Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Recipe

Sunday's are a day of rest; to reflect on your life's journey, count your blessings, and do something that makes you feel happy. While I would have enjoyed a few extra hours of sleep, I had to run a few errands. While waiting in line to purchase some Christmas gifts, I had an idea to try something new today, so I searched up a new cookie recipe, and the rest is history.

Have you ever heard of Hot Chocolate Marshmallow cookies? You heard right, "hot" chocolate.

The name stunned me for a moment as well, until I realized the recipe called for chili powder.  And it all made sense, however at first I was a bit weary, but as it turns out, you can't even taste the chili!

And trust me when I say a few were sampled rather quickly in my home.

If you're up for a challenge, or just want to try something new, follow the directions below and enjoy a batch of your own!

Ingredients:

• 1 roll pillsbury™ refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough 
• 1 cup Nutella® hazelnut spread 
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa 
• 3/4 chili powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon  ground cinnamon 
• Large marshmallows, cut in half 

Directions:

STEP 1 Heat oven to 350 degrees. STEP 2 In large bowl, break up cookie dough. Add hazelnut spread, cocoa, chili powder and cinnamon. Mix with electric mixer on low speed about 5 minutes or until well blended.STEP 3 Shape dough into two-inch balls. Flatten each ball into three-inch round. Add 1 marshmallow half into the dough and cover it completely. Repeat with remaining dough rounds and marshmallows. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.STEP 4 Bake 12-15 minutes or until surface of cookie appears cracked and marshmallow shows through. Cool 5-10 minutes, remove from cookie sheets. Serve warm or store tightly covered. 

Enjoy!

Small Business Saturday

It's time to shop! - Small Business Saturday 

Small Business Saturday is designated to create a buzz around mom-and-pop businesses, and help them receive, well, more business! The reason why it's great to support these businesses, is that it not only shines light on the entrepreneur spirit, but it expands the community that you live in, or live near by; allowing you to invest in a gift from local artist or rarely seen vendors, making your purchase unique and treasure-felt. 

Here are six businesses from Orange and Los Angeles counties that would love to meet you. 

Get ready to shop, eat, snack and pick up a treat for fido!

TRINKETS AND FASHION

1.  SUO BOUTIQUE

SUO Boutique, in Brea and Monrovia, California. The store's clothing ranges from extra small to large, and rarely holds items for curvier girls, however they have an array of cute shoes, earrings and other accessories to complement any outfit, and their slew of knick knacks had me jumping over the moon! I wanted to buy everything, but had to reel it in. 

Prices range from $4-$45. 

2. LOCAL FIXTURE

Local Fixture in Whittier, California, has an eclectic display of jewelry by local artist, bath and toiletry items such as hand-crafted soaps and perfumes, carries cards and several other gifts for men, women and kids. They have a newly section for the outdoor adventurer who likes, Patagonia, and unisex clothing to support the local city of Whittier "where the girls are prettier," or so the t-shirt description said so.

The dark wood frame that encompasses the shop, houses some of the most hip and friendliest sales guys and gals on Bright Avenue, who will wrap up any purchase free of charge. If you get thirsty or need a snack, you might pick up a cold brewed coffee drink, which is always on tap, or try one of their high-end donuts from Donut Snob, served every Friday and Saturday.

Prices range from $3 to $229.

PLACES TO EAT 

3. BAILEY'S STREET KITCHEN

Bailey's street kitchen is located on Bailey Street, in Whittier, California. The family owned restaurant is pretty small in size, but the food packs a delicious-and-rather impactful, punch! Whether it's Italian, Mexican or American food you're craving for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Bailey's Kitchen has it all for you.  Since I'm a breakfast addict, I dove right into the chocolate chip pancakes, while my boyfriend can be seen cutting into their delicious chicken and waffles. 

Princes range from $5 to $17

4. CREPES & GRAPES

If you're looking for something a little more quaint, check out Crepes & Grapes, adjacent to Bailey's Street Kitchen. 

The Uptown Whittier cafe serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Paris vibe. Serving up items with names such as Croque-Madame and Belle Matine. Featured below is the scrambled eggs and asparagus, topped with goat cheese, a side of a rather large parfait and some hot chocolate that is so delicious! 

I've stopped in here on numerous occasions and have found that my favorite protein plate is the chimichurri demi steak and eggs breakfast.  If you have little ones, their kids menu is perfectly suited.

Prices range from $6 to $25.

4. MARSTON'S RESTAURANT

Marston's Restaurant in Pasadena, is a causal little spot that serves up delicious American-style food in a cozy little cottage. Be mindful that wait time varies as the staff hustles and bustles to keep the movement of service as fast as possible in this little nook. The french toast is an absolute must, as it's engulfed in corn flakes for crunch and added texture. If I could squeal "yum!" through the computer screen, I would. 

Live further north? Check out their second location in Valencia. 

Prices range from $2 to $15.

SNACK

5. DOTS CUPCAKES

Now I only have one place for snacks to talk about and that's because it's by far the most delicious I've ever tried. With two locations, both in Pasadena, California (just a few blocks from Marston's), Dots Cupcakes will make your eyes light up the moment you walk into the boutique-style store and inhale the smell of freshly baked cupcakes, which they create daily. You may even want to press your nose up on the glass, but don't, that's just weird and not sanitary. 

A few days a week, DOTS CUPCAKES changes up the array by rotating in daily flavors. Choose between regular and mini size. 

 What's great about DOTS, is just an added bonus, they are so friendly and always representing their city, the local community and welcoming to every visitor that they meet. They're also a green company and use soy ink and recycled paper for their wrapping and boxes.  Thank you Dots and your incredible associate who created the Dallas Cowboy themed birthday cupcakes below for my boyfriend. They were a hit!

Prices range from $1.75 to $33.

THE DOG BAKERY

6. THE DOG BAKERY

I could never forget my cutie patootie, Bella, or her many doggy neighbors, so this one is for them!  After you grab your cupcake from Dots Cupcakes, cross Colorado Boulevard and head west to The Dog Bakery. It's a hidden gem for dog treats and birthday cakes specifically made with only the finest ingredients edible to dogs. All items are hand made in the USA. The company has three locations in California, so if you're near Venice or Beverly Hills, don't fret. You can pick up your orders there. 

Not interested in buying a birthday cake for you dog? Not to worry, The Dog Bakery also houses toys for small and large pups, collars, leashes, dish bowls and many other necessity items in between. 

Bella turned 12-years-old in October, and she deserved a cake of her own, so that's just what she got. The adorable associate made it just right, and Bella was doggy stuffed.

Seen here is a 12" round peanut butter and carob cake.

Prices range from $1.25 to $50

HAPPY SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! 

If you find a great spot that's not listed here, please write me, I'd love to check them out. Have a great weekend!

A Grateful Heart

If I was born anywhere else in the world, would I be just as grateful for my life as I am today? As my thoughts prepped for Thanksgiving, the rush of Black Friday, and the events that will follow, I kept thinking of that question. 

In the recent weeks passed, terrorist killed several innocent lives in Paris, but the impact of these actions and losses affected many throughout the world. Peace and Prayer petitions quickly went viral on social media. Many spoke about their recent visit to France and Paris and those who lost someone. In a common thread of prevailing hope and strength, media post spoke about the bond of good, and how it will always be greater than evil. 

(Photo: @Shoesdogsandchocolate) 

In nearly half of deaths (45%) in children under five, poor nutrition is to blame. That's an estimating 3.1 million children each year, according to the World Food Programee (WFP). If you are throwing a lot of food away, think of adding less to your plate before you waste it. Think of how those leftovers you toss out nonchalantly could be a day's worth of food to one child. 

(Photo: @Shoesdogsandchocolate)

Many of us are doing ok, we're getting by. Could things be better? Sure, they can always be better, but if we were without shoes as cherishedfeet.org states '1.2 billion people in the world live in extreme poverty (less than one dollar a day)' are, would we think differently about our situation? Many parasites enter the soles of the feet, and without shoes to cover the steps you take, you are susceptible to many illness or disease. Be grateful for those worn out sandals or broken down running shoes. Perhaps donate them to a local shoe and clothes drive before taking them to the dumpster. 

(Photo: @Shoesdogsandchocolate) 

As Christmas, Hannukah, and the New Year celebrations approach, we will get swept up in the holiday cyclone, elbowing strangers in tight shopping quarters, singing jingle bells and wishing for health, wealth and good cheer and this post you have read will be a thing of the past. Don't let it be. Every day people need people, and hope needs hope. Be of good faith and be bold in your motivations. 

Give food to a stranger, hold the door for someone you don't know and take it easy. Everyone is looking for happiness, some times it starts in a small gesture of giving thanks.