Hot Choc Stirrers Recipes

Steps:

• Very lightly oil the insides of four egg cups or shot glasses, and set aside. Cut a small slit in the centre of each cupcake case using scissors.
• Melt the dark or milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, or in short bursts in the microwave. Divide the melted chocolate between the oiled moulds, then chill for 15 mins. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate as you did the dark or milk, then pour over the set dark or milk chocolate layer.
• Insert a lolly stick into the centre of each of the moulds, then scatter over the toppings of your choice (see tip, below). Slide the cupcake cases, upside-down, onto the sticks through the slit to help keep the sticks in place. Chill until solid, about 4 hrs, then discard the cupcake cases and package the stirrers. Will keep in a cool, dry place for up to one week.

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread crushed candy canes and marshmallows on 2 plates.
• Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, 1 to 3 minutes. Dip plastic spoons into the melted chocolate, covering the base completely, then cover with candy cane bits or mini marshmallows. Arrange on the parchment paper and freeze until set, about 15 minutes.

Steps:

• Lightly oil the ice lolly moulds. Melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of just-simmering water, stirring occasionally - take care to not scald the chocolate, as this will make it waxy and granular. Alternatively melt the chocolate in short, sharp bursts in a microwave on a medium heat. Put the spoons or lolly sticks into the holes of the lolly mould.
• Divide the melted chocolate into four separate bowls. Now work quickly to add the different flavours. Stir the ground cardamom into one bowl and fill two lolly moulds to the top of the spoon, then sprinkle on the chopped pistachios. Mix the orange zest into the next bowl, then fill two moulds to the top of the spoon and top with candied peel. Mix the nutmeg into the next bowl, then fill two moulds as before and top with white chocolate. Add the star anise to the final bowl of chocolate, mix, then fill the remaining moulds and top with the freeze-dried raspberries.
• Chill the moulds in the fridge for at least 2-3 hrs. When the chocolate has completely set, ease the stirrers out of the moulds, wrap each spoon in cellophane and secure with string. Add a label that reads 'Stir me into hot milk', if you like. Keep cool until you need them.