Dark Chocolate Mocha Granita

A refreshing cold ..Icy...Chocolaty....Dessert ...Just for both of you:)
( It has Coffee and hence 'adults only' dessert!!)

"Granita" is a Semi frozen, icy dessert made with Sugar, water and various flavorings. It looks like shaved ice/ crushed Popsicles!

I was watching "Melissa De'Arabian" on Food Network that day in the afternoon.In her $10 meals ...was this easy breezy icy dessert called "Mocha Granita". I just couldn't wait to try it out..and gave it my version by additions of Dark chocolate and chocolate chips.....and our very favorite ...Bru Instant Coffee :)
I thought the dark chocolate makes it more richer tasting and the mini chocolate chips give a pleasant surprise when you bite into the icy granita.

Ingredients:
2 Cups Water
1/2 cup milk
3 tsp Bru Instant Coffee
4tsp sugar ( add more for sweeter granita)
3tsp Hersheys Dark Chocolate cocoa powder( unsweetened)
1/2tsp Vanilla essence
1 tbsp 'mini' chocolate chips

(You can use Whipped cream to garnish the Granita)

Method:
1) Boil water and add the coffee. Let it boil for 2-3 mins
2) Add sugar, cocoa powder, milk and mix. Let it cool completely
3) Add the Vanilla essence and stir
4) Pour in freezer safe glass dish( I used 8x8 glass container)
5) Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and stir.
6) Freeze for total 4-5 hrs.Stir every 45 mins or so.
7) When serving defrost on counter top for 5-10 mins. Scrape with a fork

 8) Scoop out with ice cream scoop. You can garnish with a dollop of Whipped Cream ( I didn't have any in the refrigerator) and more mini chocolate chips.

Linguine with Artichoke hearts,Red Bell Pepper,Mushrooms and Broccoli

Atleast once a week..we have a "Pasta" meal time! Everyone at home likes Pasta and then there are so many variations that you can play with..it's always fun!!
When I first came to USA....my culinary knowledge was limited.."M" taught me how to make "Pasta". It was like---In short--- Boil Pasta, Open Garden Combination "Ragu" bottled sauce, add frozen Mix Veg....tadah...All Done!! For few years I did make my Pasta the same way!! We have so many of those empty bottles hosting other ingredients in the pantry even now!
But now....with all the culinary exposure...I have learned many different sauces and a lot of variation in Pasta making and... We hardly buy the 'Pasta sauce' anymore!

Ingredients:
(Serves about 4-6)
1/2 pkg Linguine pasta
1/2 cup  Artichoke hearts( I used canned)
1/2 cup chopped Red bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced mushroom
1/2 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes( I used canned)
3 garlic cloves minced
1/2tsp black ground pepper
1/2tsp dried basil
1tsp oregano
1/2 to 1tsp red pepper flakes (adjust spice level)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2tsp lemon juice
salt
2tbsp olive oil
Parsley/ Cilantro for garnish

Method:
1) Boil the pasta as per package directions in salted water.
2) Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in the pan, saute the garlic and the veggies for few seconds.
3) Add the drained pasta, herbs, spices,salt, lemon juice and toss.
4) Just before serving, add the Parmesan cheese and toss.

 Serve hot along with a warm bowl of soup/ salad or a crunchy Garlic toast!