DIY treats – Meghan E White

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If you love peppermint like I do, then you will enjoy this very simple holiday treat. This would make a great addition to a cookie platter, or a very nice homemade gift. I made it with a semi-sweet chocolate base and a white chocolate top, but you could just use one type of chocolate. I like the contrast of the two chocolates with the mint.

Need a last minute gift, or treat for a party? Peppermint bark will save the day. Delicious, chocolatey, minty goodness all in one super easy no bake dessert. Only four ingredients for this fantastic recipe. Here is my last minute gift to you.

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

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Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

1 bag white chocolate chips (11 oz.)

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (11 oz.)

½ teaspoon peppermint extract

6 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

Line a large baking sheet (9 x12, or larger) with parchment going up the sides of the pan.
Put a freezer bag inside another freezer bag and place the candy canes inside. Break them into small pieces using a rolling pin. Set aside.
In a small glass bowl put the semi-sweet chips. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring between until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out evenly using a rubber spatula. Place in the refrigerator for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is almost set.
Melt the white chocolate in a small glass bowl while the semi-sweet chocolate layer is setting up in the fridge. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between until the white chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract. Pour the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet layer. Carefully spread out the white chocolate using a rubber spatula.
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate and gently press the candy canes into the chocolate.
Refrigerate the bark until completely set, about an hour.
Break into pieces and enjoy!

Notes

The semi-sweet layer should be a little bit soft when you pour the melted white chocolate on top. This way the layers will adhere together. If the semi-sweet is completely set the two chocolate layers can separate.
White chocolate chips are a bit temperamental and want to harden fast after melting. Work quickly so the candy canes will stick to the chocolate before it sets up.
The microwave is the easiest way to melt the chocolate but a double boiler is ideal.
My bark is thin since I used a large pan, spreading my chocolate thin. Use a smaller pan for thicker bark.
Store bark in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can be left at room temperature for a few days, but it will get soft.

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Photo Credits: Meghan E. White

Making your own gummy bears is easy! If you’ve got kids around they will love this. Big kids like it too. Even old people like me enjoy these fresh homemade gummy bears. Super simple, a bit messy, and oh so good!

All you need is a small box of Jello, an envelope of clear gelatin, and some water. The only requirement is silicone molds. I found these adorable mini bear molds with droppers on Amazon for under ten dollars. You can also purchase silicone molds at your local craft store in the candy making section.

Homemade gummy bears are refreshing and so flavorful. And they’re just fun. We all need more fun, don’t we? I sure do. I smile every time I make these because a tiny bear that tastes sweet and delicious is about to bring so much joy to my mouth. They are adorable. Cute and sweet. A winning combination.

Happy Eating!

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Gummy Bears

Special equipment: silicone bear molds with dropper

Yield: 125 gummy bears

Ingredients

3 oz. flavored gelatin

1 envelope of unflavored gelatin (¼ oz)

⅓ cup cold water

citric acid (optional)

Instructions

Use a baking sheet and lay out the silicone molds.
In a small microwave safe bowl combine the flavored jello powder, clear jello powder, and ⅓ cup cold water. Whisk together and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
Microwave for 30 seconds. Give the mixture a stir, and microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir one more time.
Using a food safe dropper fill each mold with the heated jello mixture. Place the cookie sheets with filled molds in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set up.
Remove the gummy bears from the molds. Enjoy!

Notes

For sour gummy bears: add some citric acid to the molds before you fill them, or just stir it into the jello mixture. You can also just sprinkle the citric acid on the gummy bears after they are set up. The acid will break down the gummy bears faster as you store them.
Store the gummy bears in the refrigerator. They will last for a few weeks.
A measuring cup with a spout can be used to fill the molds if you don’t have a dropper. I highly recommend a dropper. It’s much easier.
Silicone molds can be found on Amazon or at any craft store in the candy making section.
The gummy bears can be quite sticky when removing from the molds.

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