Cranberry Pistachio Chocolate Swirl Bark could start a new holiday tradition in your family. Warning: It’s addictive and tends to disappear quickly! You can substitute chocolate chips for either or both of the white or dark chocolate. My preference is to use a candy chocolate (Wilton, CandiQuik, almond bark) since it melts better and is easier to work with, especially the white chocolate. Follow the package directions for melting in the microwave. Use a narrow utensil to create the swirls-- the point of a knife, a chopstick, the handle of wooden spoon – and move slowly to allow the chocolate time to flow. Stop when you have a design you like. When you add the cranberries and pistachios, it helps to press them into the chocolate just slightly. I’ve become a fan of non-stick ... [Read More]
Candy
Classic Oreo Truffles
Oreo Truffles can be made from plain chocolate Oreos, golden oreos or a flavored filling Oreo. My favorite is a mint filled Oreo Truffle dipped in chocolate. This was a special request so it is a Peanut Butter Chocolate Oreo dipped in chocolate. Pretty darn good! Be sure to use original Oreos -- not the Double Stuff filling. And yes, any brand you like is okay. (But would you have looked again if the title was Sandwich Cookie Truffles???) If you want to add sprinkles or chopped nuts to the top of the dipped balls, do it while the chocolate is still warm so they will stay in place. The time needed for chilling means you need to plan ahead a bit to make these. I prefer to chill the mixture for about an hour before using a cookie dip to measure out the individual balls. To me it is ... [Read More]
Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Mints
A new twist on a classic candy – Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Mints. I like the surprise of the cinnamon flavoring since the classic version calls for mint flavoring of some type. I used gel food coloring for a more intense red, adding only a small bit at a time until I had a bright color. I used Wilton Candy Flavorings. Both are available in hobby stores and sometimes grocery stores in the cake decorating section. Or – during my tenure as a pharmacy tech I found out that many pharmacies order candy flavorings to sell over the counter at this time of year! Who knew! Candy flavor is more intense than the liquid flavorings so less is needed and that keeps the candy from being too moist. When you finish mixing the candy, it will likely seem a little sticky. Try to resist adding more ... [Read More]
Pistachio Fudge
Pistachio Fudge makes a pretty addition to a candy plate or a dessert buffet. It is quick and easy to make – almost foolproof. (I used a handmixer to make it even easier and to ensure everything was well mixed.) The fudge has a smooth, almost fondant like texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy pistachios. It’s delicate flavor surrounds the robust nut flavor for a nice balance. Pistachios are a member of the cashew family and are nutritionally dense with proven health benefits. There ya go . . . Enjoy! Pistachio Fudge Print Pistachio Fudge makes a pretty addition to a candy plate or a dessert buffet. Author: A Pinch of Joy by Charlene Vance Recipe type: candy Serves: 24 pieces Ingredients ¾ cup white chocolate chips 6 tablespoons butter ⅓ ... [Read More]
Cherry Mash Bars
Wheel’s mother made these a couple of Christmases in a row. And then cherry chips disappeared from the store shelves. Maybe it was a regional thing. But when I saw the package on the shelf a few weeks ago, I knew it was time for Cherry Mash Bars – Yay!!! You can make Cherry Mash Bars with a layer of chocolate on the bottom AND on the top. To do this, divide the chocolate chips, peanut butter and nuts in half. Melt 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/3 cup peanut butter for 45 seconds in the microwave, add half the chopped nuts. Spread in foil lined pan. When cherry layer is completed, repeat for the second layer of chocolate. OR Alternatively, you can put the entire mixture of chocolate, peanut butter and nuts on top of the cherry layer just by following the instructions in the ... [Read More]
Bunny Tail Truffles and Bunny Tail Games
Bunny Tails and Easter Egg Truffles are simple and easy to make. Shaping them and rolling the shapes in the coconut or sugar is a little on the time consuming side. But they are so darn cute, it’s worth it! My brother Jay and I would scarf down Mom’s shredded coconut stash as soon as we found the new hiding place. Maybe that’s why the younger ones in the family never learned to like coconut :=) More coconut for us – as in “none left”! Since not everybody is a fan of coconut for whatever the reason, half the mixture is made into colorful Easter Eggs. The moisture level varies among brands of cream cheese. I used Philadelphia cream cheese which is more moist than some of the store brands. The taste is the same, but pay attention when you add the last half of the powdered sugar. ... [Read More]
