Homemade Chocolate Gift Baskets

Indulge those special people in your life with decadent homemade chocolate gift baskets.

Most people love to receive gift baskets and why not personalize yours by using the favorite chocolate items of the recipient. You could make it even more special by including some homemade chocolate goodies. Go to the bottom of this web page for some of my favorite chocolate recipes.

Chocolate gift baskets are themes that are appropriate for nearly everyone. They are especially nice for work-associates because they aren't considered "too personal."

I like to use a white or natural container when making chocolate gift baskets as I like the contrasting colors with the rich color of chocolate. Although you can use trays or small wooden crates as containers, my favorite is a wicker basket.

Line the basket with bright red purchased shred or tissue paper. After you have arranged all of your gift items scatter some Hershey's Kisses to fill in any sparse areas. For complete information about making gift baskets, visit my "Assembly" web page.

In addition to standard chocolates, here are some gift items I would place in homemade chocolate gift baskets:

mocha coffee mix, cocoa mix, fudge or brownie mix, pudding mix

homemade chocolate covered strawberries
chocolate scented candle or bath products
fudge sauce for ice cream
chocolate covered nuts, raisins, cherries, or mints
small bottle of chocolate liqueur
Baker's dipping chocolate
chocolate lollipops
small candy dish

This fudge recipe is yummy and easy to make. Wrap fudge in clear wrap or place in small cello bags. Add a decorative touch with curly ribbon or raffia and place them in your homemade chocolate gift baskets.

Easy Dark Chocolate Nut Fudge Recipe

3 cups (18 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, and salt in a heavy saucepan over low heat until melted.

Remove from heat and stir in chopped nuts and vanilla extract.

Spread fudge evenly in an 8 inch square pan lined with foil. Refrigerate several hours until firm.

Remove fudge from pan and peel off the foil. Cut into squares.