Chocolate Plunge

Every year I have the same problem at Christmas Dinner with the in-laws.

Now, don't jump to any conclusions! My in-laws are not the problem. They are dear, dear, dear and much kinder to me than I deserve . . . I can assure you.

The problem begins when, after I've been assigned what I'm to bring for the meal, I ask, "And what can I bring for dessert?"

To which one of my sisters-in-law always replies, "Oh, whatever you want . . . just bring a platter of your holiday baking."

Ahem!

This, of course, presupposes that there is holiday baking going on at my house!

You see, my sisters-in-law are Swedish homemakers. They work full-time jobs; they keep spotless houses; they raise their families; they do holiday baking. I have gone to their houses at all times. It is impossible to surprise them into seeing the house a mess. It just doesn't happen. Amazingly, their homes are also warm and inviting. Life is not fair.

So, when it is holiday time, of course, they do holiday baking. They churn out shortbreads and dipped pretzels and peanut butter blossoms and sugar cookies and no-bake chocolate cookies and fudge and more.

These women would not ever, ever promise their son to make gingerbread men together. And once the dough was all made, not be able to find the gingerbread man cutter. And end up with a bunch of pathetic squished angels and leaning Christmas trees. And then run out of time to ice them. No, that would not happen to my Swedish sisters-in-law. Never.

So, when I am faced with the daunting task of bringing my "holiday baking" to the family Christmas dinner, I have one of two options:

#1 - Offer a very small plate of un-iced squished angel and leaning Christmas tree gingerbread cookies or

#2 - Walk through the door with mounds of ripe, red strawberries nestled at the bottom of my great-aunt's fabulous, red crystal, footed candy dish, filled with Chocolate Plunge for dipping.

(sparkle nail polish courtesy of Youngest Daughter)

And hopefully, once everyone gets an eyeful of strawberries and chocolate, they'll forget all about my missing plate of "holiday baking."


Chocolate Plunge

2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
8 oz. pkg Bakers semi-sweet chocolate

In medium saucepan stir corn syrup and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and stir until completely melted. Serve warm as a dip for fruit. Makes 1 1/2 cups.