How to Make Five Minute Fudge in the Microwave

 Calling all CHOCOHOLICS!!  Throw out the Diets and Make Winter Tolerable!

If you love homemade chocolate fudge and are having a hankering for some but don't want all the fuss of doing it on the stove or in the oven, then check out this recipe for the microwave.  As long as you have a few key ingredients in the house you are set!!

What you will Need:

• 2 x tablespoons butter 
• 2 x cups of semi sweet chocolate chips (go for a good name brand for best results)
• 1 x 11.5 ounce (package) of good quality milk chocolate chips
• 1 x can of sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
• 1 x teaspoon vanilla extract
• 9 inch square pan
• some tin foil to line the pan
• microwave proof bowl
• spatula, spoon or whatever you got!

Method:

Step 1 - line the square pan with the foil (no this doesn't go in the microwave it is for after, but you can also use waxed paper if you have it on hand)

Step 2 - Melt one tablespoon of the butter and brush with a pastry brush or use your clean fingers to spread it all over the foil and up the sides.  This will make it easier to remove the fudge after cooling.

Step 3 - In your large bowl put the chocolate chips together and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and put in microwave for a minute at a time, then take out and stir.  Keep going until all the chocolate is melted. You don't want to burn it, so a minute at a time and a stir works.

Try not to do a faceplant into the chocolate at this point as it will smell awesome!!

Step 4 - Once the chocolate is melted and hot, stir in the can of sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla extract.

Step 5 - Pour into your prepared foil lined pan and if you want to.. you can add some toppings at this point such as nuts, but optional.

*Lick the bowl for your reward after*

Step 6 - Refrigerate until solid

Step 7 - Slice and enjoy!

If you have any left!!  Use a tightly sealed plastic storage container and keep in the refrigerator for next chocolate attack!!

If you love fudge, then try to keep these ingredients on hand for a quick dessert, or simply for yourself! You can get supplies online if you can't get out to the grocery store.

Once you have mastered the microwave fudge, you can dress it up if you wish by adding other ingredients on top or a few right into the melted chocolate. Experiment and have fun with this simple recipe.  Add melted marsh mellows on top, mixed nuts, or peanuts right into the recipe..  

Experiment and have fun.

Homemade De-Icer

 Ok, I am not sure where everyone that follows me lives, but I can tell you, where I live we are in the depths of winter.  

I don't mind shoveling a bit of light snow, but once we get that melt and then freeze it is deadly!  I faithfully keep a bag of rock salt and driveway products to sprinkle on, but once it gets super cold it just tends to bounce and roll away!

I came across this homemade formula, that will get that ice melting so that you can quickly scoop it off the driveway, porch, stairs or sidewalk.

I have tried this for the walkway and it works!

What you Will Need:

• 1/2 gallon of hot tap water
• 6 drops of dish soap
• 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
• Mix

Pour over icy area and you will hear snap crackle and pop! 

Give it a minute to do its job, and then scrape with your snow shovel.

Car Windshields

I read that you can put this in a spray bottle for your icy car windows, but I personally have not tried this yet.  The driveway and walkway was always my worst nightmare for the ice buildup.

The sun melts the snow and then it freezes overnight, so if you have run out of commercial de-icer, give this recipe a try.  It will save your back as it quickly disperses with the ice, so you can scrape it out of the way.  

I will now make sure to keep rubbing alcohol in the house!

Three Ways to Add Light to a Rental Kitchen

 As a renter, I don't want to invest in upgrades or harm any surface that will upset the landlord.  But... and that is a big BUT the counter lighting sucks!  

I actually dreaded working in the kitchen which is sad because I like to cook, and the kitchen is the hub of many activities!

I went searching and found 3 awesome ways to light up the areas without investing a lot of money, wireless, (no plugging in) and they can actually come with you if you move.

1.  LED MOTION SENSER STRIP LIGHT

You can actually use these anywhere, such as closets, pantry, stairwells.  They come on automatically and turn off 15 seconds after you walk away.  But I seriously found them awesome for counter lighting.  If you have upper cabinets in your rental kitchen, you simply attach it to underneath and this will light up your work area.  For 35 bucks you get two of them!  Plus they are slim so you can't see them!

Aipolloo LED Motion Sensor Under Cabinet Lighting 2 Pack - 67 LEDs Magnet Closet Lights - Wireless Battery Operated 2500mAh Rechargeable Lighting - Magnetic Kitchen Counter Light - Black- HW40 

 

2. PUCK LIGHTS

These are super cool too.  Especially if you have many areas to light as you get a 6pack.  I personally found the strip lights lit up a larger area, but these would work too and you can spread them around.

LEASTYLE Under Counter Lights for Kitchen，Wireless LED Puck Lights with Remote Control 6 Pack, Under Cabinet Lighting Battery Operated,Steps Lights Indoor, Stick-up Lights Wireless 

 3. CLAMP ON BATTERY LIGHT

 If you have a small area you need to light up, or the table is maybe where you do your prep, then this battery operated clamp on light is a quick fix.  It is also rechargeable!

Desk Lamp Battery Operated Rechargeable Clip On Reading Light 3000mA Light up to 100 hrs Flexible Gooseneck Cordless Dimmable Lamp for Desk Bed Headboard Piano (Black) 

 I was so amazed at how many options there are on the market for lighting that doesn't cost and arm and a leg.

You can get super creative with lighting.  I have all kinds of ideas now!  I personally found the strip lighting will light up a larger area.  It comes with ways to stick them to under the cabinet, but I went with the 3M removable stickers so as not to cause damage if I remove them.  

Although... I am sure your landlord would love for you to leave them behind!  Many kitchens, especially tiny ones, lack enough electrical outlets to cater to more lighting.  I love the place and am happy here, but I realized I will have to get creative if I want to cook anything without slicing my fingers off in a dark corner of the countertop. 

Most wireless options tend to be rechargeable too, so that you don't need to stock piles of batteries, which is awesome from an environmental point of view.

CHANGE THE LOOK OF THE KITCHEN WITH LIGHTING

It is amazing just how you can turn that dark counter in your kitchen into a warm and welcoming area.  Just because we rent doesn't mean we can't personalize these spaces just a little more to make them home!

I hope I have inspired you to get creative!  If you plan on staying in your rental for a while, or even just a few months, make it feel like home.  Lighting is everything especially in the depths of winter.  It creates a warm and welcoming environment.

How to Make the Best Scrambled Eggs

 I love eggs, but was getting bored of using the same ingredients, when I came across this different way to make scrambled eggs, I was hooked!!

Normally you whisk eggs with some milk/cream and seasonings right?

Check this out, give it a try next time to add some awesome flavor and fluffiness!

What you will Need:

• Eggs
• seasonings
• bit of butter (for pan)
• full fat sour cream (approx 1 small dollop for each egg or equal to milk you usually use)

Method:

Step 1 - Whisk the eggs in a bowl (however many you want for your meal)

Step 2 - Whisk in seasonings

Step 3 - Whisk in a small dollop of sour cream for each egg

Step 4 - Melt the butter in the pan

Step 5 - Scramble your eggs as per usual.

The sour cream, especially the full fat sour cream adds a nice tangy creamy taste to the eggs and also seems to make them fluffier.

Yes, I know it the New Year and all kinds of diets are at the top of the list, but let yourself have this treat!  The sour cream along with the protein in the eggs will keep you full for a lot longer, and you will seriously enjoy the taste.

I love eggs but was getting bored of my usual recipes, so I came across this swapping of the milk for the sour cream and thought ... why not give it a go?  

Just thought I would share!

Enjoy!