Homemade Holiday Treats

I made my grandfather’s favorite chocolate-covered dried apricots for his birthday today. He loves them so much he once told the counterwoman at the Godiva store that my homemade dipped apricots are better than anything she sells (I’m not so sure, but I’m glad he thinks so!). I made the batch you see below in just under an hour, using apricots and chocolate chips I got for next to nothing after coupons and sales. Scroll down for my super-easy dipping chocolate recipe.

Chocolate coated treats like these make great, inexpensive Christmas gifts for the candy lovers on your list. Just about anything tastes good dipped in chocolate, especially dried fruits, potato chips, pretzels, and butter cookies (I’ve heard some people like chocolate-covered crackers, but that doesn’t sound very good to me). For a tasty variation, stir coconut, broken pretzels, nuts, or small dried fruits (like raisins) directly into melted chocolate, mix until well coated, then drop by rounded spoonfuls onto waxed paper and refrigerate.

Easy Dipping Chocolate
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (do not substitute butter)

Microwave all ingredients in a medium bowl 1 minute, or until melted. Stir until smooth.