Valentines Spicy Hot Shots

by spabettie on January 30, 2012

in cocktails,Dessert,Vegan

The things I do in the name of love.

In the name of Valentines Day.

In the name of all things pink.

You recall the chocolate shot glasses I made over the holidays? That I filled with local New Deal vodka?

In the name of love, Valentines Day and everything pink, I have done it again, and without even meaning to, I’ve once again filled them with New Deal vodka. This time it is a spicy little monkey that is just all too fitting for Valentines Day. Of course, you can fill these with whatever you like.

Non dairy, vegan white chocolate is very difficult to get. Although I am not a white chocolate fan, I stock up when I can, because the day I am without it is the day I need it.

These shot glasses actually took two tries. The first batch of white chocolate would not melt. I have used non dairy chocolate enough to know that it is very touchy, and I almost always add coloring before melting. This time, the “food coloring” was all natural – it was beet juice! Don’t worry, it does not change the flavor at all! It does impart a beautiful dark pink color, exactly what I was going for.

and don’t worry, the unmelted chocolate was a perfect fondant consistency, and I was able to use it for another Valentines project. You will see that later.

spicy hot shots in pink (white) chocolate glasses

12 ounces white chocolate (vegansweets baking chips)
juice of 3 beets
shot glass mould
4 ounces Hot Monkey vodka (or your choice)
4 tablespoons non dairy whip (Soyatoo rice whip)

Shot glasses (make a day ahead): In medium saucepan, add white chocolate and beet juice, melt over medium heat. Spoon into shot mould. Place in refrigerator to set, preferably overnight. Makes four chocolate glasses.

Fill shot glasses and top with whip cream and sprinkles.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find conversation hearts that do not have gelatin. Believe me, I have searched high and low. Next step is to make them myself.

However, a sweet nurse at the hospital gave me a box the other day – so I am using them as photography props. Hey babe.

Are you a fan of Valentines Day?

 

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mazel dog

by spabettie on January 29, 2012

in Basil is a Young Sportsman,dachshund

Basil got a new tee shirt yesterday.

My recent schedule has me staying up late nights, where Basil and I have been enjoying Andy Cohen and Watch What Happens Live. I love this show, I love Andy – and a good amount of levity is brought to my day. Laughing feels good.

The other night while watching, I now admit to some impulse shopping.

Basil was the lucky recipient of my impulse shopping this time.

Basil now understands black outfits show every little thing. Darn dog hair.

Today’s word of the day?

Mazel Dog!

 

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{ 28 comments }

I have a new addiction.

It’s Yelp.

I’m checking in everywhere. All the time. To see my daily ranking go up, to collect badges and Dukedoms. Yes, I am a Duchess now. Do Duchii wear crowns? Because I’d like to wear a crown.

There are some actual benefits to Yelping – I’ve been invited to a couple VIP events already – but so far I am only interested in the stats, and becoming The Duchess of as many places as I can. Soon I will be Duchess of the gym – yes, that one is near.

I realize this is old news for many, and for some, it’s a Huh?? It’s probably similar to Angry Birds or Farm Whatever (which I learned how to block on facebook, by the way!).

It once more confirms that I am obsessive delighted by the little things. That sometimes the little things are key.

Recently I was sent a huge box of goodies from Bard Valley Natural Delights. Medjool dates. Coconut date rolls. Pistachio date rolls. All kinds of deliciousness.

While we have been eating many of the dates as is – which is caramely candy like goodness – I did save some to make a few recipes with. This is the first one I’m sharing with you – a very easy and uniquely flavored treat. You know I love my tahini. This recipe does not have added sugars – if you’ve enjoyed a Medjool you know it is not necessary. Also, sprouted almonds. Have you tried these yet?

What. You’re going to tell me sprouted almonds are like Yelp, old news.

That’s okay, they are delicious and they are a party I am fine to be late to.

tahini almond date bites

vegan, gluten free, no added sugar

makes 20-22 1-inch bites

12-14 large dates, pitted
1/2 cup raw almonds (I used sprouted)
1/3 cup tahini
pinch sea salt
1-2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup sesame seeds to coat 

In food processor, pulse almonds until crumbly, partly smooth. Add dates, tahini and salt, continue to process. Texture will still be slightly crumbly – add water (1 tablespoon at a time) and dough should quickly form. Form into 1 inch rounds, roll in sesame seeds to coat, and roll in hands to flatten sesame seeds into ball. Cool in refrigerator to firm.

I just ate several of these, and now it’s time to do some stretching – I have a downward dog lesson from my favorite yogi (look at that perfect form!). I need to find a yoga studio to become Duchess of.

Post sponsored by Bard Valley Natural Delights. My absolute love of Medjool dates is unbiased.

 

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