Christmas Archives - Page 6 of 26 - Feathers in Our Nest

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Toffee

December 4, 2014 by Aliesha

Every time I make this candy recipe, I get requests for the recipe! It’s so addictive (so, either plan on giving it away or hiding it from yourself in the back of the fridge so you don’t eat it all). The bottom layer is crisp toffee, and the top is dark chocolate with a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s a match made in heaven.

After this is made, I store it in the fridge, so if you’re giving it to people for Christmas, make a note about that.

Best part: this recipe doesn’t require a candy thermometer… just “eye it”!

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Toffee

This recipe for Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Toffee is originally from Bread and Wine. It is addictive and delicious, and also gluten-free and egg-free!

Author: Aliesha @ Feathers in Our Nest

Recipe type: Dessert

Ingredients

2 sticks butter
2 cups white sugar
1 cup dark chocolate chips
sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare a rimmed cookie sheet by covering it with a piece of parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt together butter and sugar. Stir constantly. It will start to bubble, then the color will begin to change. Keep stirring. What you are looking for is a dark amber color (the color of toffee). Stir constantly so the bottom doesn't burn. It will thicken and darken in color by around 8-9 minutes, but let the color be your judge, not the time.
When the toffee is done, pour it onto the prepared pan and spread evenly. I have a big sheet, so I don't spread all the way to the edges. Do not lick the spoon at this point NO MATTER WHAT. Put the sheet in the fridge to cool.
In a double boiler (or a glass bowl securely set over top of a saucepan of water), melt 1 cup dark chocolate chips, stirring as they melt.
When toffee is cool to the touch, pour melted chocolate over the top and spread it to the edges of the toffee. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, OR wait several minutes until chocolate is almost hardened, then sprinkle with regular sea salt.
Return cookie sheet to fridge to finish hardening. When completely hardened, break into pieces. Store in fridge.

Enjoy!

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It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot like Christmas!

November 26, 2014 by Aliesha

Don’t you love that “Christmas” smell that comes this time of year? The evergreens, the cinnamon, the cranberries, the orange… I love it all!

I’ve recently discovered several new favorite scents for the holiday season, in the form of new (limited edition) essential oil blends from Rocky Mountain Oils!

First of all, if you don’t know how to use a diffuser, it’s super easy. Just fill the diffuser to the water fill line, then add 3 or so drops of your favorite oil or blend. Turn it on, and enjoy! This is the diffuser I own (not an affiliate link). If you don’t have a diffuser, read on to find some other unique ways of using holiday essential oil blends!

Here are the new blends:

Christmas Tree (blend of Spruce, Fir Needle, Pine Needle, Orange, and Cinnamon Bark)
This is the “classic” Christmas scent, smelling of freshly cut pine trees, citrus, and cinnamon. The fragrance is so welcoming, and is perfect for diffusing throughout the holiday season!

Another fun thing to do with this essential oil blend… make scented pine cones! This is a great option if you don’t have a diffuser, yet you want to infuse your home with holiday cheer. Watch this video to learn how.

Ginger Spice (blend of Orange, Cassia, Balsam of Peru, Ginger Root, and Clove Bud)
I love the spicy/sweet scent of Ginger Spice! This is another oil that is lovely when diffused. This oil blend will remind you of gingerbread, orange, and holiday baking.

Speaking of holiday baking, you can bake with this oil blend! It can be added to various baked goods, such as a spice cake mix, as shown in this video.

Candy Cane (blend of Peppermint, Orange, Lavender, and Vanilla absolute)
I saved the “sweetest” for last! If you’re watching your waistline this Christmas season, but still want to enjoy the sensory experience of candy canes and sweet treats, this blend is for you! The sweet, minty fragrance is delicious.

You can also put a drop of Candy Cane into your hot cocoa for a special treat! Watch this video for more details.

If you’re ready to snag any of these oil blends, now is the time. After Christmas Day, they will be gone!

I have a coupon code to share with you (just for Feathers in Our Nest readers)!
Use code “FEATHERSHOLIDAY” to save $2 off each bottle of Christmas Tree, Ginger Spice, and Candy Cane that you order. (No limits, so if you order 10 bottles, you will save $20!)
Coupon code expires 12/25/14.

Also, if you want to get the best deals on oils from RMO/NAN, you should go ahead and sign up for the email lists (Rocky Mountain Oils here at the bottom of the page, and Native American Nutritionals at the bottom of the page here). I would expect there will be some exciting Black Friday deals soon, and email subscribers are the first to know!

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, so if you choose to purchase essential oils using my links, it will help support my family and this blog. Thank you!