There is nothing like an easy-to-make gift that tastes great too.   This holiday season consider experimenting with chocolate dipping.   At first blush people may falsely assume that chocolate dipping is difficult and time consuming.   It is actually quick and easy to do.   In addition you can get creative with it because chocolate pairs well with many other edible items.   One such item is peppermint candy canes.   What follows is a simple recipe for making chocolate dipped candy canes. 

To make Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes you will need to assemble the following ingredients;

·         4 ounces semisweet dark or white chocolate

·         2/3 cup chopped nuts

·         1 teaspoon shortening

·         Colored sugar

·         Non-pareils

·         16 candy canes

Begin by taking out a heavy saucepan.   Add the chocolate and shortening to the saucepan and heat it over a low heat just until the ingredients start to melt.   Be sure to keep stirring it so the chocolate will not scorch to the bottom.   Once the mixture is melted remove the pan from the stove and pour the melted chocolate into a bowl.

Next take the candy canes and dip one of the cane’s ends into the chocolate.   While the chocolate is still sticky sprinkle the nuts, colored sugar or nonpareils onto it.   Then place the chocolate covered candy cane onto a sheet of waxed paper and let the chocolate harden.

Once the chocolate is hardened you can wrap them up in festive cellophane to give as a gift or plate them up on a holiday serving platter to use as party favors.