Easy Homemade Chocolate Treats

05.30 in candy, cane, chocolate, easy, hearts, homemade, Paid, treats

Chocolates are a popular gift for Christmas. Usually, we are stocked up till April! But that doesnt matter because its chocolate and it is delicious. I have seen a lot of home made fudge DIY gifts, but for those who dont like fudge, I thought a chocolate option may be a great alternative. So instead of buying a box, why not have a go at making your own? They dont just have to be given as a gift, you can make them for a holiday party/gathering or simply eat them all yourself (I had to make another batch as half of the first disappeared shhhh).  

This is a super easy DIY, that can be made as a last minute gift or a few hours before a party. You only need a few ingredients and a chocolate mould, mine was £2.99 from The Range

As I was making mine for gifts I chose things the person would like, crushed candy cane on top with a marshmallow filling and a mix of white and milk chocolate. But you can mix and match the fillings, toppings and chocolate. I think dark chocolate with a crushed walnut on top and a bit of a dried apricot would be delicious (I may have to make that as a gift for myself). 

Ingredients

• Chocolate of choice
• Topping - Candy cane, Nut, Sprinkles etc
• Filling - Marshmallows, Dried fruit etc 

Directions

1. Place crushed candy cane (or topping choice) in each mould. 

2. Melt chocolate in a heat proof bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the water doesnt touch the bowl. I found it easier to work in batches so the chocolate stayed runny and didnt start stiffening again.

3. With a small spoon, carefully spoon the chocolate into each mould. Only fill them half way.

4. Next place a marshmallow (or filling choice) in each mould and push down slightly.

5. Then, melt more chocolate if needed, and spoon chocolate over filling and until the mould is filled.

6. Place in the fridge for a few hours. Then pop out of the moulds and enjoy, wrap or rush out the door. 

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Chocolate Candy Cane Hearts

14.15 in a, bauble, candy, cane, chocolate, diy, gift, hearts, in, Paid

Who doesnt love to nibble away on a candy cane during the Christmas period? You start of with 12 on the tree and two days later theyve all vanished! Well, thats what its like with my brothers around.

Pairing the both equally deliciousness of candy canes and chocolate makes an amazing holiday treat.

Yes, Im sharing with you another DIY. But its Christmas, and theres so many DIYs that are only specific for the holidays So we have to take the opportunity to do as many as we can during this time of year that always flies by.

You could make these as a little treat for yourself, or you could make a few and give as gifts to family and friends - whats better than a gift thats both home-made and edible?! Also, if your the sociable type is attending or hosting a Christmas party, you could make these sweet treats with mini candy canes, and simply lay them out for the guests to enjoy.

They are super easy and quick to make, brilliant for last minute gifts or preparations, you only need to wait for the chocolate to harden.  

Ingredients

• Candy Canes
• Chocolate - you can use milk, white or dark, its best to start of with 100g and keep some incase you need it
• Decorations - marshmallows, sprinkles etc 

Directions
1. First of all prepare baking trays by covering them with greaseproof paper.
2. Take the wrapper of your candy canes and position them on your baking tray, making sure that they are touching at both ends otherwise the chocolate may spill out.
3. Next break up your chocolate and place in a heat proof bowl and sit over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the water doesnt touch the bowl! Stir the chocolate occasionally until it has melted.
4. Once the chocolate has melted, remove from heat and leave to cool slightly for around 5 minutes. Then begin carefully pour the chocolate into the hearts, I found it easier to spoon the chocolate in (otherwise, knowing me it would end up all over the place).
5. Its time to decorate! I used marshmallows, sliver balls, some cute holly sprinkles and edible glitter (WHAT?!)
6. Once they are complete, leave them to set. Dont put them in the fridge as it will make the candy canes go sticky, likewise dont keep them in warm conditions.

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