No-Bake Mondays: Chocolate Mousse by La Maison du Chocolat

Chocolate tastings are so much funner when you have someone to share it with. Thanks Krista!

Okay, it's been a little too quiet at the no-bake kitchen lately and I really have NYC to blame for that.

It's SO distracting having bakeries and chocolate bars and candy shops at every corner! [No, I am not complaining.] That said, I am having a ball scouring the city for the best places for dessert and I can't wait to tell you ALL about it.

Today's no-bake recipe is a loaner from La Maison du Chocolat (omg, remember their truffles?). Last spring, my friend Krista Soriano (one of Elle magazine's online editors) took me to La Maison's Upper East Side store where a bunch of press people gathered for a private chocolate tasting. They shared this chocolate mousse recipe with us and I'm excited to share it with you!

Admittedly, it's a lot more involved that my usual no-bake creations but take it from people who know their chocolate - this chocolate mousse recipe sounds like a winner! So bring out the fancy in you and make it for that extra-special occasion.. like, you know, surviving Monday.

No-Bake Mondays: Chocolate Mousse by La Maison du Chocolat
Serves 6

Ingredients
200 grams Kuruba dark chocolate*
5 tbsp butter, unsalted
1 tbsp and 1/4 tsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
5 eggs
1/3 cup castor sugar (superfine sugar)

Procedure
1. Separate the egg whites from the yolks.
2. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt in a double boiler with the butter and cocoa powder.
3. Remove from the heat and add the egg yolks (room temperature) one by one, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
4. Beat the egg whites into soft peaks and add the sugar at the end.
5. Fold the egg whites with a spatula into the melted chocolate and sifted cocoa.
6. Pour the mixture into a glass dish and refrigerate for a minimum of three hours.
7. Before serving, garnish with shavings of dark or milk chocolate.

Tips
*Kuruba chocolate is a La Maison du Chocolat brand but you should be able to substitute a dark chocolate baking bar of your choice.
*Gilles Marchal, La Maison's master chef, suggests adding a fruit flavor to this light chocolate mousse by adding finely grated zests of lemon, or orange to the melted chocolate before adding the egg whites.

Have fun!

- Kris Alcantara

PS
I'll be back in the no-bake kitchen soon, I promise!

No-Bake Mondays: No-Bake Beeramisu

Not just any tiramisu recipe, this is BEERamisu. Curious?

Yep, you read that right. Not Tiramisu, BEERAMISU.

This is the kind of recipe that gets me all excited. Tiramisu is probably one of the simplest and easiest desserts ever created, yet this no-bake gem owns a very distinct (and delicate) flavor unlike any other dessert out there. The (not-so) secret ingredient? Coffee. So what happens when you replace coffee with - brace yourself - beer? These guys know. Check out this award-winning No-Bake Beeramisu recipe by the Working Class Foodies - it's pure genius. The best part? It looks ridiculously easy to make.

How's your Monday going, folks? 

- Kris Alcantara

No-Bake Mondays: Nutella and Pears on Wheat Bread

Nutella and pears sprinkled with cinnamon. Tell me something smells better than this.

I bring you No-Bake Mondays, the breakfast edition.

Granted this is the least time of day when you want to spend time making food, I encourage you to think twice and make breakfasts your best meal of the day. And by best, I mean the one you enjoy the most. I've picked up the habit of jazzing up my morning meals with chocolate—whether it's having a small piece of chocolate with coffee (the French do it all the time!) or sprinkling oatmeal with chocolate chips. Whoever says "it's too early for chocolate" should not be listened to.

Nutella and pears on wheat bread spell G-O-O-D  M-O-R-N-I-N-G! It reminds me of quiet summer mornings with sunlight streaming from the kitchen window. Blissful. Enjoy with milk or coffee.

No-Bake Mondays: Nutella and Pears on Wheat Bread
Makes 1
In minutes 5

What You Need
wheat toast
Nutella
sliced peaches (canned)
cinnamon

How to Make It
1. Spread nutella on toast.
2. Garnish with peaches and sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Enjoy at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave (15 seconds or less) or toaster (about one minute). 
4. Enjoy!

Happy Monday, you!

- Kris Alcantara

5 1/2 No-Bake Recipes You Shouldn't Miss (and 6 food bloggers you should know)

I took a break from no-baking today to bring you a round-up of my best-of-the-best food bloggers list (who all have no-bake recipes). Let me tell you about my heroes.

They are bloggers who take awesome pictures. But more than visual prowess, I am incredibly turned on (no, not that way!) by bloggers who engage me with words and finely crafted stories. I like knowing what goes behind a recipe, and I like bloggers who show me things I've never seen before. Granted kitchen experiments may not fly all the time, that's what no-baking is about--trying something different and having fun (to me at least). Here are five and a half fantasmic no-bake recipes I recommend, and six food bloggers you should be looking out for (if you weren't already).

1.  Petit Smores by the Internet Cooking Princess

I'm a sucker for super simple, slap-it-on kinds of recipes and anything that takes five minutes to make--that's why I adore this blog. She's all about shortcuts too (which I agree with completely), and this bubbly princess from Texas writes with sass. I love that. Royally awesome, indeed. Check out the ICP's blog here.

2. Truffles Squared

Truffles with truffles? Is there anything more mind-blowing than this? Hannah, you're a rockstar. This vegan baker is the genius behind My Sweet Vegan and this cookbook is proof of her superhero powers, which by the way, she produced before entering college. That's crazy! Check her out at Bitter Sweet Blog.

3. Coconut Orange Juice Cookies by the Cooking Photographer

I have mad love for food photographers because that shiz is hardcore yo! Unlike people, you can't tell a cup of soup to strike a pose or a big fat steak to smile. Laura Flowers is both a cook and a professional photographer and she does amazing work on The Cooking Photographer.

4. Chocolate Muesli Balls by Amrita of fat.free.brainwaves

She's a chocoholic too but that's not why she made it on my list. Amrita is a goddess at no-bake desserts (and a lot more) but what I love most about fat.free.brainwaves is the personality oozing out of it. Watch out--it's addicting.

5. Chocolate Ice Box Cake by Not So Humble Pie

She calls herself Ms.Humble from Seattle and I think that's insanely cute.  A biological anthropologist runs Not So Humble Pie, and she takes some pretty amazing pictures. That, and her cakes and pies tend to be the cutest things in the world. There's a reason why she has 2000 followers.

5.5 Almost No-Bake Tofu Cheesecake by Kitchen M

I had to include Kitchen M's tofu cheesecake because, well, how do you not fall in love with this? Run by a food photographer from the Bay Area named Em, her photos are uber pretty. Her Almost No-Bake Tofu Cheesecake has a sponge cake base, which is why she had to use an oven to make it, hence the "half," but anybody who makes tofu cheesecake gets major props from me.

That's it for today folks! Have you joined the Great Chocolate Give Away yet?

A hundred squares of Ghirardelli chocolate awaits you.

- Kris Alcantara

No-Bake Mondays: Caramel Mud Pie Bars

What on earth? No-Bake Caramel Mud Pie Bars!

These are bars of sin.

Decked out in graham crackers, caramel, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn (yes, popcorn), and drizzled with chocolate, they're like caramel mud pies minus the ice cream. Admittedly, this was partly inspired by Woodhouse's yummy Caramel Helenas. I wanted to make something that marries sweet and salty, and crispy and chewy. It's like a frat party gone wild in your mouth.

The caramel and peanut combo make them taste a lot like a Snickers bar, but the pretzels add a salty, unexpected crisp, and the crushed popcorn pumps up the chewy texture. This recipe is totally kid-friendly, super quick, and lovably sloppy. Be prepared to lick a lot of caramel off your fingers. Rowrrrrrr.

No-Bake Mondays: Caramel Mud Pie Bars

Makes 6 fat bars

In Minutes 15 (+an hour to refrigerate)

What You Need

3 graham crackers

1 bag vanilla caramels (5.5oz)

2 tbsp milk
1/2 cup pretzels, chunks
1/4 cup peanuts
3/4 cup light butter popcorn
4 squares semi sweet chocolate baking bars (or chocolate syrup)

How To Make It
1. In a small bowl, put vanilla caramels with 2 tbsp milk and microwave on high for 30 seconds or until melted. Stir occasionally.
2. Layer bottom of a 9X6 pan with graham crackers. Pour caramels over crackers.
3. Top with peanuts, popcorn, and pretzels. Lightly press them onto the melted caramel so the toppings stick.
4. Melt chocolate baking bars in microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Drizzle chocolate on top of mixture.
5. Refrigerate for an hour. Cut into bars and enjoy! 

Make it for your next bake sale.. or any rainy Monday like today.

- Kris Alcantara

No-Bake Mondays: Cheesecake Ice Cream Sandwich

Save stale cookies! Pimp them out with ice cream.

I had leftover Chips Ahoy laying around the house but they weren't sealed too well. Alas, the cookies were hard and tasted kind of stale and dry. What was a no-baker to do? Make an ice cream sandwich!

I've been craving cheesecake ever since I had that slice from Junior's so I upped the ante with a cream cheese filling. It was okay when I had them at room temp... but when I had them frozen? Divine!

No-Bake Mondays: Cheesecake Ice Cream Sandwich

Makes 4 sandwiches

In Minutes 10

What You Need
8 Chips Ahoy Cookies, Chewy

1/4 cup cream cheese, whipped

3 tbsp confectioners sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla

How to Make It

1. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl.

2. Spoon it on the bottom of cookie (flatter surface). Place another cookie on top. 

3. Enjoy in room temperature, or freeze them for two hours for a cool treat.

Soft cookies harden when they're exposed to air (duh) but you can easily rectify the situation with a wet paper towel and a microwave. Wrap the cookies in a wet paper towel and microwave on high for about 20 minutes--they should be soft as new. OR, make this recipe.

How else can you save a stale cookie? Check out this nifty trick from Baking Bites.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks and I have some surprises planned for the big anniversary.. but today, I'm enjoying a very lazy Monday.


Happy Monday, you!

- Kris Alcantara

No-Bake Mondays: Peanut Butter Chocolate Macaroons

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Macaroons

This super easy no-bake peanut butter chocolate macaroons takes about all of 15 minutes to make. It should still be a little warm at that point, which is great for a homemade taste, but they're fantastic when fresh out of the refrigerator too. These are oat-based and I made them with brown sugar so it's kind of healthy.. well lets just say it's a step in the right direction. *wink* Oh, and I would like to thank this  B-E-A-U-tiful spring day in Jersey for giving me gorgeous natural light to shoot with. Enjoy!

No-Bake Mondays: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Macaroons
In Minutes 15
Makes 18 pieces

What You'll Need
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup coconut
3 tbsp cocoa
1/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
peanut butter to garnish

How to Make It
1. In a pot, boil milk, cocoa, butter, and brown sugar for two minutes.
2. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
3. Add oats and coconut. Mix well!
4. With a spoon, scoop out mixture onto wax paper and set aside to cool.
5. Garnish with a dollop of peanut butter to your hearts desire. The sloppier, the better.

Is your mouth watering yet?

- Kris Alcantara

PS
Can you believe Married To Chocolate is turning one next month? BIG plans for the anniversary. Keep comin' back! 

3 Cool Things You Can Do with Leftover Easter Candy

 Leftover Easter Candy? I've got you covered.

No-Bake Mondays is back with a vengeance.

Problem: the Easter bunny left you a ton of chocolates yesterday and you have no idea what to do with all of them. Solution: get creative! You should  never feel like you're "stuck" with chocolates--and don't ever let them rot in a jar for next year either. Chocolates have a life span you know, so it's better to eat them while they're still fresh.

A horrid schedule, multiple projects, and a laptop mishap got in the way of my No-Bake Mondays posts the past month so here's my way of making it up to you: three no-bake recipes just for today, just for you.

3 Cool Things You Can Do With Leftover Easter Candy 

1. Fondue it

No-Bake Chocolate Fondue Dip

What You'll Need
leftover Easter chocolate, melted
fruits

This is the easiest way to make use of leftover chocolate. Using a double boiler or a microwave, melt chocolates in a bowl. Pick your favorite fruits and attack!

2. Trifle it

No-Bake Leftover Red Velvet Cupcake Trifle

What You'll Need
leftover cupcakes or muffins
leftover Easter chocolate, chunks
vanilla yogurt
graham cracker

We made red velvet cupcakes over the weekend (more on that later) and had some leftovers so--trifle time! This works with baked cake-y things like angel food cake or muffins. Layer a party cup with cupcake chunks, vanilla yogurt, and chunks of your leftover chocolate. Garnish with graham crackers for an extra crunch. The combination is sinful.. and kind of spectacular.     

3. Melt It

No-Bake Chocolate Covered Potato Chips

What You'll Need

potato chips

leftover Easter chocolate, melted

This is my favorite of the three. Do you know that grocery stores charge you over $20 for chocolate-covered potato chips? I say, pfffft! You can easily make them without going over $10. Don't get ripped-off; make them at home. Melt leftover chocolate in a double boiler or microwave and dunk the potato chips (I used Ruffles) halfway. I used milk chocolate for this super indulgent treat and I LOVE them. Ayayay.

Have fun.

- Kris Alcantara

No-Bake Mondays: Dark Chocolate-Covered Orange Slices

Dark chocolate-covered oranges. Breakfast of champions.

I'm in sunny California today folks and on gorgeous days like this I can almost taste summer.

To me, summer is fruit season. And while I love eating fruits on their own, unrefrigerated and with my bare hands, I love dipping them in chocolate.

I had this for breakfast today. Wait, let me justify having chocolate for breakfast. Some chocolate-covered things pile on the pounds (like chocolate-covered graham crackers), but this no-bake dark chocolate-covered oranges can be really good for you. A, it's made with dark chocolate so it's not only high in anti-oxidants; it contains less sugar than regular milk chocolate. B, oranges contain a feast of vitamins and they're a solid source of potassium, iron, and fiber. What better way to start the morning? 

It's an interesting thing when a burst of citrus meets bold, bittersweet chocolate. You'll see.

No-Bake Dark Chocolate-Covered Orange Slices

In Minutes 10

Makes 4 slices

Ingredients

1 orange

4 squares, dark chocolate baking bars

Procedure

1. Melt chocolate using a double boiler or a microwave. If using microwave, melt chocolate on high for 30 seconds and stir, then melt them for another 30 seconds. Careful not to burn the chocolate!  

2. Peel the orange and slice it into fours or eights, whichever way you like. Dip half of the orange in dark chocolate and let cool.

3. Enjoy!

I left a lot of the white pith in because that's where the bioflavonoids are (the most nutritious part of the orange!) but that's entirely up to you.

Happy Monday!

- Kris Alcantara

PS
I have some very exciting news to share but I can't tell you just yet. *squeals* But I will, very soon!!

No-Bake Mondays: Sweet Avocado Soup

 Avocados the way my grandma used to make 'em.

Today I'm sharing a secret heirloom recipe from my grandmother.

...except that it's not really a secret, as every Filipino in the world probably knows how to make this (what's up, Manila!) Let me start by saying I had the best grandmother in the world. My lola Liling ("lola" is grandma in Tagalog) was a great cook and she served a mean chocolate cake, but more than that she was really good at spoiling her kids and grandkids rotten. She was the kind of grandma who made sure everybody had their favorite food for dinner while she painstakingly slaved away in the kitchen. She had a nice laugh, my grandma. And a very big heart. 

So anyway (before I completely tear up), this is how we eat avocados in the Philippines. We don't usually put them in salads and sandwiches like people do over here—we eat them with cold milk and sugar. This, to me, is comfort food. Don't knock it til you try it because if you haven't had avocados this way before, well, I kind of feel bad for you.

No-Bake Mondays: Sweet Avocado Soup
Makes: One bowl
In Minutes: 10

Ingredients
1 small avocado
1/2 cup skim milk
2 packets of Splenda
walnuts

Procedure
1. Using a spoon, scoop out avocado into chunks.
2. Add milk, sugar, and walnuts.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tip
You can mash the chunks up for a creamier finish. You can also pour the mashed up mixture over ice trays, freeze 'em, and serve them as ice cream pops.

Do you know how good avocados are for you? Insanely. Click here to read about the avocado advantage.

There's no week like this week to enjoy a green dessert. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!


- Kris Alcantara

PS
To those who missed No-Bake Mondays last week, I'm super sorry!You know I'll make it up to you.

No-Bake Mondays: Chocolate Doughnut Holes

No-Bake Chocolate Doughnut Holes. Rowrrr.

Soft, chewy, and moist—that's what these babies are. They're made with Oreo crumbs and cream cheese so these chocolate "doughnut holes" get extra brownie points for decadence (they are hardcore fudgy). Topped with pecans and dusted with powdered sugar, the exterior remains cool on the tongue and all chocolate-y underneath. Okay, so they're not really doughnut holes but they come so close to the real thing, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Actually no, scratch that, these fake no-bake doughnut holes are so much better. 

No-Bake Chocolate Doughnut Holes
Makes About 12 to 15 holes
In Minutes 25

Ingredients
15 Oreo cookies
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 package cream cheese
1/4 confectioner's sugar
crushed pecans

Procedure
1. Crush Oreo cookies in a food processor or blender until all that's left is crumbs.
2. Add cream cheese and vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Scoop out mixture with a spoon and roll into bite-size balls with your hands.
4. Roll balls in confectioner's sugar and top with pecans.
5. Enjoy!

I've been a little sick this weekend and I die a little inside because I can't eat too much of these right now. Especially since they're so damn addictive.

It's the start of a new month today, folks! I'm so ready to ditch the snow and see some sun. Hey spring, I'm ready for you!

- Kris Alcantara

No-Bake Mondays: White Chocolate Popcorn Cupcakes

No-Bake White Chocolate Popcorn Cupcakes

Oh yes I did.

Inspired by a Long Island bakery that makes chocolate-covered popcorn, this no-bake cupcake recipe is made with white chocolate chips, butter popcorn, dried cranberries, and walnuts. I'm no white chocolate fan but I find that with cranberries, it's a match made in dessert heaven. Pick at it or sink your teeth in it, this is a sweet treat for kids—and big kids. It's G-double-O-D good.

No-Bake White Chocolate Popcorn Cupcakes
In Minutes 20
Makes About 10 pieces

Ingredients
1 100-calorie bag microwaveable popcorn, light butter flavor
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
pinch of salt

Procedure
1. Make popcorn according to instructions.
2. Place white chocolate chips in a microwaveable bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds or until completely melted (careful not to burn it!).
3. In a large bowl, stir in popcorn, cranberries, and walnuts. Add salt.
4. Line muffin pan with baking cups and fill with mixture. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
5. Ta-dah! Super cute popcorn cupcakes, ready to eat. Enjoy.

 

Quick, absolutely no-fuss, and completely adorable. Now you've got your next party dessert covered. 

You're welcome. 

- Kris Alcantara

Behind The Scenes at Chocolate and I New York

We got our hands dirty at Chocolate and I New York 2010

Chocolate is a magical word.

By nature, it brings people together. From laborious beginnings mapped out by cacao farmers (the often-forgotten heroes of this sweet world), to artisan chocolatiers who have made chocolate-making a legit art form, to chocolate lovers (like yours truly) whose hearts have been stolen forever—love for chocolate seems to be as universal as love itself.

WD-50's Pastry Chef Alex Stupak (and a slightly starstruck dessert fan)

The White Chocolate Room and Chocolate Art by Ema

French Culinary Institute's Dave Arnold and Alex Stupak's Chocolate Pairing

Sampling chocolate from a chocolate time machine (yes, there was one)

Pastry Chef Alex Stupak plates up a storm

CINY Founder Virginie Delavaud and NY Chocolatier Roni Sue

Shoutout to Virginie, Scott, Marco, and the rest of the CINY team for a fantasmic chocolate celebration!

Due to a mad Valentine's week and excessive chocolate-eating, No-Bake Mondays is postponed to next Monday. This chocoholic is staying in bed today.

- Kris Alcantara

PS

A very special thank you to Phillip Tsai for the awesome photos!

No-Bake Mondays: Cookie Crumble Cake

No-Bake Cookie Crumble Cake. What a sweetheart.

Today, we get our art on. 

In the spirit of Valentine's Day and making homemade gifts, here's a ridiculously easy, hassle-free, and kid-friendly no-bake project. One of the things I love most about no-bake recipes is you get to play with food, and it's hard to screw up (although I should take that back because of this).This No-Bake Cookie Crumble Cake is BIG on chocolate flavor, and it's a pretty little thing too. And most of all, it's a great way to bust out your art skills and have fun!

No-Bake Cookie Crumble Cake

In Minutes 15 (give or take a few more depending on how creative you wanna get)

Ingredients

3 cups toasted rice flakes

1 whole unsweetened chocolate baking bar

1 whole semi-sweet chocolate baking bar

1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/2 stick butter, melted

m&ms

Procedure

1. Melt baking bars on a bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until completely melted.

2. Stir in butter and condensed milk. I made mine really chocolate-y so don't be afraid to add a little more sugar, like maybe 1/3 cup condensed milk (instead of 1/4 cup).

3. Gently stir in toasted rice flakes.

4. Spray pan or plate with cooking oil or butter. Press mixture on it and set aside for two hours (or refrigerate for 1 hour).

5. With a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or your superb cutting skillz), make a heart-shaped hole and fill with m&ms.

As my nephew Logan likes to say, "ta-dah!"

- Kris Alcantara

PS

Chocolate and I New York starts today! I feel like I'm going on a hot date later and I have nothing to wear. Eep!

PPS

This is the first of Heart Art series. Stay tuned for more every day this week. And if you got some of your own, send it over at marriedtochocolate@gmail.com and I'll show it off for you!

No-Bake Mondays: White Chocolate PB & J

White Chocolate PB & J

When was the last time you ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

When was the last time you had it with white chocolate? Spice up a classic PB & J with a spoonful of melted white chocolate and you're in for a creamy treat—like eating a dreamsicle!

No-Bake White Chocolate Peanut Butter and Jelly

Makes 2 small sandwiches

In Minutes 5

Ingredients

1/4 cup white chocolate chips

2 tbsp orange jelly

2 tbsp creamy peanut butter

2 dinner rolls

Procedure

1. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir until completely melted.

2. Spread peanut butter, orange jelly, and melted white chocolate chips on dinner roll. Line them up or stack 'em--it's up to you.

3. Enjoy with a glass of milk. 

Have fun!

- Kris Alcantara

No-Bake Mondays: Cocoa Banana Bites

No-Bake Cocoa Banana Bites

Today, we play with food.

Here's an extra fun way to eat bananas—perfect for kids in the kitchen or when entertaining with a bunch of friends. This makeshift banana buffet is all about smart snacking... with a naughty side. Together, the honey and lemon blends nicely with bananas, but what what makes this dessert fly for me is the cocoa powder. This sexy little snack packs flavor in every bite!

No-Bake Cocoa Banana Bites
Makes About 10 bites
In Minutes 10

Ingredients
1 banana, cut into coins
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed
1/4 cup walnuts, crushed
1 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened

Procedure
1. Splash banana pieces with lemon juice.
2. Dip bananas in honey with a toothpick.
3. Roll bananas in graham crackers and crushed walnuts.
4. Serve on a bed of cocoa powder.
5, Ta-dah! Enjoy immediately.

Speaking of fun, check out crazy banana art on Funz-Funz. Super funny! This suicidal banana is my favorite.

It's a rainy day in Jersey.. be safe out there.

Happy Monday, you!

- Kris Alcantara