Do you want to have Christmas parties but don't know what to do? This is an edible sleigh from best-selling and award winning author Wilhelminia Ripple who teaches you how easy it is to plan your party. It is excerpted from her book, "Christmas Parties...What I Do. Simply pull the crackers and candy canes apart to eat Santa and his sleigh. See this craft as well as a Christmas interview with the author.

Brownie Mix Rocky Road Bars
by Bruce Weinstein
Gooey, fudgy, or cakey, flavored with chocolate chips, coconut, or nuts, frosted or enjoyed as is, who doesn't love brownies? This is a wonderful recipe from Bruce Weinstein who has written an entire book about brownies. This particular recipe is a blend of mini marshmallows, chopped walnuts and chocolate chips to make a lovely Rocky Road twist on the traditional brownie recipe. Learn more about Bruce and try out this great recipe!

Chocolate Spiders
This week's Dessert of the Week comes from noted cookbook author and chef Gregg Gillespie. His Chocolate Spiders, featured in his popular book 1001 Chocolate Treats, are perfect for any Halloween party or celebration! They are simple to make and delicious to eat! This book is an encyclopedia of chocolate delights featuring all things chocolate - from candies to decadent chocolate cakes. Make sure to make a double batch because your little goblins will be sure to gobble them up!

Easy Thin Mints
These candies can be made by the kids. They are easy to make and don't require any heating. They make a great ending to a holiday dinner or supper.  Make a big batch because they sure do go fast!!

Sue's Taffy
I remember going to the beach as a kid and eagerly waiting the trip to the candy store.   The best part of the trip was the taffy. With this recipe you don't have to go to the shore for a taste of this sticky, gooey, delicious candy.

Toffee Bars
This week's Dessert of the Week features the sinfully delicious Toffee Bars. This candy is fun for a special treat or dressed up in a candy tin as a great gift. These bars are  simple to make and the kids can help make them too!

Coconut Chocolate Balls
This delicious recipe comes from the popular cookbook author and chef Gregg Gillespie the author of 1001 Chocolate Recipes. Gregg's book 1001 Chocolate Recipes has recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, candy and more. Using a simple double boiler over simmering water, melt the chocolates and rolls the balls. It's great fun for little hands and chocoholics dream come true!

Chocolate Nutty Squares
This homemade candy would be a perfect Valentine's gift wrapped in pretty pink plastic wrap.
Make sure you make extra for all your little Valentines at home!

Irish Cream Fudge
This week's Dessert of the Week features Irish Cream Fudge.  This delicious treat makes a great gift and family dessert.  This recipe makes about 5 pounds of fudge. You can use any kind of Irish Cream you choose.  Also nuts are optional and if you choose to add them, any type your like will work well with this recipe.

Chocolate Modeling Clay
It's edible, it's incredible
This craft is brought to us by Debby an active member of our online craft group, Craftzone. Chocolate Modeling Clay is very popular among craft groups and this is a well known recipe. Chocolate modeling clay is made by combining melted chocolate and light corn syrup. American pastry chefs invented the recipe and have been using this delicious edible clay to make garnishes and unique decorations. Here is their secret!

Story of the Candy Cane

This is a very nice explanation of the meaning behind the candy cane which you can print out. It was sent to us by Dana who says, "I have a story of the candy cane that I hope you like.  I hope  that everyone is enjoys this and passes it along."

PopCorn Balls
This is an all time favorite sweet.   Popcorn balls are terrific for any holiday like Halloween or as a kid treat for a job well done. These are very easy to prepare because you'll be using your microwave.   Have the kids join in the fun, they'll like shaping the popcorn into balls.

Nancy's Chocolate Covered Cherries
This dessert is brought to us by Nancy Burton. She always has good ideas and tries to make meal time a special event for her family. Thanks Nancy for sharing these desserts with us! If you like chocolate-covered cherries, try this recipe.

Homemade Marshmallows
Ever wonder where marshmallows come from? Well, here is a fun and tasty way to find out. These are great for the holidays packaged in colorful cellophane or just for dessert. Food coloring can be added for rainbow marshmallows! Have the kids help- they are sure to get a kick out of it!

Dark Chocolate Candy (fit 'n trim)
This dessert is brought to us from nutritionist Molly Siple, the author of Recipes for Change, Gourmet Wholefood Cooking for Health Vitality.

This recipe gives you a way to have chocolate, without eating refined sugar. The sweet comes from maple syrup and raisins instead.

The Chocolate Bible
more Chocolate Books
more Dessert Books
FREE Chocolate Recipes

Pyrex Candy Thermometer

more thermometers & timers
special kitchen values

interview with the Cake Mix Doctor, Anne Byrn
more cake books
more baking books

more Bakeware Sets
more Baking Supplies

Nancys Candy Cookbook:
How to Make Candy at Home the Easy Way
by Nancy Shipman

How to Make Candy at Home the Easy Way. You'll be surprised how easy it is to make fantastic confections at home . . . at a fraction of the price you'd pay in a candy store. Candy specialist Nancy Shipman guides you in the step-by-step candy-making process and shares her favorite recipes, from Grandma's old-fashioned cocoa fudge to modern day molded specialty candies.

Cheesecake Recipe Library
See our library of cheesecake recipes - some decadent and others more weight conscious, but ALL delicious.

also see:
Chocoholics Anonymous
Have a craving for chocolate? Stop here!

Valentine's Day Ideas