November roses: the sequel

We got five inches of snow on Saturday in a strange lake-effect snowstorm. It snowed all day at our house, but one mile to the west, or ten miles to the south or east, they got nothing but a bit of rain (all at the same elevation). Ten miles to the north, of course, is in Lake Erie. Happily, it's been in the upper 50s this week, so it's all gone now. Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of winter?

Hot Chocolate...the right way!

We had wanted to make this hot chocolate for Christmas, but by the time we got around to it, we were too stuffed to enjoy it.

The recipe:

1/4 lb. chocolate (We used a 71% cacao bar from Trader Joe's)

1/4 cup-ish sugar

2 cups milk

2 cups cream

Heat slowly in a small pot over low heat, just to melt the chocolate. Stir to heat evenly and to dissolve the sugar. Do not boil, or the milk will scald. Enjoy!

This is enough for 4 people, or fewer if you want it to be your one meal for the day.

For breakfast this morning we made scones and served them with pear butter from John's parents, strawberry jam from a co-worker of mine, and blackberry preserves. With hot chocolate to finish it off, we were stuffed! (At least until it was time to make our sourdough pizza!)