One of the newest trends in baking is creating food items suitable for gift-giving, like cookie mixes in a jar, or baked goods carefully wrapped and presented in pretty boxes and tins.
I found this fun recipe from Betty Crocker that not only looks delicious, but it is the perfect treat to sneak inside someone's stocking!
Betty Crocker's Chocolate Coal Lumps
Naughty or nice, everyone will love these easy cho-coal-late treats. Cocoa Puffs® cereal dipped in melted chocolate and marshmallows create these tasty stocking stuffers!
Ingredients:
¼ cup butter
1 bag (10 oz) large marshmallows (5 cups)
8 cups Cocoa Puffs® cereal (from 11.8 oz box)
3 bags (12 oz each) semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons shortening
Black sugar and/or black jimmies sprinkles
Directions:
Line 13x9-inch pan with foil. Spray with cooking spray.
In 4-quart microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 1 minute or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave about 2 minutes, stirring after each minute, until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is well blended. Add cereal; mix well.
Spoon cereal mixture into pan. Spray hands with cooking spray, and press mixture firmly in pan. Cover with waxed paper; press second 13x9-inch pan on top to compress bars. Remove pan and paper. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Remove bars from pan; peel off foil. Using sharp knife, cut bars into 8 rows by 6 rows to make 48 squares. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.
In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave 12 oz of the chocolate and 1 tablespoon of the shortening uncovered on High 1 minute 30 seconds; stir. Continue microwaving and stirring in 15-second intervals until melted and smooth. Using 2 forks, dip and roll each cereal square in coating. Place on cookie sheet. Repeat twice to use up chocolate, shortening and squares.
Sprinkle coated squares with black sugar and/or sprinkles. Place in freezer 15 minutes or refrigerator 30 minutes until chocolate is set. Store in airtight container or sealed storage bag.
This makes about 48 "lumps" and are fantastic to stock your own cookie jar or give as gifts!
I received this recipe from Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own!
Sweeney
That's a really neat idea. I think I'd mix up the recipe a little bit, but the concept -- chocolate coal lumps as a Christmas present -- is a fantastic idea.
tamie
I have seen the bubble gum "Santa Coal", but this is even better!
Maureen
This is better than the store bought stuff! Can't wait to try it.
Karen
This is so cute and my son LOVES trains, so no doubt these lumps of coal would be perfect for him! You have some great recipes, btw.
Robin
Now this is some coal I wouldn't mind getting in my stocking 🙂
Robin
Bwahahaha - guess what all three of my boys are getting in their stockings on Sunday.
Dawn C
I've thought about making those for a few relatives!
Alefflala
Hello! Just want to say thank you for this interesting article! =) Peace, Joy.