupid's arrow! We love the holiday and about love- not because we are cheesy, but because it is a sweet holiday that is universal and can be celebrated in a variety of ways. Whether it is making it a special day for you and your loved one, or going festive for your kiddies to enjoy, Valentine's Day is a good time to think about all of the people in your life who you love and show them how grateful you are. Looking for a sweet way to demonstrate your affections? Make some sweet treats!!

*Perfect for your loved one- melt his or her heart with chocolate fondue. Chocolate is delish and is an aphrodisiac that will surely put you in the mood for romance. Light some candles, put on some Al Green or John Legend, and get dipping. We love this recipe from "Good Housekeeping Magazine" :

• 6 ounce(s) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup(s) half-and-half or light cream
• 1 tablespoon(s) flavored liqueur such as cherry, orange, coffee, or raspberry, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• Fruit such as whole strawberries or chunks of banana, pineapple, or pear
• 1/2 cup(s) almonds, toasted and finely chopped (optional)

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Directions

1. In heavy 1-quart saucepan or fondue pot, melt chocolate with half-and-half over low heat until mixture is smooth, stirring frequently. Stir in liqueur and vanilla; keep sauce warm.
2. To serve, arrange fruit on large platter. Spoon fondue into small bowl if you like. Place nuts in another small bowl. With toothpick, dip fruit into fondue, then into almonds if you like.
3. * We also like using marshmallows, broken up cookie pieces, angel food cake or pound cake bites and pretzels!Yum, yum!

Cute for the kiddies! This recipe is super adorable and easy peasy! Grab your favorite roll of pre-made peanut butter cookie dough (we like Pillsbury), a bag of Hershey's kisses, (you need appx.36 unwrapped), and a few teaspoons of sugar to dust on top. If you or your kids don't like peanut butter buy your favorite flavored (sugar, chocolate chip)cookie dough.

• 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart. 2. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately top each cookie with 1 kiss, pressing down firmly so the cookie cracks around the edge. remove from cookie sheets and place on cooling racks. Let cool.3. Eat and enjoy!
  * For your pooch! Who says that your family dog, doesn't deserve some attention on V-Day? Make your "canine baby" a little something on Valentine's Day. Of course, check with your vet first to make sure this treat is acceptable for your pup, but we love this pet-friendly Rachel Ray recipe:1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1 carrot, peeled and shredded1 celery stalk, finely chopped1/4 pound ground beef1/4 cup tomato sauce*1/4 cup frozen peas1/4 cup chicken broth or water

  DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrot and celery and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, peas and chicken broth and continue cooking until warmed through, about 3 minutes. *Do not use tomato sauce containing onions or garlic, which can be toxic to cats and dogs

  Have a favorite Valentine's Day recipe??? Share it with us! Enjoy your day:)Xoxo, The Moody Mamas
  
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