Homemade Costa-style black forest hot chocolate

There's so much I love about winter: big jumpers, tartan scarves, ice skating, Christmas tree chocolates, novelty shaped shortbred tins, Ugg boots (yes I know, but they are so warm!), Christmas decorations, 3 for 2 gift offers in Boots where I inevitably end up wanting to keep half the purchases for myself....and, the best thing of all, HOT CHOCOLATE.

Costa's black forest hot chocolate is probably one of my favourite things. Ever. But my nearest Costa isn't easily accessible, and seeing as it's not acceptable to sit in my nearest branch dressed in a Pikachu onesie, making it at home seems a better idea!

If you're like me and can't wait until Costa bring out their winter menu, why not try this homemade version instead? Here's what you'll need:

Good quality hot chocolate powder (I use Green and Black's organic)
Milk (whole is lovely but a bit sickly for me at times; semi-skimmed is fine too!)
Monin blackberry syrup
Monin cherry syrup
Squirty cream (is that it's proper name?!) or whipping cream, if you can be bothered to whip it up!

1. Measure out the correct amount of drinking powder according to the instructions.
2. Measure out Monin blackberry syrup (I find for a standard 250ml size hot chocolate, 3 - 4 tsps* give a good flavour) and mix with the drinking powder.
3. Heat the milk. I use my coffee machine's frothing wand, and this really does make a difference in my opinion! If you can, froth the milk in this way, or with a handheld frother.
4. Stir in a little of the milk, then gradually pour the rest, stirring as you go, until the drinking powder has fully dissolved.
5. Top with some cream and 1 tsp of Monin cherry syrup.

*You might want to start off with 2tsps and when you've finished step 4, taste and add extra until you get the intensity you want.


Yes, buying two bottles of monin syrup can set you back £15+, but the bottles are massive and will last a while (unless you're like me and become addicted).

If you've tried this or have your own version, please leave a comment!

Now, I'm wishing it was bed time because just writing about hot chocolate is making me crave one!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake Recipe

When you're exercising within an inch of your life and scrupulously calorie-counting everything down to a Ritz cracker on My Fitness Pal, it can be difficult to avoid temptation at times. Especially...CHOCOLATE.

One afternoon after a good treadmill run, coupled with a ferocious bout of PMS, I thought to myself: God, I could murder a bar of Galaxy. And not just a bar, oh no. One of those family-size ones that are supposedly good for 'sharing', which you then buy, walking around Sainsbury's trying to play it cool and look as if you are buying it because you intend to share it with someone that isn't you, but secretly you intend to eat the whole thing in one sitting (probably while watching Judge Rinder) and before you know it you're at the self serve (looking a cashier in the eye is too shameful) and hiding your contraband under a bag of apples like you would a packet of condoms or thrush cream....*

Anyway - here's a quick recipe for a Protein-fuelled, filling shake you can make at home. I used a Nutribullet to combine the ingredients, but any blender will do just fine. Just make sure yours can handle frozen food/ice if you want to go down that route!

P.S I will calculate the calories and nutritional information soon.

Choconutty Protein Shake

Ingredients:
1.5 tsp good unsweetened cocoa (I used Green and Black's organic cocoa powder)
1 tbsp nut butter (cashew butter is lovely but you can opt for your favourite)
1 tsp honey
1 scoop/serving of your favourite protein powder (I use unflavoured whey isolate which works fine)
1 banana (you can freeze it if you prefer your shake cold)
Approx 80-120ml almond milk (depends how thick want it! Add a bit at a time if you're unsure)
Optional: couple of ice cubes if you fancy your shake a bit cooler and haven't had ample banana-freezing time

Trust me, it tastes good. It immediately satisfied my craving for chocolate and was far more nutritious and filling than a block of Dairy Milk.

Any thoughts?

* Just to note, I'm taking the piss. I eat a balanced, healthy diet but I also love chocolate. And cake. And wine. And that's okay!

2015 bucket list

This year I want to do a few things, either with someone, or alone. I don't mind. A bit of a mixed bag: some will be easy enough to achieve, some are other vague  (but measurable enough), others will take far more time/money.

Anyway, so far my rough ideas (will be updated when more things come to mind):

1. I want to try oysters again (with champagne obviously)

2. Visit the U.S

3. Practice piano more

4. Go to the theatre
5. Pole exercise (getting back into it)
6. Sew something or knit...something