Happy Wednesday!

Today’s weather watch: Zero degress celsius, but feels like negative seven AND a snow storm warning of 10-15cm of snow today through Thursday morning! big *sigh* I think we’re all tired of this extremely cold winter we’re having. Doesn’t this weather make you want to just stay home, cuddle up in a nice warm blanket with some hot cocoa? Or how about a warm creamy chocolatey fondue?

Having fondue as an appetizer, meal or dessert is taking the time to eat and enjoying the delicious experience that every bite has to offer. Fondue is best enjoyed with family and friends or as a romantic dinner for two [or even by yourself on this snowy day]

In just five days, it’ll be St. Patrick’s Day. I know, for those of us who aren’t Irish, it really is just another excuse to drink excessively and dress up in green, but that’s why I love it. However, if you’re not one to dress up and go out and drink excessively, I’ve got a fun little idea for you this year! So if you’re still wondering what to do for St. Patty’s Day, we’ve got you covered. Here’s an easy recipe for your own little fondue party at home! but not just any kind of fondue party, a GREEN one! It’s a fun idea the whole family will enjoy or enjoy it as a date night in with your partner.

Earlier this week, we had our own little fondue party using green chocolate candy melts in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

Here’s my little set up “Fondue for Two” from our date-night:

 

Green Chocolate Fondue

• 1 bag of Wilton’s Candy Melts in Dark Green
• ¼ cup whipped cream

1. In a small pot, combine the whipped cream and chocolate candy and melt gently (simmering) about 2 minutes, stirring continuously until smooth
2. Pour the melt into your fondue pot
3. Light a tealight candle to keep the melt simmering/warm.

Shamrock Sugar Cookies

I made these the day before to be used as dippers in the fondue. They turned out great! {this recipe is from allreceipes.com and makes 5-dozen servings. So I had a lot of extra cookies, which I will share with everyone at the office 🙂 I bought my cookie cutter from Michael’s Craft Stores

• 1-½ cups butter, softened, unsalted
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tspn vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tspn baking soda
• 1 tsp salt

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface.
3. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter.
4. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

Beverage

I really wanted to create a ‘green’ drink, but not the usual green beer.  So I decided to do a sweeter cocktail. So keeping in mind blue + yellow makes green …. I used:

• 1-2 shot(s) of Blue Curacao Liquor (McGuinness)
• ½ cup orange juice (no pulp) (PC brand)
• 5-6 ice cubes
• Fill the rest of the cup with carbonated water (Perrier)
  *Since Blue Curacao and orange juice are both sweet, I wanted to water it down a bit but still have some ‘fizz’, but you can substitute it with Sprite or Club Soda if you like it sweeter. 

Insert a shamrock decorated paper straw (I got these from Michael’s Craft Stores)

 

Dippers

I tried to use as many fruits that had green on it. So kiwi, green pears, and granny smith apples. I also included banana slices, strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzel sticks because a fondue party just wouldn’t be complete with these ingredients! 😉

Hope you enjoy your St. Patty’s Day this March 17th!