This past week, my son and I took part in one of our little traditions- we watched the opening parade for the county fair. My son’s favorite part of the fair is when the people from the various floats and organizations throw candy into the crowds.
Considering the fact that almost all of them throw candy, you can guess that my son is always THRILLED with a parade.
I wish I could show you pictures from that day, but I don’t have any.
Why?
- I was too busy making sure Christian didn’t run out into the road and get trampled in his quest to gather candy.
- I was also holding not one, but TWO dogs on leashes, so my hands were pretty full.
- I was busy rushing out to collect any stray pieces of chocolate that Christian overlooked. Because…chocolate. #NoChocolateLeftBehind
Y’all…I love chocolate.
Just the promise of chocolate elicits a happy dance.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of the books that I wish I could live in. I mean, a chocolate river. COME ON!
Chocolate in all of its forms is like culinary magic. It can make you happy even when you’re feeling down. It can bring back memories that fill you with joy – like being able to lick the spoon when your grandmother was whipping up a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies or frosting one of her famous cakes.
One of my favorite places to go when I want a chocolate treat is McDonald’s. I like going there because it’s right down the street from our house, I already know they have what I like, and there is a nice little PlayPlace there so Christian can (as he says) “burn out my sugar” by playing after we eat.
Christian’s favorite chocolatey treat is chocolate chip cookies. They are nice and gooey and taste great when warm. Plus, he prefers soft-baked cookies to the crunchy kind. I’m with him there! It doesn’t hurt that you get 3 of them for just $1. Triple chocolate = triple enjoyment.
My favorite chocolatey treat at McDonald’s also involves cookies- the Oreo McFlurry. There’s just something about Oreo cookies crushed up and mixed with ice cream that is awesome. However, I have absolutely no problems cheating on the Oreo McFlurry for any of the other chilly, chocolatey beverages, such as the McCafe Iced Mocha, the McCafe Mocha Frappe, the McCafe Frappe Chocolate Chip, or the McCafe Chocolate Shake. When it’s cold outside, I opt for the hot beverages, like the McCafe Mocha or the McCafe Hot Chocolate. Either way, it’s all tasty.
If you love getting chocolatey treats for less, you’d probably love to know that right now you can get a small McCafe Smoothie, Frappé, or Shake for just $2.
Don’t forget to download the McDonald’s App and when you buy 5 McCafe drinks, you’ll get your 6th FREE!
In case something sweet like McDonald’s desserts and drinks isn’t your thing, try something savory like their NEW Buttermilk Crispy Tenders!
Head to your local McDonald’s to try these out! There is even a new Signature Sauce you can dip the tenders in! Let me know what you think of this new product!
[Insert Promo Graphic]
Just talking about chocolate makes me want to do some baking. One of my favorite little treats to whip up at home is what I call Chocolate Toffee Crackers. (Other people call it crack because it’s so addictive, but I didn’t feel like explaining that one to my son, so I named it Chocolate Toffee Crackers, lol).
Image Source: Trisha Yearwood’s Sweet and Saltines
It’s so easy to make!
Step 1: Melt butter in a pan over low heat.
Step 2: Add brown sugar and stir until it starts to caramelize.
Step 3: Layer a bunch of saltine crackers on a baking sheet, then pour the buttery sugar mixture over the crackers.
Step 4: Pop in a heated oven and heat until the butter starts to bubble.
Step 5: Sprinkle a whole bunch of chocolate chips over the crackers and then heat in the oven until the chocolate starts to melt.
Step 6: Spread the chocolate over the crackers and then pop the whole thing in the freezer long enough for the chocolate to harden. Try to resist eating it all before the chocolate hardens, but don’t beat yourself up if you cave in.
Step 7: Break up the crackers into pieces and enjoy. Do a little happy dance with the first bite. It’s required. If there is anything left over, store in a container and stick it in the refrigerator.
Ok, so I realize that I SUCK at relaying recipes. I tend to eyeball my ingredients and never remember how much of what I used. So, if you need to follow the recipe of someone who is more reliable in this area, I recommend you check out this Sweet and Saltine recipe by Trisha Yearwood.
What is your favorite chocolate treat? Let me know in the comments below.
