Give homemade candy for the sweetest Christmas ever.
Nothing beats a homemade gift at Christmas, and candy is as much fun to make as it is to receive. Candy is loved by youngsters and old-timers alike, and it is an appropriate gift for anyone from your best friend to the mailman or the chairman of the board. Whether you stick to one tried-and-true recipe or make a huge assortment of different treats, homemade candy is a Christmas gift that everyone will appreciate. Does this Spark an idea?
Chocolates
Sweet, creamy fudge is practically synonymous with Christmas, but there are other types of chocolate candy that are even easier to make. Try melting chocolate in a microwave or double boiler, then dipping in an assortment of treats such as pretzels, sandwich cookies, fresh strawberries and dried pineapple. Truffles, which are simple to make, can be dipped in chocolate or rolled in cocoa powder and look surprisingly elegant nestled in fluted paper cups in a golden gift box.
Hard Candy
Most people think of cookies and soft, chewy candies when they consider making Christmas goodies, but you can make hard candy at home, too. You may have made rock candy in your childhood, but if you didn't, it's not too late to try it. Skewer perfect apples, dip them in a hard red candy coating and give them as gifts along with butterscotch lozenges and your own jawbreakers. You can buy kits for easy-to-make lollipops (complete with molds) in most crafts stores; for a finishing touch, tie a pair of homemade candy canes to every wrapped gift.
Salty and Nutty
Homemade peanut brittle is far more delectable than anything you could buy in a store. Popcorn balls are fun to prepare with children; you can make them plain, caramel, or any flavor and color that you like. Give tins of glazed pecans, sweet and sour walnuts and caramel nut clusters; throw in some pastel homemade Jordan almonds for the ultimate seasonal touch.
Creamy and Chewy
Divinity is a traditional holiday favorite and so is hand-pulled taffy. Caramel is simple to make yourself and has a delicate, buttery flavor that is not present in the store-brand caramels. Homemade marshmallows are a snap to make and you can finish off with your own cream cheese after-dinner mints for a truly sweet Christmas.
Tags: homemade candy, hard candy, simple make