caitlincooks

Youtube.com/CaitlinCooks

You’ll Need:
2 1/2C whole milk (don’t use skim!)
1 bunch fresh mint, about 20 sprigs
5 large egg yolks
2/3C sugar
1C heavy cream
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
6 oz dark chocolate, chopped roughly

Make It:

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk and the fresh mint. Bring to a gentle boil, take off the heat, cover and let sit for 30 mins. This lets the mint “steep” into the milk and flavor it. Than strain the milk to remove the mint leaves.

2. Combine egg yolks and sugar, whisk for about 3 minutes until combined and pale yellow. Add half of the milk and whisk. Return to a saucepan with the remaining milk. Stirring constantly, cook on low heat until the mixture gets thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.

3. Remove the milk mixture from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream. Transfer to a new bowl so it stops cooking. Cool in the fridge for about 1 hour.

4. Freeze according to your ice cream maker’s instructions. Add the chocolate, the mint extract and devour!

After months of eating really bad (and ok…not working out), I’ve been looking for something to get me motivated and back on track. I researched a bunch of the home delivery cleanse programs and they’re all super-expensive! I’m talking $300-500 for 3 or 5 days. Yikes! I’m all about health, but at those prices it would make more sense to invest in a VitaMix and make your own juices for life. I researched every health magazine and blog and wanted to find a 3-day program with the least amount of effort and the smallest investment. Now before you start judging…I know, I know…cleanses are bad, they’re not long-term, etc. I’ve heard the negatives too. I’m not doing this to “lose weight quick,” or starve myself. This is all about eliminating toxins, restoring your system and resetting your body. I’ve had a lot of negativity and stress lately (I’m sure some of you guys can relate) and I hope to gain back my energy and be committed to a life-long plan of healthy eating. Consistency is key when it comes to staying healthy and this is a nice start to getting back into a regimen. I’ll be posting the drinks the next 3 days so stay tuned! XoXo

You’ll Need:
1 3/4C all-purpose flour
1/2C brown sugar
1/4C unsweetened cocoa powder (I always use the Hershey’s dark chocolate)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1T instant espresso powder
1C whole milk
2T Nutella
1/4C canola oil
1T red wine vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2C dark chocolate chips (I used a little bit more than 1/2)

Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 400*F. Combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt & espresso powder. Mix well.

2. Combine the milk, Nutella, canola oil, red wine vinegar, vanilla extract and egg. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stir until moist (do not overmix!). Fold in the chocolate chips.

3. Divide evenly among muffin cups, Bake at 400*F for 15 mins (the center will come out clean when you poke it with a toothpick) Enjoy! XoXo

Chocolate Ganache Brownies by CaitlinCooks

You’ll Need:
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate
11T unsalted butter
1 1/4C sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1C all purpose flour
1C walnuts
3/4C heavy whipping cream

Make It:
1. Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine 6oz of chocolate and the butter – melt over medium-high.

2. Whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt. Whisk in the chocolate butter mixture. Stir in flour, than walnuts.

3. Pour the batter into a brownie pan and bake 26-28 mins (the center will come out w/ moist crumbs attached when you insert a skewer or toothpick…) When done, set the pan aside to cool.

4. Make the ganache: simmer cream and remaining chocolate over medium-high until chocolate melts. Pour this ganache over the cooled brownies. Let set for about 4 hours (I know the waiting sucks, but the ganache has to “set” so it’s not liquid).

5. Slice into even pieces and enjoy!