after another hiatus, i am back at my computer ready again to explore and share all things fabulous with you. i hope your valentine's day was extra special, whether you were sharing it with a boyfriend or girlfriend, your family, or even your roommates! its a day to show love, not just for people in relationships. remember to keep loving every day.
one week later, we find ourselves with another occasion at hand -- presidents day. remember to honor our presidents, past and present, without them, where would we be. but you just can't take it all so seriously! did you know that Ronald Reagans acting career was going so terribly that he opted for a stand-up comedy show in Vegas for a few weeks?! John Quincy Adams wore the same hat for 10 years...talk about a classic! It is said that Van Buren coined the hand gesture for "a-okay." check out the other facts, and share some knowledge at the dinner table tonight. i hope if you have had the day off, you have something planned, whether its a home-cooked meal in or a nice night out.
Celebrate the 39th president Jimmy Carter, who was actually a peanut farmer before he became president. In his honor, I'd like to share a very quick and simple recipe (it's no-bake!) adapted from February 2011's Southern Living. Treat your family, friends or loved ones to Peanut Butter Truffles.
1 (12-oz.) package semisweet chocolate morsels*
1/2 cup whipping cream*
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter*
3/4 cup finely chopped, lightly salted roasted peanuts*
Wax paper*
1. Microwave first 3 ingredients in a medium-size microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Let cool 10 minutes.
2. Beat chocolate mixture at medium speed with an electric mixer 1 to 2 minutes or until whipped and smooth. Cover and chill 2 hours or until firm.
3. Shape chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls, using a small ice-cream scoop. Roll in chopped peanuts. (If chocolate mixture becomes too soft to shape, refrigerate until firm.) Place on wax paper-lined baking sheets. Chill 1 hour before serving. Store truffles in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 5 days.
*MY VARIATION:
Instead of using only semi-sweet, i mixed semi-sweet and milk chocolate.
I also added 1/3 cup of white sugar and a pinch of brown sugar. I also added a little more whipping cream to taste.
The lowfat peanut butter tasted just as good...i promise.
When rolling, in a few of the truffles, i rolled a whole peanut inside the truffle for an extra surprise, and crunch.
Parchment paper worked just as well.
enjoy!
remember, it's all about the presentation. group a few together at each place setting in a small bowl, or even in an antique cup & saucer. garnish with whole peanuts still in the shell!
the very best, always,
alexandra
