In our holiday home, there's a sweet tradition that revolves around simplicity and irresistible treats — easy candy making. With just a handful of ingredients, we embark on a delightful journey of creating confections that embody the spirit of the season. The kitchen buzzes with excitement as we measure, mix, and pour our way to holiday sweetness. The kids eagerly lend a hand, relishing the joy of turning basic ingredients into delectable treasures. The scent of chocolate and sugary sweetness wafts through the air as we mold, shape, and adorn our creations with festive sprinkles. It's a bonding experience filled with laughter, shared stories, and the anticipation of savoring the fruits of our labor.
Holiday Pretzel Rods
Ingredients:
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pretzels rods
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1 cup of chocolate chips or candy melts
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sprinkles and toppings
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
2. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate.
4. Place pretzel rods on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add sprinkles and toppings.
6. Place pretzels in the fridge for 30 minutes or until chocolate is set.
Marshmallow Snowmen
Ingredients:
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large marshmallows
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icing or melted white chocolate
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mini chocolate chips or small candies (for eyes and buttons)
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orange fondant or orange candy (for carrot noses)
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pretzel rods (for arms)
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pull apart red licorice
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shredded coconut (for snow)
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various candy of choice (for accessories)
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prepared hot cocoa (optional)
Instructions:
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Thread three large marshmallows onto a skewer, straw, or toothpick to create the snowman's body.
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Use icing or melted white chocolate to "glue" the marshmallows together.
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Decorate the snowman with mini chocolate chips or candies for eyes and buttons.
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Roll a small piece of orange fondant or shape orange candy into a carrot nose and attach it to the top marshmallow.
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Break pretzel sticks to create arms and insert them on the sides of the snowman.
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Pull apart the red licorice and cut to length to create scarves for the snowmen.
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Create accessories like hats, gloves, and gift boxes with candy.
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Sprinkle shredded coconut around the base for a snowy effect.
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Let the icing or chocolate set, and your marshmallow snowmen are ready to delight!
Looking for even more marshmallow snowman fun? Prepare mugs of your favorite hot cocoa, and let your snowman friend enjoy a soak in a hot mug!
Divine Divinity
Ingredients:
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2 large eggs (use whites only)
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3 cups sugar
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2/3 cup water
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1/2 cup light corn syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
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Separate egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer and let stand at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Discard yolks. Meanwhile, line three 15x10x1 inch pans with waxed paper.
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In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water and corn syrup over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar.
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Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 252° (hard-ball stage). Just before the temperature is reached, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
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Slowly add hot sugar mixture in a thin stream over egg whites, beating constantly and scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
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Add vanilla. Beat until candy holds its shape, about 5 - 6 minutes. Be careful to not over mix as candy will become stiff and crumbly.
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If pecans are being used, Immediately fold them in.
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Quickly drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared pans. Let stand at room temperature until dry to the touch. Store between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container at room temperature.