This evening, I made Christmas candy with the kids. I use the term 'candy making' loosely, in that we are just melting candy pellets from the cake store and reshaping them into rather entertaining morsels.
Rahel had obviously never made candy before, and I wanted to work with her alone first. She caught on very quickly and we made Peppermint Bark first. Some years I spread the mixture out on some wax paper, let it dry and break into pieces. Other years, I buy cute, little tins and pour the candy mixture into them to dry, giving them a "Reeses cup" kind of look. They taste exactly the same but just have a different look. I just melt the white chocolate in the microwave and then add the peppermint crunch from the store. All of these supplies are available at your local cake or candy supply store and aren't expensive at all.
We had an entire cookie sheet of these! We just put them in the freezer to harden quickly and give them a nice sheen, then put them in zip-lock bags until it's time to eat them or give them away.
Next, I had Meredith and Isaac to the counter to make Chocolate Covered Caramels. Rahel hung around to help with this also, she was really getting into it. I purchased a block of caramel and just tore off small pieces for the kids. They rolled them into loaf shapes and dipped them in chocolate, then on the wax paper to dry. I dipped pretzels and Oreo along with them to make sure all the chocolate got used up,I've still a lot of chocolate to work with this week, I plan to get Bereket and Ephy into the action, along with the older boys. I try to work with them in shifts, too many little hands are hard to manage. Plus, it's more fun if there's just a couple of them at the counter working at a time.
Most of these goodies will go to neighbors and Sunday school teachers. Over the next two weeks, we'll make more candy and cookies and once we've got a decent stash, we'll make plates for everyone and pass them out. As I finish cookies, I just put them in freezer bags and freeze them until I need them. They stay fresh that way, since it takes me quite a while to get everything made.
Do you have fun family traditions in your home? Care to share?
Said
i love to dip things in chocolate! i haven't made peppermint bark in years...i think it's about time!
family traditions...we do a advent ornament time each night. we got a great set from my parents 4ish years ago. it's a neat way to focus together, read about Jesus, and pray each night.
we also pick a night after jammies are on to load up with hot chocolate and cookies and drive around to look at christmas lights. the kids love it. we have such regimented bedtimes normally...it's nice to do something different for this fun time of year.