12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

Hello!  Welcome to my version of 12 Days of Christmas.  I'm not even going to try to be creative and re-do the song.  I'm here to share with you some of the Christmas projects I've been playing with and maybe I'll help you with some of  your gift giving, sharing greetings or just helping you have a great time.  And at the very least, I hope I put a smile on your face.

To start off with, I knew we'd be visited by another frosty friend.  I've been planning on this guy for a couple of weeks now.  I found a You Tube video where the crafter made a reindeer treat box from punches, the Top Note die by Stampin' Up! and thought it was pretty cute.  So taking from her inspiration, I created my own version of a treat box using my new Silhouette Portrait.  I'm so glad it came!

Isn't he fun?  I used a label cut file that I purchased from Silhouette Online store to create the snowman body and hat and then used my punches for the rest.  I did freehand the holly leaves.  First I punched out an oval and then cut notches in the sides.  I tried using a punch... yeah, that didn't go so well.

So what's on the inside?  I made Peppermint Bark.  Which is supposed to be really easy and it is.  Really.  But let me give you a tip before I tell you how to make it.  Don't use cheap ingredients.  I bought chocolate and white chocolate chips from Aldi.  If you don't have an Aldi, the store is all their store brands.  So often, as with other store brands or generic, the quality is sometimes lacking.  The chocolate didn't harden back up like it should.  The white chocolate melted enough to be the consistency of decorator icing and then starting clumping up.  It was bad!  Use GOOD chocolate.

OK - recipe: 1 bag dark chocolate chips.  Melt half the bag in the microwave (30 seconds, stir, 30 seconds, etc) and then temper the chocolate by then just stirring in the remaining bag of chips until completely melted and smooth.  Pour onto a lined with wax paper cookie sheet and let get cold in the fridge. About 30 minutes.  Repeat this process (don't chill just yet) with the white chocolate chips and pour over the dark chocolate.  Then sprinkle with crushed candy canes over the melted white layer and then chill til hard and set.  Then break into pieces.

This would be great to give as teacher's gifts, treats to co-workers or neighbors.

Enjoy!