Large chocolate buttons with trail mix

I can't believe it is only a month until Christmas - can't wait!

I have always loved Christmas - for us, it really is all about getting together with loved ones, enjoying some lovely food together and generally having a break.  There are little traditions we have as a family (I am sure most families do), for example, no matter how old we are now, we still have to stand outside the living room door and wait to be called in to admire the tree.  At my mum's, we always have a real tree with real candles - always have done, even when we were all small children.  Needless to say, the candles aren't lit the whole time and never without anyone watching but it just makes it so festive and cosy :-)  And there are always lots and lots of different types of Christmas biscuits/cookies my mum makes for the occasion.  Christmas bakery is very big in Germany and there are some classic recipes like cinnamon stars (Zimtsterne) and other decorated biscuits/cookies.  I will see if I can make some cinnamon stars and share the recipe here - it's a great one as it is gluten free, so watch this space.

Chocolate buttons with trail mix

If you like homemade gifts, then you might enjoy this little edible treat to give away in a pretty jar: chocolate buttons with trail mix.

The ones pictured have the added bonus of protein powder thrown into the mix, making them into little protein treats but they can just as easily be made without.  A quick and easy treat or gift that looks really cute and tastes delicious.

Chocolate buttons with trail mix (makes 10 -15, roughly the size of a 50p coin which is 27mm wide...I had to look that up :-))




Ingredients:
50g good quality chocolate (I used the 70% cocoa type)
a handful of nuts & dried fruit (almonds, walnuts, raisins, cranberries - whatever you like & have to hand)
Optional: 1 scoop of protein powder (25g), any flavour

Method:

1. Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper.
2. Simply place a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water (bain Marie) and melt the chocolate. If using, stir in the protein powder.  Leave to cool slightly.
3. Using a teaspoon, place dollops of the chocolate onto the lined paper (if using protein powder, the mix and dollops will be thicker).
4. Now gently press a few pieces of nuts and dried fruit on top and leave to cool.  Remove the buttons by sliding a knife underneath.
5. Fill into a jar and store in the fridge.