Before I go any further, let me just jump right in here and tell you that one of my all-time favorite chocolate recipes is from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen and it is Death by Chocolate. The name alone tells you it is gonna be a-mazing! If you invite me to your house and I need a dessert to knock your socks off, I am bringing this one; I don’t even have to think about it.

If you are thinking about a chocolate dessert for that someone special in your life with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, a better suggestion would be Chocolate Lava Cakes. They are rich and warm and gooey…do I have to go on?

 Did you know that you can also take chocolate in a completely different direction? How about in a big pot of warm, stick-to-your-ribs chili? That’s right, you heard me…chili! The Mr. Food Test Kitchen has a change-of-pace chili recipe that contains chocolate and it is wonderful, Chili Con Cocoa. Try it and see if your unsuspecting taste testers can figure out that familiar flavor in their savory dish.

Before I go, let me share a few more important dates with you that are coming up this month as part of Celebration of Chocolate Month. With those dates I am giving you a recipe to go along with the day. Hope you can handle the chocolate overload; I think you can!

February 5: National Chocolate Fondue Day
(I know this was yesterday, but it’s never too late for fondue!)

Fabulous Chocolate Fondue

February 10: Cream Cheese-Brownie Day

Marbled Brownie Bars

February 19: National Chocolate Mint Day

Triple Mint Ice Cream Pies

February 25: National Chocolate-Covered Nuts Day

Cashew Turtles

What is your favorite chocolate recipe? I would love to hear!

Recipes like our Border Biscuit Bake are just right for either occasion!

Today’s a big day for Punxsutawney Phil, otherwise known as the most famous groundhog resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania!

Yes, it’s Groundhog Day and if your smart phone doesn’t have this momentous occasion on its calendar or if you live in a part of the country where the temperature has been below freezing, you might want to watch the news to see whether this rascal of a rodent sees his shadow or not.

As the legend goes, if he does, it’s time for you to think about some more tummy-warming dishes like recipes for steaming bowls of hearty soups, or bubblin’ hot casseroles or maybe a big pot of chili. But, if he doesn’t see his shadow – then an early spring is on its way, and lighter recipes like your favorite skillet dishes or main dish salads – all those “keep the kitchen cool” meals can be looked forward to.

Of course, a good majority of folks are not thinking about “Phil” at all today. With the big game coming up this weekend, if you’re a football fan and you’re going to be glued to your TV and inviting friends and family over to cheer on your favorite team (or maybe you need a bring-along), you’re probably more interested in checking out what the Mr. Food Test Kitchen suggests for the best game-day recipes ever.

Well, we won’t dissapoint you…we’ve got loads of them. So, as we wait to see how the results of Groundhog Day play out… one thing’s for sure, whether it’s a hot and hearty meal, a lighter meal or lots of party fare…everyone here has been working hard to make sure that when you visit MrFood.com, you’ll find just what you need. Wishing you a Happy Groundhog Day and a super game-watching weekend!

The Mr. Food Test Kitchen is here to help you play cupid by scoring a tasty bulls-eye to the hearts of those you love with our favorite dessert recipes for Valentine’s Day! Our latest eCookbook, Treats for Your Sweetheart: 14 Valentine’s Day Desserts is filled with 14 delectable desserts for the 14th day of February. It’s the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth, whether you’re celebrating with your family or your sweetie. These quick & easy decadent dessert recipes will turn anyone into a “kitchen” cupid in no time, no matter whose heart you’re aiming for.

Nothing is more romantic than sharing a sweet treat with someone you love, and the selection of scrumptious recipes for cookies, cakes, candies, and other tempting desserts in our Valentine’s Day eCookbook will make your occasion romantic and memorable. From Valentine’s Day desserts and romantic dessert recipes to desserts for chocolate-lovers and Valentine’s Day treats & sweets, these easy-to-make desserts will set the hearts of any crowd a-flutter.

Romance is in the air! We’ll help you set the mood with our kissable collection of 14 Valentine’s Day recipes that will melt any heart. From the fun, frosted Strawberry Sweetheart Cake to the Caramel Cappuccino Kiss Cupcakes with the secret surprise inside, these easy desserts will win over the heart (and stomach!) of your sweetie.

If you’re planning an evening capped off by romantic desserts for two, don’t waste money on a fancy restaurant or novelty baked goods – all of the dessert recipes in Treats for Your Sweetheart are easy-to-make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please that special someone. You’ll be astounded to see how simple enticing novelty desserts like luscious Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cups  and Velvety Red Velvet Cake are to make.

For chocolate-lovers everywhere, Valentine’s Day can be a romantic day of guilty pleasures. To a true chocoholic, there’s no better gift than a box of their favorite confections. So if you want to see some genuine smiles, try surprising your favorite chocolate lover with a box filled with these hassle-free Raspberry Chocolate Truffles. More desserts for chocolate-lovers include our decadent Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake and rich Chocolate Mousse Tarts.

The best part about these easy dessert recipes is that anyone can make’em: All the ingredients are budget-friendly, readily available and there are no special tools or skills needed. And like all Mr. Food Test Kitchen recipes, these recipes come with a triple-tested seal of approval. Our favorite decadent desserts are all right here, begging to be made – download Treats for Your Sweetheart: 14 Valentine’s Day Desserts eCookbook today! Just select your favorite recipes to ignite those loving sparks, ’cause the most special gifts are those we make ourselves, with plenty of love and…”OOH IT’S SO GOOD!!”

We’d heard of this idea before, but we were curious to know how it would actually work. Would it be easy? Would it really be worth it, compared to simply buying already-made from the grocery store?

Well, the answer is yes — and we know it, because the kind folks at SodaStream sent us our own machine to test out so that we could share our thoughts with you.

And what’s even better, is that they’ve also agreed to send one of our lucky readers their very own SodaStream Start-Up Kit!

That’s right, we’re giving away a brand-new SodaStream Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit. To enter, just “like” us on Facebook and this ultimate prize pack could be yours!

So, let me just tell you a few of the reasons I think this machine is so great. First of all, it’s cheaper, healthier, and better for the environment. No more wasting all of those soda bottles (or dealing with the recycling) and the soda itself is more natural than what you’d find at the store. I love the idea of this machine for entertaining, too. Last-minute guests and nothing to serve them? No problem! The SodaStream is super-fast: Tap water turns right into club soda or sparkling water with the click of a button.  Then you just add your flavoring and you’re done.

Ready to see how it works for yourself? Kelly got some pictures of me in the Test Kitchen using the machine for the first time.

Step #1: Get Carbonated

Fill the provided water bottle with cold, filtered water up to the fill line. Screw it into the machine, and then press the button a few times. The more you press, the more bubbly your water will be!

Step #2: Flavor Your Soda

Your sparkling water is ready to go, and ready for some flavoring. Just add the specified amount of the flavor you choose right into the bottle. This Starter-Kit comes with a ton of great samples, as well as three full-size bottles of flavoring – so there’s a lot to choose from! We went with orange soda…can you tell?

Step #3: Enjoy!

That’s it! Give the bottle a few gentle shakes, and you’re off to the races! Taste the finished product and enjoy your very own homemade soda.

Looks pretty easy, doesn’t it? We’re sure you’ll love this machine, so head over to our Facebook page and give us a “like” now for your own chance to enter. The giveaway ends February 8th, so don’t miss out! And to learn more about SodaStream or order your own machine, click here.

And in the meantime, you can check out some of our favorite recipes using soda as a key ingredient. Your own soda made from a SodaStream sure would make any of these recipes truly “homemade!”

Soda-rific Recipes

Root Beer Dogs

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Caramelized Cola Roast

Quick Soda Pop Cake

Cherry Cola Country Pork Ribs

This past Christmas I decided to give the new Mr. Food Test Kitchen Comfort Cookbook out as gifts to some of my family and friends. Some had to be mailed but others were accompanied by one of the yummy dishes in the book, made by yours truly, which turned out to be a great idea!

Shortly after New Year’s I received an email from my cousin Janeen who said her 12 yr. old spunky little red-headed daughter Bekah wanted to make a recipe from the new book.

 She picked the scrumptious Southern Peach Cobbler and it came out FABULOUS!!

Cooking with kids is such a great way to teach them all sorts of things, it gives them confidence in the kitchen which will help prepare them for the “real world”.

I remember when both my niece and nephew were little they would always ask if they could help me in the kitchen when I was making something, even if it was stirring some batter or pouring in the water. I would try and pick something they could be a part of, of course the cleaning up was a different story but it always turned out to be a fun time.

So remember when giving out our new Comfort Cookbook as a gift, why don’t you make one of your favorite recipes to go along with it, and really make it a tasty surprise?

You can get your own copies of our Quick & Easy Comfort Cookbook here, and below is a sneak-peek into the book with the complete recipe for Southern Peach Cobbler. Hope you enjoy!

Southern Peach Cobbler

From the Mr. Food Test Kitchen’s Quick & Easy Comfort Cookbook

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 (16-ounce) bags frozen peach slices or 8 cups fresh peach slices
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk

We’ve got tons of Super Bowl appetizer recipes on MrFood.com, like chicken wings and dips; main dish recipes like ribs and burgers that everyone will love; and plenty of fun, hand-held desserts like brownies and bar cookies.

But what we’re really excited about is this collection of brand-new Super Bowl menus, created especially for you.

Each menu has a different theme, and they’re all filled with every Super Bowl snack recipe you’ll need to throw the best party on the block. From an all-American tailgating feast packed with burgers ‘n’ dogs to the ultimate chili menu complete with munchies and a special frozen dessert, all of these menus and their recipes are just as easy and they are sure to please.

So without further ado, here is the link to our collection of 5 Winning Game Day Menus!

Check ‘em out, and be sure to let us know what you think. And if you already have an idea of what you want to serve this year and you need some help to figure out what goes along with it, ask me below in the comments of this post. I promise to get back to you with plenty of ideas!

These one-pot wonders are so popular because they’re usually quick to throw together, which allows me more time to do some of the other things that I need to tend to as soon as I walk in the door. Now don’t get me wrong, they aren’t the quickest meal to cook in my dinner line-up, but since I can leave them in the oven or slow cooker, they’ve become my best friends.

Many nights I’ll even prep the next night’s dinner so when I come home it’s waiting there to be popped into the oven. What a blessing that is after a long, hectic day.

Besides the easy clean-up, and the fact that many casseroles provide leftovers for the next day’s lunch, they are the ultimate comfort food. They’re an all-in-one meal that I can put out and everyone can just dig in. Maybe team them with a salad and a loaf of crusty bread and dinner is done.

Since it’s going to be really chilly tonight and I have a crazy busy day ahead of me, I think it sounds like a Hoagie Lasagna kind of night.

Here are a few of my favorite casseroles that I like to rotate during these cooler months…let me know if they will become your gang’s favorite as well.

Classic Scalloped Chicken

Baked Ravioli and Sausage

Two Step Tuna Casserole

Beefy Taco Bake

Turkey Macaroni Casserole

Do you have a favorite casserole recipe you like to make in the winter?

Okay, so I’m not THAT old, but over the last few years I’ve been teaching myself to like certain healthy foods I never liked before.

First it was sweet potatoes. Can you believe I never ate them growing up? Neither of my parents cared for them, so therefore I was never exposed to them. Several years ago, I started hearing about how healthy they were, and I was determined to learn to like them. I’ll admit…it wasn’t that difficult! Now I love sweet potatoes…mashed, baked, fried and even shredded. I especially love the Mr. Food recipe for Shredded Sweet Potatoes! (oh, and just for the record, my parents both love them now, too!)

My next target food was blueberries. I know, I know. You’re thinking, “How could she not like those sweet little super berries?” But, they were another thing I never ate growing up. I started forcing myself to eat a few at a time, and gradually learned to love them! Now I can eat a whole carton at a time! We’ve got some great blueberry recipes on our site, too.

Last year, I decided I was going to work on chickpeas. I never cared for the texture of them, but I know that they are a healthy protein. Someone I work with (thanks, Carol!) told me that she rinsed them, tossed them with olive oil and kosher salt and roasted them in the oven until they got crunchy. That was intriguing! I tried them, and what do you know? I liked them!

So, are you wondering what this year’s new food will be? I’m happy to say that I’ve already started on it. Drumroll please…It’s kale! (If you’re not familiar with kale, it’s a dark, leafy green, and it’s SUPER healthy.) Last week I tried kale chips. I had read that they were as good as potato chips, but I have to admit I was VEEERRRRYYY skeptical. I bought a bag of pre-washed, pre-cut kale. I dried it off a bit before spreading it on a baking sheet and tossing with olive oil and kosher salt. I baked them at 275 degrees for about 15 minutes, and that’s it. And they were delicious! I’m not sure if I would say that they’re as good as potato chips, but they do make a great, healthy alternative. Be sure to eat them while they’re fresh and crispy.

Here’s another kale recipe we have on our site that I’m anxious to try.

Tell me, is there a food that you never thought you’d eat and now you’ve learned to like it? I’ll need some ideas for next year!

While there, it seems like all we do is cook and eat and eat some more. It must be something in the air. And unlike in Florida, we obviously found ourselves making recipes that would help warm us up. Making homemade hot chocolate on Christmas morning and after ice skating really hit the spot. But food that seems to bring back the most memories of growing up in this winter wonderland has to be chili.

So one afternoon, my nieces and I made a double batch. Let me tell you – that the house smelled amazing. Sort of brought back memories of the ski lodge that served this when I was in high school. That night at dinner, the chili was a huge hit. Not only did it warm us through and through, it made the whole trip worth it…it was comfort at its best. The chopped jalapenos that I topped mine with really not only warmed me up…it made we break into a Florida sweat. Boy, it was good.

I got our Test Kitchen team together and we put together this list of our top 10 chili recipes. We figure there will be at least one for every taste, whether you like your chili extra-meaty or you want to go vegetarian.

Top 10 Chili Recipes

from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen

#1. Fire Station Chili

#2. Slow-Cooked Chili

#3. Secret Recipe Chili

#4. Easy Turkey Chili

#5. Cincinnati Chili

#6. 30-Minute Beef Chili

#7. Saucy White Chili

#8. Veggie-Packed Chili

#9. Pork & Bean Chili

#10. Cafeteria-Style Chili

So if you’re a chili lover, I strongly suggest you make a batch of chili today and get ready for a memory-making experience. You’ll be glad you did.

Do you have a favorite chili recipe you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments.

Hubby and I are on board – no problem. The baby is now a year old and still very happy eating whatever I put in front of her: sweet potatoes, lean proteins, avocado and squash. Then there is our 12-year old…more of a challenge.

We have a rule in our house; the kitchen is not a restaurant and I am not a short-order cook. I will make dinner and you will eat it. We try to involve him in planning the meals for the week and this way he has more of an interest. We can’t have hamburgers, tacos and pizza every night. I figured there have to be lighter, healthier versions of these kid-friendly foods out there.

I started my search for these recipes. I decided to begin at “home” with mrfood.com. Guess what? We have ‘em! How about Oven-Fried Drumsticks? Crunchy and flavorful and my son will eat a chicken drumstick any day of the week! Or how about Chunky Sloppy Joes? Packed with veggies he won’t even are there… Or Kickin’ Onion Chicken Tenders. And I can serve any of those with Baked Sweet Potato Fries for a complete meal.

So, now what’s left? Dessert! Our plan is to incorporate more fruit as an after-dinner option. However, sometimes you want a treat. I remember when the Test Kitchen developed the recipe for Popcorn Lollipops (pictured above). They are sweet, salty and sticky; what could be bad? This is a great start and I am sure my son will love all of these new recipes, especially when he knows I bring them home from the Test Kitchen.

If you have any recipes that appeal to the little ones that are healthy, pleeeease…share them with me!