To me, chocolate is as an essential part of Christmas as evergreens, stockings and St. Nick. I view the sweet treat as the gift that keeps on giving, which is why I try to incorporate it into as many holiday desserts as possible.
The following chocolate recipes are simple, inexpensive, and more importantly, great to share. If you are looking for a delectable dish to contribute to a holiday party you are searching for homemade gifts to give to friends and family members, these recipes will do in a pinch:
REINDEER SNACKS
Ingredients:
12-ounce box Crispix cereal
1/2 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
12 ounces chocolate chips
3 cups powdered sugar
3 cups holiday M&Ms or other red and green colored candies
Directions:
Combine butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips in a medium size pan and place on stove. Heat on medium high until mixture is smooth and melted.
Place the cereal into large bowl and pour melted mixture over the cereal. Stir until the cereal is thoroughly coated.
Pour powdered sugar into a large Ziploc bag.
Pour the coated cereal into the bag with the powdered sugar and shake until well coated.
Pour cereal on a sheet of wax paper to cool.
When the cereal mixture is cool, add in the M&Ms.
Serve in bowls, snack bags, or place in glass jars with decorative ribbon to make a holiday gift.
CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE TRIFLE
Ingredients:
1 package chocolate cake mix (Bake in a 9×13-inch pan, according to package directions)
4 cups cold milk
2 (3.9-ounce) packages chocolate instant pudding
12 ounces Cool Whip
2 cups crushed candy canes
Directions:
Bake and cool cake, then cut into 1/4-inch cubes.
In a large bowl, add milk to dry pudding mix and beat well.
Layer half each of cake cubes, pudding, Cool Whip and candy canes in large glass trifle bowl. Repeat all layers, leaving some of the Cool Whip and candy canes to decorate the top.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
EASY HOMEMADE HOT FUDGE SAUCE
Ingredients:
2 cups chocolate chips (choose your favorite: dark, semi-sweet or milk)
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Melt chocolate chips, butter, milk and powdered sugar over medium heat. Cook mixture for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and allow to thicken. Add vanilla.
Place in decorative glass jars and give out to family and friends.
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A Dinner Made of Chocolate: Chocolate Chicken and Chocolate Cherry Cookies