Cartoon of the Day: Father's Day Chocolates

FATHER'S DAY BUTTER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING

A special cake 
a special way 
To reach his heart 
on Father's Day...

I love this Retro Father's Day Ad for Buttercake. A good Butter Cake should be in every baker's repertoire, especially with chocolate butter frosting! As always use the very best butter and chocolate!

The following recipe for Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting is from Betty Crocker, tweaked slightly. This cake is perfect for Father's Day!

FATHER'S DAY BUTTER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Ingredients

Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

Frosting 
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cake:
Heat oven to 350°F.
Grease bottom and sides of 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with shortening; lightly flour.
In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup butter and the granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, about 2 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, beat flour mixture into sugar mixture alternately with 3/4 cup milk, beating after each addition, until smooth. Scrape side of bowl occasionally. Beat in sour cream. Pour evenly into pans. Tap pans on counter 2 to 3 times to eliminate air bubbles from batter.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Frosting:
In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and spreadable. Place first cake layer on plate, and spread 1 cup frosting over top. Place second cake layer on top of first. Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

FATHER'S DAY BUTTER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING: Retro Ad with Recipe

A special cake 
a special way 
To reach his heart 
on Father's Day...

I love this Retro Father's Day Ad for Buttercake. A good Butter Cake should be in every baker's repertoire, especially with chocolate butter frosting! As always use the very best butter and chocolate!

The following recipe for Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting is from Betty Crocker, tweaked slightly. This cake is perfect for Father's Day!

FATHER'S DAY BUTTER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Ingredients

Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

Frosting 
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cake:
Heat oven to 350°F.
Grease bottom and sides of 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with shortening; lightly flour.
In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup butter and the granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, about 2 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, beat flour mixture into sugar mixture alternately with 3/4 cup milk, beating after each addition, until smooth. Scrape side of bowl occasionally. Beat in sour cream. Pour evenly into pans. Tap pans on counter 2 to 3 times to eliminate air bubbles from batter.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Frosting:
In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and spreadable. Place first cake layer on plate, and spread 1 cup frosting over top. Place second cake layer on top of first. Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

THIS CAKE BELONGS TO DADDY! Retro Ad with Recipe for Father's Day - 1953

Love the Baker's Chocolate Ads, and this one is a classic from 1953. Happy Father's Day!

Cartoon of the Day: Chocolates for Men

  

CHOCOLATE FATHER'S DAY GIFTS

What to give Dad for Father's Day? What a dilemma. There are so many cool chocolate items available that Dad will love. Of course, you can always get out the mixer and bake him a chocolate cake!

Several different companies make molded novelty chocolates. Chocolate Vault offers a 6 piece tool set that is fun and creative! They also offer some nice looking chocolate ties. Does your father still wear ties? In addition there are companies that make Beer Mug chocolate lollies and lots of individual bars that say World's Greatest Dad, etc. If Dad has a hobby, you have more choices such as fishing, tools, computers, and money! Dad can't have enough money, can he, or enough chocolate?

Totally Chocolate has lots of molded chocolates. I've tasted their delicious Belgian milk and dark chocolate. Their chocolates are exquisitely engraved and molded and very reasonable. I love their package of chocolate golf balls--white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. Located in Blaine, WA, they ship all over the U.S. I especially enjoyed their Bite Back at the IRS chocolate bars. 

And, of course, you can always give Dad a great box of truffles! Maybe alcoholic ones? So many wonderful chocolatiers out there.

My father wasn't much of a chocolate lover, but I loved him all the same. He passed away 20 years ago, but it seems like only yesterday. He encouraged and supported me throughout my varying careers and educational pursuits, and he always told me I could accomplish anything and succeed in whatever I tried.

One thing we shared in common was our love of mysteries. I'm the Editor of the Mystery Readers Journal and I also blog at Mystery Fanfare. Over the years my taste in mysteries has changed. I read more hardboiled, dark mysteries now like my father always did. Even now, I often finish a book and  say to myself, "I have to send this to Dad. He'll love it." My father engendered a love of mysteries in me through his collection of mystery novels and Ellery Queen Magazines.

So if Chocolate is not on Dad's Menu this Father's Day, how about giving him a mystery set during Father's Day--or a crime fiction novel about Fathers and Sons or Fathers and Daughters? Here's a list: 
Father's Day Mysteries.

FATHER'S DAY BUTTER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING: Retro Ad & Recipe

A special cake 
a special way 
To reach his heart 
on Father's Day...

Love this Retro Father's Day Ad for Buttercake. I don't think I've ever posted a Butter Cake recipe. A good Butter Cake should be in every baker's repertoire, especially with chocolate butter frosting! As always use the very best butter and chocolate!

The following recipe for Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting is from Betty Crocker, tweaked slightly. This cake is perfect for Father's Day!

FATHER'S DAY BUTTER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Ingredients

Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

Frosting 
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cake:
Heat oven to 350°F.
Grease bottom and sides of 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with shortening; lightly flour.
In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup butter and the granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, about 2 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, beat flour mixture into sugar mixture alternately with 3/4 cup milk, beating after each addition, until smooth. Scrape side of bowl occasionally. Beat in sour cream. Pour evenly into pans. Tap pans on counter 2 to 3 times to eliminate air bubbles from batter.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Frosting:
In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and spreadable. Place first cake layer on plate, and spread 1 cup frosting over top. Place second cake layer on top of first. Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

FATHER'S DAY CHOCOLATE CAKE: Retro Ad & Recipe

What are you making for Dad today? Here's a great Father's Day Retro Ad that recommends baking him a cake! I'm posting below an easy one bowl chocolate cake recipe -- better than a mix. Dad will love it, and you will, too! Recipe adapted from Baker's Chocolate One Bowl Chocolate Cake.


FATHER'S DAY CHOCOLATE CAKE

Ingredients
7 ounces Dark Chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour, divided
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted (I usually melt my chocolate in a double boiler or a saucepan over another saucepan over simmering water--if you do this--remove from heat before you add the rest of the ingredients). Stir in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating with electric mixer on low speed after each addition until well blended. Add vanilla; mix well.

Add 1/2 cup of the flour, the baking soda, and salt; beat until well blended. Add remaining 2 cups flour alternately with water, beating until well blended after each addition.

Pour evenly into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min.; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.

For the Father's Day version of this cake as mentioned in the Ad:

Frosting: Use your favorite chocolate frosting. Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts to 1/2 cup of the frosting. Spread between layers. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting, sprinkle top with nuts. (I use chopped walnuts)

BOURBON BACON CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES: National Bourbon Day

Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Tomorrow is National Bourbon Day, so here's an easy recipe for Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies to celebrate both holidays! How can you go wrong with bourbon, bacon, and chocolate?

I always say you should checkout your favorite product and food organization websites for recipes, and Maker’s Mark has a great website that highlights the culinary versatility of Maker’s Mark. The site features a section of recipes, selected by chef, Lee Anne Wong. She explains, “My goal in compiling this recipe collection for Maker's Mark was to show the versatility of their handcrafted whisky behind the bar and inspire people to incorporate bourbon into food in ways they may have never thought to. From soups and appetizers to entrees and desserts, I've included it all.” The collection includes appetizers, desserts, entrees, sides and soups, all created by a variety of world renowned chefs and restaurants.

Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
by Lee Anne Wong, Editor and Culinary Director, Maker's Mark® Virtual Recipe Cookbook

Ingredients
3 Tbsp Maker's Mark® Bourbon
3/4 pound bacon, 1/4-inch dice*
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup reserved bacon fat, chilled
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract
2 large eggs
8 ounces dark chocolate chips

Directions
In large sauté pan, cook out diced bacon until bacon pieces are golden and crisp. Remove bacon pieces from fat and drain on paper towel. Strain fat through fine sieve and measure out 1/2 cup of bacon fat and chill bacon fat until it congeals and sets.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, chilled bacon fat, granulated sugar, light and dark brown sugars, vanilla and Maker's Mark® Bourbon in large mixer bowl until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in cooked bacon pieces and chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto parchment-lined baking sheets at least 3 inches apart.
Bake in oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Keep in dry, airtight container for up to 5 days.

* A fattier sliced bacon is preferred, as lean bacon and turkey bacon will not work for this recipe. 

BOURBON BACON CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES: National Bourbon Day

Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Today is National Bourbon Day! Here's an easy recipe for Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies to celebrate! These cookies contain all the food groups! How can you go wrong with bourbon, bacon, and chocolate? Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for Father's Day, too!

Maker’s Mark has a website that gives fans more of the content and information highlighting the culinary versatility of Maker’s Mark. The site features a section of recipes, selected by chef, Lee Anne Wong. She explains, “My goal in compiling this recipe collection for Maker's Mark was to show the versatility of their handcrafted whisky behind the bar and inspire people to incorporate bourbon into food in ways they may have never thought to. From soups and appetizers to entrees and desserts, I've included it all.” The collection includes appetizers, desserts, entrees, sides and soups, all created by a variety of world renowned chefs and restaurants.

Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
by Lee Anne Wong, Editor and Culinary Director, Maker's Mark® Virtual Recipe Cookbook

Ingredients
3 Tbsp Maker's Mark® Bourbon
3/4 pound bacon, 1/4-inch dice*
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup reserved bacon fat, chilled
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract
2 large eggs
8 ounces dark chocolate chips

Directions
In large sauté pan, cook out diced bacon until bacon pieces are golden and crisp. Remove bacon pieces from fat and drain on paper towel. Strain fat through fine sieve and measure out 1/2 cup of bacon fat and chill bacon fat until it congeals and sets.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, chilled bacon fat, granulated sugar, light and dark brown sugars, vanilla and Maker's Mark® Bourbon in large mixer bowl until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in cooked bacon pieces and chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto parchment-lined baking sheets at least 3 inches apart.
Bake in oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Keep in dry, airtight container for up to 5 days.

* A fattier sliced bacon is preferred, as lean bacon and turkey bacon will not work for this recipe. ** Use a dark chocolate with 65% cocoa or higher. Anything from a 65%-85% chocolate will work well.

Father's Day Chocolate Gifts

What to give Dad for Father's Day? What a dilemma. There are so many cool chocolate items available that Dad will love. Of course, you can always get out the mixer and bake a chocolate cake!

Several different companies make molded novelty chocolate. Chocolate Vault offers a 6 piece tool set that is fun and creative! They also offer some nice looking chocolate ties. Does your father still wear ties? In addition there are Beer Mug chocolate lollies and lots of individual bars that say World's Greatest Dad, etc. If Dad has a hobby, you have more choices such as fishing, tools, computers, and money! Dad can't have enough money, can he, or enough chocolate?

Totally Chocolate has lots of fabulous molded chocolates. I've tasted their delicious Belgian milk and dark chocolate. Their chocolates are exquisitely engraved and molded and very reasonable. I love their package of chocolate golf balls--white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Located in Blaine, WA, they ship all over the U.S. I especially enjoyed their Bite Back at the IRS chocolate bars. They have ready to ship favorite designs, and they'll do custom designs, as well.

And, of course, you can always give Dad a great box of truffles! So many wonderful chocolatiers out there.

My father wasn't much of a chocolate lover, but I loved him all the same. He passed away 15 years ago, but it seems like only yesterday. He encouraged and supported me throughout my varying careers and educational pursuits, and he always told me I could accomplish anything and succeed in whatever I tried.

One thing we shared in common was our love of mysteries. I'm the Editor of the Mystery Readers Journal and I also blog at Mystery Fanfare. Over the years my taste in mysteries has changed. I read more hardboiled, dark mysteries now like my father always did. You can't imagine how many times I finish a book, and I say to myself, "I have to send this to Dad. He'll love it." My father engendered a love of mysteries in me through his collection of mystery novels and Ellery Queen Magazines.

So if Chocolate is not on Dad's Menu this Father's Day, how about giving him a mystery set during Father's Day--or a crime fiction novel about Fathers and Sons or Fathers and Daughters? Here's a list: 
Father's Day Mysteries.

FATHER'S DAY CHOCOLATE CAKE: Retro Ad & Recipe

Father's Day is this Sunday. What are you making? Here's another great Father's Day Retro Ad that recommends baking him a cake! I'm posting below an easy one bowl chocolate cake recipe -- better than a mix. Dad will love it, and you will, too! Recipe adapted from Baker's Chocolate One Bowl Chocolate Cake.


FATHER'S DAY CHOCOLATE CAKE

Ingredients
7 ounces Dark Chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour, divided
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted (I usually melt my chocolate in a double boiler or a saucepan over another saucepan over simmering water--if you do this--remove from heat before you add the rest of the ingredients). Stir in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating with electric mixer on low speed after each addition until well blended. Add vanilla; mix well.

Add 1/2 cup of the flour, the baking soda, and salt; beat until well blended. Add remaining 2 cups flour alternately with water, beating until well blended after each addition.

Pour evenly into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min.; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.

For the Father's Day version of this cake as mentioned in the Ad:

Frosting: Use your favorite chocolate frosting. Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts to 1/2 cup of the frosting. Spread between layers. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting, sprinkle top with nuts. (I use chopped walnuts)

Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Today is National Bourbon Day! Here's an easy recipe for Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies to Celebrate! These cookies contain all the food groups! How can you go wrong with bourbon, bacon and chocolate? These would be perfect for Father's Day, too!

Maker’s Mark has a website that gives fans more of the content and information highlighting the culinary versatility of Maker’s Mark. The site features a section of recipes, selected by chef, Lee Anne Wong. She explains, “My goal in compiling this recipe collection for Maker's Mark was to show the versatility of their handcrafted whisky behind the bar and inspire people to incorporate bourbon into food in ways they may have never thought to. From soups and appetizers to entrees and desserts, I've included it all.” The collection includes appetizers, desserts, entrees, sides and soups, all created by a variety of world renowned chefs and restaurants. Contributors include David Mechlowicz, Director of Food and Beverage at Food Network; Daniel Holzman, Chef & Owner of The Meatball Shop; Antonia Lofaso, Executive Chef and Top Chef Masters Finalist and many more.

Bourbon Bacon Chocolate Chunk Cookies
by Lee Anne Wong, Editor and Culinary Director, Maker's Mark® Virtual Recipe Cookbook

This is one of my signature recipes, with two of my favorite things, bacon and bourbon, accented by chunks of rich, dark chocolate. The smoky, saltiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bourbon, chocolate and vanilla flavors. Honestly, these cookies will win you friends and admirers. No joke.

Ingredients
3 Tbsp Maker's Mark® Bourbon
3/4 pound bacon, 1/4-inch dice*
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup reserved bacon fat, chilled
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract
2 large eggs
8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces**

Directions
In large sauté pan, cook out diced bacon until bacon pieces are golden and crisp. Remove bacon pieces from fat and drain on paper towel. Strain fat through fine sieve and measure out 1/2 cup of bacon fat and chill bacon fat until it congeals and sets.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, chilled bacon fat, granulated sugar, light and dark brown sugars, vanilla and Maker's Mark® Bourbon in large mixer bowl until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in cooked bacon pieces and chopped chocolate bits.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto parchment-lined baking sheets at least 3 inches apart.
Bake in oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Keep in dry, airtight container for up to 5 days.

* A fattier sliced bacon is preferred, as lean bacon and turkey bacon will not work for this recipe. ** Use a dark chocolate with 65% cocoa or higher. Anything from a 65%-85% chocolate will work well.

FATHER'S DAY BUTTER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING

A special cake 
a special way 
To reach his heart 
on Father's Day...

Love this Retro Father's Day Ad for Buttercake. I don't think I've ever posted a Butter Cake recipe before. You've got to love a good Butter Cake, especially with chocolate butter frosting! As always use the very best butter and chocolate!

The following recipe for Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting is from Betty Crocker, tweaked slightly. This cake is perfect for Father's Day!

FATHER'S DAY BUTTER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Ingredients

Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

Frosting 
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cake:
Heat oven to 350°F.
Grease bottom and sides of 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with shortening; lightly flour.
In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup butter and the granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, about 2 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, beat flour mixture into sugar mixture alternately with 3/4 cup milk, beating after each addition, until smooth. Scrape side of bowl occasionally. Beat in sour cream. Pour evenly into pans. Tap pans on counter 2 to 3 times to eliminate air bubbles from batter.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Frosting:
In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and spreadable. Place first cake layer on plate, and spread 1 cup frosting over top. Place second cake layer on top of first. Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Cartoon of the Day; Father's Day Chocolates for Men!

Father's Day: "This Cake Belongs to Daddy" - Retro Ad & Recipe

Love the Baker's Chocolate Ads, and this one is a classic from 1953. Happy Father's Day!

Chocolate Martini Recipe Round-Up: National Martini Day!

Today is National Martini Day! There are so many different ways of making Chocolate Martinis--so many different flavors to add... and Shaken or Stirred? And, since it's also Father's Day, it's an even better time to try one or more of these recipes! Here's a Chocolate Martini Recipe Round-Up. Let me know which one you prefer.

Chocolate Martini Recipe Round-Up

Chocolate Chocolate Martini

Murder on the Orient Expresso Martini

S'mores Martini

DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Martini

Chocolate Raspberry Martini

Starry Night Martini

Mexican Chocolate Martini

Kentucky Derby Pie Martini

White Chocolate Candy Corn Martini

White Chocolate Pumpkin Martini

Chocolate Pumpkin Martini

Bourbon Ball Martini

Peppermintini

Bacon Chocolate Martini

Guajillo Roasted Chicken Wings for Father's Day

Photo: Taza Chocolate

I'm a huge fan of Taza Chocolate. I have several 70% Mexicano Discs in my desk drawer. I often check the Taza website for recipes and news, so I was thrilled to find this recipe for Guajillo Roasted Chicken Wings. This recipe is perfect for Father's Day!

Guajillo Roasted Chicken Wings
Serves 2 as a main, 4 as an appetizer

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds chicken wings
2 teaspoons Bondat Foods Chocolate Chipotle Rub (or substitute your favorite poultry rub)
1 package (2.7oz) Taza Guajillo Chili Chocolate Mexicano, chopped
1/4 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 425 degrees. Toss chicken wings with rub until evenly coated, then place on baking sheet lined with tin foil. Roast for 25 minutes, or until wings are puffed and golden.
Combine chopped chocolate, apple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika in saucepan over medium heat and bring to simmer, stirring constantly, until all tingredients are evenly combined.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve alongside roasted wings.

Father's Day Chocolate Gifts: Chocolate Tools, Ties, and More!

What to give Dad for Father's Day? What a dilemma. There are so many cool chocolate items available that Dad will love. Of course, you can always get out the mixer and bake a chocolate cake!

Several different companies make molded novelty chocolate. Chocolate Vault offers a 6 piece tool set that is fun and creative! They also offer some nice looking chocolate ties. Does your father still wear ties? In addition there are Beer Mug chocolate lollies and lots of individual bars that say World's Greatest Dad, etc. If Dad has a hobby, you have more choices such as fishing, tools, computers, and money! Dad can't have enough money, can he, or enough chocolate?

Totally Chocolate has lots of fabulous molded chocolates. I've tasted their delicious Belgian milk and dark chocolate. Their chocolates are exquisitely engraved and molded and very reasonable. I love their package of chocolate golf balls--white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Located in Blaine, WA, they ship all over the U.S. I especially enjoyed their Bite Back at the IRS chocolate bars. They have ready to ship favorite designs, and they'll do custom designs, as well.

My father wasn't much of a chocolate lover, but I loved him all the same. He passed away 13 years ago, but it seems like only yesterday. He encouraged and supported me throughout my varying careers and educational pursuits, and he always told me I could accomplish anything and succeed in whatever I tried.

One thing we shared in common was our love of mysteries. I'm the Editor of the Mystery Readers Journal and I also blog at Mystery Fanfare. Over the years my taste in mysteries has changed. I read more hardboiled, dark mysteries now like my father always did. You can't imagine how many times I finish a book, and I say to myself, "I have to send this to Dad. He'll love it." My father engendered a love of mysteries in me through his collection of mystery novels and Ellery Queen Magazines.

List of Father's Day Mysteries

Dagwood's Chocolate Sandwich for Father's Day!

What is more fitting than Dagwood's Chocolate Sandwich for Father's Day. My Dad used to make Dagwood Sandwiches... those were the sandwiches that contained every thing but the kitchen sink. FYI: My father never added chocolate. I believe that Dagwood probably would have added lots of other ingredients such as bananas and peanut butter, and that would be great, but how can you go wrong with chocolate, butter, and good bread?

I've posted several Chocolate Sandwiches over the years,  so today I turn to my "Tie-In" Cookbook collection and specifically Blondie's Cook Book for today's recipe.

Dagwood Bumstead, in case you don't know, is one of the main characters in comic artist Chic Young's long-running comic strip Blondie. He first appeared in the U.S. sometime prior to February 1933.

What's Cooking America defines the Dagwood Sandwich as a multi-layered sandwich with a variety of fillings. The term is used to denote a sandwich put together so as to attain such a tremendous size and infinite variety of contents as to stun the imagination, sight, and stomach of all but the original maker. Dagwood sandwiches is a term so well-known that it's in the Webster's New World Dictionary.

According to the creator of the comic strip, Murat Bernard “Chic” Young (1901-1973), the only thing that Dagwood could prepare in the kitchen was a mountainous pile of dissimilar leftovers precariously arranged between two slices of bread. Dagwood became known for his huge sandwiches he created on evening forays to the refrigerator. The comic strip is produced today under the direction of the creator's son, Dean Young, the strip has continued to keep up with the times.

Blondie's Cook Book: Chic Young's Classic Cook Book with New Comic Art Selections by His Son Dean Young (Gramercy Books, New York 1947, 1996)

This Comic says it all:

CHOCOLATE SANDWICHES RECIPE: Not sure how many sandwiches (or layers) this is supposed to make, but there's a lot of sugar. I think there's a mistake in the first recipe. Add no more than 1 cup and probably more like 1/2 cup! I like the second recipe, too!