donna's daily dish

snow, sleet and hot cocoa

1/25/2026

My granddaughter Face Timed my husband this morning and asked “What did Nana make you for breakfast?” My husband, “Nothing, I poured myself some cereal.” Granddaughter, “Oh, I’m so disappointed.” Unfortunately, I didn’t make him eggs or pancakes this morning, but he did get a lovely souffléed omelet yesterday for lunch filled with sauteed leeks and cheddar cheese accompanied by toasted corn bread. I her told that I would make him a cup of hot cocoa this afternoon.

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relaxing January

1/22/2026

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I can’t believe that January is already half over. I’ve been savoring the relaxed pace with our CSA box and holiday baking behind me. There are still some anise seed biscotti left that we are slowly nibbling away at.

After the Christmas holiday, my daughter asked me to pick up a canister of Williams-Sonoma Classic Hot Chocolate. The original retail price was $28.95 for 10.5 ounces that makes approximately 8 cups of hot chocolate. The classic hot chocolate was literally shaved chocolate in a can. However, though the price was reduced, it was still quite expensive. I did a little digging and found a recipe by Melissa Clark on the app NYT Cooking. For Ms. Clark’s recipe you’ll need confectioners’ sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder (you can use either natural cocoa for a more complex flavor or Dutch process for a deeper and rich color), chopped bittersweet chocolate (62 to 72% cacao), chopped milk chocolate (can use vegan chocolate), vanilla bean paste and a pinch of sea salt.

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winter dining deals at the Jersey shore

1/18/2026

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Grilled Flank Steak with Risotto from Mabel at Bellworks

Prior to retiring several years ago, I used to love perusing websites such as Talbots during their semi-annual clothing sales. After the holidays, I found it especially great for shopping as that’s when prices became sharply reduced. Now, my excitement comes from food store specials or shopping at Uncle Giuseppe’s on Wednesdays for my 5% senior discount. Another thing I like to see is what dining offers local restaurants have. Some of the special offers are offered in the off season which usually starts sometime in October and ends just before Memorial Day weekend.

In Belmar, Bar Anticipation has a daily blue plate special from 11 AM to 4 PM that includes a choice of starch and fresh vegetable for $7.95. Monday is a Guinness Beef Stew, Tuesday - meatloaf, Wednesday - chicken Parmesan, Thursday - boneless center cut pork chop and Friday has broiled or beer batter fish and chips. Monday nights you can purchase one burger and get the second burger for half price. Tuesday night’s offering is two tacos for $7 (served all day) and starting at 5 PM, 75¢ jumbo wing special.

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old and new

1/17/2026

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Now that the holidays are over, I’ve gone back through my recipes and dusted off a few gems that I haven’t made in a very long time. I prepared a wonderful one pot meal perfect for a weeknight supper, Chicken and Dumplings. The recipe is from the original “Gourmet Magazine,” circa February 1994. The chicken parts are simmered in chicken stock containing leeks, shallots, carrots and celery along with a bay leaf, thyme and apple cider. The accompanying light and tender dumplings are flavored with fresh dill.

Although I complain how expensive it is to make, Crockpot Beef Barley Soup is one of our favorite soups. The broth is rich and hearty as it’s made with oxtails, beef marrow bones and beef chuck roast. Crushed tomatoes, pearl barley, carrots, celery and seasonings of freshly ground black pepper, fresh thyme sprigs, and a fresh bay leaf enhance the soup that eats like a meal.

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snow, sleet and hot cocoa

relaxing January

winter dining deals at the Jersey shore

old and new

meet donna

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snow, sleet and hot cocoa

relaxing January

winter dining deals at the Jersey shore

old and new

​meet donna

Archives

meet donna