Ch-Ch-Chia chocolate bark

Ch-Ch-Chia and Chocolate

Even though chia seeds are mostly known through that Chia Pet commercial, there are healthy benefits to eating these seeds. Chia seeds are full of fiber, which plays a huge role in digestion. They may also reduce the risk of heart disease. When added to chocolate, chia seeds provide a unique crunch that’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, calcium, magnesium and iron.
Dark Chocolate Bark Recipe
This delicious recipe only needs a few bowls, a sauce pot, spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper and some upper body strength.
Ingredients:
10 ounces 70% cocoa bittersweet dark chocolate
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
½ cup toasted walnut pieces
½ cup toasted pecan pieces
½ cup toasted almond slices
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Directions:
Combine chocolate and coffee, place over a double boiler, heating on a low flame while stirring until chocolate is 3/4 melted. Then remove from heat and stir until smooth. Mix in the toasted nuts and chia seeds. Spread mixture on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and chill until mixture sets, about 30 minutes. Break into pieces and serve.

Crockpot Balsamic Chicken

    4 lb. chicken thighs (skin)
    2 c. light brown sugar
    1/2 c. sprite (coke)
    4 T. crushed garlic (fresh)
    2/3 c. red wine vinegar
    2/3 c. balsamic vinegar
    black pepper
    4 T. light soy sauce
    rice of your choice, cooked

Place all ingredients except rice in a slow cooker.
Cover. Cook on Low 4-5 hours.
Remove chicken from Crock and if desired, remove the bones and skin.
Place the rice in a bowl and then top with the boneless/skinless Balsamic Chicken and some liquid from the slow cooker.

Happy Crocking!

Slow Cooker Fancy French Onion Soup

 Slow Cooker Fancy French Onion Soup



 

• 1/2 c. butter
• 6 Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 2 T. flour
• 5 c. water
• ½ c. red wine
• 1 T. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• 42 oz. beef broth
• 1 Large French baguette
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

What an indulgence it is to have a really tasty Slow Cooker Fancy French Onion Soup.  Your guests or family will think you slaved away in the kitchen.  Shh…we won’t tell…

1. Melt butter in crock, stir in sugar.
2. Place onions in butter, toss to coat; cover and crock on HIGH 3-4 hours, or until well caramelized. (No need to do this step if you have made my caramelized onions recipe previously).
3. Stir in flour until well blended with the onion juices. Add water, red wine, Worcestershire, garlic, bay leaves, salt & pepper to taste, and beef broth.
4. Cover and crock on HIGH for 1 hour, then reduce heat to LOW; crock 2 additional hours.
5. Cut 8, 1-inch thick slices of bread from loaf. Toast the bread slices at 325 degrees until browned, about 10 minutes.
6. Ladle soup into 8 oven-safe bowls. Place 1 slice toasted bread on top of the soup in each bowl, and cover with a cheese slice. Place soup bowls on a cookie sheet for easier handling.
7. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, or just until cheese is melted.

NOTE: If you have made my Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions previously, you can use these to make this soup. Just eliminate the onions and butter in this recipe, and follow the directions as stated.
Happy Crocking!