Thrift Store Chocolate Spoons

Chocolate Spoons
12 Spoons (I found great mismatched ones at the local goodwill store for .50)
1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate*
Fun extras: crushed peppermint candy, melted white chocolate, sprinkles, shredded coconut
Waxed paper
Clear Plastic wrap
Ribbon

Melt chocolate in the microwave. Set timer for 2 minutes or so, taking care to stir every 30 seconds or so.

Spread out a sheet of waxed paper. Dip clean, dry spoons into the chocolate, then place them on the waxed paper. Allow the spoons to cool slightly, then dip them in the chocolate again. Repeat until chocolate reaches the desired thickness on the spoon. While they're still warm, add the "extras" if you're using them. Place spoons in the fridge to set. Once firm and cool, wrap each one in plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon. I added then to the side of a homemade jar of flavored coffee. They look great!

Homemade Vanilla Gifts

I found this great idea for HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT..YUMMMM. The mastermind behind this project is Lisa of Laundry Tree. And now, notes and recipes in Lisa's words:

Vanilla Extract Recipe
Some recipes call for Everclear. I had Smirnoff vodka so that's what I used.

16-ounce jar or bottle with tight-fitting lid
16 ounces vodka, top-shelf brands not required
6 vanilla beans

Cut the six vanilla beans in half lengthwise, leaving about 1 inch connected at one end. Put the beans into the jar and pour in the 16 ounces of vodka. Cover tightly and store in a cool, dark place for about 8 weeks. Give it a gentle shake about once a week.

I EVEN ENCLOSED THE LINK TO THE LABELS I USED!
http://www.laundrytree.com/labels/vanilla_extract_label.pdf

Vanilla Sugar Recipe
I used spent beans from making vanilla extract to flavor the sugar. Dry them a couple of days before adding them to the sugar.

1 vanilla bean, whole or scraped
2 cups granulated sugar

If vanilla bean is whole, slice down side of bean with back of knife and scrape seeds into airtight container with the sugar. Bury bean in sugar and seal tightly with lid. Let sit for 1 to 2 weeks. Use as you would regular, granulated sugar.

ENJOY.