Crazy Weekend

So Friday the snow storm arrived. We got about a foot of snow total. The way it fell, all of the tree branches and bushes were beautifully outlined. The neighborhood looked beautiful until you had to drive in it. That is another story.

But the snow could not stop us Musialowski’s – we attended the Canisius High School fundraiser and had a great time. We then continued the party to the Empire Grill on Hertel for more drinks and discussion with Christopher’s parents. It was a great time.

On Saturday we decided not to go to Niagara-on-the-Lake, but instead, run errands and have a date night home. We made fondue – a beer cheese fondue then a milk chocolate fondue for dessert. It was delicious! And super easy too. We do not have a fondue pot, we used a saucepan instead and it worked out great. Recipes are included below.

Then on Sunday we visited our friends Dennis and Anna in Rochester and their beautiful baby boy, Jack Patrick. He turned 1 month and is just a little bundle of sunshine. It was so great to catch up with our good friends. At night, my friend Carly and I went to a Victoria’s Secret party for Valentine’s Day. It was really nice. They closed the store down except for those who had an invitation. There were many sales associates there to help with purchases. But it was mostly a fun time to shop for underwear!

Beer Cheese Fondue

¾ cup beer (we used a porter)

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 tbsp mustard, a grainy kind NOT the yellow mustard

1 tbsp horseradish sauce (I would probably use a little less)

1 tbsp flour

12 oz shredded cheddar cheese (white or yellow is fine)

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add beer to pan and stir constantly. Add the garlic to the beer and continue stirring. Do not like the beer boil. If needed, turn down the heat. Add the mustard, horseradish sauce and continue stirring. Finally add the cheese, and stir until the liquid has a smooth consistency.

We used cubed Parmesan-peppercorn baguette, broccoli, carrots and apples to dip into the fondue. Enjoy!

Milk Chocolate Fondue

 1 cup whipping cream

12 oz milk chocolate chips

Optional: 2 tsp orange or other flavored liqueur

Over a low flame, heat the cream in a saucepan until warm. DO NOT bring the cream to a boil. Pour in the chocolate while stirring constantly. Stir until the liquid becomes smooth. If adding a liqueur, add now and stir in.

Dip with fruits, cookies, pound cake, pretzels or your favorite snacks.