Super Duper Chocolate Toffee Crunch

This month is flying by and I’m so floored by the talent that these amazing guest posters have shared.

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Firstly, a big thank you to Miss Rachel of A Southern Fairytale for being the awesome-est hostess with the most-est.

I was just thrilled when she asked me to participate in this year’s Holiday Bake Craft and Sew Along and really, how could I refuse? Rachel’s such the coolest cat and one of the most gracious fellow food bloggers ever.

So, thank you for having me over at A Southern Fairytale today, Rachel, so glad to be here!

And, of course, Happy Holidays, everyone!

My name is Christina Lazarakis and I am the writer and creator of Small Kitchen Chronicles. This is me.

My motto over at Small Kitchen Chronicles is all about cooking and living big in the small space you’ve got.

But, let’s face it, you can’t cook or live big if you’re busy stressing out. But that’s what the holidays can sadly often be.

And with less than a month to go now ’til Christmas — if you’re in the camp of Still Haven’t A Clue As In What To Give — it can get pretty stressful, pretty quick, indeed.

Well, stress be gone, because I’m here to help with a fabulous homemade gift idea that’s not only abso-positively delicious but an absolute snap to make too. Such a snap in fact, that it just might change your mind about how you think about the holidays.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you … Super Duper Chocolate Toffee Crunch. So super, it’s duper.

The toffee and chocolate are what make it so. But then, it could also be the delightful one-two crunch of those salty-good pretzels combined with that just-sweet-enough Chex. I’ll let you decide.

A chocolate-y, salty-sweet flavor extravaganza with just a hint of kick, this recipe not only makes the perfect cuter-than-a-button stocking stuffer for practically everyone on your list but — believe it or not — is pretty healthy too. You just wouldn’t know it by how good it tastes.

And all in less than an hour, you’ve got not one but eight delectable stocking stuffers d-o-n-e, done.

Now, how easy and stress-free was that?

Super Duper Chocolate Toffee Crunch

Inspired from Eating Well

Makes approximately 8 – 3/4 cup gift baggies

2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups pretzel sticks, broken in half
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate toffee bits
1 pinch cayenne pepper
8 – 4 inch by 10 inch clear treat bags
5 yards red ribbon

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl — using clean hands — combine cereal and pretzels together until well combined.

In a separate, small microwave-safe mixing bowl, add chocolate chips and place bowl into microwave. Microwave chocolate chips on medium setting for approximately 45 seconds.

Stir mixture with a spoon, return to microwave and microwave again on medium setting in 30 seconds intervals until chocolate chips are completely melted.

Note: You will have to do this a few times, making sure to stir well after each interval. Just be careful not to burn yourself — chocolate will be hot!

Drizzle melted chocolate over cereal and pretzel mixture slowly and — using spatula — fold gently to combine.

Add toffee bits and cayenne pepper. Fold well.

Turn crunch out onto your prepared baking sheet and place in refrigerator for chocolate to set, about 20 – 25 minutes.

While crunch is cooling, set out bags and cut 8 – 1 and 1/2 foot strips of ribbon.

When chocolate has set, remove crunch from refrigerator and — using clean hands — divide mixture evenly into each of your eight treat bags and — using your prepared strips of ribbon — tie each with a bow.

Gift and enjoy! Have a very happy holidays, everyone!

x x x

Be sure to stop by Small Kitchen Chronicles today to enter the incredible giveaway these awesome ladies have going on. While you’re there, look around and say hi — I’d love to hear from you!

Christina Lazarakis and Small Kitchen Chronicles have been featured by such sites as The Huffington Post, Yummly and Baked by Joanna, to name a few. Her work can also be seen on Tastespotting and Foodgawker. Connect with Christina through her blog, as well as through Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.