Chocolate Fondue on Christmas....

My daughter Olivia got a camera from Santa and she was trying her hand at a little food photography while we were having Christmas dessert; here's a slightly messy shot of the best chocolate fondue I've ever had! Definitely worth the extra expense for the Valrohna cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate. I never realized the difference between the regular grocery store chocolates and the premiums, but I'm a convert.

I might make this again when we have the neighborhood over for New Years Eve!

CHOCOLATE FONDUE

1 c. premium cocoa powder (such as Valrohna or Scharffen Berger), sifted
1 1/4 c. water
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. plus 5 T. heavy cream
5 oz. 62% semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Angel food cake, pretzel rods, strawberries, bananas, shortbread cookies

Sift the cocoa into mixing bowl and set aside. Place the water, sugar, and corn syrup into a pot and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes until sugar solution has reduced by about 30%. Pour the cocoa powder into the solution and blend with a whisk until smooth. Return the chocolate mixture to the stove and continue cooking over medium heat. Add cream, bring to boil and allow to simmer for five minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in chopped chocolate. Pour into fondue pot and keep warm.

Makes 4-6 servings.
Source: Epicurious.com

Just beneath this post is one of Olivia's first pictures, it's Garlic Mashed Potatoes!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Welcome to A Corner of My Kitchen!

I'm Leah. About 15 years ago I developed a passion for all things food -- I read about it constantly, talk about it obsessively, and cook almost nonstop. I've been looking around at many different food blogs recently and thought it would be fun to have one myself. I just got a spiffy new laptop for Christmas, and my husband got an awesome new Nikon -- throw my Kitchenaid mixer in for good measure and hopefully I'll be able to whip up some good recipes and photos .... that is, if I can figure out how to do all of this techy stuff!

I guess if I had a specialty in the kitchen, it would be for 'down home' foods.....meatloaves, potpies, pastas. I don't get overly adventuresome (except for the occasional five alarm curry) because I'm trying to please three kids, but luckily for me, my husband likes almost everything. However, I am passionate about making food look pretty, and sneaking gourmet / specialty ingredients in where I can.

Hopefully the recipes I post will inspire others to head into their kitchens too.