Fall Weather, Hot Chocolate, and COLORS LIKE MEMORIES

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Major, major thanks to Leandra Wallace and Kelly Hashway for hosting the first of my paperback posts this last Friday! Amazing women, blogs, and books. Go check them out!! :)

The weather is fast getting very, very fall-like here, which I both love for the amazing colors, and kind of hate for it not being warm (I'm a warm-weather fiend, I'll admit it). But, the turning colors always make me think of two things: the first is Colors Like Memories, because it takes place in the fall and the weather reminds me how much I love Julia, Edison and Derek. Can't help it--they hold a special place in my heart :)

And, hey, paperbacks are up for preorder here! Or on Amazon here! (Woot woot!)

The other thing it reminds me of is hot chocolate. (I just did a search for how many times I've mentioned my obsession on my blog...it's a lot. Sorry, I'm addicted. I don't do coffee or much tea, so this is my drug drink of choice.) I thought I'd share two of my favorite recipes here, for two very different styles of hot chocolate. I pretty much avoid packet hot chocolate at all costs, so these do take a touch more work. But if you're looking for a treat, these are SO much tastier!!

So, here's my go-to Columbian hot chocolate recipe. Yes, it calls for cheese. Yes, you should totally try it! It's amazing! (It's like the perfect salty-sweet combo.) I know it sounds random, but seriously, it's good. Promise.

2 cups whole milk
4oz bittersweet chocolate (at least 60% cacao--I usually do more, because I like my chocolate bitter)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
Pinch of ground cardamon
Pinch of ground chipotle chile
1/2 pinch ground cayenne pepper
1/2 pinch salt
2 oz white farmer's cheese or other grilling cheese

Heat milk (don't boil!) and mix in ingredients until smooth. Makes 2 servings. Add cheese once you have it in cups and drop it in. Let it melt a little, then eat with a spoon. Yum!!

While I was in Spain last year, I became a little addicted to Spanish hot chocolate. I've searched for a good recipe now that I'm home, and I've found a few pretty decent ones. They're not quite as good, but they'll do :) These should be eaten with churros if at all possible!

2 cups milk
3oz baking chocolate
1/2 cup sugar (to taste--I use a little less)
1/2 tsp corn starch

Whisk corn starch into milk and heat, then stir in chocolate to melt. Serve hot :)

Are you brave enough to try either of these? :)

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