Winter

3 Fun Hot Chocolate Recipes

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 16:06:57 +0000

A warm drink is the perfect solution as it begins to cool down this winter. From sitting in front of the fire to watching holiday movies, hot chocolate is the perfect addition to any holiday activity. Whether it’s the warm creamy taste you love the most, or the fun toppings you can adorn it with, hot chocolate is something everyone can enjoy! Try something new with these fun and creative hot chocolate recipes from the Food Network!

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Whip Cream

2 cups whole, 2-percent or skim milk

1 cup chopped best-quality semisweet chocolate

2 tablespoons best-quality Dutched cocoa powder

1 teaspoon red food coloring

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Marshmallow Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream

3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup marshmallow creme

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whip the cream and cream cheese until soft peaks form. Then, fold in the marshmallow creme and the vanilla. To make the hot chocolate bring the milk to a simmer, and add the chocolate and the cocoa powder. Stir until smooth. Then add the food coloring and vanilla. Whisk all ingredients until they are frothy. Finally pour, serve, and enjoy!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

2 1/2 cups whole milk

2 cups half-and-half

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons good cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

Candy canes

Sweetened Whipped Cream

Sweetened Whipped Cream:

1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Heat the milk and half-and-half on medium heat until they begin to simmer. Remove from heat and add semisweet and bittersweet chocolates. Once everything has melted together, whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso. Crush candy canes and stir in 1/2 tablespoon into each mug. Top with sweetened whipped cream and enjoy!

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

6 cups milk

1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons molasses

3 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

7 ounces good quality milk chocolate, chopped

Whipped cream, for serving

Mini marshmallows, for serving

Combine milk, sugar, cocoa powder, molasses, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice together and cook over medium heat. Stir until all ingredients have dissolved together. This should take about five minutes. Do not let your hot chocolate come to a boil or overheat. Once the ingredients are smooth remove from heat and serve with whip cream, or marshmallows.

Neighbors Emergency Center hopes your holiday season is filled with delicious food and heart-warming moments with family. Check our Facebook page to learn more about our new emergency centers. With our 24 hour emergency rooms throughout the Houston metro area, we can treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love.

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Stay Fit During the Winter

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:20:02 +0000

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Winter is here and that means colder temperatures, inclement weather, and not as much daylight. If you usually exercise outdoors, this can be a miserable time of the year. Luckily, there are many indoor options that are fun, burn lots of calories, and you won’t risk getting frostbite.

Do Some Laps

Find a facility that has an indoor pool so you can still get your laps in. Most gyms and community centers have an indoor pool that is heated all year round. If you do another type of outdoor exercise, like running, give swimming a try. It’s low-impact and works every muscle group.

Rock it Out

Ever been rock climbing? It’s a great cardio workout because it takes a lot of stamina to scale that wall. There are indoor rock wall climbing establishments in most cities, and they are staffed with knowledgeable, well-trained spotters that will teach you everything you need to know, and they won’t let you fall or get hurt. Rock climbing will also sculpt your arms and legs without lifting weights. Get climbing!

Jumping Around

Everyone had that friend who had a trampoline in their backyard, and every kid in the neighborhood was over there in the summer. Even though you’re an adult, you don’t have to give up your trampoline time. There are indoor trampoline parks so you can jump to your heart’s delight. This is a great way to get your kids some exercise, so embrace your inner child and get in a fun, effective workout.

Outdoor Workout Tips

If only an outdoor exercise session will do, just take the proper precautions. Make sure you warm up indoors for about five minutes by walking or jogging in place to get your muscles ready. Also, take 30 second breaks every 10 minutes for the first 30 minutes of your workout. This helps your body acclimate to the colder weather.

Also, don’t forget to stay properly hydrated. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that you won’t sweat, especially if you are bundled up in warm layers. When cooling down, slow down your pace for about 3 to 4 minutes, and then go inside to stretch to avoid getting too cold.

Now you have no excuse not to stay fit and healthy during the winter months. There are so many options to choose from.

Remember, Neighbors Emergency Centers treat sports injuries and other emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year. We will treat you quickly and make your visit as comfortable as possible. Find your nearest Neighbors at nec24.com.

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5 Healthiest Winter Foods

admin — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 21:59:51 +0000

Now that the holiday season is over and (hopefully) all of the decadent holiday food went with it, it’s the right time to look at new options for your diet!

1. Pomegranates

Naturally or in juice form, pomegranates are perfect for lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol. They have also been known to improve blood flow to the heart, especially in people with myocardial ischemia which causes the arteries to the heart to be blocked and reduces oxygen in the blood.

2. Dark Leafy Greens: Kale, Chard, Collards

Tasty winter vegetables such as kale, chard, and collards are perfect for almost any dish. These leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Don’t enjoy the taste of kale? A touch of frost on the leaves can remove some of the bitterness.

3. Citrus: Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Grapefruits

Lemons, limes, and oranges—oh my! In the winter, these can provide a much needed kick to vitamin C deficiency. One medium orange can deliver 100 percent of your daily dose of vitamin C! Another benefit to eating citrus: they can lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and enhance “good” HDL cholesterol.

4. Potatoes

An excellent source of vitamins C and B6, potatoes are versatile and can provide much needed folate to anyone’s diet. For an extra boost of anthocyanins, try purple potatoes! Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are shown to reduce the risk of developing some cancers and heart disease.

5. Winter Squash

Did you know that one cup of cooked winter squash has very few calories—around 80—but is high in vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as potassium and folate? There are so many options to choose from, how can you only have one? Try butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash to make a truly classic dish for your family tonight!

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