Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Frozen Hot Chocolate and Enter to Win Cleo's new Coffeehouse Mystery: Murder by Mocha

Murder by Mocha is the
10th book in Cleo Coyle's
Coffeehouse Mystery
series. Now a bestseller
in hardcover and e-book
formats from Penguin's
Berkley Books and on sale
 in audio from AudioGo
(BBC audiobooks America)


To learn more about Cleo's
books
click here.

Serendipity (noun): finding the pleasantly unexpected by chance...

I have a delicious frozen hot chocolate recipe for you in this post, but your serendipity is also finding a chance to win some lovely prizes, including my new bestselling mystery.

TO ENTER MY MURDER BY MOCHA CONTEST, CLICK HERE and scroll down my more recent post for details on how to enter. It's a fun one!

As for this post, you will find a delicious Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe below, along with a tribute to my new mystery's culinary theme of chocolate and coffee and a little New York history…




Serendipity isn’t just any noun. It's the proper name of a legendary café in the basement of a New York Brownstone.

Three bohemians launched the white-washed space as a hipster coffee house of the 1950’s. Four tables, sixteen chairs, and one giant, old espresso machine were all they needed to attract nightly lines around the Upper East Side block.

The trendiest of avant-garde types were soon packing the place, including Andy Warhol, who declared it his favorite sweet shop. (As legend has it, he paid his checks with drawings.)

These days, Serendipity is as far from the avant garde as you can get. The Tiffany lamp-decked ice cream parlor primarily attracts families, couples looking for nostalgic romance, and kids celebrating birthdays.

Five decades may divide Serendipity’s then from its now, but one delicious bridge closes all gaps—chocolate! Frozen hot chocolate to be exact. Serendipity is world famous for it.

Although you may not have this legendary café in your town, today I’m going to show you how to make a tasty version of their famous frozen hot chocolate. How’s that for serendipity?


Serendipity's version of the frozen hot chocolate is pictured left; mine is below...







Cleo Coyle’s Frozen
Hot Chocolate


Cleo Coyle, who invites you
to "chill" with chocolate, is
author of The Coffeehouse
Mysteries.
Visit Cleo's
Web site
here.
I’ve seen a few versions of the Serendipity frozen hot chocolate recipe on the Net, and I have to say, they make no sense to me. Heat up milk and cool it again? Use 3 cups of ice, which dilutes the chocolate flavor? There is a better way.

My version of this icy chocolate drink is much simpler yet still quite tasty (IMO). It cooled me off nicely enough during our recent 100-degree heat wave in New York City (and I never had to turn on my stove, a very good thing indeed).

This recipe also is a great way to use up your hot cocoa before winter rolls back around. You don’t want all that hot chocolate mix to go stale on you, do you? Put it to good use now…



For a free PDF of this recipe that you can print, save, or share, click here or use the Print Friendly button at the end of this post.


Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 one-ounce packets of your favorite hot chocolate or cocoa mix*
2 cups milk (skim or whole)
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped or grated*
Whipped cream (optional)

*In the case of the hot chocolate mix and the chocolate, the higher the quality of the products, the better your drink will taste. (Duh, right?)


Step 1 – Make "Hot" Chocolate Milk: Whisk one packet of hot chocolate mix into one cup of cold milk. If you’re using loose hot chocolate powder instead of packets, then simply measure out enough powder to make the equivalent of one six- to eight-ounce serving.

Note: No need to heat the milk as some recipes direct. Simply whisk the milk and hot chocolate mix for 30 to 60 seconds until the powder is dissolved. Be sure to use a real whisk, not a spoon or fork. You’re finished when the liquid resembles smooth chocolate milk with no sign of powder or granules.

Step 2 – Make "Hot Chocolate" Ice Cubes: Pour the chocolate milk mixture into an ice cube tray. Chill in your freezer until solidly frozen. NOTE: When ready to use, if the frozen chocolate cubes stick to the ice tray, simply set the bottom of the tray in a warm water bath and use a knife to carefully dislodge the cubes.

Step 3 – Repeat and Blend: Repeat Step 1, using your second packet of hot chocolate to create another cup of chocolate milk. Place this milk in your blender with the "hot chocolate" ice cubes. Pulse the blender to chop the frozen cubes into fine particles. You can create a slushy drink with small ice chips (like a frozen margarita) or you can run the blender full speed until the mixture is completely liquefied yet still cold and frothy. But first...

Step 4 – Choco-fication: Add most of the finely chopped (or grated) semi-sweet chocolate into the blender with the hot chocolate slushy (holding back some of the semi-sweet chocolate for garnish). Pulse once or twice to mix. Pour into cups or mugs. Finish with whipped cream, then a final sprinkling of grated chocolate and…




Drink with joy!


~ Cleo Coyle, author of
The Coffeehouse
Mysteries




To view
The Coffeehouse Mystery series
trailer,
click here or on the film strip.



To download more of my recipes
sign up to win free coffee, or
learn more about my books, visit my
virtual coffeehouse at...







Murder
by Mocha

Book #10 of
the Coffeehouse series


Now a national bestseller
in hardcover!

Includes chocolate recipes!

"...a tasty espresso-dark tale of
multigenerational crime and
punishment lightened by the Blend's
frothy cast of lovable eccentrics."
~ Publishers Weekly


To order
from Amazon,
click here 

To order
from
Barnes and Noble. click here.


To order
from an Indie bookstore, click here.




 
 
 Roast Mortem

Includes firehouse recipes!

A Reviewer’s Pick 
"Favorite Book
of the Year"
~ 2010
Bookreporter.com
 
Now a national bestseller
in paperback!
  


 To order
from Amazon click here.

To order
from Barnes and Noble,
click here.


To order
from an Indie bookstore, click here.




69 comments:

  1. Oh, now I know what I'm drinking for lunch! Thanks for the fabulous recipe. Yummy!

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  2. Anything frozen right now sounds delish! And I can't wait to read the next Coffeehouse Mystery, "Murder by Mocha!"

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  3. That recipe sounds terrific. I can't wait to read the latest Coffeehouse Mystery!

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  4. So excited for Muder by Mocha and that frozen hot chocolate sounds delicious!

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  5. I can't wait to read this. I've enjoyed all the Clare Cosi mysteries.

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  6. You did it again Cleo my boys are going to want to come to NY and see you. I made the mistake ( again ) of showing them this recipe and now we will have to make this afternoon as it will be 100 again here in the south. Logan my 8 year old went and made sure we have everything.

    Of course I am ready to read Murder by Mocha.

    Thanks for the contest and sharing this wonderful recipe.

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  7. What an awesome recipe...thanks for sharing!!!

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  8. Thanks for your kind comments, everyone! Keep them coming.

    (I hear some of you are having a problem leaving comments. If that happens to you, no worries, just send me an e-mail at MochaContest@gmail.com that lets me know the time and day you tried to comment but couldn't, and I'll make sure your entry is counted.)

    Like the Terminator, (deep voice) I'll be back...

    ~ Cleo

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  9. I was just wondering when the next Coffeehouse book was coming out! So excited. And this frozen hot cocoa looks yummy! But here in Washington, we are still drinking the real thing - if our summer ever gets hot I'll have to give it a try!

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  10. The recipe looks incredible, the book equally as yummy. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Thursday is National Milk Chocolate Day. Wouldn't be surprised if there was a semi-sweet day as well.
    http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/National_Symbols/American_Hollidays.html

    Looking forward to reading Murder by Mocha, while sipping frozen hot chocolate. If only I could be at Serendipity too.

    Best wishes on success of your latest.

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  12. Cleo, delicious frozen chocolate is perfect for this hot weather.

    I love the picture of Serendipity, too. So NYC! It's going on my list of places to visit the next time I'm there.

    ~ Krista

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  13. This post and photos is making me crazy! Love Mocha, gotta win, gotta win...

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  14. This recipe looks great! Cant wait to read Murder by Mocha! =)

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  15. I love chocolate, but then who does'nt? I will definitely make this, and I have an Aunt who will like it, too. She drinks alot of chocolate in the winter, but this is a perfect recipe for now! That and the book together, priceless!!!

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  16. I have a frozen hot chocolate recipe with chocolate syrup, evaporated milk, vanilla & ice cubes, BUT I like the idea of the cocoa packets for different flavor combinations. I think I'll start with mint or raspberry. The drink looks so pretty in the cup! Thanks for sharing!

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  17. I just "discovered" your series! Where have I been?! Anyway, I'm about 40 pages from finishing ON WHAT GROUNDS. Thanks for the chance to win (and the recipe - yum!).

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  18. Cleo, I absolutely adore two things: Dark Chocolate and your books—but not necessarily in that order! I read Espresso Shot and Holiday Grind first, but have now gone back to read the others in order. I've just read On What Grounds, Through the Grinder, Latte Trouble, and Murder Most Frothy in the last two weeks. Your characters are very
    "un-put-down-able"!! Can't wait for more—books, coffee, and chocolate! Best wishes on the new release!

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  19. The temperature is going up again and this will be a nice treat to have.

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  20. I am going to be popular Mom when I make this!!

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  21. Cleo, love this. I went to Serendipity for the first time when I was in NY for Thrillerfest and absolutely loved it! And had the frozen hot chocolate. What fun! I put photos on my Facebook page of my visit.

    Can't wait for your new book. Drink/eatreed with joy ~ indeed!

    ~Avery

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  22. Drink/eat/read - can't spell, obviously - or I have very fast fingers that push buttons way way way too fast. Sigh. LOL

    ~Avery

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  23. Cleo, I love your books. Can't wait for the latest release. The frozen hot chocolate looks divine. Serendipity is my 16 year old daughters favorite word. She loves the movie as well. We will definitely have to make this recipe.

    Thanks for sharing :)

    ~Stacie

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  24. Lori Cimino---

    i have been waiting and waiting for your next book to come out. and it comes just in time for me to read while i am in the hospital recovering from knee replacement surgery. i will definately have to try that frozen hot chocolate recipe. sounds refreshing and oh so delicious

    lori cimino

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  25. I am so excited that another coffee house mystery is almost out! I can't wait to read Murder by Mocha!!!!

    --Diane

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  26. I love all Cleo Coyle's books and I can't wait to make and try the frozen hot chocolate!

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  27. I love the Coffee House Mysteries and looking forward to this newest installment. With temps over 100 degrees in my state, the recipe for frozen hot chocolate will really hit the spot! Sounds so yummy!

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  28. Cleo, what a creative way to use up those hot chocolate packages! I'm definitely on it, along with MURDER BY MOCHA!

    I've loved the word serendipity ever since the folk group The Serendipity Singers were on TV in the sixties, singing "Don't Let the Rain Come Down". (Oh, I'm a John Cusack fan too, so I also love that movie, as Stacie mentioned.) Can't believe I actually lived in N.Y. twice, and never made it to the infamous Serendipity...but it's on my list now for a future visit!

    BTW, I made your Rosemary Lime Chicken & it's fabulous! I'm going to use the few leftover bits in tonight's dinner of Thai Green Chile Curry, and know it'll be wonderful! Thanks for the great recipes and tips!

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  29. thank you for reminding me of Serendipity!! i've only been there once, about 1000 years ago & haven't been back yet!!! now, i'll be making an effort to get there before the end of the summer!!!!
    thank you also for your giveaway!! what a very generous prize!!!

    cyn209(AT)juno(DOT)com

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  30. Yum, I'll be trying this recipe very soon. We have plenty of hot chocolate left over from winter. Can't wait to read "Murder by Mocha!"

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  31. Two of my most favorite things in this world - coffee and chocolate. What a wonderful treat you are sharing the opportunity to win chocolate and announcing the opportunity to preorder Murder by Mocha - coffee and chocolate - Yum.

    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

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  32. I tried this yesterday. It totally rocks!

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  33. I am psyched here. Your recipes are addicting, the story lines are delicious and your website is awesome. Keep up the good work!

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  34. Oh, I am in heaven! Thanks, oh coffee/chocolate guru.

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  35. Love this! Coffee and Chocolate! The best! I can't wait to read Murder by Mocha! I would love to win the book and the Frozen Hot Chocolate! I love frozen hot chocolate! I love your books. I own all of them! Keep writing!

    crunchiee77@yahoo.com

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  36. Cleo, this sounds and looks delicious. A great drink for this crazy hot weather we're having. I just started reading MURDER BY MOCHA and it's hard to put down. Congratulations on your release next week.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress
    Freelance Editing By Mason

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  37. Cleo please keep writing. I for one am boosting the E-Readers. I feeling you need to be in the book, part of the story to appreciate all the work that you put into it. Coffee rocks!

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  38. I would love to go to Serendipity. I can't wait to read Murder By Mocha.

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  39. Oh boy! Oh boy! Now I know what I'm going to fix when my sister-in-law comes next week! Thank you so much... you always post something I can use, and this one is perfect for the weather we are having. And, Cleo, I love your books so I can't wait to get my copy of Murder By Mocha.

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  40. Just finished reading Espresso Shot and I'm reading Holiday Grind right now. I'm so glad you've added another book to the series - something for me to look forward to!!! (Hope this one posts, by the way - tried last night!)

    Mary Anne (themabster at hotmail)

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  41. I love your books (and the recipes)! I'm first on the list to check out at our library! Keep 'em coming!!!!

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  42. Love the books and love the recipes posted here. Can't wait for the next book!

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  43. Great website, thank you!

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  44. Your post include great detail of information yet you manged to keep it understandable

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  45. Frozen Hot Chocolate--what a merciful idea, with the weather we're having! And who wants to wait for winter to have hot chocolate, anyway? I always make my own, but I'll bet I could adapt it to this with no problem.

    Serendipity is a word that makes us smile in this house. Throughout our life together, we've noticed that serendipity is a delightful and ever-present phenomenon, and we never fail to answer its call!

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  46. Wee hooo! Another coffee house mystery. Excited! I've never been to Serendipity but I have their cookbook. I'd like to go. But I'd really love to read the newest book of yours! :-)

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  47. I CAN NOT WAIT! Although I usually don't drink (make that never drink) mocha, I can't wait for some Clare Cosi and Madam action. They're my fav characters (as much as I love my grandma, Madam is like the grandma that I never had...)

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  48. I just began On What Grounds this morning on my Kindle and am so enjoying it. I love the character of Madam especially. I look forward to the rest in the series.

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  49. Love your books...and your recipes....and COFFEE. Thanks so much for the chance to win your next book and the gift set!

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  50. This recipe sounds like the best of three worlds - chocolate, coffee, and something cold during this ridiculously hot summer. Thanks, Cleo!

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  51. Love both the recipe and the resturant. And of course love your books!!! I will definitely be making the frozen hot chocolate.

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  52. I can't wait for the new book to come out. I've enjoyed them so much. They've also taught me more than a thing or two about how to appreciate really good coffee. I also LOVE the recipes. Thanks a bunch for your stories! <3

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  53. My husband and I can not wait to read this next book! I am so in the mood now for Mocha!

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  54. Antonietta LoConsole PiccininiAugust 1, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    This looks so yummy! I can't wait to try the recipe. I've read the first six books in this series so far. I love them all!

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  55. I just requested Murder by Mocha as an audiobook...love listening to your books while driving to and from work. Makes the drive so much better!

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  56. So excited! Can't wait to sink my teeth into both!

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  57. That sounds really tasty!!

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  58. Can't wait for the new book! I've loved them all!

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  59. Chocolate and coffee together, wonderful! Thank you very much for the recipe. Murder by Mocha also sounds delicious and intriguing!

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  60. I'm looking forward to reading your new book!!!

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  61. This recipe sounds yummy and I'm looking forward to your new book.

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  62. Can't wait for new book either, they are great! Thanks!!!

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  63. What a great idea. Love your books.

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  64. Love the new book! Just love everything you write! Jeanni

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  65. Anna Louise DowningAugust 2, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Anna Louise Downing said:

    I love your books; can't wait to read this one and continue with the great recipes. I've done several of the recipes and they were wonderful!

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  66. The recipe for Frozen Hot Chocolate sounds amazing -- I'll definitely be trying it out this afternoon after the ice cubes set. Thanks so much for all the delicious recipes and the wonderful books!

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  67. Ummmm sounds so yummy.
    Tonya from Louisiana

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  68. I have been a huge fan of Serendipity 3 for over 20 years now. I almost feel like I was cool just for walking in and especially before Oprah found them.

    I tried in the past to make this up, never quite got it right. So now I plan to make this try. It sounds like it should work.

    Cleo, I've hinted now I need to be direct... any reason you are not submitting to eRecipecards??? You are such a great story teller with your photos. It would draw traffic to the blog and also make it easy for me to store your recipes in my eRecipeBOX (it is all about me after all). It only takes a couple minutes (I can get it down to less than a minute now) to post

    Submit this recipe, it works as I expect it to and I can promise I would love to "advertise" on my new blog. It's 107 degrees today. Would love to sip on this

    ANd thank you so much for the book. i am devouring it with great plans to be "inspired"!

    Dave (formerly Year on the Grill)

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