There’s nothing that takes me back to my childhood faster than a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Just the smell is enough to bring back the sounds of my mother’s laughter, wrapping paper tearing and my sister squealing in happiness at the latest treasure to find its way out from under the tree. There are also memories of frigid January afternoons when the mist in the air carried ice. I’d get to the door from the bus, shivering and sniffling and walk through into the heat of the gas heater and the smell of hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.

Good memories all.

My mother made her hot chocolate with unsweetened powdered chocolate, sugar and milk, at least until we were older and our grandmother introduced us to packaged coca with marshmallows. At the time it didn’t really matter to me, and the marshmallow kind was sweeter. for my mother it was faster, but I think she missed making it from scratch. there just isn’t as much love in a packet.

Today my tastes are more refined. I prefer dark chocolate to the silkier milk chocolates, and any thought of using a packet has long ago been left at the wayside. It really isn’t any more trouble to make your own hot chocolate, and the taste is like nothing you will ever get from a store shelf. It is truly the perfect beverage for a cold winter’s day.

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Chicken Fajita Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Oil
1 cup Bell Pepper -- Cut In Strips
2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts -- Cut In Strips
1 package Pizza Crust Dough
1 Clove Garlic -- Pressed
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
1/2 cup Picante Sauce
1/2 teaspoon Salt
8 ounces Monterey Jack Cheese -- Shredded
1 cup Onion -- Thinly Sliced

Directions:

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. When hot add chicken; stir-fry 5
minutes or until browned lightly. Press garlic and stir in with chili
powder, and salt. Add onions and bell pepper; stir-fry about 1 minute.
Heat oven to 425F degrees.

Spray pizza pan with nonstick spray. Unroll dough and place on pan.
Roll dough in 14 inch circle. Partially bake dough, about 8-10
minutes. Spoon chicken mixture over parbaked crust.

Spoon salsa over chicken; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 15-18 minutes or
until crust is golden brown.

This recipe for Chicken Fajita Pizza serves/makes 4

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