DIY Peppermint Hot Chocolate pails

Here’s a perfect little gift you can give to those on your list, just be sure to make one for yourself! 

 

I’d seen recipes for homemade hot chocolate a few times, but hadn’t ever tried them out.  When I  came across this recipe for homemade peppermint hot chocolate, I was sold!

I found the little paint cans at my bulk food store and thought they were the perfect way to see the layers and a fun little present.

The recipe calls for 1 cup of each powdered milk, cocoa and sugar; my little pail wouldn’t fit that so I cut it down to 3/4 cup of each. If you need to adjust the measurements, just be sure to keep the 1:1:1 ratio. I also adjusted the amount of chocolate chips and candy canes from the original recipe to fit in the pail.

 

My peppermint hot chocolate pails contain:

• 3/4 cup non-instant skim powdered milk (the original recipe doesn’t specify; I had never used powdered milk before and took a gamble on choosing this one. Also available at my bulk store was non-instant whole powdered milk and instant skim)
• 3/4 cup 100% pure cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup sugar (I’m guessing you could use a sugar substitute, but haven’t tried it; this is meant to be a little treat)
• 1/3 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup crushed candy canes (I pulsed them in my little food chopper)

 

Layer them all in your container; the mouth of the little pail isn’t very wide, so I didn’t have anything to tap the layers down. 

 

Include these directions:

Mix all ingredients (if you can choose a container that has a bit of room at the top, your recipient can just mix it with a spoon to combine- if not, they may have to dump it into a bowl to mix)

Add 1/3 cup cocoa mix to 1 cup boiling water or hot milk.

 

I usually make my hot chocolate with half water, half milk.  If it’s an extra special occasion, I’ll use chocolate milk (highly recommended).

I made some mix for me, but had run out of candy canes so I added a drop or two of peppermint extract, and it was delish!

I love a good hot chocolate, and this is by far better than the instant kind you buy at the grocery store.  It’s rich and chocolatey, and I didn’t find it too sweet.  A gourmet hot chocolate made by you!

 

 

Happy gifting!

 

Technorati Tags: diy Christmas gifts,homemade hot chocolate

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An Artist’s Affair- The Day After: An Open Thank-you Letter

Yesterday was my fourth appearance at An Artist’s Affair, and the first time there with Knitley Road. The doors opened an hour earlier and we had a steady stream of people all day.  There was live (and amazing!) local musical talent, and even a visit from the Big Guy in Red (a.k.a. Santa).

As I sit here this morning and process yesterday’s events, I’m delighted at the support and excitement there is for local artisans here in London.  With over 30 vendors, this was the biggest show- and what a show it was!

I love being able to meet my customers, have a chat and learn who they’re buying for- a gift to give, or a gift to keep. 

I noticed people were more engaged: I was asked how I started making cards (a sidebar to scrapbooking); who taught me to knit (Nonna); how did I name Knitley Road (just made it up).

I lost count as to how many people smiled at the big eyes on the owl hats.

People asked me how long it took me to make the knit items, and then thanked me for making art.

 

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I want to thank each and everyone of my customers and those who visited and supported any vendor yesterday at An Artist’s Affair. 

Your money is hard-earned, and you made a choice to support small local businesses and help your local economy grow.

For that I say Thank You.

 

I want to thank the organizers of An Artist’s Affair- Katie and Deanne, and all their supporting staff.

Thank you for giving us a space to share our art, to make people smile and to grow our local economy.

For that, I say Thank You.

 

Happy Sunday,

Steph

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Counting down to An Artist's Affair-1 day

Putting the finishing touches for tomorrow!

Hope to see you there!

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Counting down to An Artist's Affair-2 days

I've been crafting all day and have a few pictures to share with you as I get ready for the last few hours in my crafty marathon. I like to get any last projects finished today so I can prep, price and pack things up tomorrow (say that 3 times fast).

I finished a new chunky cowl on Tuesday and it's now blocked and ready for the finishing touches. I made one of these for myself last year and have gotten many compliments. I don't know it's taken me so long to make one for the shop! This cowl is a grey/soft teal combo and it's delicious!

I also finished up the owl hats, and have a pile of cards that keeps growing.

I'm really looking forward to Saturday, it wont be long now!

Happy Thursday!

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Counting Down to An Artist’s Affair- 3 days

We’re getting down to the wire- so here’s a reminder of all the details!

 

See you soon!

 

PS- check out that middle picture! *pats self on back*

Technorati Tags: An Artists Affair,London Ontario,Shop Local,A Paper Buffet,Knitley Road

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Counting down to An Artist’s Affair- 4 days

This will be super quick as I’m working on finishing some more goodies for this weekend (and that’s why I missed yesterday’s post).

I’ve been building up stock of Christmas cards to bring to Saturday’s show; the  A Paper Buffet  Etsy shop is almost sold out, so I’m trying to make as much as I can in the home stretch.

 

Here’s a peak at the pile that keeps growing

 

Gotta get back to work!

Happy Tuesday!

 

Technorati Tags: An Artists Affair,A Paper Buffet,Knitley Road on Etsy,London Ontario,shop local London,Ontario

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Counting down to An Artist’s Affair- 6 days

Happy Sunday friends! We’re counting down the days to An Artist’s Affair show on Dec 8th at the Citi Plaza, Artfusion gallery here in London, ON.

Today I wanted to share one of the latest cowls I made for Knitley Road.

This pennant stitch cowl was fun to make and it’s completely reversible!

I made this in super soft acrylic yarn, it’s called Lilac, and it’s a bit heathered with a few different shades of purple, it’s so lovely!

 

 

Cowls are great to just pop on and go- my favourite feature is that they don’t get stuck in my jacket zipper.

You can click on the picture to be brought to the listing- remember both shops will be closed on Saturday for the show; as most items are one of a kind- shop early!

 

Happy Sunday,

Technorati Tags: Knitley Road on Etsy,An Artists Affair,handmade knits,knitted cowl

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Counting Down to An Artist’s Affair

Happy Saturday friends! In just one week, on December 8th, 2012, A Paper Buffet and Knitley Road will be participating in this years An Artist’s Affair at the London Citi Plaza.

An Artist’s Affair is a wonderful art show, featuring local artisans.  It’s a chance to meet new people, support small businesses and pick up some great holiday gifts! Admission is a canned food item; it’s a great way to give back to your community this holiday season and help out those in need.

This will be the first time I’ll have Knitley Road items at the show and I’m really looking forward to it!

Each day until the event, I’ll be showcasing the cards and knit items I’ll be bringing with me.

To start off with, I’m featuring my Christmas gift tags, available in Holly; Snowflakes or Reindeer

 

You can click the pictures to be brought to the A Paper Buffet etsy shop, where the tags are available for purchase. The store will be closed for the Saturday while I’m at the show, so this is a great chance to pick up anything that you’ve had your eye on.  Shipping deadlines for the US and Canada are fast approaching!

 

Happy Saturday!

Technorati Tags: An Artists Affair,London Ontario,handmade Christmas tags,AAF,A Paper Buffet on Etsy,Knitley Road on Etsy

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