Fall Bliss

It's been a little while since I've last written.  March and April were especially difficult months for me in terms of my CFS taking over my life.  It was a pretty bleak time for me.  None of the doctors could help me--they actually said that--and basically we just had to bide our time until July when we could switch our insurance. So, in July, I got an awesome new PCP who specializes in CFS.  In late July, I was also diagnosed with FB...so the fun just kept coming.  However, she's been able to prescribe me meds that have totally helped me, although it's been somewhat of a challenge to get the right ones.  And I'm starting to feel a little better.

Also, changing my food habits have really helped, and when I am able to actually stick with it, it does have a pretty strong impact on how well I feel. 

However, today is not a day when I followed a healthier lifestyle.  It's fall!!!  Which means CFS or not, I am in HEAVEN and VERY happy!  It's my favorite time of year!  And the past three days have vacillated between snowy and cold, and sunny and cold.  And, Andrew has been gone singing in a few concerts, so it was the kids and me.  And some friends last night.  And both evenings were dedicated to snuggling (we also recently adopted a 3 year old boxer Max and are babysitting my sister's dog, Allie, this weekend as well), watching movies and indulging in some homemade hot chocolate. 

I found a recipe online that used evaporated milk, chocolate chips, sugar, and vanilla, but it was WAY too rich, and the kids and I didn't really appreciate it, although it was tasty.  So last night before my friends came over, I changed some things to make it a little less thick, and easier to drink.  I also added some cinnamon sticks, which sent it over the edge into crazy yumminess.  Today, I made some more changes to make it easy, omitting some things, changes others to essentially create a very SIMPLE recipe that made even my foodie husband Andrew sit up and say, "This is REALLY good."  From him, I consider that a major compliment. 

And the fact that my kids drank it ALL says something else entirely!  Something that makes daddy sing, and the kids finish it, down to licking their lips for the last drop, I say, rock on!

So, here it is! 

Meghan's Fall Hot Chocolate
 2 cups unsweetened original almond milk
2 cups 2% milk (or if avoiding dairy, use rice milk)
3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tblsp vanilla (I really love vanilla)
3 cinnamon sticks

Combine all ingredients into a medium saucepan.  While on medium high, bring the mixture to a slight boil while constantly stirring in order to avoid burning the bottom.  Then turn the heat down to low or warm and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes.  This gives the cinnamon sticks times to permeate the liquid.  It's better the longer it steeps in there.  Then serve in cute mugs...because presentation is everything!  Add marshmallows if desired.  Watch "Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman," or the original Hitchcock "Psycho" (or any of his movies, really!) depending on who your company is.  Have a great fall! Enjoy!