Hot Cocoa Dippers

Now that it's December we are in the full Christmas swing at our house.  One of the things we love to do this time of year is give out treats to our neighbors.  We plan and think about it for weeks trying to come up with something great to give (and we usually revert to what we did growing up, a candy wreath filled with delicious goodies--but hey it's fun to think about something else :).

I am always looking for something new to share with them.  I thought this idea was fantastic.  I had my children try them and they were in love.  They thought it was so fun to have something cute to stir into their chocolate, plus I love the little zing of flavor the mint gives it.

It will be so cute packaged in a clear bag with some dippers, hot chocolate, and tied with Christmas  string.  Perfect for a cold winter night.

These beauties can be made many different ways.  I used crushed candy canes, Andes mint chips, and red sugar flakes.  You can also use red sprinkles.  Feel free to use your imagination and experiment.  

Hot Cocoa Dippers

(click here for printable version)

Large marshmallows

Drinking straws ( I got mine at Garnish)

Chocolate (I used chocolate candy melts)

Toppings: crushed candy canes, Andes mint chips, red sugar sprinkles, or red nonpareil sprinkles

1. Spread out wax paper on a flat surface.  Skewer marshmallows on straws, making sure to not go through the end. Melt chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl, according to package directions. Dip in marshmallows, leaving white tops exposed; lift sticks straight up, letting excess chocolate drip off. Add toppings and let cool completely on wax paper.  Package for your neighbors or make yourself some cocoa and add your dipper.  Enjoy!

Source:  idea from Good House Keeping

Hot Cocoa Dippers...and a Guest Post

See these beauties?

They are little pieces of amazingness.

And perfect on a cold winter night with a mug of hot chocolate.

I am guest posting at Mom's Crazy Cooking and that's where you can find how to make them.

Come see me!!

Teacher Appreciation--Cupcake Jar

It's teacher appreciation week. Yeah for teachers!

So far all of my children's teachers have been wonderful.  We have been so blessed that every year they have an amazing lady (I know some guys are teachers but so far my kids have only had the ladies) that gives lots of her time and knowledge to my kids.

Do you have a teacher that totally inspired you?

I do.  I have two.  Mr. Sasaki and Mrs. Harris.

I still have very fond memories of them.

Mr. Sasaki was my 6th grade teacher.  He loved me.  He loved all of us.  I think it's amazing that someone can make each person that crosses their path feel so special and that you could accomplish whatever you wanted because they made you feel that awesome.  That's how he made all of us feel.  Amazing!

Mrs. Harris was my math teacher in high school.  I wasn't very fond of math back then.  But to this day I don't mind it all, you could even say I like it.  And you know why?  Because Mrs. Harris liked it and she instilled that love into each of us that came through her door every day.

So in honor of wonderful teachers, I wanted to give my kid's teachers something super cute and out of the ordinary.  And after all I am known at the school as the "baker" so naturally I had to make a food item.

This was very easy and my kids loved helping me put them together.  So don't forget your special teacher this week and share some of this yummy cupcake goodness!

Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream

(click here for printable version)

Cupcakes:

Spice Cake mix

1.  Follow directions on the box for making cupcakes. You can either spray your pans and bake with out liners, or remove liners later, either way works great.

Cinnamon Butter Cream:

1 c. butter, softened

2 T. whipping cream

1 t. vanilla

1 t. cinnamon

4 c. powdered sugar

2 T. light corn syrup

1.  In a large bowl, beat butter, milk, and vanilla on medium low until smooth and combined, about 1-2 min, scrapping down sides of bowl.  Add cinnamon, then slowly add powdered sugar one cup at a time on low until combined, scrape sides of bowl again.  Increase speed to medium, and beat for 1 more minute.  Add corn syrup and beat on med high for 30 seconds, then increase speed to medium high and beat for about 1 minute.  

To assemble Cupcake Jar you need:

1 pint jar

3 Spice cupcakes (if they are small, I used 2 large)

Cinnamon Buttercream

16" disposable icing bag and large french tip

7/8" grosgrain ribbon

curly ribbon (or anything to tie the fork on, I used raffia)

plastic fork

4.5" square of fabric

hot glue

foam adhesive dots

Printables (there are lots of free ones on the internet)

1.  Start by dropping one cupcake inside the jar, then using your icing bag and tip, squeeze buttercream on top of cupcake, repeat until you have 3 layers (or 2 in my case). 

2.  Add the fabric to the lid, wrap grosgrain ribbon around jar and glue with hot glue. Punch out Thank You Tag, and attach to ribbon with foam adhesive dots.  Tie fork on with curly ribbon or raffia.  Enjoy!

Note:  This would work great for any type "Thank You", "Welcome"or "Good Luck" gift.

Source:  Skip To My Lou