Creative Crafts

The Magic Of Rainbows, Unicorns And Turning 4!

The pure joy and excitement in my granddaughter’s sweet little face as she named off some of her favorite things (rainbows, unicorns, donuts, pizza, balloons, bubblegum and family) is enough to make any heart melt!

Black & White is just right for Halloween!

Try to say that 10 times!   Seriously though, Black & White is so right for Halloween when you use it as a base.  Check out these GREAT photos by Paper Eskimo.

White is like starting with a blank canvas.  Then you add in touches of Lime Green, dark Purple and Black and you’ve just created an amazing Halloween setting.  You can also kick it up a notch by adding in a variety of patterns in Black & White.  This is really quick and easy to do.  Mix and match spooky, scary, edgy with that great White pumpkin. 

Reindeer Brownies Gifted in Treat Bags

We've kept the best till last. The fudgiest, deepest, darkest, most intense chocolate brownies EVER! From scratch, pantry staples, just one bowl, no mixer needed. Add some holiday cheer by turning them into reindeers!  

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red Candy Balls for the nose
• Pretzels to make the ears
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Christmas Fruit Pies Gifted in Treat Bags

Making heavenly christmas pies doesn't need to take up an entire day. With this delectable, no fuss recipe, you'll be gifting tasty pies in no time at all.  

Ingredients 

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 stick butter, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Grated zest (1 tablespoon) and juice of 1 orange (1/3 cup)
• 1 jar gourmet fruit mince
• Icing sugar for dusting

Caramel Kisses Gifted in Treat Bags

These melt in your mouth caramel kisses are fun and easy to make. Wrap them up like candy and enjoy gifting them this holiday season.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted
• ½ cup desiccated coconut 
• 4½oz unsalted butter, melted 
• ½ cup brown sugar

Caramel filling

• 4½oz unsalted butter, chopped 
• 2 x cans (7oz ea) sweetened condensed milk 
• 1/3 cup golden syrup

Chocolate topping

• 7oz dark chocolate, chopped 
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Best Ever Fruit Cake Gifted in Treat Bags

• ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup dried cherries
• ½ cup golden raisins
• 1 cup bourbon
• ½ cup pistachios, chopped
• ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Raw sugar, for garnish

Coco For Two Gifted in Treat Bags

Nothing makes you feel more comfy and cozy than a warm cup of hot chocolate on a frosty winter day. These easy to make cups of coco are sure to delight your recipients!  

Ingredients 

(Makes one gift pack) 

• 2 mini jars 
• 4 tablespoons good quality chocolate powder 
• 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows 
• 2 candy cane sticks  
• 1 mini whisk 

Shortbread Mitten Cookies Gifted in Treat Bags

Shortbread Mitten Cookies

A delicious batch of shortbread cookies is as easy as four ingredients. There's no reason not to make a treat bag full for every family member and friends.  

Ingredients 

• 1 cup (226g) salted butter, cold and diced into 1 Tbsp pieces* 
• 2/3 cup (142g) granulated sugar 
• 1/2 tsp almond extract 
• 2 1/4 cups (318g) all-purpose flour

Superlicious Chocolate Bark Gifted in Treat Bags

Superlicious Chocolate Bark for Kids 

It's now the kids turn to have their own version of delish chocolate bark! You can run your imagination wild and add an array of ingredients to make your very own custom chocolate packs. 

Ingredients 

• 18 oz milk chocolate, roughly chopped 
• 1 cup salted or honey popcorn (store bought)
• 3-4 Candy Cane sticks crushed
• Parchment / Baking paper

Exotic Chocolate Bark Gifted in Treat Bags

Exotic Chocolate Bark

We could never say no to chocolate and what better way to gift it than to actually make your own delicious version. Here are two exotic versions, but let your imagination run wild and you won't be able to stop creating! 

 Ingredients  

• 18 oz bittersweet or dark chocolate, roughly chopped 
• 6 ounce white chocolate
• Parchment / Baking paper 

Rose Pistachio Chocolate Bark 

• 1 teaspoon Rosewater
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (or any other nut variety)
• 1/2 cup edible dried rose petals (avail from good food stores)