Posts Tagged ‘Chocolate’


Homemade Holiday Treats: Candy Bark Recipes

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

Homemade Holiday Treats

Candy bark is one of those simple to make homemade holiday treats and one my family enjoys making for both eating ourselves and gift giving. The premise is simple, melt some chocolate (I like to use chocolate chips since I can get them cheap with coupons), white chocolate, or candy melts, and then you either pour the melted candy onto a cookie sheet and then top off with yummy toppings or you stir the mix-ins into the melted candy and then pour onto a cookie sheet. You let the candy cool and harden then break it up into chunks and eat or package up for gifts. Simple simple simple.

Here are some amazing candy bark recipes that I have found on Pinterest lately to inspire you. Simply click the picture or link below each picture to be taken to the instructions and recipes.

 

Peppermint Bark Hearts & Oreo Bark

Peppermint Bark Hearts & Oreo Bark Recipes – via 3KidsAndUs.com

Peppermint Bark

Peppermint Bark – via domesticgoddessadventures.blogspot.com

Dark-Chocolate Bark with Ginger, Walnuts and Dried Cherries

Dark-Chocolate Bark with Ginger, Walnuts and Dried Cherries – via howdoesshe.com

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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter “Cookies”

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Did you know that November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month? To celebrate such a special occasion dig out the fine china and crystal (LOL)  and serve up these yummy no-bake 5 ingredients or less mock cookies which was posted in our Recipes Forum by member cvahr.

These are so easy that I even I can do them :) and they really are delicious!

  • Box of Ritz Crackers
  • Jar of Peanut Butter
  • Chocolate Almond Bark

Put some peanut butter in between two Ritz Crackers and place on a cookie sheet covered in wax paper. Repeat until the cookie sheet is full (leave some room around each one). Put this cookie sheet in the fridge to chill for about 5-10 minutes.

Melt squares of the chocolate almond bark (in the microwave is easiest). Take a chilled “cookie” and drop it into the melted almond bark to completely coat it. Lift it out using a fork (get underneath it) and place it back on the wax papered cookie sheet. When all the cookies are coated, put them back in the fridge for 15 minutes.

When I make these around the holidays, I usually make several sheets at the same time.

Extras:

-Finish the cookies by melting some vanilla almond bark and using a fork to drizzle a few lines across them – or dip a small portion of the cookie into the vanilla bark.

-Instead of peanut butter, they can be filled with marshmallow fluffy, or even a slice of banana.

Photo Credit



Five frugal Valentines day gift ideas

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

Giving a gift to your sweetheart does not need to break the bank. Here are 5 quick tips for frugal Valentines day gifts:

1. Say it with words. Sometimes words speak louder than the most expensive gift. A handwritten note that spells out your love and devotion is the most thoughtful gift you can give. Often times the words “I love you” are not said enough. Writing not your forte? Try a video or voice recording that tells that special someone you love them. Or search online or at the library for some nice romantic poems and put a collection together to express your sentiments to the one you love.

2. Chocolate is always a winner. Some say that Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, I don’t know about that but it sure pleasures the taste buds. My own personal favorite way to show my family my love is to make hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries. They think I spent all day making this luscious dessert but little do they know that it takes almost no time or skill to make them. Just melt some chocolate (I usually use semi-sweet chocolate chips) and dip washed and dried strawberries. Lay them on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper and pop in the fridge for 30 min or more. To serve put on a pretty platter.

3. Roses are another traditional Valentines day gift to give but the price of a dozen roses from a florist can break the bank at $50 or more. Instead, look to your local grocery store for a deals with a dozen roses at about half price from the florists prices. If cut roses seem a waste of money another thoughtful gift is to buy your sweetie a rose bush from the local garden center. My husband have given me a rose bush every year and those bushes mean more to me than any cut flowers he could give me. Each year as those bushes bloom I am reminded of his love for me.

4. Dine in instead of eating out. The cost of a fine dinner out at a restaurant can be expensive. Instead of eating out consider setting up a romantic dinner at home (if you have children either wait till they go to bed or send them to the sitters). You can make a fabulous romantic dinner for much less. Here is a great blog with some tasty and easy recipes for a valentines day meal: Dianasaur Dishes! Set your table with a nice table cloth, some candles and put some soft music on the stereo, or spread a blanket on the floor and have a picnic. Don’t forget the bottle of wine or champagne!

5. Create gift coupons for a Valentine gift that keeps on giving. You can make coupon on your home PC using standard programs such as Microsoft Word. Some coupon ideas: a massage, a night out without the kids, a movie date, breakfast in bed, car wash, pedicure or use your imagination!