Curried Chickpeas

The curry blend in this recipe gives an otherwise simple salad wonderful depth and robust flavor. The caramelized onions add richness, and the cilantro and lemon juice brighten the salad nicely, distinguishing the flavors. You can make it in advance; this is one salad that improves with an hour or two of chilling time.

Curried chickpeas
Total time: 20 minutes, plus cooling time
Servings: 4


1/2 cup diced onions
4 teaspoons best-quality olive oil
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
Salt

1. In a large sauté pan heated over medium-high heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil until deep golden and crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until aromatic and lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.

3. Add the chickpeas, cilantro and lemon juice and continue to stir to develop the flavors, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and season with one-fourth teaspoon salt, or to taste.

4. Cool the salad, then transfer it to a container, cover and refrigerate until chilled before serving, at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning and lemon juice as desired. This makes just over 3 cups salad.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting

I've been in search of a delicious, unusual, fantastical, four-star original cupcake recipe. And in the chocolate category...I think we may have found a winner. 

Now there is nothing wrong with a plain chocolate cupcake with either chocolate or vanilla frosting. It's an oldie but a goodie for a reason. 

I was looking for something to spice that up a little. Take the "ordinary" to the "extraordinary". 

During the Christmas holidays I make a Mexican Hot Chocolate cookie. Chocolate with a hint of black pepper, chili powder and cinnamon. So I thought "Why not a cupcake?"

And since I've promised to share the "winners" with people here's the "recipe" as it were.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 box Chocolate Fudge cake mix
1 1/3 cup coffee*
1/2 cup vegetable oil*
3 eggs*
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves

(* Denotes measurements instructed on the box. Follow your cake mix recipe but substitute coffee for any water)

1) Combine cake mix and all spices - blend thoroughly

2) Add coffee and oil

3) Add eggs, one at a time - mixing well in between

4) Fill cupcake papers 2/3 of the way full (I use an ice cream scoop so they come out equal)

5) Bake 20 minutes - or until toothpick comes out clean

While cupcakes are baking beat 2 teaspoons of cinnamon into white vanilla frosting (yes, I used store-bought). 

Once cupcakes have cooled completely - frost with cinnamon icing and decorate as you please (I used a light dusting of cinnamon on top). 

*     *     *

So far all of my "taste-testers" (aka family) love them and agree these are the winning Chocolate cupcakes!

Chocolate Chili

I got this recipe from The Stir a number of years ago and was so intrigued. Chocolate + Chili makes me think of mole, so of course I had to try it. Now, it's the ONLY way my family eats red chili.

Chocolate Chip Chili 


1 lb. sweet Italian sausages
2 lbs. lean ground beef
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried crushed chillies
1 medium can tomato purée
3 x 15 oz cans red kidney beans, drained
3 x 15 oz cans chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
2 cups water
Salt & pepper to taste

Brown meats in olive oil in large pan on medium heat, using a sturdy wooden spoon to break them up.

Add onion and garlic, cook for a few minutes until soft, then add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and dried chillies. Stir well to combine.

Stir in the tomato purée and chopped tomatoes. Add the water and bring the chili to a boil.

Once it’s started bubbling, sprinkle the chocolate chips and the kidney beans over the chili, and give it a good stir.

Transfer it to a Crock-Pot for up to 7 hours.

Season with salt & pepper before serving. Top with your favorite chili toppings -- sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, etc.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

I'm a huge fan of Mexican Hot Chocolate so when I found this recipe last year I flipped!! These are just so delicious - a slight spice mixed in with the sweetness of the sugars. I have to say dunk these in a glass of liquid hot chocolate and it's even better. 

Yum Yum

Mexican Hot Cocoa Cookies:


Heat oven to 350*

Whisk together:
1C flour
1/2C cocoa powder
3/4t cinnamon
1/4t baking soda
1/4t salt

In a separate bowl press together, to form clumps, 1/2C plus 1T Brown Sugar and 1/2C plus 1T granulated white sugar

Beat the following on high for 1 minute with the sugar mixture:
3T butter, softened to room temperature
3T margarine
1/2t (additional) cinnamon
Generous pinch of black pepper
Generous pinch of cayenne pepper
1t vanilla

Beat in 1 egg white until smooth.
Add flour mix.
Make into a 9 to 10 inch log - wrap in wax paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 45 minutes.

Slice into 1/4 inch cookies and put on ungreased cookie sheet (they do not spread far).
Bake 12-14 minutes.