Easy, Edible Christmas Gifts

Here are a few easy and delicious treats to make and hand out this Christmas:

1. Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

*Melt milk chocolate chips in double boiler.
*Stir pretzel rods in melted chocolate then let excess drip off.
*Decorate with colored frosting and flavored sugars (cinnamon, peppermint)

*Melt white chocolate chips in double boiler.
*Stir pretzel rods in melted chocolate then let excess drip off.
*Decorate by sprinkling crushed peppermints over chocolate covered ends.

*Allow chocolate dipped pretzels to cool then package in airtight container or gift bags.

2. Chocolate Covered Popcorn

*Prepare popcorn according to directions (butter flavored recommended).
*Melt milk chocolate chips in double boiler.
*Place popped corn in a single layer on parchment paper lined cookie sheet then drizzle with melted chocolate.
*Allow chocolate to cool then package in airtight container or gift bags.

3. Sugar and Spiced Pecans

*2 egg whites
*1/4 cup sparkling white grape juice
*1 cup sugar
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
*1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
*8 cups pecan halves
*nonstick cooking spray

*Preheat oven to 250 degrees (F).
*Whisk first seven ingredients until well blended and frothy.
*Add pecans and coat evenly.
*Spread pecans on lightly sprayed, foil lined, cookie sheet and bake for one hour (or until pecans look dry), stirring often.
*Separate pecans then cool completely and store in airtight container or gift bags.

4. Eggnog Glaze

*Mix four tablespoons of prepared eggnog with one cup of powdered sugar and a dash of cinnamon until smooth.
*Pour over prepared pound cake, fruit cake or any other dense cake or bread.

Remember presentation is part of the enjoyment! Be creative in the packaging. Mix stripes with polka dots and plaids with gingham.

Use simple gift bags with decorative bows or solid color metal pails with large colorful grosgrain ribbon.

Also remember to use smaller containers; Small containers crammed full with goodies are more appealing than large containers with the same amount of treats.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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