Edible Treats Make The Best Holiday Gifts

Running low on money and can’t seem to stand the thought of running around town looking for those last minute gifts? I feel you! No need to worry because these edible treats will make for the best holiday gifts because everyone loves a sweet treat and making something is more special than buying from a store.  These recipes are stupidly super simple!

Last week I made peppermint bark, nutty chocolate bark,  and peanut butter dipped pretzel sticks to bring to my fellow classmates.  I also had some leftover Christmas candies I threw into the gift bags as well.  There’s just something about the holiday season that makes me want to get in the kitchen and cook or bake for others.  Also, I am not made of money.  I am running low on money because I’ve spent most of it on gifts for my immediate family members and close friends; therefore, these edible gifts will be perfect for the other people I want to spoil this Christmas season!

For this recipe you will need:

1 pound white chocolate

1 pound semi-sweet chocolate

Crushed peppermint candies

1 to 2 cups salted peanuts

1 to 2 cups raisins or dried cranberries

1 bag pretzel sticks

2 cups peanut butter

Christmas candies

Melting chocolate works best in a double boiler.  If you do not have one, just simmer a small amount of water in a sauce pot and place a metal bowl on top of the pot (it should fit snug on top).  Melt the white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate separately.  I added a touch of heavy whipping cream to each to give it a nice creamy, smoothness.

Once the white chocolate is completely melted, add the crushed peppermint candies and some other candies if you desire and pour onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Smooth the chocolate out to about a 1-inch thickness.  Place in the freezer for 30 minutes and then transfer to the refrigerator.  Break up into big and/or small pieces once the chocolate is nicely hardened.

Once the semi-sweet chocolate is completely melted, add the peanuts and raisins or dried cranberries and pour onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Smooth the chocolate out to about a 1-inch thickness. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes and then transfer to the refrigerator.  Break up into big and/or small pieces once the chocolate is nicely hardened.

For the peanut butter pretzel sticks- simply melt the peanut butter in a microwave proof bowl for about 20-30 seconds or until melted.  Dip the pretzel sticks in the peanut butter and swirl to apply a generous coating.  Place onto parchment paper and pop in the refrigerator for a few hours or until the peanut butter has hardened.

It’s all that simple and I promise, people love and appreciate edible gifts! Merry Christmas!