DIY Christmas Gift Recipes Using Chocolate

For many, money is short this year, making Christmas shopping difficult and even depressing. Have no fear though, an extremely small budget doesn't mean that you can't give heartfelt gifts that bring people comfort and joy this holiday season. With DIY Christmas gifts becoming more and more popular, here are a few ideas for this year.

These are delicious chocolate covered spoons that, when added to your favorite hot chocolate recipe or coffee, add new flavors and fun. They are simple and easy to make, but you can bet your family and friends will think of you every time they enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. These are some of my ideas for toppings, but you can add almost anything and make them your own. Total cost to make 48 of these was approximately $6 with supplies from Wal-mart.

• 48 plastic spoons
• 1 (12oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips (for those diabetic family members sugar free chocolate chips work great!)
• 1 (8oz) bag of Heath English Toffee bits
• 1 bag of your favorite mini marshmallows
• 1 box of peppermint candy canes
• Wax paper

***NOTE: Dark chocolate chips may be substituted if you are a dark chocolate fan. Also, these are just a few examples of toppings, but almost any candy can be used. Other ideas would include, M&M's, Reese's Pieces, or peanut butter.***

1. First, get all of your toppings prepped and together. I placed each topping in its own bowl and lined them all up conveyor belt style. For the peppermint topping, place 4-5 candy canes in 2 zip lock bags (as I found using one ended in peppermint pieces everywhere) and break them into small pieces by hitting them with a rolling pin (or a hammer!).
2. Next, place wax paper on your counter top in long strips. This will be used to place the spoons on while they cool, so they will not stick once they have solidified.
3. Now it is time to melt your chocolate! Set up a double boiler using a pot filled with approx. 1/2" of water and a bowl that is safe to heat. I always start melting my chocolate chips at a fairly high temperature setting and then turn it down so that it keeps the chocolate melted without boiling. Make sure to stir constantly so that the chocolate doesn't burn. Alternately, the chocolate can be melted by placing it in a microwave safe bowl and heated till melted. Make sure to stir every 30 seconds to prevent over heating.
4. Once you have melted your chocolate, dip each spoon into the melted chocolate (I dipped them like I was using the spoon to scoop the chocolate and then shook of the excess chocolate until it was level with the edge of the spoon). Then place each spoon onto the wax paper and sprinkle on the topping if your choice, while the chocolate is still hot.
5. Just continue this process until you have all the spoons you need! I found that 1 bag of chocolate was almost perfect for making 48 spoons.
6. Now let the spoons cool until they are solid. At that time you may remove them from the wax paper and place them in a goodie bag or small gift box.

Another creation that can be used to add zing to your coffee or hot chocolate is a chocolate covered peppermint stick. There is nothing better than the combination of chocolate and peppermint. Total cost to make approx. 36 of these was $5.

When you drink your hot chocolate or coffee to warm up after shoveling you need a snack too, right? Why not use those topping ingredients you already bought to jazz up some pretzel rods? Cost of this creation is approx. $3 because you already have the topping left over from before!

• 1 (12 oz) bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 bag of pretzel rods
• Wax paper
• Left over Heath English Toffee bites

***NOTE: Like with the chocolate covered cocoa spoons, you can use any candy you like!**

1. Again, you will start by laying out wax paper for your pretzels to cool on.
2. Next melt the chocolate chips using either a double boiler or a microwave safe bowl.
3. Once your chocolate is melted dip each pretzel rod in the chocolate, covering approx. 3/4 of each pretzel rod with chocolate.
4. Spoon on the toping of your choice, or similarly to the chocolate covered peppermint sticks, you can roll the dipped pretzel in a spoonful of topping to get even coverage.
5. Place the topped pretzel on the wax paper to cool.
6. Package them to give away as gifts!