Daily Archives: February 13, 2010

An Olympic Party!

February 13, 2010

I am an Olympic junkie!

For two weeks every two years, I live, eat, sleep and breath the Olympic games – and I’ve taught my kids to do the same!

For us the fun begins on opening night when we have an Olympic party and watch the ceremony together.

We try to make a meal that reflects the host country – Chinese sweet and sour chicken for the Beijing games, fresh pasta and bread sticks for the Torino games, etc..

But we were a little stumped about Canada.

We ended up making Canadian bacon pizza (now stopped laughing Pat and my other Canadian friends – I know that it’s NOT authentic! Sure tasted good though!)

For dessert we made chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and decorated with Olympic rings made out of M & M’s.

Then we all snuggled in and watched the Opening Ceremony from the very beginning all the way to the torch ceremony!

I love the geography and history and even political lessons the kids get as the different countries march in. (Why won’t Iran march in beside Iraq?)

Now for the next several days, we’ll soak in the drama, the victories, the defeats,and all the  stories that will make Olympic history!

All the while we’re spending time together as a family – and creating more memories that will bind us together!

By Country Gal | Posted in Family Traditions | Tagged , , | Comments (3)

Chocolate Fruit Cups

February 13, 2010

Chocolate Fruit Cups Are you looking for a sweet idea to add to your Valentine’s celebration?

These little yummy little chocolate cups are an easy – but very fancy treat!

They are just sweet enough to compliment fruit, but could also hold some decadent chocolate mousse or rich creamy ice cream.

Dagmar whipped these up in just a few minutes – then put the dough in the fridge until she needed it.

The possibilities for fillings are endless – especially for Valentine’s Day! You could try whipped cream and strawberries, or a medley of berries with a drizzle of chocolate on top.

Chocolate Fruit Cups

2/3 cup (10 2/3 tablespoons) cold butter, cut in pieces
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup flour
1 egg white

Combine the butter, brown sugar and cocoa over low heat. When the butter is melted, remove from the heat. Slowly sift the flour and cocoa over the butter mixture.

Stir. Add just enough egg white to bind the mixture.

Gather into a ball, wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Grease 8 – 3 inch tartlet pans (we used muffin tins). Roll the dough out between two pieces of waxed paper. Cut out 8 rounds using a 4-inch round cookie cutter (we used one with a fluted edge to make them extra fancy!)

Put the dough in the tarlet pans and prick the bottoms.

Refrigerate for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Bake until firm, 20-25 minutes.

Cool, then remove from the pans.

Fill with whipped cream, or ice cream, or fruit!

We used a cream cheese and Cool Whip combination and topped with fruit.

Enjoy!

By Country Gal | Posted in Chocolate | Tagged , , | Comments (0)