One of the reasons baking is so much fun during the holiday season is because there are a number of recipes ranging from challenging to do-it-in-your-sleep easy. Chocolate is by far one of the most beloved sweets of the season and it's with this knowledge that we go forth in saying yes, go ahead and bake to your heart's content - that's what this time is for!
The great thing about chocolate is that with a few simple tips, it's incredibly easy to work with. There are candies out there that can be made with ease and decorated to look as though you spent hours on them when, in reality, they only took 30 minutes. Among these simple recipes are some of everyone's favorite holiday treats, from peppermint bark to fudge and even chocolate-covered pretzels. They're easy to make, a cinch to decorate, and once they're wrapped with care, they make the perfect gift to give (and receive!). Here's how to spruce up your holiday chocolate skills and make some great gifts for family, friends, and neighbors.
Peppermint Bark
At its core, peppermint bark only consists of two types of melted chocolate, layered on top of each other, with a topping of crushed peppermint. The recipe - if it can even be called that- could not be more simple. All that's needed is a bag of white chocolate chips (or melting chocolate, if you want to play with colors) and a bag of dark or milk chocolate chips, depending on your personal preference. Melt the dark or milk chocolate chips first - this can be done on the stove with a double boiler or in the microwave with a microwave-safe dish in 15-second intervals. Just be sure not to get any water in the bowl (this is especially important when using a double boiler) as it will cause the chocolate to seize up and become unusable.
Once the dark or milk chocolate is melted, pour it into the bottom of a baking sheet; a jelly roll pan works great for this because it has high sides. Allow this chocolate to sit in the refrigerator to set for 20 minutes and while that's happening, repeat the same process with the white chocolate, pouring it on top of the set dark or milk chocolate layer. Before sticking the sheet back in the refrigerator to fully set, top with crushed peppermint candy or candy canes. Nuts, edible glitter, and other candy can also be added at this point. Allow to set in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes before cutting or breaking into separate servings.
Two-Ingredient Fudge
There's nothing easier than something that only has two ingredients, right? If that's true then this two-ingredient fudge is a surefire winner. All that's needed are three cups of chocolate chips (flavor of your choice) along with one can of condensed sweetened milk, and that's all it is.
To start the fudge, melt both of these together either over the stove with a double boiler or in the microwave, heating in increments, until almost fully melted. Mix to combine, pour into a greased 8x8 baking dish, and allow to set in the refrigerator. When the chocolate is set, simply pull the baking dish out, cut it into squares, and serve (or eat!). Of course, any toppings or ingredients can be mixed in - maraschino cherries make for a great combination with dark chocolate, and shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or peppermint also make for great fudge with a little added texture.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
It could be argued that chocolate-covered pretzels are the easiest thing on this list and while that's true, it doesn't mean they're any less impressive of a gift. Depending on the size and shape of the pretzels that are being covered in chocolate, they can be super fun and fancy or whimsical. The addition of melting chocolate (found in craft stores such as Jo-Ann's or Michael's) is a great way to add color to what would otherwise be simply chocolate and white chocolate-covered pretzels.
Pretzel sticks are super easy to use and easy to dip and afterward, simply lay them on a baking sheet with parchment paper to set. If you can find holiday-themed pretzel shapes then there's truly no end to the amount of fun you could have with these. Stock up on some edible glitter, disco dust, and small candies to make those pretzels super festive, or stick to dark chocolate and white chocolate, drizzling each intermittently, in order to create fancy, elegant, and classic snacks.