Chocolate is definitely nature's way of making up for 2020!

It's only fitting that there is a day dedicated to celebrating this delicious wonder.  December just got a whole lot more exciting, Sunday 13th December is National Cocoa Day.

We have gathered up our favourite ways of taking chocolate from the humble block to fabulous holiday treats. 

Chocolate pudding smash cake

We have long admired Sydney Smash Cake creations. Their Christmas Pudding is sweet on the outside and filled with delicious sweeties.

If you have friends and family in Sydney, one of these would certainly make their Christmas. Unfortunately, delivery to the UK is not available but Claudia from Sydney Smash Cakes has shared some tips on how to recreate your own puddings at home with the kids. Click Here for the full recipe and instructional video.

Image Credit - Sydney Smash Cakes 

Melted Snowmen

These melted Olaf's are the perfect fun activity to do with the kids this Christmas. The wonderfully creative Foodbites inspired us to introduce more chocolate art into our kitchen this Christmas. It's so much fun and easy for the kids and no matter how it turns out, it's still just as delicious. 

Gather all the decorations, melt some white chocolate drops and let it flow. Be careful that the chocolate is not too hot when working with small children.

Just like a snowflake, each snowman will melt in a unique style. If doing this with younger kids, try some pretzel sticks dipped in milk chocolate for the arms, orange skittles for the nose and pre-made icing eyes, all available from your local supermarket. 

Christmas Peppermint Bark

Possibly the easiest and most delicious minty Christmas treat. Best way to use up all those candy canes that come home from School.

Serves 12

Ingredients

• 350g milk chocolate, melted
• 350g white chocolate, melted
• 8 candy canes, crushed
• 1/4 tsp. peppermint extract (optional, use more or less depending upon your preference)

Method

1. Melt the milk chocolate either in a microwave or on the stove.
2. In a baking paper-lined tray/dish, lay the milk chocolate layer and place in the fridge.
3. Melt the white chocolate and mix in the peppermint extract. 
4. Lay the white chocolate layer on top of the milk chocolate layer
5. Crush the candy canes and sprinkle all over
6. Place in the fridge and set until firm.
7. Break into pieces and serve.
8. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge

The perfect Christmas Hot Chocolate

There are so many ways to Hot Chocolate these days. We are not fussy, as long as its warm and sweet with maybe a hint of spice. Whether its a bomb or spoon or melted chocolate or a powder potion, we are happy to trial it all.

Our favourite spiced Hot Chocolate recipe

Melt 2 or 3 (or 4!) squares of Chocolate in the microwave. Then add your milk of choice, a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg, a spoonful of honey and serve with a handful of mini marshmallows and a cinnamon stick to stir.

Here are a few of our favourite Hot Chocolate gifts.

Hot Chocolate Bombes Crackers

Just like any good cracker, these are filled with delicious surprises to make your Hot Chocolate pop. 

View the range here and check out the video 

Christmas Hot Chocolate Spoons

These festive spoons are fab for a quick HC fix. Heat the milk and melt your snowman and his frosty friends. 

View at www.notonthehighstreet.com

Say it with chocolate

Why not send an edible card to really wish someone a Happy Holiday. We love these ones from Morse Toad as you can even upload a family photo to the front.