Homemade Caramel Corn

I love making party favors for our annual Christmas party!
The favor is always something sweet that our guests can take home and enjoy later.
Last year I made Hot Chocolate on a Stick.

The year before it was

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

After seeing and tasting the Hot Chocolate on a Stick that McCormick made for us at Mixed,
I knew that that little package of sweetness would be my next holiday party favor.
Everyone loves hot chocolate, right?

I opted for store-bought marshmallows since I ran out of time and made these the day before our party, but next time I may get brave and try making homemade marshmallows.

The chocolate blocks are so easy to make.
I let the chocolate set in the fridge overnight to harden and then cut them into squares the next day.
The clear baggies, ribbon and sticks are from Michael's.
I found the printable tags here.  I think they really add to the cuteness!

Everyone at our party seemed to love them.
You could also package them with a pretty mug and give them to teachers, neighbors or anyone special.

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

1 (14 oz. ) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 lb. semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped (I used Baker's brand)
8 oz. milk chocolate, chopped (I used Hershey's Milk Chocolate chips)
1 T McCormick pure vanilla extract
18 large marshmallows, cut in half
36 lollipop sticks

Line a 9 inch square pan with non-stick aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Spray with cooking spray.
In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream just to a boil while whisking constantly.
Remove from heat and add the chopped semi-sweet and milk chocolates to the hot mixture.
Let it sit for 1 minute before stirring.  Using your whisk, stir mixture until smooth and creamy.
Whisk in vanilla extract.
Pour chocolate mixture into your prepared pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Move foil from pan and cut chocolate into 36 squares.
To assemble, place marshmallow half on top of chocolate square and thread with a lollipop stick.
Place into a clear baggie and tie with a pretty ribbon.
To serve, stir hot chocolate on a stick into 8 oz. cup of hot milk.

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Hot Chocolate Mix Ornaments

Looking for a super cute gift to use as a party favor or small gift for someone special.
How about hot chocolate mix ornaments!

Hot Chocolate Mix ornaments are so easy to make!
Simply layer hot chocolate mix and your favorite toppings to a clean, plastic, clear ornament.
I found these square ornaments at Michael's.
I like them because they stand up on their own so the layers stay in tact.

You can give the ornaments by themselves, or with a cute little mug.
Either way I bet the recipient will love them!

Make an ornament for someone special in your life.
Simply add 8 oz. of water or milk and contents of ornament to a mug for a warm sweet treat.

Hot Chocolate Mix Ornaments

1 clear plastic ornament (I found these at Michaels)

1 package of instant hot chocolate mix

mini chocolate chips

Andes Peppermint Crunch

Jett-Puffed Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows)

holiday sprinkles

Begin with a clean, clear ornament.

Remove the top.  

Using a funnel, layer each ingredient into the ornament.

Put the top back on and tie with a pretty ribbon.

Directions for use:

Empty contents into a mug.

Add 8 oz. of water or milk.

Stir and serve.

Linking to:
Made By You Monday