There's still plenty of time to whip up some tasty Christmas treats, like chocolate covered pretzels. Perfect for handing out to friends and co-workers. I saw many varieties on Pinterest.
I decided to use milk chocolate, mint chocolate, and white chocolate chips. The mint chips are my new favorite! Some festive colored sprinkles, jimmies and nonpareils. And of course, a tub of pretzel rods, which actually has about 85 pretzels in it for around $6. I also crushed up some candy canes for an additional topping.
Start melting the first chocolate over a double boiler (I placed a glass bowl on top of a sauce pan with simmering water) and stir to melt. Once melted, you can remove from heat and re-heat as needed. Dip the pretzels, one by one, tapping off the excess. Add your sprinkles and set on parchment paper to solidify. You can place them in the refrigerator briefly if you need them to set up quickly. I left them on the counter while I worked on the rest and they set pretty well.
Repeat with each type of chocolate and toppings. Aren't they pretty? I ended up making all 85 or so pretzels - I felt like I was in a chocolate factory!
I packaged them up in cellophane treat bags, 2 per bag, and tied them with a ribbon. I found some great treat bags at Big Lots that came with ribbon and little peppermint circles.
I wanted to add a personal tag so I printed, stamped and wrote my own, including Luke 2:10-11 at the bottom, "And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for; behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which sill be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
I definitely enjoyed trying a couple of these! I may need to make a batch for myself.
Raise your hand if you're addicted you like Pinterest. Raise your hand if you pin more projects than you actually do. Now, raise your hand if sometimes you actually try a Pinterest project and it turns out to be, in fact, as easy and wonderful as it looked. This cute little paper craft was one of those projects. You can put your hands down now.
I don't know what it is about sewing paper, but it makes me giddy. Like when I sewed Christmas cards and Valentines. I just love combining thread with paper.
I made a bunch of these little triangular pouches as favors, filled with pieces of saltwater taffy, for a ladies luncheon that I hosted. I also went through a saltwater taffy addiction. Cute sewn paper pouches AND candy. It was a lethal combination. My favorite flavors are orange creamsicle, cappuccino, and butter popcorn. Weird, I know.
All you need is:
scrapbook paper (mine were 6.5 by 5 inches)
double sided tape
sewing machine
frilly scissors
and CANDY
Look at that cute little paper edge. Adorable.
I found the idea here with excellent directions.
Cut your paper to size. Make it into a cylinder (like a toilet paper tube) and tape it together. Pinch one end and sew it across. Fill with candy. Pinch the other end in the opposite direction (making it triangular) and sew it closed. Trim the edges with decorative scissors.
That's it! You can make a whole bunch of them for a party, bridal shower, or birthday celebration, in no time. The paper can match your theme. Add stickers. Make large ones to hold more candy, or even wrap a small gift.
And, if you're my age, this shape might also remind you of those triangular popsicle icey treats from the cafeteria in elementary school. Who remembers those?
The air is getting colder. The leaves are turning red and gold (and falling). It's definitely scarf wearing weather. I have a list of treats with fall flavors that make me not mind the cooler temperatures. What better way to start the day, than with Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal? It really is the best oatmeal to-go. 100% whole grain oats, with separate toppings like brown sugar, dried fruit and mixed nuts. It's warm and scrumptious on those chilly mornings. I would have to agree that it really is pretty perfect.
What's the perfect beverage to go with your perfect oatmeal? Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice. Steamed apple juice, sweetened with cinnamon syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel. I just love these!
My other weakness is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. So delicious!
When I'm not at the Starbuck's drive-through, I might be at McDonald's for their Fruit and Maple Oatmeal, which comes in at a close second. 100% whole gain oats with brown sugar, a touch of cream and dried fruit and fresh apples. I do like the fresh apples and the more affordable price.
Moving on to muffins. Tim Horton's has a pumpkin spice muffin with a dollop of icing in the middle and (what I think are) pumpkin seeds on the outside. Really tasty. But it's seasonal, so enjoy them while you can!
Wegmans has a mean whole wheat pumpkin muffin, (not pictured) which is a good source of fiber and is absolutely delicious.
Last week I stumbled upon a flavor that I didn't know existed - Abbots Pumpkin Frozen Custard (not pictured). If you're not familiar with Abbots, their custard is richer and creamier than regular ice cream. It's a must have during summer in Rochester. It was like chilled creamy pumpkin pie - I loved it!
Although Dunkin Donuts isn't at the top of my list, I really like their pumpkin coffee. Great for those mornings when I need a boost of energy!
Are you hungry yet? Those are a few of my favorite fall treats that make saying "See ya next year" to summer, a little less painful. Anything pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, or caramel flavored gets me excited. Here's to the flavors of fall!
