Three Homemade, Edible Gifts for Chocolate Fans

One of the best ways to give a memorable gift is to create something homemade. These three sweet treats are budget-friendly, $10 or less, and easy enough for kitchen novices. Try giving these edible gifts to chocolate lovers or anyone with a sweet tooth.

Cranberry Nut Bark Recipe
This no-pressure recipe makes a beautiful gift presentation. The mixture of white chocolate, dried cranberries, nuts and dark chocolate combine to create a multidimensional flavor. Generic ingredients work fine and cost approximately $10 with extra cranberries, nuts and dark chocolate left for other uses.

Ingredients and Special Materials
11x17 baking sheet
wax paper
1.5 pounds white chocolate candy coating
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup cashews, pecans or peanuts
1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

Recipe
Lay everything out before melting the chocolate. Cut the white chocolate into smaller pieces and melt in the microwave according to the label directions. Pour it on to the baking sheet and use the back of a large spoon to spread it about a half-inch thick. Working quickly, sprinkle with cranberries, nuts and dark chocolate chunks. Firmly tap the baking sheet on the counter a couple of times to release any air bubbles.

Chill the bark in the refrigerator until it hardens and completely sets. Break into shards and store in a sealed container at room temperature.

Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn Recipe
This inexpensive, edible gift costs $5 or less and you will have plenty of ingredients left to make additional batches. Using stovetop popcorn enhances the flavor and takes about the same amount of time as making microwave popcorn.

Ingredients and Special Materials
11x17 baking sheet
10 to 12 cups popped popcorn, very lightly salted
1 ounce chocolate candy coating
2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
2 ounces white chocolate candy coating

Recipe
Remove any dregs or crumbs from the popcorn. Spread the popcorn into a single layer on the baking sheet. Set aside.

Cut the chocolate candy coating into smaller pieces and combine with the dark chocolate chips. Melt in the microwave according to the label. Using a fork, generously drizzle chocolate over the popcorn with a zigzag, back and forth motion. Set aside.

Cut the white chocolate coating into smaller pieces and melt in the microwave according to the label. Drizzle over the popcorn.

Let the popcorn set until the coating dries, about 8 minutes. Gently toss the popcorn with your hands to separate the pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Pop Recipe
Winter is cocoa and coffee season. Jazz it up with these chocolate covered marshmallow pops. Decorate them with pulverized peppermints, finely chopped chocolate or sprinkles. The lollipop sticks and ingredients cost about $10.

Ingredients and Special Materials
wax paper
lollipop sticks
12 marshmallows
8 ounces chocolate or white chocolate candy coating
assorted toppings

Recipe
Set up the workspace with all ingredients before melting the chocolate. Line the counter with a long sheet of wax paper. Add lollipop sticks to the marshmallows and set aside.

Cut the candy coating into smaller pieces and melt in the microwave.

Working with one pop at a time, dip the marshmallow into the chocolate. If necessary, use a spoon to coat the portion near the stick. Allow the excess to drip away. Dip the bottom portion of the marshmallow into the desired topping or sprinkle toppings over it. Set on wax paper to dry. Repeat for remaining pops. Reheat the dish of candy coating as needed.

Let the coating dry completely, about 10 minutes, before wrapping the pops.

Why Candy Coating?
Candy coating has a different flavor profile than regular chocolate, but it is affordable, easy to work with and creates a more stable finish for these recipes. White chocolate varies drastically among different brands with some versions having a sickeningly sweet flavor, but the flavor of white candy bark is consistent across different brands and, while sweet, it is not as striking.

Tips for Melting Chocolate Coating
Stirring is a major part of the melting process. Take your time and be sure to stir the chocolate at appropriate intervals. Refer to the package for complete melting instructions.