My Life, my photography, my passions
Old Fashioned Ribbon Candy reminds me of my Dad. He loved the little pieces of Christmas candy and would carefully and meticulously pick through the bowl to find his favorite.
I was reminded of my Father when I visited my in-laws for Christmas and my Mother in Law set out a tray that included old-fashioned ribbon candy. I was a kid again!
In my house during the Christmas season, if it doesn’t move it gets dipped in Chocolate. It’s not Five Golden Rings
How easy is this? Very easy! Just gather a few simple candy making supplies, clear off a space on your table, cover it with waxed paper and melt chocolate. Your imagination is the only thing that limits you. My favorite brand is are Snyders pretzel Rods 
Because I dip so much food in chocolate during the holidays I do use almond bark
Snyder’s of Hanover Old Fashioned Pretzel Rods, 27 Ounce
Ghirardelli Chocolate White Candy Making Wafers, 10 OunceWilton 1904-1017 Candy Melt Dipping Tool, Set of 3Wilton 415-1971 Dipped Treat Boxes, Black/White200 Clear Self Sealing Cellophane Pretzel Rod Bags – FDA approval for food packaging. (1LI-GELISI 18/8 Stainless Steel Universal Melting Pot, Double Boiler Insert, Double Spouts, Heat-resistant Handle, Flat Bottom, Melted Butter Chocolate Cheese Caramel Homemade Mask =500ML (Silvery)
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The recipe for chocolate covered pretzels is really easy and fast. You just need the following.
Stick pretzels, melting chocolate
Many people ask how I get the drizzle so neat and even. Easy, all I do is dip a fork in dark or white almond bark and wave it over the dried pretzel rods dipped in chocolate. and when they are still wet I then sprinkle the toppings. Depending on the holiday depends on how my gourmet pretzel rods will look. If its Halloween, I use spiders and ghost sprinkles, and 4th of July gets red, white and blue.
Shakespeare’s Chocolate Assorted Pretzel Rods – 20 countShari’s Berries – Hand Dipped Caramel Pretzel Rods – 12 Count – Gourmet Baked Good GiftsShari’s Berries – 24 Hand-Dipped Caramel Pretzel Rods – 24 Count – Gourmet Baked Good GiftsWilton 6 Color Christmas Sprinkle MixOasis Supply 8-Ounce Patriotic Stars Sprinkle Quins, LargeWilton 710-2055 Halloween Test Tube Sprinkle Set, Assorted
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What other pretzel rod ideas do you have? I think it would be a great fundraiser for church or school.
Cookies, cookies and more cookies. Starting around Thanksgiving I start stocking up for my cookie marathon for Christmas. It’s a tradition to bake at least six different kinds and mix it up with chocolate covered pretzels and chex mix.
For 25 years I’ve made cookies to share and give as gifts. It’s what my kids know and have come to depend on during the holidays. This was especially evident in the excitement I heard as my youngest Marine Corp opened his care package the week before Christmas.
I took a full container to work (Hamilton Color Lab) everyday the week before Christmas to and shared them with my co-workers and customers. Every night I came home with an empty container. I swear some customers came in just for the cookies. Which made my day!
This is the easiest recipe you will find, and I should really make them year round, but then they wouldn’t be so special around the holidays.
Ingredients (I believe this is even gluten free)
Directions
Some of my favorites over the years include (it’s my goal to include recipes for all of these)
He’s a U.S. Marine stationed in California, pulling 24-hour shifts so he can come home on the second block leave.
A week before Christmas he called on the phone and reminded me that he wanted LOTS of food when he got home, especially my cookies, pretzels, and venison jerky. Little did he know a care package was on its way with everything included on his list.
Along with all his favorite treats was this tree, don’t know if he put it up (I hope so), but I wanted to send a piece of home his way. (His older brother, stationed in Arizona, also got a care package)
But it is my youngest Marine who got the special treatment this year. He is a corrections officer in the Brigand received the box during his 24 hr “sleep break”. He called and opened the box on the phone with me, which I love.
I got to hear the excitement in his voice as he pulled out the Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Christmas Peeps, Reeses Candy Canes, and deer jerky from the stocking. When he opened the cookie tin, he exclaimed: “Oh my God, this smells soooo good!!” Thank you, thank you!
I always send a Santa hat, to be worn when they open their presents and add a little frivolity and holiday spirit.
Does a Mom good to hear appreciation from her sons. Makes me want to send another box really soon. But, I don’t have to.
He’s coming home tomorrow night for a 10 day leave!
