Category: Drinks and Cocktails

Chocolate Egg Cream with Homemade Syrup

Traditionally, the correct and right way to make a chocolate egg cream is with Fox-‘s U-Bet chocolate syrup. And, I may lose my NYC card for this, but I didn’t do it that way. I had no syrup, and I didn’t want to have to make a special trip to get it (particularly under current conditions). So, I made a chocolate egg cream with homemade syrup instead. And besides, not everyone has access to the “right” syrup.

Now, if you’re not from New York, you may not have heard of a chocolate egg cream. You may also, understandably, expect it to be made with eggs and cream. After all, it says so right in the name. Right? Nope. There are no eggs and no cream.  Just chocolate syrup, milk, and seltzer. Why is it called that then? Nobody really knows.

Whatever the reason for the name, it’s a delicious, refreshing chocolatey treat that’s perfect for a hot day.

Turns out making the syrup is really easy. It’s actually quite similar to making chocolate pudding.  All you need is five simple ingredients you likely already have: cocoa powder, water, sugar, salt, and a little vanilla extract.  I have cut the original syrup recipe in half, so it’s enough for two egg creams. You can drizzle the extra syrup over cinnamon sugar bananas or use it to prepare poached pears with chocolate sauce.

Not to mention that if you DIY your own homemade chocolate syrup,  you know what’s in it (and can pronounce all of the ingredients).




By the way, the syrup also makes great (and easy) hot chocolate. Just add 1 1/2 to 2 T of syrup (depending on how chocolatey you want your cocoa), to an 8 oz. mug. Fill with milk.  Stir together and then heat in the microwave for a minute.  Or, cook gently in a saucepan until hot, but not boiling.

More Chocolate Recipes

greek yogurt chocolate cakeGreek Yogurt Chocolate Cake

Got a craving for chocolate? This cake is triple chocolate! It’s got cocoa, chocolate chips, and a super easy ganache on top.

 

Mini chocolate banana breadChocolate Banana Bread

Sure banana bread is good. But this is even better.  It’s moist, chocolatey, and minified. So you don’t have to worry about finishing it all.

 

small batch brownies cocoa powder

Small Batch Brownies with Cocoa Powder

Made with cocoa powder so you don’t have to make a mess melting chocolate. Rich, moist, and downsized for one.

 




Watermelon Slush

When it’s just too darn hot outside, a big slice of watermelon really hits the spot. The trouble is, you often end up with watermelon juice all over yourself (your face, your clothes, everywhere).  This watermelon slush solves the drippy watermelon problem.  It’s sort of like a smoothie (and technically called a licuado), but without yogurt.

I could just drink these all day. It’s cool, refreshing, and really easy to make.

There’s just a few ingredients: watermelon, ice cubes, and lime. And, if you like, you get the added attraction of making it into an adult beverage with a shot of rum or vodka.

The original recipe called for a bit of sugar, but I found it was sweet enough without it.  This way you get more watermelon flavor.

Ahhhhh.




Substitutions and Variations for Watermelon Slush

  • make half and half mango and watermelon
  • add a sprig of fresh mint (or basil)
  • swap some of the watermelon for strawberries
  • add half a banana

Tools and Ingredients to Make a Watermelon Slush

cuisinart stick blender

Cuisinart  Immersion Hand Blender

This hand blender is the best! Use it to make smoothies, puree soup, salad dressing, milkshakes, applesauce, or dips. Just stick the blender in the pot or bowl, push the button, and blend.  Unlike my last blender, this one has a detachable attachment.  Just remove it to clean (without worrying about damaging the motor).

More Smoothies/Slushies and Cocktails

banana smoothie for oneBanana Smoothie Recipe for One

Got overripe bananas? They make great smoothies. This one has nutmeg, cinnamon, and yogurt. Easy, healthy, and refreshing too.

 

strawberry basil mojito

Strawberry Basil Mojito with Lime

For the adults in the room (that’s us), try this wonderful summer quencher. It’s a twist on the usual mojito. This one has strawberries in it (peach would be good too).

 




Strawberry Basil Mojito with Lime

A strawberry basil mojito is cool, refreshing, and the perfect way to relax after a long, hot, summer day.  Much as I love standard mojitos, this version is even better.

The berries add extra sweetness, the basil adds freshness (and the whole combination just shouts “summer!”). Then you get the added sweet-sour citrus punch from the lime.

I use minimal sugar, particularly in June, when the strawberries are at their peak, but you can add more if you like it sweeter, or if the strawberries aren’t sweet enough.

Coating the edge of the glass with sugar and lime juice transforms your everyday mojito cocktail into something that looks like you got it at an upscale restaurant.

Pour your strawberry mojito into a tall glass, slice yourself some cheese, put out some crackers and olives and you have a party for one. Then, close your eyes and pretend you’re lounging on a soft, white beach surrounded by palm trees. Ahhhhhh.




 

Ingredients and Tools for Making Your Strawberry Mojito

cuisinart stick blender

Cuisinart  Immersion Hand Blender

Use this to make your mojito, for smoothies, to make salad dressing, to puree soups, or for milkshakes.  The cleanup is minimal (just push a button and remove the part with the blades). It comes in lots of colors, so you can get one to match your kitchen.

 

More Strawberry Recipes

strawberry banana yogurt popsicles plateStrawberry Banana Yogurt Popsicles

An easy sweet treat, with ingredients you can identify (unlike store-bought popsicles). Delicious and soo refreshing on a hot day.

 

strawberry balsamic grilled cheeseStrawberry Balsamic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Take the usual grilled cheese and elevate it by adding strawberries and balsamic vinegar. Not a combination you might expect, but the tangy vinegar offsets the sweet strawberries beautifully.

strawberry spinach salad with balsamic dressing and feta cheeseStrawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Feta Cheese

When the strawberries are at their peak, and too good to fuss with, turn them into an entire meal. Add earthy spinach, and salty feta, then top it with homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

 




Banana Smoothie Recipe for One

A banana smoothie certainly isn’t a complete meal, but this recipe makes a delicious, refreshing drink. It’s perfect with a crisp strawberry and spinach salad on a hot day (yes, we’re back to summer again).

The nice thing about smoothies is that they’re easy and quick to make.  It’s also a good way to use up extra bananas.  The bunches of bananas look so good in the store, but you get them home, eat a few, and then watch the rest turn brown if you don’t eat them quickly enough. In the winter, I make banana bread, but in the summer I really don’t want to run the oven that long.

So, I make smoothies instead.  This time I just used banana, but you could add strawberries or blueberries (it will turn purply though) if you want to.

Sometimes, I take the extra bananas, peel them, and pop them in a bag in the freezer.  When you want a quick smoothie,  just take out a frozen banana (and reduce the ice in the recipe a bit).

Or, take your banana and drizzle it with chocolate syrup.  Instant dessert!




More Fruit Recipes and Cocktails

watermelon smoothie/slushWatermelon Slush

Cool, refreshing, and just perfect for blistering hot days.  All you have to do is get out your blender (or blender stick), pop in some melon, ice, and lime, and go.

 

cinnamon sugar bananasCinnamon Sugar Bananas with Brandy

An easy dessert that’s great all year round. And it only takes a few minutes to make.

 

strawberry basil mojitoStrawberry Basil Mojito with Lime

Just the thing after a long, hot day.  Get the full flavor of summer berries, plus a refreshing rum kick.  Or, make it a mocktail with club soda.  This will also work with other berries.

mango cottage cheese and honey

Cottage Cheese Yogurt and Fruit

A meal without cooking (that takes under 5 minutes to prepare).  Perfect when it’s too hot to do just about anything.