Cafe Con Leche

This is a great way to wake up on a cold Michigan morning.

If you don't have and espresso pot or maker, you can also use strong coffee.

I've used reduced fat milk, but you can use what you like.

2 - 3 c. espresso or strong coffee
1/4 - 1 tsp. sugar (optional)
1/2 - 1c.  milk
Pinch of ground cinnamon

Brew coffee according to coffee makers instructions.

Sweeten brewed coffee to taste, if desired. 

In a microwave safe measuring cup, combine: milk and cinnamon.  Stir to mix. 

Microwave on high for  30 - 60 seconds.

Make sure the milk doesn't boil over in the microwave. 

Remove milk from microwave and spoon over coffee.

Serves 4.

Winner, Winner. Romantic Chicken Dinner

This is perfect for date night or anytime.

I've used dry white wine, but you can also use a sparkling wine if desired.

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

1/8 - 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper (adjust to taste)
1 - 2 T. fresh lemon juice, oil
1/8 - 1/4 tsp. dried parsley, 

1 clove chopped and crushed garlic

1/2 c. chopped onions
1/3 - 3/4 c. dry white wine

Peel, rinse, chop onions, garlic, place in bowl and set aside.

Heat saute pan over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add oil. 

Add chicken, salt, pepper and some of the wine.

Cook on one side for 7 - 12 min or until desired doneness. 

Flip chicken over and repeat on other side until done. 

Remove chicken from pan when done.

Add wine, onions and garlic to pan.

Stir with a whisk and let reduce for a few minutes.

When sauce is reduced, pour over chicken.

Serves 4.

Lunar New Year Martini

Happy Lunar New Year!

Today marks the start of the Chinese Year Of The Pig.

This is a great cocktail to toast the Lunar New Year, while watching the Grammys or anytime. You can adjust the amount of liquor and food coloring, if desired.

4 - 6 oz. of each: gin, sake
1 - 2 drops red food coloring
Ice

Place 4 clean martini glasses into the freezer for a few minutes to chill.

In a cocktail shaker combine: sake, gin, ice, food coloring (adjust amount of food coloring).

Shake for 10 - 20 seconds to blend.

Remove glasses from the freezer and pour martini into glasses.

Serves 4.

Big Game Cannoli Cups ™

This is perfect for watching the big game, company or anytime.

12 wonton wrappers
1/8 tsp. vanilla extract

pinch of cinnamon
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 - 2 T. sugar (adjust amount)
1/2 - 1 c. each: marscapone cheese, ricotta cheese

In a bowl combine marscapone cheese, ricotta cheese, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla mix with a fork.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap.

Place in refrigerator to chill for a couple of hours.

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Spray muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

Place wontons into muffin tin and bake for 8 - 12 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and let cool.

To serve: Remove bowl from refrigerator.

Spoon cheese mixture evenly into each of the wonton cups.

Serves 3 - 4.