Posts tagged: holiday gift
DIY Holiday Gift: Easy Peppermint Bark
I LOVE to create DIY gifts when the holidays roll around every year. I always try to make some sort of sweet treat for all my friends and colleagues to enjoy. However when the time comes to actually make the gifts, I find myself flooded with holiday parties and get-togethers, which seriously limits my time to prepare custom gifts for everyone. That's why this year I am especially thrilled to share with you my recipe for oh-so easy peppermint bark! It comes together in a little over an hour, leaving the rest of your day wide open to enjoy the holiday season (doesn't it fly by way too quickly each time?!). My tip is to run by your local dollar store to stock up on all those cute little tins. Just line the inside with parchment paper, throw in as much peppermint bark as you can!
INSTRUCTIONS: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to a microwavable bowl. Microwave the semi-sweet chocolate for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the bowl and stir. Place back in the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Spread the melted semi-sweet chocolate in an even layer on the wax paper. It should be approximately 1/4" thick. Allow it set for 30 minutes in the freezer.
In a microwaveable bowl, microwave the white chocolate chips in the same way you just did with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Once melted and the mixture is smooth, spread the white chocolate in an even layer over the semi-sweet chocolate. You will need to work quickly so the semi-sweet chocolate doesn’t melt and form streaks in your layer of white chocolate. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top of the melted white chocolate. Allow it set for an additional 30 minutes in the freezer. Remove and break into chunks.
Chocolate Dipped Candied Citrus Slices
Still wondering what in the world you're going to get that special someone for Christmas this year? Don't worry, because I've got you covered with these chocolate dipped candied citrus slices!
After a while, buying presents gets a bit tough because everyone seems to have everything they need or want. When you want to show you care, I always say go for the tastebuds. Nothing says I love you like a plate full of beautifully candied citrus slices, dipped in chocolate and served with a bow, am I right?
These elegant slices of sugary citrus are dipped in dark chocolate and look so fancy, no one will know that it took you very little time and effort to create them.
INSTRUCTIONS: In a large skillet, heat water and sugar over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Add the orange and lemon slices and continue to cook over medium heat, turning from time to time. Once the liquid is reduced to a thick syrup and the slices are translucent, approximately 20 minutes, reduce heat to low and simmer until the syrup is thick. Turn the slices occasionally as then cook, approximately 10 minutes.
Transfer the slices to a cooling rack and you can save the syrup to use as a citrus simple syrup in cocktails! Cool the slices for at least 12 hours before dipping.
Dip the citrus slices halfway into the melted chocolate and set on parchment paper to harden, approximately 1 hour. Package in cute little mini loaf pans and wrap as desired.
Recipe & Photos by Meghan Bassett
Gift This! Infused Olive Oils - Garlic, Rosemary & Chili Oils
Christmas is only a couple days away and if you're anything like me, you're panicking about those last couple of presents you still have yet to buy. Instead of a Starbucks gift card or some flowers, why not make a gift that is memorable, hand-crafted and really useful?!
These three infused oils are the perfect trio to gift to anyone on your Christmas gift list. The garlic, rosemary and chili oils will infuse a hefty dose of flavor into whatever anyone cooks with them.
The best part is it'll only take you a quick trip to the craft and grocery stores to get what you need to make these oils. They come together in minutes and don't even require gift wrap because they already look so stunning.
Whether you have a pro chef in your life or someone who's just starting to learn to cook, they'll love these handcrafted oils!
INSTRUCTIONS: Add cloves, rosemary and peppers to their own individual jars. If you don’t want the chile oil to be as spicy, remove the seeds from the peppers before adding to the jar. Pour 6 oz of oil into each and seal. Add cute labels and you’re done!
Recipe & Photos by Meghan Bassett
Maple Bacon Marshmallow Bark
Can you believe it's almost December?! My mind is still reeling from Thanksgiving and holiday parties are already filling up each and every weekend from now until Christmas. I'm trying to think ahead and all I can think to give people is something food-related for Christmas presents...
Big surprise considering my entire life revolves around food. Well, more specifically bacon... This maple bacon marshmallow bark is a fun sweet and savory treat that no one will be able to get anywhere else! Forget candy canes or caramels, this chocolate bark can only be found in one place... your kitchen!
A treat like this one is SUPER easy to make and barely takes any time. You just need a microwave and a freezer to get this little pile of treats whipped up. Then box it up and give it out as Christmas presents, hostess gifts for all those parties you'll be attending, or just load up on massive amounts of this bark for yourself. The sweet and savory combination makes this bark the ultimate snack to indulge in on any chilly afternoon this December!
INSTRUCTIONS: Add the dark chocolate chips to a microwavable bowl. Microwave the chocolate for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the bowl and stir. Place back in the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in walnuts. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Spread the melted semi-sweet chocolate in an even layer on the wax paper. It should be approximately 1/4″ thick. Sprinkle with bacon and mini marshmallows. Allow it set for 30 minutes in the freezer. Shop This Post Pig of the Month BBQ Applewood Smoked Maple Bacon
*Recipe & photos by Meghan Bassett
12 Easy AF DIY Foodie Gifts Everyone Will Drool Over
'Tis the season to shower your friends and family with gifts, so what's better than the gift of food. Not much. I'm sure it's no big surprise that we here at Pig of the Month BBQ are alllllll about the foodie gifts. From bacon to ribs to brisket, we love to give the gift of tasty BBQ meat whenever we can. To go alongside all that finger-licking goodness, we like to dole out a few special gifts that range from chocolate to oils to even more bacon. Check out our holiday foodie gift roundup below and give the gifts everyone REALLY wants to get underneath the tree this year!
Chocolate Dipped Candied Citrus Slices - Sauce + Style
Maple Bacon Marshmallow Bark - Sauce + Style
Infused Olive Oils - Sauce + Style
Easy Peppermint Bark - Sauce + Style
Homemade Bacon Bits - Sauce + Style Trio of Chocolate Truffles - Sauce + Style
Homemade S’mores Kit - Twig and Thistle
Homemade Bacon Salt - Not Quite Nigella
Set of Flavored Sugars - Country Living
Homemade Dark Chocolate Nutella Chips - Desserts with Benefits
Homemade Tonic Syrup - Pinch and Swirl
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds - Inspiration Kitchen
