Day 1: Mint Chocolate Drops

                    Hello everyone, I hope all of you are doing well tonight. The orginal plan was to start the 12 Days on the 1st. but I didn't realize how close we were to Dec. 1st and how much work needed to be done. Because of the date had to be pushed back a little later than planned.
                   Today is, finally, the first day of the 12 Days of Handmade. During these days I am going to show you some of my favorite things to make, some recipes, and some new things I am trying. The First Day is a sweet day and new recipe. It is very simple and very yummy. These little bits of yumminess (not sure if this is a real word) will go great in a festive treat bag and then placed in an even more festive coffee mug. Ok, here is the recipe. I hope you all like it and enjoy these 12 Days of Handmade.

                 

            Ingredients:

              12 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

              Mint Candy Flavoring Oil

              Green or Red Sprinkles


           Instructions:

 1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Stir after each time.

 2. Add a few drops of the flavoring at a time stirring after each addition until the flavor is to your liking.

3. Drop by spoonful onto a cookie sheet covered in wax paper.

4. Sprinkle with sprinkles while still wet.

5. Leave on counter until set. Store in a container.

Makes about 24-36

Cinnamon Ganache Filled Orange Cups

   Before I decided to make these I wanted to make truffles. Then I thought I should change things up a bit. Don't worry more truffles are on their way. Probably quite often; I love truffles. I also thought they would make great party favors. They are petite little cups, perfect for giving away.

       Things you'll need:

     candy cup mold or paper candy cups
     a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag
     a decorator's brush

       Ingrediants:

        white candy coating
         orange flavoring oil
        12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
        3/4 cup heavy cream
        1/2 tsp. cinnamon

      What to do:

1. Pour some white candy coating into a microwaveable bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals; stirring after each until smooth. Add about 3 drops of orange candy oil and stir well.

2. Pour a little of the mixture into the mold or paper cups. With the decorator's brush (it looks like a small artist's brush) brush the candy onto the sides of the mold. Do this until the sides are completely covered, one at a time. Put into the fridge for 30 min. or until hard.

3. While you wait for the cups to harden pour the chocolate chips into a medium size bowl. In a saucepan heat heavy cream and cinnamon just until boiling, mix well.

4. Pour the liquid over the chocolate and stir until smooth. Cover and put into the fridge for 15 minutes. You don't want the ganache to get too thick. It just needs to cool enough so that you can put it into a piping bag.

5. While you wait take out the cups and take them out of the mold or paper cups.

6. Okay, now you'll want to put some ganache into a plastic bag or piping bag and cut the tip. You don't need to use a cake decorating tip if you don't want to. You don't want to cut too much off the tip of the bag because it will just make a huge mess, chocolate everywhere. You don't want that.

7.Pipe the ganache into the cups in a swirl until they are full. Put them into the fridge for 1 hour. When the ganache is set add sprinkles and enjoy.