Last minute edible stocking fillers you can make yourself

Here is a selection of recipes and ideas that you can quickly whip up to complete your gifts. It’s also a good idea to have a spare gift or two available for unexpected guests on Christmas Day.

Easy fudge recipe 

Fudge lends itself to experimentation when it comes to flavours. Blending favourites or even a moment of inspiration will create a new delicious kind of fudge. Adding bits of candy, nuts or sprinkles can add just the right celebratory burst of excitement to an old favourite.

Why not make a batch to share with friends and family.

Ingredients:

1 tin condensed milk
2 cups sugar
250g baking margarine

Method:

Melt the margarine, add sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Add condensed milk and stir continuously until it starts boiling.
Lower the heat and stir for another 20 minutes.
Pour into a baking tray and allow to set.

Microwave chocolate fudge:
Made in 3 minutes with 3 ingredients

• 1 can Sweetened Condensed milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

1. Butter a square pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal of set fudge. Set aside.
2. In a microwave safe 2 quart bowl, heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, on high for 1 minute. Remove from microwave. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir to combine. If needed, heat an additional 30 seconds. Stir until chips are completely melted and chocolate is smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour fudge into prepared pan. Let fudge cool completely before cutting into 1 inch squares. (you can place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to speed up the process.)
4. Store in an airtight container. Fudge does not need to be kept refrigerated.

Super moreish coconut ice: Made with only 4 ingredients

If you have a sweet tooth, try it out.

A sweet treat not only for the children, but the adults too.

It’s easy to whip up with only four ingredients.

Coconut Ice

Serves 12

Ingredients:

• 200g condensed milk
• 225g icing sugar, sieved
• 175g desiccated coconut
• 1 tiny drop natural red food colouring

Method:

1. Mix together the condensed milk and icing sugar. Stir in the coconut (mixture should be very stiff) and divide in half. Colour one half of the mixture pale pink, keep mixing until you have an even colour.
2. Double line a small plastic box with baking parchment or cling film before placing the white coconut ice on the base, pressing into a bar shape. Form the pink coconut ice into a similar shape and press firmly together.
3. Leave 2-3 hours until firm and cut into squares. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and use within 3 weeks.

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Diabetic-friendly recipe: Crunchy nut sprinkles

Ingredients:

• 100 grams pecan nuts, chopped
• 250 ml mixed seeds
• 1 dash olive oil
• 5 ml rosemary, finely chopped
• 5 ml  garlic,ginger and chilli paste
• 1 dash salt, to taste

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Toss together chopped pecan nuts and mixed seeds with a little olive oil, finely chopped rosemary and allow to cook.
3. Additions chilli, garlic and ginger paste, salt and milled pepper.
4. Place in an even layer onto a baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes or until crunchy.
5. Scatter over soups for added texture and flavour, or enjoy as a snack.
6. Store in an airtight container.

Spiced Walnuts 

Cayenne pepper gives these slightly sweet walnuts a piquant kick.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cups walnut halves
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. In a large nonstick pan, heat honey, oil, and 1 tablespoon water over medium heat.
2. Add walnuts; toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle the sugar, salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne over the nuts.
4. Cook, tossing and stirring until the nuts are well coated and lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Transfer to a baking sheet to cool completely.

READ ALSO: Christmas stocking ideas

7 Crazy popcorn flavours you have to try

Make a batch or two and place them in a cute airtight jar or gift bag for your popcorn-loving friends

Margarita Popcorn

If you are lover of spicy food then this flavour is definitely for you. Just add a pinch of salt, chili powder and lime zest, and you’re done.

Cookies ‘n’ Cream Popcorn

Yes, it does happen when you simply crave everything in the world. This cookies n cream combination will fulfil the sweet and savoury craving. All you’ll need to do is crush your cookies and melt your white chocolate, mix everything together and voila.

Trail Mix Popcorn

You can have so much fun with this recipe.  Add in mixed nuts and dried fruit to your ready-made popcorn or go crazy and add in some chocolate or sweets.

Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn

After popped, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter in the bag, two teaspoons of sugar, and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. Hold the bag closed and shake to mix then indulge.

Marshmallow Popcorn

Remember the good old Rice Krispies Treat recipe? You’ll be pouring the melted butter and marshmallow mix over popcorn instead of rice krispies, wait for it to cool down and indulge.

Parmesan- Garlic Popcorn

This is basically heaven in your mouth. Melt butter with olive oil and salt in a pan, then add some garlic. Pour the mix over your popcorn and sprinkle parmesan cheese over.

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