Happy Birthday, Sherlock! (and a recipe)

My love for mysteries that began with the very early reading of Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes has continued to this day.  I've been collecting items related to mystery and Holmes, in particular, to such an extent that, at one time, I had a Sherlock Holmes guest room complete with a miniature recreation of his digs at 221 B Baker Street!  I have enough ornaments (and the search, as any true Holmes fan can tell you, continues), and used to erect a Sherlock Holmes Christmas tree each Christmas.

The mug in this picture was acquired at the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London, the spoon at a gift shop in Oxford, and the cookie was created from a cutter that I had custom made.  Some of my fondest memories are associated with Holmes, including the weekend I spent as Jeremy Brett's (portrayer of Holmes in the highly successful and long-running Granada television Sherlock Holmes series) escort when he was in town as a part of a ten-city U.S. tour.  I was in heaven!

Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes

The love of mystery becomes a part of you.  It has worked its way into my art...

Scrapbook page that was published in The Rubber Stamper magazine

my jewelry...

A Sherlock Holmes bracelet of my own design

my knitting...

A scarf of my own design soon to be available in my Etsy shop

and, as you saw above, my cooking.

While it's unclear if Holmes had any particular favorite food or beverage, I certainly have a favorite hot drink to which I will hoist and offer him the happiest 157th birthday a guy could ever have.  I hope you'll join me.

MALTED HOT CHOCOLATE

Serves 2

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips

1/4 cup malted milk powder

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup sugar

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat milk until hot but not boiling.  Whisk in chocolate chips and malted milk powder until smooth.  Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla.  Beat the cream until thick in a small bowl, gradually adding sugar and then beating until soft peaks form.

Pour hot chocolate into your favorite mug and top with generous dollops of whipped cream.

Enjoy this wonderful winter warmer while contemplating the passions of your life.

This is linked to Tablescape Thursday and Sunday Favorites