Stovetop Hot Chocolate for Two

It has been a hectic day of weather in Michigan.  Since about halfway through last week, the news has been warning of a possible 'tornado outbreak' today.  Thunderstorms and a possibility of tornadoes in November?  I've been sure that something terrible was going to happen, and as a result, I have been glued to the weather for most of the afternoon - watching radar makes me feel the safest. 

+/-
+ we have power
- our street is absolutely flooded
+ we finished up the last of the raking and misc yard work yesterday
+ the worst of the storm appears to have passed
- I am completely wound up (and I feel bad for my husband)

So, we're doing okay.

To keep myself busy and use up some of this nervous energy that I didn't need for rescuing my pets or outrunning a tornado, I made hot chocolate and sweetened whipped cream - for two!  I LOVE stovetop hot chocolate, it is much more rich and decadent than the packets, and it always makes me feel like a kid to drink it.  The recipe is super easy and makes two big, warm and satisfying mugs of hot chocolate, but you can scale it up or down as necessary. 

S'mores Crispies

August?  How is it August?  Where has the last year gone?  Where has the summer gone? 

Working, living, Couch to 5k-ing; staying busy sure makes the days fly by.

 

I'm not saying there are some beautiful days to come this summer, but what have I been doing all year?  Why haven't I had a s'more yet?  And how can I have some more if I haven't had any?

 

I have really got to get my priorities in order.

Maggie's Best Ever Brownies (so far)

Brownies.  Ooey, gooey, decadent and delicious, who doesn't love a good brownie?  A brownie is a little bit of chocolate heaven.   

It's too bad that the definition of what makes a "good" brownie varies depending on who you ask.  For me, it's dense, chewy, rich and chocolaty.  If you resemble that remark, please make these.

I began with a recipe from my mom for Erva's Best Ever Brownies, and I'll be honest, I don't remember who Erva is, and her Best Ever Brownies (while delicious) are too cakey for my taste.  Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society are Maggie's Best Ever Brownies.