Happy Birthday, Beulah!!

Little baby Pigalettia turns FIVE years old today! Taking a nap before she gets this party started...

Chocolate WOW

This recipe on Serious Eats sounded reminiscent (in elements) to the awesome ones you made over Easter!

Photograph and original illustration by Jessie Oleson (aka Cakespy).

I would make this, but I'd probably have to eat the entire pan. Could you pass along that icing recipe? Those were so good, and seem like a relatively easy dessert to make for a potluck or company.

For the sake of balance, here's a chocolate "dessert" I've been making a lot lately — essentially hot cocoa, but without so many calories! Sort of scratches the itch for a sweet something to end the day without getting a sugar/carb buzz right before bed:

- Roughly 1 TBSP cocoa powder

- Optional: almond milk, skim milk, light coconut milk, etc. (something to add a bit of creaminess)

- Sweetener: you could use regular sugar for this and just use it in moderation, OR I find xylitol works well, doesn't have a funky aftertaste, and is good for your teeth!. (Some people use stevia or flavor drops.) The idea is that you're not using nearly as much sweetener as pre-made cocoa mixes would include.

- Boiling water

Just put the first three ingredients in a mug, then pour in the boiling water and stir. Voila!

Another idea if it's nearing bedtime and you've got the munchies: just make a cup of hot tea. It'll keep your hands and your mouth busy, and (be sure it's caffeine-free) should help you feel ready to go to sleep.

Hope you all are having a good Wednesday! Let me know if you need any other recipes that mostly just involve boiling water!!
— Em