Treats for Santa
There are only so many mince pies a man can eat. Yes, they’re delicious but Santa is sure to be even more generous if you opt for one of these original offerings.
Strawberry Santa Snacks
Ingredients
16 strawberries
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mini chocolate chips
Candy cane
Directions
In a bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream. Slowly pour in sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until fluffy. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice in half. Leave the bottom half a little larger for Santa’s body. Pipe whipped cream as Santa’s face and beard. Put the top half of the strawberry on top for his hat. Use the whipped cream to add a pom to his hat as well as buttons to his suit. Add some mini chocolate chips for his eyes and enjoy!
Marshmallow Pops
Ingredients
1 block chocolate, melted
Large marshmallows
Mini candy canes
Directions
Take half the candy canes and crush them. We suggest putting them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to quickly crush them and keep the process a little neater. Put the crushed pieces into a dish. Melt the chocolate in whatever way makes you feel most comfortable. This can be using a double boiler on the stove, or in 30 second increments using a microwave. Once the chocolate is melted, stick the mini candy canes into the marshmallows. Using the candy canes as a handle, dip the marshmallows into the melted chocolate. Make sure to let the excess drip off. Roll the marshmallow in the crushed candy cane pieces until evenly coated. Set on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and allow to set.
Candy Bar Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
Mini candy bars
Rectangle or mini pretzels
Vanilla candy coating
Red sprinkles
Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Top with as many pretzels as you have mini candy bars (or until the baking sheet is full). Place unwrapped candy bars on the pretzels. Warm in the oven at 300 degrees for about 3 minutes. Top with another pretzel and press down gently. Allow to cool until chocolate is hardened. Dip one half of the candy bar pretzel into the melted vanilla candy coating. Place back on baking sheet and add red sprinkles. Allow to cool.
Cinnamon Roll Pretzels
Ingredients
4 heaping cups of pretzels
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup vanilla candy melt or white chocolate
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, toss pretzels with melted butter. Stir sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl before tossing with buttered pretzels. Spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes. In a small bowl, melt vanilla candy melts (or white chocolate) until smooth. Drizzle over the pretzels using either a spoon or a squeeze bottle. Let candy melt harden before serving.
Ho Ho Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
1 ounce semisweet or dark chocolate, shaved
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 pinch salt
Directions
In a small saucepan, mix the chocolate, cocoa powder and 1/2 cup of the whole milk over low heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted. Add the rest of the milk and the salt. Stir, then allow the mixture to heat through. Stir in sugar to taste. Pour into a mug and top with marshmallows or whipped cream. For added fun, after the kids are in bed, add some peppermint schnapps or Kahlúa (or whatever alcohol you’d prefer). Santa works hard and has a long night. He’ll appreciate the added treat!
