It is Hot Cocoa Season Again

Hot Cocoa Season arrived today in case you weren’t aware. It is the 1st of December and a gentle snow is washing over the landscape. Christmas music is everywhere on the radio and nothing sounds as good as fixing a cup of hot cocoa and reading a good book. Sure, I’ve been drinking hot cocoa since the first chill hit the air in October, but that didn’t really count. The conditions must be just right for the official Hot Cocoa Season to begin. For one thing, there needs to be snow on the ground for the kids to play in. They will need a cup of hot chocolate to warm up with when they come back in the house dripping slush and shedding their layers of winter clothing.

I need to head out to the store today and pick up some more cocoa mix. I already went through my current supply. I suppose I could try out some different recipes for making your own cocoa mix that I have found on the internet. I am thinking about trying Laura’s Hot Cocoa Mix. Head on over to their site and check it out, maybe you will try it too.

Oh, don’t forget – if you truly want to celebrate opening day of Hot Cocoa Season you had better make sure you have a good supply of marshmallows and home baked cookies :)

Cheers!

No Motown at Super Bowl XL

There will not be a bigger event in Michigan in 2006 than when Super Bowl XL comes to Detroit. It is something struggling Detroiters and fellow Michiganders across the state can hang their hats on. Instead of our poor economy, high unemployment, and a city that is steadily being abandoned each year we can focus on something positive. For one weekend Detroit and the entire state of Michigan will be the focus of worldwide media attention as the stage is set for Super Bowl XL. You would think with the rich history of Motown that it would be the obvious choice for the halftime show.

Unfortunately, the NFL picked those old fogies – The Rolling (or is it Rocking - as in chair?) Stones. The NFL threw Detroit a bone by announcing that the pregame show will feature the Motown sound. No details are out yet as to what the acts will be for that show.

Another problem I have is the Roman numeral for this year’s Super Bowl – XL. Extra Large. I know it was just a couple of years ago that Detroit had the dubious distinction of being labeled as America’s Fattest City, but do we have to receive the honor of having the Extra Large Super Bowl too?

For details on Super Bowl XL events head on over to http://www.sbxl.org/

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland

You need to visit Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland in beautiful Frankenmuth at least once in your life just so you can say you have been there. When Wally Bronner founded the store way back in 1945 I doubt that he could foresee what it would look like now. The business grew from a single building in the middle of Frankenmuth to the huge store that is now the size of 5.5 football fields. With over 50,000 items and thousands of colorful lights to look at one can easily spend the majority of a day shopping at Bronner's. It is best to visit on a weekday as weekends (especially in November and December) can be very crowded. Also, wear comfortable shoes and leave the baby strollers at home. There are just too many people to maneuver around.

Arrive early and perhaps you will be done by lunchtime. I suggest the Bavarian Inn for lunch. It has excellent chicken dinners and at least half of the wait as Zehnders (the world famous chicken dinner). For an excellent array of baked goods the Zehnders bakery (downstairs from the restaurant) is a tasty choice.

If you prefer something other than chicken and wish to avoid crowds and waiting in line, then DaVinci's Restaurant is the place to go for hot sub sandwiches and great pizza. It is just on the northern edge of town past the car dealerships. Most tourists don't head that far out of town, so you shouldn't have much of a wait. Cold? Head on over to the Frankenmuth Kaffee Haus for a nice hot cup of coffee or latte.

If you go:

Hours are 9am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and Noon until 7pm on Sunday. Take exit 136 off of I-75 and head east (turn right) on M-54/Birch Run Road. Go approximately 2 miles to M-83/Gera Road and turn left at the light. You will travel about 5 miles and you can't miss Bronner's on the right-hand side of the road.

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

If you like pumpkin pie, you will love this. This is just too easy. Throw everything in your slow cooker and let it cook. It is just too good and too easy not to make it at least once! What you need:

• 1 can (15oz.) Solid Pack Pumpkin
• 1 can (12oz.) Evaporated Milk
• 3/4 C. Sugar
• 1/2 C. Biscuit/Baking Mix
• 2 Eggs Beaten
• 2 T. Butter, melted
• 2 1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 2 tsp. Vanilla

Mix together in a large bowl. Transfer to a greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve in bowls and top with whipped cream (or ice cream, whatever floats your boat :)).

Quick Hearty Soup

What you need:

• 1 can chicken broth
• 1 can mixed vegetables
• 1 can of chunk chicken
• 1 can of diced tomatoes

Empty the contents (including the water in the veggies) into a pot. Medium heat until soup is desired temperature. For some people that is when the soup is boiling hotter than a volcano.