Caramelized Onion Dip

101 Cookbooks

If you have a hard time finding onion powder (not the same as onion salt), feel free to use crushed dehydrated onion flakes. Just add to taste.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large yellow onions (about 1 1/2 pounds), finely chopped
3/4 cup sour cream (low-fat is fine if you like)
3/4 cup Greek yogurt (low-fat is fine if you like)
3 teaspoons dehydrated onion powder/granulates (salt-free, natural)
very scant 1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large thick-bottomed skillet over medium heat saute the chopped onions in the olive oil along with a couple pinches of salt. Stir occasionally with a wood or metal spatula and cook until the onions are deeply golden, brown, and caramelized - roughly 40 or 50 minutes (see photo).
Set aside and let cool.

In the meantime, whisk together the sour cream, yogurt, onion powder, and salt. The important thing is to add whatever onion powder you are using to taste. Add a bit at a time until it tastes really good. Set aside until the caramelized onions have cooled to room temperature. Stir in 2/3 of the caramelized onions, scoop into a serving bowl, and top with the remaining onions. I think this dip is best at room temperature.

Makes about 2 cups.

Fantasy Fudge

101 Cookbooks

Possible substitutions:
Ricemellow Creme = Regular marshmallow creme
Butter = Coconut oil

1 9.7-ounce bar of good-quality semi-sweet chocolate (62% Scharffen Berger)
3 cups organic cane sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup lite coconut milk (regular is fine too)
7 ounces Ricemellow Crème (or the marshmallow creme of your choice)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Butter a 13x9 baking dish. Alternately, you can line it with parchment paper. Finely chop the chocolate bar and set aside.

Combine the sugar, butter, and coconut milk in a thick-bottomed medium-large saucepan. Bring the mixture to an active boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling for five minutes over medium heat - if you are using a candy thermometer it should reach about 235F degrees. Remove from heat, stir in the chopped chocolate. Continue stirring until the chocolate is melted, add then add the Ricemellow Creme, vanilla, and nuts (if you are using them).

Pour the fudge into the prepared baking dish, and let cool. After 5 minutes or so, I use a spatula to make a swirl texture on the top of the fudge (optional). You can let it set at room temperature, but I like to let it cool in the refrigerator overnight, where it sets up nicely, making it simple to slice into 1/2-inch cubes.

Tip: A thin knife is best for cutting, or (even better) a large pizza cutting wheel.
Makes a couple hundred tiny fudge bites.

Double Chocolate Mousse Pie

About.com

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 9-inch chocolate graham cracker crust
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup Dutch processed cocoa
• 2 cups (plus) whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• chocolate shavings, optional

PREPARATION:

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in small bowl; let stand 2 minutes to soften. Add boiling water; stir for 2 minutes until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is clear. Cool slightly.

Mix sugar and cocoa in small bowl; set aside. Put whipping cream and vanilla in stand mixer bowl or regular bowl. Beat on medium speed, while gradually adding sugar mixture. Scrape bottom of bowl often. Beat until still. Add gelatin mixture; beat until well combined.

Carefully spoon into crust. Refrigerate about 3 hours. Prior to serving extra whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Store covered in refrigerator. 6 to 8 servings.