
My husband, Justin, and I have set ourselves a fun project for 2010. We’re going to do one new thing each week of the year. It can be something small or something large. We might travel to a new neighbourhood or a new country. We might try a new recipe or a new kind of wine. We might explore a new language or try a new instrument. Whatever we choose, every week we’ll share something new together. And Justin’s even said he’s okay with me sharing it with you.
This week we decided to try a new recipe. We made Spiced Hot Dark Chocolate, a recipe from Body + Soul magazine. It’s hot chocolate made from scratch with soy milk (we made it with milk though), dark chocolate, cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne and coarse salt – wild, eh?

I have to say that for a lot of the process we weren’t very hopeful about how it was going to turn out! It seemed to stay thin and it took us a while to really find the ideal temperature. And then all of a sudden – voila – everything came together into a rich mixture with a delicious depth of flavour. A total treat for a cold wintry night and the perfect start to our New 52 Project!
I wonder what we’ll get up to next week!

Feel free to create your own New 52. Start anytime. Invite a friend or loved one to join you. Involve your whole family. Or maybe share with 52 new people this year! What experiences might you create? What fun and unexpected memories might fill 2010? Life’s an adventure! What are you going to explore?
And though it’s usually my sister’s territory, since a few of you have asked me, here’s the recipe:
And here’s the recipe if you’re interested:
Spiced Hot Chocolate
from Body & Soul magazine
1 quart soy milk (we used 1% milk)
6 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 to 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/8 tsp ground cayenne
1/8 tsp coarse salt
In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and whick over medium-low heat until the chocolate hs melted completely and the mixture is steaming hot, about 5 minutes.
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{ 17 comments }
What a terrific idea, Jamie! And this hot cocoa sounds delicious. Perfect for this cold weather!
I love this idea, Jamie! I think we’ll try it. And, yes, that hot cocoa sounds yummy! May your New 52 Project bring you much joy!
Oh I like that Jamie!! What a wonderful idea!! Not too overwhelming..just one new thing a week..I think I can do that!!
The hot cocoa looks heavenly..hold the cinnamon for me though..Yummmmy!! Hugs, Sarah
I love that idea… just one a week makes it easier (at least for me) than the 1 new thing or 1 change a day!
That sounds like the perfect treat tonight – it’s like Canadian winter here right now!! Could you send me the recipe? I can’t get B&S here.
I wish you and your husband a year full of magical new experiences. XO
What a great idea! One new thing a week is something I can handle! All the best to you this coming year :)
I love the notion of my beloved and I trying something new each week. He has just stepped into blogging (with lots of loving support from the “woman who loves him”) ….52 ways to change my world, yep I’m in.. think I will start something down this end of the world. Thanks Jamie, heart’y inspiration for Monday morning.
What a cool idea Jamie!!
And yummmm…..that hot chocolate looks fab!
Hmm… That sounds pretty interesting. I’ve tried hot cocoa with a little cayenne pepper before, but never quite like this. And since M can’t drink cow’s milk, this sounds like it might be cool to try. Thanks for passing along the recipe.
-TimK
What a wonderful idea! My beloved hubby is out of town for a bit, but when he gets back, I think I’m going to approach him with this idea. I think we could handle one new thing a week. And, the cocoa looks wonderful!
Food is everyone territory! The more we explore the better life tastes and homemade hot chocolate it wonderful, so glad you tried it Jamie. Never had the spicy kind before, I am kind of old fashioned when it comes to the sweeter things in life but love that you were so adventurous.
I love the idea of doing something new each week!
I love this idea!
Can’t wait to see what each week brings!
Wow, cayenne! That sounds really good. I love your 52 new things idea. It could be contagious.
What a fun idea!
What a fun idea – trying something new each week!!
Oddly enough, as much as I like chocolate, I am not a fan of hot chocolate to drink! I will admit though – the idea of spiced chocolate makes me want to try it though! Think the movie Chocolat! (And now I’ve veered into your other sister’s territory – the movies!) :)
That is truly a wonderful Ideal, and so yummy too. You have a great husband , to commit to doing things with you. I wish mine would. That would be bliss.
Fun! Can’t wait to see what you get up to! And will see if my partner’s up for it!
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