Easiest Chocolate Syrup Ever!

Have you ever noticed that going into the bathroom and closing the door will result in some sort of imminent catastrophe?

Built a train in the 2 minutes I was in there.

• Children punching each other
• Husband can't find (fill in the blank with what ever is missing) and he needs it immediately
• Urgent phone call
• Dog needs to go out right away
• Children are starving "we will die if we don't get a snack at this moment"
• Self inflicted hair cuts
• Mom, I need my medium sized Spiderman
• Mommy, I need to poop
• Honey, "How do I turn on the dishwasher"

And on, and on, and on...
I usually leave the lavatory without accomplishing my original mission, and often forgetting what I even went in for.

It actually amazes me how they can hear the click of the bathroom door from 4 rooms away, but can't hear a thing I say when standing right next to them.
The whole thing seems like an unnatural phenomena.  
I've been fine tuning my ninja skills in order to close the bathroom door unnoticed.

Well, gotta go...
In the time it's taken me to type this I've had at least 5 urgent requests.
I wish you peace in the potty today...it really is the little things!

Chocolate Syrup
Homemade chocolate syrup is a staple in our house. Super easy to make and lacking all of the mystery ingredients found in the store bought version. I usually reduce the sugar in this recipe by a little bit, but not too much. Use it to make chocolate milk, as an ice cream topping, or to make hot chocolate.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder(found in the baking isle)
1 cup water
pinch of salt

Method

1. In a small saucepan, mix sugar, cocoa and salt.
2. Add water and stir well.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring when you remember to.
4. Reduce heat and cook for 1 minute.
5. Remove from heat and cool.
6. Store in the refrigerator.

Mini Mason Jar Cheesecake!

My love for Mason jars runs deep.
I'm seriously kinda obsessed with them. 
Functional, beautiful, environmentally friendly, affordable...
And there are so many uses!
Canning
Freezing
Food storage
Crafts
But today's recipe and its use of jar lids takes the cake.
The cheesecake.

These perfectly portioned cheese cakes are easy, delicious and adorable. 
I've topped mine with a simple caramel sauce, but feel free to be creative.
Classic cherry
Fudge
Blueberry
Salted caramel
Lemon curd
Lots of options!

Make one or make 'em all and have a cheesecake bar at your next gathering.
Or just after dinner tonight!

Mini Mason Jar Cheesecake
The Mason jar lids and rings will act as mini spring form pans. After cheesecakes have baked and cooled you will be able to easily pop them out of the rings.

Ingredients

Cereal crusts.

Crust:
1 cup crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch(about 2 cups whole cereal)
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
Cheesecake filling:
1 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons sour cream
2 Tablespoons cream

Before heading to the oven.

Caramel Topping:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream

Method

1. For crust, combine crushed cereal and melted butter.
2. Press the cereal combination into 12 mason car lids/rings.Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. For cheesecake filling, combine all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer.
5. Starting on low, mix ingredients. Gradually increase mixer speed until smooth.
6. Divide filling among the 12 prepared crusts. Do not overfill.
7. Bake for 12 minutes and then turn oven off and leave cheesecakes in the oven for 10 more minutes. Do not open the oven door. 
8. Remove cheesecakes and cool completely.
9. For caramel topping, melt butter in a medium sauce pan.
10. Add sugar and cream. Whisk constantly over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
11. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. 
12. Remove from heat and cool. 
13. Remove cheesecakes from jar lids and top with cooled caramel topping.