How to Make Hot Cocoa at Home at Avana Grove

Instead of simply tearing open a pre-packaged version of hot chocolate this winter, make things more fun (and festive!) by making it yourself at home. Here are three great takes on everyone’s favorite sippable dessert.

Naturally Sweetened Homemade Hot Chocolate [diynatural.com]
If you want to make your own hot chocolate in order to avoid the extra additives and unnatural sweeteners found in many store-bought varieties, this recipe will show you how. By using real cocoa powder, pure maple syrup for sweetening, and just a dash of sea salt and cinnamon, you can create a truly decadent treat that’s still really good for you.

Homemade Hot Chocolate [marthastewart.com]
If you’re craving the classic version of hot chocolate at home, this recipe will teach you how to make it using only four common ingredients. Whole milk adds a rich, creamy consistency that is accented by the sugar and cocoa, and you have the option of preparing it in the microwave or on the stovetop for added versatility.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate [bonappetit.com]
For something with a bit more gourmet flavor, try this elegant peppermint version. Adding peppermint extract creates a festive flavor that’s really delicious when combined with bittersweet chocolate, and topping this drink with homemade whipped cream and candy canes makes it perfect for your holiday parties.

3 Brunch Cocktails to Greet a Lazy Sunday

From savory omelets stuffed with melted cheese to maple syrup-drizzled French toast, weekend brunch is arguably the best meal of the whole week, made even better by a sip of a bloody Mary or a bellini. Whether you're serving brunch to two people or twenty, these three brunchtime cocktail recipes will get your Sunday off to a great start.

Champagne Punch [Martha Stewart]
Not only does Martha's take on champagne punch taste great, it looks pretty in the pitcher. Her recipe combines fresh blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches, ice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher, then champagne is poured over top.

New-Look Bloody Mary [Bon Appetit]
This bloody Mary receives a spicy kick from the unique combo of sriracha sauce, horseradish, black pepper, and curry powder. Dill pickle and lemon juice brighten the mix, while celery stalks and lemon wedges provide the finishing touch.

Pamplemousse [Food & Wine]
Kick off your Sunday with this refreshing cocktail, which is relatively low in alcohol. The juices of grapefruit and lemon are shaken with gin and elderflower liqueur, then garnished with a basil leaf.

Clever Cooking With Fresh Oregano

Outside of Italian fare, many home cooks are at a loss when it comes to cooking with oregano. This warm, aromatic herb is actually much more versatile than you might think, however, and it can be added to dishes ranging from meats to pastas and even to sweet desserts. Check out these creative recipes for ideas that will have you craving oregano.

Blackberry-Oregano Pie
You’ve tasted sweet blackberries and you’ve likely used oregano, but you’ve probably never had the two seemingly opposite ingredients together in one dish. This sweet and flavorful pie combines fresh blackberries and tart lemon juice with finely chopped fresh oregano to create a traditional berry pie with just the right amount of savory flavor. Add an intricate pattern in the crust and this sweet treat makes an impressive dessert for your next gathering!

Charcoal-Grilled Pork Shoulder with Fresh Herbs and Roasted Garlic
Grilling juicy, tender pork shoulder over hot charcoal gives the meat a perfectly crispy exterior that’s well worth the extra effort. The addition of a thoughtful blend of herbs, including oregano, bay leaves and parsley, makes a perfect seasoning that really completes this main course. Because the recipe calls for both a brine and a garlic herb rub, you can feel confident that this pork shoulder will be full of flavor.

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