Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Bark

This is fun and the red cranberries and green pistachios make it so festive for Christmas. 

Ingredients:

1 pound white chocolate confectionery coating
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pistachios, shells removed

Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl.  Stir in cranberries and pistachios.  Pour onto wax paper-lined baking sheet and spread out to form a thin layer.   Chill in the refrigerator.  Break into pieces.  Enjoy!

This recipe is so easy to double (and I tend to add more cranberries and pistachios to fill it up!) 

Mocha Truffles

One of my favorite Christmas treats to make and to share is Mocha Truffles.  I got this recipe many years ago from Taste of Home and it is one frequently requested.  It takes a little time to make because the truffles need to be firm enough to shape, but it is simple and yummy!  This is a great recipe to do with children too because it is simple for them to help shape the truffles into balls. 

Ingredients:

2 packages (12 ounces each) semi sweet chocolate chips

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons instant coffee granules

2 teaspoons water

1 pound dark chocolate confectionery coating

   white chocolate confectionery coating, optional

In a microwave safe bowl melt chocolate chips.  Add cream cheese, coffee, and water.  Chill until firm enough to shape.  Shape into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.  Chill for 1-2 hours, or until firm.  Melt chocolate coating in microwave safe bowl.  Dip balls and place on waxed paper to harden.  If desired, melt white chocolate and drizzle over top.  (Yield around 5 dozen)