When planning my 13th annual Gifts From the Kitchen class this year, the words bento boxes kept coming to my head. Collecting an assortment of goods and packing them artfully in boxes seemed like a good plan.

I bought festive gift boxes at the craft store along with crinkle paper shred and of course lots of Mason jars to stuff with goodies.

Creating a recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix, was the first step. The jars were filled with the chocolaty goodness and a “Got Milk?” tag was added.  On the back of the tags are the instructions for use. Next, old fashioned peppermint sticks were dipped into white chocolate and dusted with Christmas sprinkles.

To give the boxes some whimsy, I decorated marshmallows to look like snowmen.

SnowBall Cookies rounded out the edible assortment.  Each package was tied  with my HoHoHo From the Fangio’s ribbon.

Add a holiday dish towel, some festive straws and you are done!

   Making the Relax-Bath Boxes was a fun project too!

Creating charming gift boxes is fun and easy.  I hope you will give it a try this season!

Join me in 2018 for cooking classes, new titles just posted.

Hurry several are already sold OUT!

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

3 ½ cups sugar

2 cups unsweetened cocoa extra dark

10 ounces dark or semisweet chocolate chopped

1 tablespoon salt

Mix all ingredients well in an airtight container.  When ready to serve, add 2 tablespoons mix to 1 cup warmed whole milk.