Tuesday, December 29, 2009

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.

6 comments:

  1. Ah, a non-baker after my own heart. ;) The strawberries are beautiful. What a fantastic dessert. I do believe I may have to try this tomorrow night for our quiet NYE at home. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

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  2. You can bring your 'holiday baking' to our house anytime.
    I, like you, don't have a holiday baking speciality - but am a very appreciative Chocolate Plunger. : ^ )
    I'm sure your S-I-L's think you are amazing anyhow ! ! ! !

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  3. Shelley, {your email link in your sidebar is not working for me this morning}
    I found these cute hearts at
    http:[slash slash]belldia [at] typepad [dot] com
    Bella Dia's sweet-heart-crocheted-banner
    and, yes, I do believe Lucy at Attic24 has made a banner or so.
    I also believe it was she who suggested blocking with spray starch gives them nice body.
    I used Sugar n Crème cotton yarn. My quilting/knitting/crafting buddies love these.

    Oh, yes, as long as we're talking crocheting and inspiration I also enjoy Vanessa's Blog - http://doyoumindifiknit [at] typepad [dot] com

    Hugs,
    Gerry

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  4. Your strawberries look delicious! I'm sure your family will love your holiday "baking". It's hard not to compare yourself to other people's "perfection". For a long time I didn't even dare to host people because my friends were such perfect hostesses. But now I'm trying to be more authentically me. I figure that God gave them certain gifts and gave me other gifts. I love the honesty in your blog entries! You have a real gift for writing!

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  5. wow, strawberry, it is a good taste

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  6. It may taste great! When I saw photos of this delicious food, I just felt hungry.

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