Chai Chocolate Pudding

Sometimes we need a little something sweet after dinner.  Do you?

Both MGG and I are ice cream freaks and usually go for a scrumptious ice cream cone.  I think it reminds of of being kids.  I just keeps saying it's portion control...

But last night I was craving chocolate and chai.  I got this craving from a recent trip earlier in the day to my favorite coffee house, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.  Love that place!  I had a wonderful Chai Tea Latte.  Yum Yum...my favorite.  And the fact that they have a "no sugar added" option is tops in my book.  

So I guess I hadn't had my fill of chai flavoring and twirled around with the idea of making us a Chai Hot Chocolate.  Then I spotted a chocolate pudding mix I had just waiting for me to make it.  Bingo...Chai Chocolate Pudding was born. 

Doesn't get much easier than this.  You don't really even need a recipe.  All you do need is some Chai Tea Latte concentrate.  Something like the Oregon Chai or Tazo brand works great.  

Simple, quick, chai pudding.

Love it!

What's your go to sweet after dinner?


Chai Chocolate Pudding

serves 4

1 1/2 cups cold low fat milk
1/2 cup chai liquid drink concentrate (like Oregon chai)
1 package (1.4 ounces) sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional whipped topping and mini chocolate chips, optional

In a large bowl, combine the milk, chai concentrate, pudding mix, and cinnamon. Whisk until thoroughly mixed, about 2 minutes. 

Spoon into serving dishes and allow to set about 5 minutes.  Garnish with whipped topping and mini chocolate chips if desired.

Blood Orange and Pear Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

 Winter calls for winter fruit.

Luscious oranges and pears call my name as I walk through the fruit stands.  Yes, I miss the fruits of summer.  I surely do, but I'm happy to substitute what's in season until they return.

So it's time to make a winter citrus salad.  A Blood Orange and Pear Salad to be exact.  Sweet and tangy come together to form a flavor profile that is bright and light during the winter months.  What better way to use winter fruits, especially since I love them in salads.

This is a simple salad where the fruit is the star.  Even the vinaigrette is the same fruity theme using lemon as the acid.  What a great way to dress this salad!



Blood Orange and Pear Salad

serves 2

1 large Bartlett pear
2 Blood Oranges
3 cups mixed salad greens
1/3 cup shredded carrots
Lemon Vinaigrette

Peel and slice the pear in half and remove the core.  Slice pear into thin wedges.  Remove peel on oranges with a knife.  Cut oranges crosswise to make orange circles.  

In a large bowl add salad greens and carrots.  Toss with several tablespoons of lemon vinaigrette.  Arrange the pears, and oranges on top of the greens.  Sprinkle with more vinaigrette if you desire.

Lemon Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 fresh chopped thyme
salt & pepper

Combine first four ingredients in a mason jar.  Shake to combine.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Slice of Southern's Best Game Day Snacks

Are you looking to score big with your game-day crowd? Enjoy the party with these festive foods and savory snacks.

Everybody loves what may be deemed as 'game food'.  Snacking food, finger food, pub food, and hearty stick to your ribs kind of grub!

These are the 10 most popular dishes (chosen by you) that are the perfect choice to make a touch down at your party.

Moroccan Flavored Meatballs with Pita, Tomatoes, and Cucumber

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Chunky Guacamole

Sweet Onion Salsa

Cherryade

Vermont Cheddar Popcorn

Simple Perfect Chili

March Madness Pizzas

Latin Empanadas

Creamy Dill Dip

The Super Bowl is known as the 2nd most "eating" day of the year.  Can you believe that?  Whether you grill or make a big pot of chili, feeding a crowd is always part of the fun.  Make it easy on yourself and choose some items you can make ahead so you enjoy the game as well.  Low stress entertaining is what it's all about!

How do you celebrate game day?