Obsession with Chocolate and how to GIFT IT

By Joanna Palmer, author of Just Wrap It – DIY Gifts from your kitchen

Did you know that our obsession with chocolate is over 4000 years old? First it was a drink of the gods, then it was used as a medicine, and now it’s enjoyed all throughout the world as a treat. And, this 4000 year old obsession has made chocolate the favorite gift item in the world today! So why the obsession? Is it because we have heard that chocolate (specifically dark) is an antioxidant and may provide health benefits? Or is it because chocolate comes in creamy milk, delectable dark, or velvety white? Maybe it’s because we can melt it, and then dip our favorite things in it? Since it’s an all time favorite gift, here’s a master recipe designed for you to DIY (dip - it- yourself) , dry it, then, just wrap it, and gift it. Whether it’s sweet, chewy, fruity, crunchy, or even meaty , yes you can dip it all and gift it all. It really is that simple for you to create a world famous, favorite gift. Here’s how to dip it, dry it, and then just wrap it!

 What you will need

  

• Chocolate ( any kind you obsess about) 
• Shortening
• Your favorite things to dip. Yes, anything you can think of to DIY ( dip it yourself) strawberries, cookies, biscotti, graham crackers, pretzels, dried fruit, licorice sticks, crispy bacon, even a pre cooked sausage link can be yummy when dipped in dark chocolate. (try it)

How to melt it

1. In the top of a double broiler on med temperature , combine 6oz of chocolate and 2oz of shortening
2. Stir and continue stirring until completely melted and liquid smooth, then turn the temperature to low. 
3. Begin to DIY – (dip it yourself)
4. Continue to stir chocolate

How to dip it

1. Dip ½ of the item into the warm liquid chocolate and allow excess to drip off
2. Place the dipped item on wax paper and allow to dry ( at least 30 min)

How to Just Wrap It

 

1. Pretzels or cookies - Place several of the dipped items in a clear cellophane bag, tie a ribbon around the top of the bag with a shoe lace bow.
2. Biscotti or licorice sticks  - Place several of the dipped items in a tall drinking glass and tie a ribbon around the center of the glass.
3. Dried fruit or graham crackers -  Place several of the dipped items inside a Chinese take out container, tie an embellishment around the handle.
4. Berries, bacon, or sausage - Place several of the dipped items on a plate, place the plate in a large cellophane bag, tie a ribbon. Store in refrigerator until gifting.

It’s surprising how quick, easy, and inexpensive it can be to create a personalized gift.  So when a store bought gift just won’t do, remember , you can always look to your kitchen for inspiration.  You can even re-create a 4000 year old world favorite into a new favorite.  Dip it, Dry it, and Just Wrap it.

For more ideas on how to create quick and easy gifts from your kitchen, go to Amazon.com , Ebooks – Just Wrap It.

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