Create Your Own Box Of Chocolates -

Sometimes the best way to say, 

“I Love You” is to just say it.

...

However, adding chocolate 

could help. 

 

You can create your own chocolates with a few steps that are so easy, even a toddler will enjoy making a family treat.

 

The choices of what you add to your chocolates can be unique and simple... 

...or as evolved and inventive as you prefer.   

 

In fact, why not make a party of the whole event?

Recipe: Choosy Chocolates

(makes about 12-15 chocolates, but the recipe can be increased as needed)

1 cup Chocolate pieces:

preferably a very good quality with high cacao and less sugar content.

One or Several choices according to your preference:

shredded coconut, dried fruit pieces, nuts, pretzel pieces, candied fruits, pine nuts, pepitas, salt crystals, flavored sugars, broken candy pieces, organic edible herbs and flowers, etc.

 1)   Gently melt the chocolate your favorite way: double boiler, microwave slowly, etc.

 2)   Spoon small dollops onto a parchment or silicon covered baking or cookie sheet pan. Use the spoon to create other shapes if you like, ie. a heart.

 3)   Sprinkle your toppings as desired, but leave mostly chocolate showing.

 4)  Allow to sit until cooled and hardened (if you have tempered your chocolate you can put them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed the process.)

If life is like a box of chocolates, why not create your own choices!

Food Gift - Chai Tea Caramels

Here's another FOOD GIFT idea that has been a hit at my house. These Chai Tea Infused Caramels are full of the warm, slight peppery and cinnamon flavors of a cozy Chai Tea or Chai Tea Latte, but can be carried around for a quick nibble or snack.

Chai Tea Caramels

These can be made ahead of time because they keep for quite awhile, making them perfect for gifts, a party or travel snacks.

I sent a bunch of these into my husband's office a few months ago and I'm still famous for them. Haha :D
My teenage son's friends ask me about them every time they visit, and my mom loved the soft edible caramel that didn't stick or break her teeth.
Be sure to watch the temperature on these because (like a lot of candy making), sometimes it feels like the temperature will never move above 200F and then all of a sudden it zooms up and surprises you. If that happens, all is not lost, you'll just have harder caramels ( ala See's Candy type caramels.) For the softer, easy to chew caramels make sure you take it off the heat right at 248F. You'll love the toasty flavors of these addictive sweets, and your family and friends will be very complimentary and impressed that you made your own caramels.

If you don't have, or can't find a nice Chai Tea, try a different highly flavorful tea like a smokey black tea or a fruity berry Tisane (herbal) Tea.

Recipe: Chai Tea Caramels

2 cups Heavy Cream
3 Tablespoons Chai Tea
3/4 cup Agave Syrup (or 1 cup Corn Syrup)
2 cups Sugar
5 oz. (6 Tablespoons) Butter
1/4 cup Mild Molasses
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Fresh Grated Nutmeg
Pinch of Cloves
Pinch of Pepper

***Prepare an 8" x 8" sided baking pan by spraying it, lining it with parchment paper (that hangs over a couple inches), and spraying the parchment.***

1) In a saucepan, bring the cream and tea to a simmer (but do not boil), take off the heat, cover and let the tea infuse the cream for about 10-15 minutes.

2) Strain the tea out, then in a larger saucepan add the tea infused cream to the Agave (or corn syrup), sugar, butter and molasses.

3) Bring to a boil, stir often and continue to boil until the mixture reaches 248F on a candy thermometer. This takes about 15-25 minutes.

4) Remove from the heat and stir in the salt, vanilla and spices.

5) Pour into the prepared pan and allow to sit overnight or about 12 hours.6) Flip onto an oiled cutting board. Cut into 1 inch pieces and wrap in parchment paper squares or cellophane wrappers.These can last for several weeks if kept out of the heat or moisture.Give these in a filled mug, a decorative box, a party bag or maybe you have another idea. I'd love to have you share some ideas in the comments. Have a wonderful season and much love to you and yours from ShowFood Chef. :D

Food Gift - Olive Oil Cranberry & Oat Scones - Mix In A Jar

These scones are made with Olive Oil instead of butter, yet are flaky and moist. The mix is simple and when layered in a jar makes a fun, colorful and unique gift. Olive Oil Cranberry & Oat Scones
Mix in a Jar

I have a few friends who love the idea of cooking, but get a little intimidated by the language in recipes some times. Once it calls for "cut in the butter" they stop reading. Here's a perfect gift and recipe if you know someone like that, including if that someone is you. For the cranberries I used a package from Melissa's Produce that I received at the IFBC (International Food Blogger Conference). I also buy their products because they're always in good condition and reasonable.

If dried cranberries are not your favorite, these can easily be made with dried cherries, apricots or other dried fruits. The scones freeze really well, so bake a couple for today and freeze some for that busy holiday morning.

Can you imagine how impressive you will look when, in the middle of everything else that's going on, you bring out home made, golden, hot fruity scones for everyone? Have fun with the decorating, and maybe personalize the tags. The recipe is super simple. Try the recipe for yourself, then fill a few jars. I really think they make cute food gifts with a lot of style.

This week I'll be posting a few different food gift ideas, so stay tuned or bookmarked or...you know what I mean.

Sending you the happiest wishes!
[To make the scones, follow this recipe. Directions for the Food Gift can be found below.]

Recipe: Olive Oil Cranberry & Oat Scones

1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Oats
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon dried Orange Zest
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
1 cup dried Cranberries
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 egg
1/2 cup Olive Oil

1) In a Medium bowl, stir together all the dry ingredients: flour, oats, baking powder, zest and brown sugar.
2) In another bowl, stir together all the liquid ingredients: cream, egg and oil.
3) Using a fork, toss and stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients until it starts to ball up in lumps.
4) Remove all the dough onto a floured board or counter and push (or knead) the dough a few times to form a large ball. The dough will be very moist (more moist than the usual scone dough.)
5) Pat the ball into a large round disk about 6-8 inches in diameter (about 1 1/2 inches thick.)6) Sprinkle just a little flour on the top, then using a knife cut the circle in half, then in fourths, then in eighths.7) Place the triangles on a parchment lined baking sheet about an inch apart (*Optional - sprinkle with sugar) and bake in a preheated oven set on 350F for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through, but not too dry.***To FREEZE*** Place the baking sheet of triangles in the freezer BEFORE baking them. Let them freeze for a few hours, then bag them or put them in containers and take out for baking as needed. They can be frozen for a couple weeks. Baking may require a few more minutes.

TO MAKE THE FOOD GIFT:

1) In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups Flour and 1 teaspoon Baking powder. Then using a funnel, pour it into a Pint size jar.
2) For the next layer, top with 1/2 cup Oats. Then, 1 teaspoon of dried orange zest, then 1/3 cup Brown Sugar.
3) Add the 1 cup dried Cranberries as the topper.
4) Close up tight, and don't forget to copy and add these easy directions:

To Make Your Own Olive Oil Cranberry & Oat Scones:

1) In a Bowl, mix 1 egg, 1/2 cup Heavy Cream and 1/2 Cup Olive Oil.
2) Pour the Jar contents into the bowl and mix everything with a fork until combined.
3) Place the moist dough onto a floured board or counter and knead together just a couple times.
4) Form into a disk about 6-8 inches round. Cut in half, then into fourths, then into eighths.
5) Sprinkle with sugar. Bake the triangles, about an inch apart, on a parchment lined pan in a preheated 350F oven for 12-15 minutes. Enjoy!