FAST and EASY candies!

 At this time of year, If I can find a gift that is FAST, EASY, and looks fantastic, sign me up for a dozen!!  On the Better Homes and Gardens website I found these wonderful candy recipes that you can make.  They look like a million bucks but are so easy that your kids can help make them.  These would make great teacher or neighbor gifts or just have a bunch around for when unexpected guests arrive at your door.  I know I will be adding these to my Christmas to do list this year!

Peanut Butter Balls

Makes: about 30 pieces

Start to Finish: 1 hour

  Ingredients

• 1/2  cup peanut butter
• 3  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1  cup sifted powdered sugar
• 8  ounces chocolate-flavored candy coating

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl stir together peanut butter and butter. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Shape into 1-inch balls; place on waxed paper. Let stand until dry (about 20 minutes).
2. Chop candy coating. Place in a heavy saucepan, cook and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Dip balls, one at a time, into coating. Let excess coating drip off peanut butter balls. Place on waxed paper; let stand until coating is firm. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. Makes about 30 pieces.
3. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare candy as above. Store as directed for up to 2 weeks.

Double-Dipped Caramels

Makes: 48 caramels

Prep: 30 minutes
Stand: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 12  ounces chocolate-flavor candy coating, cut up
• 2  cups finely chopped pistachio nuts or one 10-ounce package almond brickle pieces, crushed
• 1  14-ounce package vanilla caramels (about 48 caramels), unwrapped

Directions

1. Heat candy coating in a heavy medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly just until melted. Remove from heat.
2. Place nuts or brickle pieces in a bowl. Dip one caramel into coating; turn to coat. With a fork, lift caramel out, drawing fork across rim of pan to remove excess coating. Place dipped caramels in nuts, turning to coat. (Or, dip a caramel halfway into coating. Place dipped caramel into nuts, turning to coat.) Transfer caramel to a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining caramels. Let stand 30 minutes or until firm. Store tightly covered up to 1 week. Makes 48 caramels.

Peppermint Sticks

Prep: 20 minutes
Stand: about 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4  oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1  tsp. shortening
• 2/3  cup pecans or your favorite nuts, chopped
• 16  3- to 4-inch soft peppermint sticks

Directions

1. In a small saucepan combine chocolate and shortening; cook over low heat just until melted. Transfer to a bowl. Place pecans on waxed paper.
2. Dip one end of each peppermint stick into melted chocolate and then roll in chopped nuts. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Wrap each individually to give as a gift. Makes 16 gifts.

Candy Cane Bark

Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes

  Ingredients

• 6  ounces chopped chocolate-flavor candy coating
• 3  ounces chopped milk chocolate bar
• 6  ounces chopped vanilla-flavor candy coating
• 3  ounces chopped white chocolate baking squares
• 1/4  cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Directions

1. Line a large baking sheet with foil. In a small, heavy saucepan, melt chocolate-flavor candy coating and milk chocolate bar, stirring over low heat until smooth. Pour onto baking sheet and spread into a 10x8-inch rectangle; set aside.
2. In another small, heavy saucepan, melt vanilla-flavor candy coating and white chocolate baking squares, stirring over low heat until smooth.
3. Slowly pour white mixture over chocolate mixture on baking sheet. With a thin spatula, swirl white mixture into chocolate mixture. Shake baking sheet gently for even thickness.
4. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Chill 30 minutes or until firm. Use foil to lift candy from baking sheet; break candy into pieces. Makes 1-1/4 pounds.
To Store: Layer pieces between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Serve at room temperature.

Candy-Box Caramels

Prep: 40 min.
Stand: 1 hr.

 

Ingredients

• 12  ounces chocolate- and/or vanilla-flavor candy coating*, coarsely chopped
• 1  cup toffee pieces, crushed; finely chopped pistachios; and/or nonpareils
• 48  short plastic or wooden skewers (optional)
• 1  14-ounce package vanilla caramels (about 48), unwrapped
• 2  ounces chocolate- and/or vanilla-flavor candy coating*, coarsely chopped (optional)

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe 4-cup measure, place the 12 ounces candy coating. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 3 minutes or just until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
2. Place toffee pieces, nuts, or nonpareils in a shallow dish. If desired, insert a skewer into each caramel. Dip one caramel into melted candy coating; turn to coat as much of the caramel as desired, allowing excess coating to drip off caramel. (If not using skewers, use a fork to lift caramel out of candy coating, drawing the fork across the rim of the glass measure to remove excess coating from caramel.) Place dipped caramel in toffee pieces, nuts, and/or nonpareils, turning to coat. Place coated caramel on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Repeat with remaining caramels. Let caramels stand about 1 hour or until coating dries.
3. If desired, microwave 2 ounces of a contrasting color of candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl on 100% power (high) for 2 minutes or just until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Cool slightly. Transfer coating to a small, heavy plastic bag; cut a small hole in one corner of bag and drizzle additional coating over coated caramels. Let caramels stand until set. Makes 48 pieces.
4. To Store: Layer caramels between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. *If desired, substitute milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and/or white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter for candy coating.

Double-Dipped Dominoes

Makes: 24

Prep: 20 min.
Chill: 10 min.
Stand: 30 min.

 

Ingredients

• 6  ounces semisweet chocolate squares or pieces
• 2  tablespoons shortening
• 12  graham cracker squares, halved
• 6  ounces white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter or white baking pieces
•   Small white candies
•   Miniature semisweet chocolate pieces

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe 2-cup glass measure, place the 6 ounces semisweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon shortening. Microwave chocolate mixture on 100 percent power (high) for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or just until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
2. Dip half of each halved cracker in the melted chocolate; use a small spatula to smooth out chocolate, if necessary. Place cracker on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. If desired, while chocolate is still soft, lightly press small white candies into chocolate to resemble dots on dominoes. Chill crackers for 10 minutes or until set.
3. In another microwave-safe 2-cup glass measure, place the white chocolate and remaining 1 tablespoon shortening. Microwave chocolate mixture on 100 percent power (high) for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or just until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
4. Dip plain half of each cracker in melted white chocolate. Place on a cookie sheet with waxed paper. If desired, while chocolate is still soft, press miniature semisweet chocolate pieces into white chocolate to resemble dots on dominoes. Let crackers stand until set. Makes 24 cookies.
TO STORE: Layer crackers between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Marshmallow Truffles

Makes: about 40 truffles

Prep: 1 hr.
Chill: 1 hr.
Freeze: 20 min.
Stand: 15 min.

Ingredients

• 1  7-ounce jar marshmallow creme
• 1/3  cup butter, softened
• 1/4  teaspoon almond extract or vanilla*
• 1/4  teaspoon salt
• 3  cups powdered sugar
•   Toasted whole almonds, toasted pecan halves, toasted macadamia nuts, toasted hazelnuts (filberts), quartered pitted dates, and/or dried cherries
•   Powdered sugar
• 8  ounces semisweet chocolate squares, chopped**
• 1  tablespoon shortening
•   Finely chopped toasted nuts, toasted coconut, or candy sprinkles
•   White baking chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper; butter the paper. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine marshmallow creme, butter, almond extract, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the 3 cups powdered sugar, beating until well mixed. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until mixture is easy to handle.
2. Lightly dust your hands with additional powdered sugar; shape marshmallow mixture into 1-inch balls, forming the mixture around a whole almond, pecan half, macadamia nut, hazelnut (filbert), date piece, or dried cherry (you may need more marshmallow mixture to completely cover the pecan halves and almonds). Place balls on prepared baking sheet. Cover lightly; freeze for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine semisweet chocolate and shortening. Heat and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Line another large baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Remove balls, a few at a time, from the freezer; dip balls in chocolate and use a fork to lift balls out of chocolate, drawing the fork across the rim of the saucepan to remove excess chocolate. Place balls on waxed-paper-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle tops with finely chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or candy sprinkles. Let stand at room temperature about 15 minutes or until completely set. If desired, drizzle truffles with melted white chocolate. Makes about 40 truffles.
*Test Kitchen Tip: If you prefer, omit the almond extract or vanilla and add 1 tablespoon desired flavored liqueur (such as raspberry or orange) to the marshmallow mixture; increase the 3 cups powdered sugar to 3-1/4 cups.
**Test Kitchen Tip: You may use 8 ounces vanilla-flavor candy coating instead of (or in addition to) the semisweet chocolate. If using both, in separate small saucepans, combine the candy coating or semisweet chocolate with the shortening; melt, dip, and decorate truffles as directed. (You will have leftover melted candy coating and chocolate, but use 8 ounces of each so you get enough depth to dip truffles.) If desired, drizzle white-coated truffles with melted semisweet chocolate.
TO STORE:Layer truffles between pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

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17 and Counting Neighbor Christmas Gift Ideas

 

is spending the month featuring a Neighbor Christmas gift idea every day. They have 17 posts/ideas so far. Here are a few of my favorites (click on the image to be taken to the post with the tutorial):

Bakerella:

Recycle pop top cans in a unique way:

Recycle your old formula cans into decorative cookie cans:

"There’s “seven” reasons why you are “up” on our list of favorites!"

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I am in charge of doing the craft project for my daughters 4th grade class this week.  (Go figure!)  I had them make this cute turkey.  It was soooooo easy!  All the pieces were cut out with punches and I used glue dots to attach the pieces to the peppermint patty.  These could be used as place settings, hostess gifts or something small to give to friends at Thanksgiving.  

 Can you tell what punches were used for each piece of the Turkey?

 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and 

thanks so much for all the support you give us 

here at "One of a Kind Gifts".

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Dustpan Cookies

Photo from Organized Christmas

To make Dustpan Cookies, bake or buy your favorite cookies. Break a few of them, and crush one or two to create cookie crumbs. Place the cookies and crumbs in a new dustpan, and wrap with clear food storage wrap. Attach a gift tag with one of the following poems:

While baking you this Christmas treat, I dropped it on the floor.

So I decided to just sweep it up and leave it at your door!

or

We "dust" think you're great.

Merry Christmas from your Crumby Neighbors.

or

While baking you some cookies,

there was knocking at the door.

As I jumped up to answer it,

the pan fell to the floor.

I stood among the cookie crumbs

and wondered what to do.

The day was late, the time was short,

I had no gift for you.

I bent and swept the cookies up

into a small dustpan.

A friend like you, I told myself,

would surely understand.

The gifts that matter most in life

are those the heart does send.

With that in mind, I give to you

these cookies from a friend.

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Hot Cider Gift

When it's freezing outside and the cold breezes blow,

You want to stay warm and comfy, I know.

So here's my suggetion to make wintertime brighter,

Put up your feet and enjoy some hot cider.

Idea and photo from http://laurieturk.blogspot.com/

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MORE Christmas Neighbor Gift Ideas

For neighbors with small children: Create "Magic Reindeer Dust" by mixing some dry oatmeal with glitter in a small baggie tied with a ribbon. Include directions for the user:

On Christmas Eve night, when its dark and still

And Santa is on his way,

Sprinkle this magic food outside

And it will guide his sleigh.

  Rudolph will smell the oatmeal

As they hurry across the sky

And the sparkle of the glitter

Is sure to catch his eye.

So say your prayers and jump in bed

as softly as a mouse

so Santa and his Reindeer

can visit every house!

Put this poem on a store bought chocolate bar:

A day or two ago,

I thought I'd make a special treat

For all my special friends-

A Christmas gift to eat.

My intentions were top notch,

but my schedule wouldn't budge,

Hence, here's this year's edition

Of homemade Christmas fudge!

Bubble gum or bubble bath: "May your holidays BUBBLE OVER with joy!"


Music CD: "May the sounds of Christmas put a song of love in your heart!"


Pencils and notepads: "Merry Christmas from our PAD to yours!"


Frozen Pizza: "Warm up to a great holiday season, TOPPED with Christmas cheer and lots of PIZZAz!"


Eggnog: Have an udderly MOOvelous Christmas!"



Candle: "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry, and your New Year's bright!"

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You're tops with me!

 A fun gift to give anyone is a few large potatoes (one for each member of their family) and all the toppings.  I bought some burlap and sewed up a quick bag using twine.  I bought salt and pepper shakers from the dollar store, Tabasco sauce, potato topping shakers, sour cream, a can of chili, real butter, and some velveeta cheese.  I put all this in the bag with a tag that says, "You're Tops With Me!"  You have to make sure you can give the gift to someone close to a fridge if you want to add all the toppings that need to be cold. I make up a few bags at a time and add the items that don't need refrigeration.  That way I can make a quick run to the store to add the extra items right before I give it to them.  If I know they won't have refrigeration, I just give them the bag I already have put together.  This gift is great for anyone of any age!


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Thanks for being a "SOUP"er friend!

I thought you could attach this saying to some soup mix for a quick thank you. If you want it to be really special make some soup mix of your own. There is a recipe at My Recipes for a Nine Bean Soup Mix.

 

Thanks for being a "SOUP"er friend!

I also found a couple different sites that have soup mixes that you could use. At Wilde Thyme Foods there are lots of yummy looking mixes that you just add water to.

Harry and David has lots to choose from too.

You could also use the tag line "Hope you have a 'SOUP'er Day!"

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Everything but the Kitchen sink

 I think the easiest way to give a fun gift is when the idea for a cute tag is already done for you. Consider Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavors:

So sorry I flipped out on you. Let's kiss and make up.

Thank you so much for feeding our pets while we were gone!

Please go out with me, Jamaican me crazy!

Happy Birthday! Congratulations on becoming old as a fossil!

Thanks so much for everything you did for the PTA meeting/cub scout dinner/office party!

Goodbye! It was nice working with you!

Hint Hint *wink*

For a soldier or his family: Stay safe during your deployment! Thank you for your sacrifice for our country!

Hang in there. Maybe this will help.

  You are an Extraordinary Person. Thanks for being you!

This makes a great last minute gift- grab a pint, some stick on labels that you hand write on, and you are good to go!

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From "Our House" to "Your House"

From "our house" to "your house" with love.

Use any Nestle Toll House or Keebler Town House brand snack.

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We "Treasure" Your Friendship!

Just wanted you to know, We "Treasure" Your Friendship!

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Stressed Out Christmas

"Roses are red, Christmas is sweet, I'm all stressed out, so make your own darn treat!"

Attach quote tag to any packaged dessert mix.






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Christmas in your Heart the Whole Year Through

Give a Calendar for the new year, then add a tag that says:
"Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"

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Who Knew Bananas would be Such a Great Gift?

"If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go 'bananas' trying to find a better bunch than you!" Who would have thought you could make so many gifts with bananas?

• Buy a bunch of bananas, attach the above quote, and give them to your co-workers.

• Get a box of Banana Nut Cheerios, attach the quote, and add "From your Nutty Neighbors".

• You can purchase Banana Bath Fizzers from purpleegg.com and use the quote above or try "Going Bananas over You".

• Attach a note that says "Going Bananas since you've been gone." to a banana and put it in your spouse's suitcase or briefcase when they go out of town.


• New moms will go bananas for Monkey Magoo when he swings into the nursery with his blankie, Too! This plush new monkey friend wraps around a Keepsake Banana Box which, when opened, reveals a cuddly-cozy soft blanket. Find this at http://www.vickiecreations.com/.


• Make Banana Split Kit - A Bunch of Bananas, Four Glass Banana Split Dishes, Baggies filled with Chopped Heath Candy Bars, Chopped Nuts, Maraschino Cherries, Chocolate Dipped Pretzels, etc. Also include Fudge Topping & a tub of Vanilla Ice Cream. Put it all in a cute lined basket.

• Terra Cotta Banana Muffins - This is so cute and so easy. Instructions can be found at stylemepretty.com.

• Bananagrams - a fast and fun word game. Attach the quote above and you have a great family gift. Find Bananagrams at http://www.amazon.com/.

What gift ideas have you thought about involving bananas?

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