Monday is Family Night in the Kitchen

So tonight was our new ritual of the girls and I cooking together in the kitchen.  Serena, 13, has been asking for weeks for Swedish Meatballs so I thought it would be fun to just be her support and let her do the cooking.


Dinner was great, Serena did the meatballs, cooked the rice and the sauce and even got a compliment from dad on how good dinner was,  the smile on her face at that moment was priceless!

Mondays with Kids in the Kitchen

Hey everyone, so I've joined a group where I'm going to post the adventures on Mondays that my girls and I have in the kitchen.  My two at home, are Rena - 13 and Krystal - 15, both love to cook and help out alot in kitchen.  Suffering from chronic pain with my Fibromyalgia, they help out alot, I'm very lucky on that aspect.


This week they made on their own, Christmas Sugar Cookies and my favorite, Snicker-doodles.  Krystal had also made by scratch on her own, the BEST cinnamon rolls, didn't get a pic, but I will next time.


Bringing your kids into the kitchen, not only gives you quality time together but can also help you share with them family recipes and even incorporate school lessons.  My girls are home schooled and cooking makes addition and especially fractions fun.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Spices can be very expensive, here's an alternative, make your own pumpkin pie spice!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg (see note)
1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional)

Method:
Combine all ingredients for desired mix and blend well. Store in a small, airtight container. Feel free to experiment with amounts to get a blend that works for you.

Note:
If using freshly ground nutmeg, you might want to cut back a little bit because the flavor can be quite strong. Since you're going to be storing the mix anyway, it is not crucial to use freshly ground here. 

Tofu Burrito with Avocado Salsa

1 lb. firm tofu, crumbled
2 lg. carrots, grated
2 zucchini, grated
5 scallions, chopped
1/2 c. roasted sunflower seeds
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. oil
Salsa
1 ripe avocado, mashed
1 oz. salsa
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

In a skillet, heat oil and saute garlic. Add onions, carrots, zucchini; cook
3-4 minutes. Add tofu and sunflower seeds. Cook 3 more minutes and remove
from heat. In a bowl, mash avocado, salsa and lemon together. Wrap scramble
and salsa in a whole tortilla. 

Crazy Cake Mix in a Jar

Everyone loves a handmade gift and it's affordable to you too!  Be creative when decorating the jar; use fabric, raffia, personalize your labels, etc.

2 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/3 cups sugar

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, cocoa powder & baking powder. Layer ingredients in jar in order given in a 1 quart canning jar. It is helpful to tap jar lightly on a padded surface (towel on counter) as you layer the ingredients to make all ingredients fit neatly. Use scissors to cut a 9 inch-diameter circle from fabric of your choice. Center fabric circle over lid and secure with a rubber band. Tie on a raffia or ribbon bow to cover the rubber band. Attach a card with the following directions:

Crazy Cake
3/4 cup Vegetable Oil
2 tsp. Vinegar
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 cups Water
Stir cake ingredients together using a wire whisk or fork, making certain that all ingredients are completely mixed together.

Bake at 350ºF for 35 minutes. Frost as desired or serve sprinkled with powdered sugar, with fresh fruit on the side.

__._,_.___

Pop-Tarts® | Sprinklings | Peppermint Bark Bars

Pop-Tarts® | Sprinklings | Peppermint Bark Bars

Banana Beignets

6 cups vegetable oil, or as needed, for frying

1 cup milk

1 cup water

1 large egg*

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons sugar

2 firm bananas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Pour oil into a deep pot to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Heat oil to 370 degrees F.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, combine milk, water and egg. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add slowly to milk mixture and mix until batter is smooth.

Fill a 2-tablespoon measure half full with batter, add a slice of banana and then fill the rest of the way with batter. Do not make them bigger as they will not cook through.

Drop formed beignet into hot oil and fry 3 to 4 minutes. When each beignet floats to surface, turn it and keep turning periodically until it's golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels. This will have to be done in batches.

While still warm, either roll beignets in confectioners' sugar or place sugar in a strainer and sprinkle over them. Serve hot.

*Break the egg in a separate bowl first to check for blood spots and discard it if it has a spot. This is how to check for a kosher egg.

Makes 20 to 24 beignets

Potato Casserole

Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds frozen hash browns, thawed and set aside
½ cup melted butter
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 pint sour cream
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup crushed cornflakes

Mix all (except first and last) ingredients together. Fold in
potatoes; put mixture in 13 x 9 –inch buttered baking dish.
Sprinkle top with crushed cornflakes; drizzle with a little extra
melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Great dish to
take to pot lucks.

Homemade Orange Marmalade

Ingredients

nocoupons

• 4 large seedless oranges
• 2 lemons
• 8 cups sugar

Directions

Cut the oranges and lemons in half crosswise, then into very thin half-moon slices. (If you have a mandoline, this will be quite fast.) Discard any seeds. Place the sliced fruit and their juices into a stainless-steel pot. Add 8 cups water and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Cover and allow to stand overnight at room temperature.

The next day, bring the mixture back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours. Turn the heat up to medium and boil gently, stirring often, for another 30 minutes. Skim off any foam that forms on the top. Cook the marmalade until it reaches 220 degrees F on a candy thermometer. If you want to be doubly sure it's ready, place a small amount on a plate and refrigerate it until it's cool but not cold. If it's firm -- neither runny nor too hard -- it's done. It will be a golden orange color. (If the marmalade is runny, continue cooking it and if it's too hard, add more water.)

Pour the marmalade into clean, hot Mason jars; wipe the rims thoroughly with a clean damp paper towel, and seal with the lids. Store in the pantry for up to a year.

Recipe from: Barefoot Contessa - Food Network

Make Your Own Grand Marnier

Make Your Own Grand Marnier, great for Christmas gifts!

4 medium Oranges

1 Vanilla bean

2 1/2 cups Vodka

1 cup Brandy

1 cup white granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

Look for firm, heavy oranges which indicates lots of juice, and smooth;skinned ones free from soft spots and mold.

Wash and peel oranges making sure to scrape ALL white rind from the peels to avoid bitter flavor. Slice in strips and add to liquor and vanilla bean. Steep 2-3 weeks, strain and filter.

Boil together water and sugar for about 5 minutes at a full boil

and be sure the sugar is dissolved.

Allow to cool.

Add sugar syrup to orange liquor and let age for 4 weeks.

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 32-oz. Bag of frozen southern-style hash brown potatoes 
• 1 lb. Of bacon cut into pieces, fried and drained
• 1/2 C. Diced onions
• 3/4 lb. Cheddar cheese, diced
• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 C. Milk
• 1/2 tsp. Dry mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Layer the frozen potatoes, bacon, onions and cheese in the crockpot in three layers. Make the cheese the last layer.

Beat the eggs, milk and mustard, salt & pepper together. Pour over the whole mixture.

Cook on low for 10 to 12 hours

Herbed Crockpot Stuffing

List of Ingredients 

• 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 medium Granny Smith apple, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1-1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1-1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1-1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• 1-1/2 tsp crumbled sage
• 1-1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 12 packed cups 1-inch cubes of stale Italian or French bread (about 1 pound)
• 1-1/2 cups turkey or chicken stock, preferably homemade

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery and apple. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, sage, salt and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes with the onion mixture. Tossing the bread cubes, add the turkey broth to moisten. Pack the stuffing lightly into a buttered 3-1/2-quart slow cooker.
3. Cover and slow-cook on HIGH (300° F) for 1 hour. Reduce the heat to LOW (200° F) and slow-cook until heated through, 3 to 4 hours. (The slow cooker will keep the dressing at serving temperature for up to 3 hours.)
   
   Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Vegetable Cheese Casserole

My daughter has recently become a vegetarian, so I'm always looking for yummy recipes for her that are meatless, here's one.

Ingredients:
------------
8 whole-wheat bread slices
3/4 cup Gruyere cheese -- shredded
1/4 cup chopped green onions
3 eggs -- slightly beaten
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground basil -- * see note
1 dash salt
2 tomatoes -- sliced

Directions:
-----------
* Use 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil if preferred. Substitute Swiss cheese for
Gruyere if preferred.

1. Use a 9 x 9-inch pan or baking dish. Grease the pan with margarine.
Place 4 slices of the bread in the bottom of pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the
cheese and the green onions. Top with remain
ing bread slices.

2. Combine eggs, milk, mayonnaise, Tabasco, basil and salt in small bowl;
mix well. Pour the egg mixture over the bread; press so bread is covered
with the liquid.

3. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or longer.

4. Uncover and top with thin slices of tomatoes and sprinkle with the
remaining cheese. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven 30-35 minutes. It is done
when a knife inserted near center comes out cl
ean. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.

Breakfast Casserole

Great for brunches or when you have company over.

Serves 8

8 frozen hash brown patties

4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 c. chopped cooked ham

7 eggs

1 c. milk

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. ground mustard

Place hash brown patties in a greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish.  Sprinkle with cheese and ham.

In bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt and mustard.  Pour over ham.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Uncover and bake 15 minutes more or until edges are golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cinnamon Ornaments

Cinnamon Ornaments make a fun scented crafted for adults and kids alike.

Makes 12 to 15 ornaments.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 1/2 hours or 1 to 2 days drying time

3/4 cup applesauce

1 bottle (4.12 ounces) McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground

Supplies needed:

Cookie cutters

Drinking straw

Colorful ribbon

1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Mix applesauce and cinnamon in small bowl until a smooth ball of dough is formed. (You may need use your hands to incorporate all of the cinnamon.) Using about 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll dough to 1/4-inch to 1/3-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. Peel off top sheet of plastic wrap. Cut dough into desired shapes with 2- to 3-inch cookie cutters. Make a hole at top of ornament with drinking straw or skewer. Place ornaments on baking sheet.

2. Bake 2 1/2 hours. Cool ornaments on wire rack. (Or, to dry ornaments at room temperature, carefully place them on wire rack. Let stand 1 to 2 days or until thoroughly dry, turning occasionally.)

3. Insert ribbon through holes and tie to hang. Decorate with opaque paint markers, found in arts and crafts stores, if desired.

Test Kitchen Tip: If a different size bottle of cinnamon is used, measure 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cinnamon.

DO NOT EAT

For more recipes visit: McCormick's Website

Sweet Potato Fruit Salad

INGREDIENTS: 
1 54 oz. can Bruce's Whole Yams
1-1/2 cup seedless grapes
3/4 cup sliced celery (1/2 inch slices)
6 tablespoons honey
2 cups pineapple chunks (drained)6 oranges (peeled, sectioned, seeded) 1
cup raisins
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
6 Tbsp. orange juice
3 cups pecans

DIRECTIONS: 
In a large bowl, combine orange sections, Bruce's Yams, grapes, raisins,
celery, pineapple, and pecans. Blend cream cheese, honey and orange
juice in a second dish. Pour dressing over potato/fruit mixture and toss
to coat. Chill.

Child Friendly Cooking with Barefoot Books

Today I wanted to share with you a favorite book of mine from Barefoot Books.  The book is called "Kids Kitchen" and has 40 fun recipes for you and your kids to make.  

Kids' Kitchen

40 Fun and Healthy Recipes to Make and Share

Step into the kitchen for some child-friendly fun with food. The forty recipes in this colorful deck are based around the five main food groups, and offer a healthy and exciting way to learn about cooking.

Ages 8 and up

Written By: Fiona Bird

Illustrated By: Roberta Arenson

Bringing kids into the kitchen is a great way to share family time, learn and practice math & science facts and so much more all while making yummy and healthy treats and meals.

Barefoot Books also offers a great opportunity to work from home too!

http://www.lunawolf.barefootbooks.com/

Herb Seasoned Broccoli and Tomatoes

One of my daughters has become a vegetarian so I've been looking for recipes for her, she's 15.  I'll be sharing here.

 
1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces


2 Tablespoons olive oil


1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves


1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves


1/2 teaspoon salt


1 clove garlic, finely chopped


2 plum tomatoes, seeded, chopped






Heat 1 inch water to boiling in a skillet. Add broccoli, heat to boiling. Boil 5 to 7 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. In skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until hot. Remove skillet from heat, add broccoli and toss gently to coat.

Harvest Chicken Stew

Serves/Makes: 4

Difficulty Level: 3
Ready In: > 5 hrs
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup applesauce
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon rosemary
Directions:
Spray crock pot with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in crockpot. Place sweet potatoes and apples over the top.
In a small bowl mix chicken broth, applesauce and spices. Pour over the chicken, potatoes and apples. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare the wild rice as directed on package.
Serve chicken stew over the wild rice.

Sandra Lee's Orange Thing Cocktail

Ingredients

1 (64-ounce) bottle mango-peach juice, chilled, V8 Splash®

1 cup chilled orange vodka

1 cup chilled sparkling water

Black plastic spiders (optional)

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine juice, vodka, and sparkling water.

Garnish with spiders, if desired.

Looking for Vegetarian Recipes

My daughter is 15 years old and her name is Krystal.  You can see her in the pic above.  She recently has made the choice to become a Vegetarian.  I'm supporting her in this choice and her and I are both looking for Vegetarian and/or even Vegan recipes. 

If you have a Vegetarian or Vegan recipe you would like to share, please comment and be sure to include your blog url if you have one so we can let everyone know when we try the recipes and post the pic and our reviews.

Thanks for your help.

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Ingredients

2 pounds powdered sugar

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 stick butter (melted)

1 teaspoon vanilla

about 3 small jars of cherries

1 package almond bark chocolate

Directions

Drain the cherries in a colander, saving some of the juice for any left-over cherries.

Line 3 to 4 cookie sheets and/or baking pans with wax paper.

Mix the powdered sugar, condensed milk, melted butter, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. When the mixture begins to form a dough, then mix by hand (this helps get the lumps out of the powdered sugar).

Pinch off a small amount of dough. Press the dough into a circle slightly smaller than your palm. Take one cherry and roll the dough around it.

Place the wrapped cherry on the wax paper lined cookie sheet or baking pan. After all the dough is gone, place them in the freezer for about an hour.

Melt the chocolate (according to the directions on the package) in a medium mixing bowl.

Remove the cherries from the freezer. Dip the cherries in the chocolate and replace them on the cookie sheets. (the easiest way to accomplish this is to drop a cherry by hand into the chocolate and use two forks to roll it around, making sure it is entirely covered with chocolate; then remove from the chocolate with forks and place on the cookie sheet)

 If desired, place the cookie sheets back into the freezer and leave for about 10 minutes to harden.

Homemade Hummus YUMMO!

You can buy this appetizer pre-made at any grocery store, but this homemade version is so much better and it makes a lot. Serve it up with warm pita bread, pita chips, or fresh and colorful veggies. Try adding roasted red peppers for a fun variation.


• 30 oz chick peas, no salt, drained and rinsed

• 1/4 cup(s) tahini

• 1/3 cup(s) olive oil

• 2 lemon(s)

• 3 clove(s) garlic

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1 1/2 tsp cumin

1. Combine chick peas, tahini, 1/3 cup warm water, olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, garlic cloves, kosher salt and cumin in a food processor. Process until smooth and creamy.

2. Add more lemon juice and pepper to taste. Store covered in the fridge until ready to use.

YIELD 2-3 Cups

Make Your Own Instant Cocoa Mix

Anytime I can make something for cheaper than I can buy it I do!  Here's a recipe for instant cocoa and by making your own, you don't have the paper from the packets going into the trash or the boxes going into the trash, it's a green decision :)

Instant Cocoa Mix


2 cups nonfat dry milk powder


1/2 cup lower-fat powdered nondairy creamer


1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder


10 packets Equal® or 1 Tablespoon Equal® Measure


3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)


For cocoa mix, stir together milk powder, nondairy creamer, cocoa powder, Equal® and, if desired,


cinnamon. Cover and store in an airtight container.


For each serving, in a heat-proof mug add 3/4 cup boiling water to 1/3 cup cocoa mix; stir to dissolve.


Makes 2 2/3 cups mix, enough for 8 six-ounce servings.

Ghoulish Punch

* 32 Servings



* Prep: 10 min. + freezing


Ingredients:
* 12 gummy spiders


* 1 vinyl glove


* 1 gallon tropical fruit punch, chilled


* 2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled


* 1 quart raspberry sherbet

Directions:

* Pour water into an ice cube tray; add a gummy spider to each of 12 compartments. Freeze for at least 4 hours. Fill glove with water; tie or seal and freeze for at least 4 hours.


* In a 7-qt. punch bowl, combine punch and soda. Add sherbet and ice cubes. Remove glove from hand-shaped ice; add to punch. Serve immediately. Yield: 32 servings (6 quarts).

Ghoul Punch published in Simple & Delicious September/October 2008, p37

Tip Creepy Cauldron:
To create a spooky scene at your Halloween party, purchase dry ice from your local grocery store's seafood department or ice supplier. Using tongs or thick gloves, place the dry ice in a watertight container; cover with water. Warm water will create more smoke, but it will disappear quickly. Cooler water will produce less dense smoke, but it will last longer. If the amount of smoke decreases during your party, add more dry ice and water.

Editor's Note: Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands. Use tongs or thick gloves. Keep dry ice out of the reach of children.

Pumpkin Spiced Lattes

Not only is October my favorite month and time of year but I absolutely love Pumpkin Spiced Latte's and for some reason I only drink them in October, LOL.

Ingredients



3 cups hot whole milk


4 teaspoons white sugar


1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice


6 ounces double-strength brewed coffee


3 tablespoons sweetened whipped cream


3 pinches pumpkin pie spice


Directions


1.Combine the hot milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice in a blender; blend until frothy. Pour the mixture into 3 coffee mugs to about 2/3 full. Pour 2 ounces coffee into each mug. Garnish each mug with whipped topping and pumpkin pie spice.

Fruit Burritos

6 (6-inch) flour tortillas
1 (4 serving) pkg. sugar free vanilla cook & serve pudding mix
3/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups cherries (or fruit of your choice), no sugar added, (frozen,
fresh or canned)
2-3 drops red food coloring
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tb. confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In medium saucepan combine pudding mix, water and cherries.
Cook over medium heat until thick.
Add red food coloring and almond extract.
Mix well to combine.
Remove from heat.
Spray a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with butter-flavored
cooking spray.
Evenly divide cherry filling and place in center of each tortilla.
Fold one edge over filling; roll tightly to opposite side.
Place seam side down on cookie sheet.
Spray top of each with butter-flavored cooking spray.
Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Bake 10-12 minutes.

Quickly respray with butter-flavored cooking spray after baking 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and dust lightly with confectioners sugar.
Good served hot or cold.

Serves 6

Fried Zucchini

Ingredients

• Peanut oil, for frying
• 3 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

Spicy Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Dash hot sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
Measure flour into a pie plate. In another pie plate combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper, to taste. In a third plate add eggs and water. Dredge the zucchini in the flour, followed by the egg and finally in the panko.
Working in batches, place the breaded zucchini slices in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray and immediately season with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the zucchini.
For the sauce:
Add all the ingredients into a serving bowl and mix until incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and let flavors marinate for at least 1 hour.

Source: Food Network - Down Home with the Neely's

Ok normally I use Frangelico only for Chocolate Cake shots and couldn't imagine using it any other way until I found this yummy recipe for cheesecake.

Frangelican Chocolate Cheesecake

Servings: 12

* Crust:

* 1 1/4 cup ground chocolate wafers


* 1/4 cup ground hazelnuts


* 2 tbsp brown sugar


* 1/2 tsp hazelnut extract


* 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter
* Filling:


* 6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped


* 4 tbsp unsalted butter


* 20 oz cream cheese, softened


* 2 eggs


* 3 egg yolks


* 1 cup sugar


* 1 tsp hazelnut extract
* Topping:


* 6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped


* 1 tbsp Frangelica liquor


* 2 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream


* 1/2 cup sugar


* Garnish with chocolate curls

Mix crust ingredients together in bowl, press into bottom of spring form pan and place in preheated 350 degree oven for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. When cool, lightly grease inside of pan. In double boiler over simmering water melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth then transfer to mixing bowl. Add cream cheese, eggs and yolks, sugar and hazelnut extract, beat until smooth and creamy, pour into spring form pan and place in hot oven to bake for 35 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.
When completely cool, cover and place in refrigerator. Topping: In double boiler over simmering water melt chocolate with Frangelica and 1/3 cup cream, stirring until smooth then let cool. Beat remaining 2 cups whipping cream in clean, metallic bowl until stiff peaks form, fold in cooled chocolate and sugar and transfer contents to pastry bag and decoratively pipe mousse in small circular peaks onto cheesecake. Garnish with chocolate curls, slice and serve.