So, Christmas is almost here and there are still people you haven’t found gifts for. Have you ever thought of making homemade chocolate? You may have the idea that making your own chocolates are time consuming. And you’re right - some are. Like truffles. But I love making chocolate candies with nuts stirred in. They look beautiful and people are always impressed. It will be our secret that it takes ten minutes - tops - to make.

The method is simple. Melt chocolate. Stir in something fun, like candy cane pieces, dried fruit, or nuts. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Drop the chocolate in teaspoonful amounts on the cookie sheet. Find a place for the candy in the fridge or let harden on the counter or outside. Put in a pretty bag or box and you’re ready to give it as a gift!

Are you the type that likes to see a recipe all written out? Well, try this.

Ingredients:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup “something fun” (see below)

Fun mix-ins:

Dried fruit

Puffed rice cereal

Pretzel pieces

Nuts (unsalted)

Shaved coconut

Crushed cookies

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
2. Melt chocolate over a double burner or in the microwave until smooth. Microwave in twenty second intervals so the chocolate doesn’t burn. (I personally do it in a double burner - I’ve burnt chocolate in the microwave before and it’s frustrating.)
3.  If using a double burner, shut off the heat and remove the bowl. Stir in “fun mix in” and drop in teaspoonful amounts on the baking sheet. Let cool and harden completely before packaging (it takes about 24 hours).
4. You can speed the cool-off period if you put the chocolates in the refrigerator or outside.

My favorite chocolate combinations

White chocolate and crushed peppermint candies

Dark chocolate and dried cranberries

Dark chocolate with peanuts or almonds

Dark chocolate with almonds and coconut

Milk chocolate with coconut

Milk chocolate with crushed oreo cookies.

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