Back to the Kitchen

After a bit of a break of serious cooking in the kitchen, I'm back!  Well, I guess I should say that I'm coming back.  Adjusting to life with a little one around makes cooking meals even more adventurous than normal.  However, I did have time to make plenty of Christmas goodies this last Christmas.  One of my favorites were my mint chocolate Christmas trees.  They were delish!  Yes, I know Christmas is over, but let me share this easy recipe with you and adapt it for whatever event you want to. 

First I crushed candy canes and put them in the bottom of Christmas tree shaped silicon ice trays.  Next, I poured melted white chocolate into the molds, and tapped the molds on the counter.  The chocolate went into the fridge to allow the white chocolate to harden some.  After about 5 minutes I pulled them out and then poured the milk chocolate on top next.  Again I tapped the mold on the counter to release the air bubbles.  The mold went back into the fridge for fifteen minutes.  When the chocolate was hardened, I popped them out of the molds and they were ready to eat.  This delicious treat would work in any shape, or with any chocolates, so be creative and enjoy some homemade candies.

Christmas Candy

With Christmas only a week away, I'm excited to share my favorite recipe for Christmas candies.  Give my a slab of almond bark, and my mind begins wondering what all I could dip in the melted goodness.  Cookies, cereals, chocolate balls, all of the above are only bettered by a bit of candy coating.  My favorite candies to make, however, are to cover cereal in the almond bark. 

First, melt the almond bark according to the instructions on the package. Secondly, pour in some chex cereal, cheerios, or whatever other kind of cereal you wan in there.  Sometimes I've put rice krispies, asian noodles, and pretzels.  Mix the almond bark and the mixture together until everything is coated nicely.

Then pour the mixture out onto some wax paper, spreading it out so that it will dry.

This year I added a festive touch and sprinkled red and green sprinkles on top, before the almond bark hardened.

When the candy is dry, break it up into chunks, and store it in an airtight container.  Eat and enjoy!